Trinity Holds Its Thirtieth Commencement

Trinity School for Ministry held its 30th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17 at Trinity Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh.  Forty-nine students graduated, including five Doctor of Ministry, 31 Master of Divinity, five Master of Arts in Religion, one Master of Arts in Mission and Evangelism, six diploma students and one Certificate of Work Accomplished for an African student completing his studies in Africa.  The Most Rev. Peter Akinola, DD, Archbishop of Nigeria, delivered the commencement address (text available here). His son, Emmanuel, was one of the graduates.

Baccalaureate Holy Communion was held the night before for all graduates and their families and friends at St. Stephens Church in Sewickley. The Rev. Dr. Grant LeMarquand, Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Mission, preached the Baccalaureate sermon, and The Rev. Dr. Leander Harding, Head of Chapel and Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology, celebrated the Eucharist. Dr. Stephen Smith, former professor of Systematic Theology at Trinity, was presented with a copy of the Spring 2008 Trinity Journal for Theology & Ministry, published in his honor.

At both events the Rev. Dr. Justyn Terry, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, was introduced and warmly greeted as Trinity's next Dean and President, elected by the Trinity Board of Trustees on Friday morning with unanimously enthusiastic support. Dr. Terry will assume his duties as Dean/President on July 1, 2008.