Last month, Seminary of the Southwest welcomed the Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe and the Rev. Molly James to campus as part of the Class of 2026 Commencement celebrations. Rowe, presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church, delivered the commencement address and received an honorary doctorate from the seminary. James, interim executive officer of the Executive Office of the General Convention, accompanied him during the visit to Austin.
Before the Commencement Eucharist on May 19, Rowe met with the Seminary of the Southwest Board of Trustees, where he shared a vision of hope and renewal in the area of theological education.
Rowe and James were also able to tour the Southwest campus. Eric Scott, vice president for advancement and communications, and Tatiana Suggs-Perea, director of communications, led Rowe and James on an extended walk through the seminary grounds, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the seminary community.
The Rt. Rev. Diane M. Jardine Bruce, interim dean and president reflects, “Whenever I am in the presence of our Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe, I remember that not only are we colleagues, we are friends who have worked side by side through a number of conventions, including the election of Presiding Bishop Curry and Sean’s own election. His presence on campus and his delight at the tour he received by Eric and Tatiana as well as meeting with the board of trustees cemented a bond between Presiding Bishop Rowe and Southwest. I hope and pray that he visits us again in the future — his wisdom, knowledge and wonderful sense of humor fit in so well with Southwest’s ethos.”
“It was a true joy to welcome Bishop Rowe and Rev. James to campus and to have the chance to share with them the life, beauty, and purpose of Seminary of the Southwest,” said Scott. “Their visit offered a meaningful reminder of Southwest’s critical place in the wider Church and the strength of the formation, community, and mission happening here every day.”
Beneath Southwest’s canopy of live oaks, Rowe and James visited beloved corners of campus, including Christ Chapel, the dining hall, classrooms, bookstore, and the Harrison Library. Along the way, the visit sparked memories of their own seminary journeys.
