Photo by Bethany Theological Seminary |
The fall class at Bethany Theological Seminary includes (back from left) Don Fecher, Arion Lillard, Shayne Petty, Brody Rike, Graham Melendez, Alexandre Gonçalves, Corey Gray, Tracy Perkins-Schmittler; (front from left) Sue Smith, Beth Middleton, Becky Ullom Naugle, Tabitha Hartman Rudy, Patricia Edgecomb, Jill Long, Paul Eckert (not pictured: Catherine Thomas). |
On Aug. 26-27, Bethany Theological Seminary welcomed new students for the 2013-14 academic year to orientation on the school’s campus in Richmond, Ind. Twelve of the students are just beginning their seminary journey, with four having begun classes in the spring and summer.
The seminary also welcomed Alexandre Gonçalves from Brazil, a pastor in Igreja da Irmandade (the Church of the Brethren in Brazil) who has served as president of the Brazilian Brethren, and as a director of nonprofit organizations.
The new class is diverse in experiences and perspectives. Second-career students will study alongside a new college graduate. Several are in ministry and denominational service in the Church of the Brethren. Another is exploring seminary study following participation in the military. Those with Brethren connections are joined by sisters and brothers from Quaker, Presbyterian, and nondenominational traditions. Education, technology, insurance, and community service are fields of expertise in the group.
The 2013-14 class at Bethany includes 10 students in the master of divinity program: Patricia Edgecomb of Elmira, N.Y.; Don Fecher of Elgin, Ill.; Alexandre Gonçalves of São Paulo, Brazil; Arion Lillard of Dayton, Ohio; Jill Long of Orland Park, Ill.; Graham Melendez of Indianapolis, Ind.; Becky Ullom Naugle of Elgin, Ill.; Shayne Petty of Yellow Springs, Ohio; Brody Rike of West Alexandria, Ohio; and Tabitha Hartman Rudy of Roanoke, Va.
Five students are enrolled in the Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies program: Corey Gray of Richmond, Ind.; Beth Middleton of Boones Mill, Va.; Tracy Perkins-Schmittler of Richmond, Ind.; Sue Smith of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and Catherine Thomas of Mobile, Ala.
One student, Paul Eckert of Richmond, Ind., is enrolled in the master of arts program.
— Jenny Williams is director of Communications and Alumni/ae Relations at Bethany Seminary. For more about Bethany go to www.bethany.edu .