On May 25th, Seminary of the Southwest graduated the largest class in its history, as more that 50 students in Theological and Counseling degree programs completed their matriculation and received their diplomas from Southwest amid family, friends, and alumni at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin, TX.
“This year’s graduates have shared joys and challenges in their time in formation here,” said the Very Rev. Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, Dean and President. “They had just settled in to seminary when the pandemic began. They’ve persevered through classwork on zoom, formation through masks, and a terrifying winter storm. I am so proud to see them launched into their next chapter as ministers and healers.”
Included in the class of graduates were honorary degree recipients the Rev. Canon Anthony Guillén (click here to read citation) and the Rt. Rev. John Smylie (click here to read citation), both of whom received a Doctorate of Divinity, honoris causa. The Rt. Rev. Daniel Gutiérrez, Diocese of Pennsylvania, gave the commencement address.
As is tradition, Southwest held two ceremonies to mark graduation – an evening service of Holy Eucharist and a formal morning Commencement – to recognize and celebrate graduating students and award degrees in divinity, religion, counseling, chaplaincy and pastoral care, and spiritual formation and diplomas in Anglican studies and in theological studies. At the Eucharist on Tuesday, May 24, graduates were presented with their seminary cross, designed by renowned jeweler James Avery.
