On Saturday, May 16, 2026, more than 175 family members, friends, and community supporters gathered at Covenant United Methodist Church in Rochester, New York, to honor the graduating Class of 2026 from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. The ceremony, held in the church where the Rev. Dr. Ann C. Kemper, CRCDS ’07, serves as senior pastor, celebrated the achievements of 18 graduates now poised to begin new chapters of service, ministry, and leadership.
The commencement address was delivered by Dr. Aana Marie Vigen, Professor of Christian Social Ethics at Loyola University Chicago. In a powerful message titled “Ministry in Wild Times,” Dr. Vigen reflected on the realities of living and leading in a world marked by uncertainty, division, and injustice. Challenging graduates to move beyond asking “Who is my neighbor?” and instead ask “What kind of neighbor will I be?” she called them to embody compassion, courage, and faithful action. Her message reminded graduates that even in difficult and changing times, God’s faithfulness remains constant, and ministry is lived not only through words but through acts of love and service. Drawing on scripture, personal experience, and the realities of our present moment, Dr. Vigen encouraged graduates to resist fear and complacency and instead become people who actively participate in healing and hope. She reminded those gathered that ministry often happens beyond church walls, in everyday encounters where people choose love over indifference, courage over comfort, and community over division. Her address served as both an affirmation and a challenge for graduates preparing to enter ministry and leadership in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Emilio Alvarez, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean, took the stage to present the graduate awards. In his remarks, he emphasized the honor and responsibility that accompany these recognitions awarded to the following: The Gene and Jean Bartlett Preaching Prize was awarded to Aaron Carlson. This prize honors Dr. Gene Bartlett, a 1935 alumnus and past president of CRCDS, and his wife, Jean, for their dedication to justice and mercy. The Theodore Louis Trost Memorial Prize was awarded to Erika Godfrey. This prize recognizes a student with exceptional promise in pastoral ministry and is named after the revered librarian Theodore Louis Trost. The Winthrop Hudson Scholar Award was awarded to Nicole Brown. This prize honors a student committed to academic excellence, either in doctoral studies or pastoral ministry and is named after distinguished historian Winthrop Hudson. As the Class of 2026 begins the next stage of their journey, they leave Colgate Rochester Crozer with more than degrees and accomplishments. They carry with them lessons of faith, community, and purpose that will continue to shape the ways they serve and lead. In a year centered around the theme “Great is God’s Faithfulness,” graduates were reminded that they step into the future sustained by the same faithfulness that has guided them thus far. For those who could not attend, or who wish to relive these inspiring moments, the full commencement service and recordings are available on CRCDS ON-DEMAND on our website.
Service of Holy Communion during the Baccalaureate Service on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Dr. Emilio Alvarez delivers the Baccalaureate Address to the Class of 2026 on May 15, 2026.
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Dr. Aana Marie Vigen delivers Commencement Address to the Class of 2026 on May 16, 2026.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2026!
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