Matriculation Evensong and Reception
Please join us in Christ Chapel on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 5pm for Southwest’s annual Matriculation Evensong service where new students are welcomed and begin their important journey of leadership formation. At the service incoming students will add their names to the same Matriculation Book so many alumni have signed, and become a part of the tradition at Southwest that stretches back for decades. Dr. Scott Bader-Saye, Academic Dean, will preach.
Also, at the service, Southwest will award the Charles Cook Servant Leadership Award given to Patricia Shield Ayres for her faithful leadership and inspiring example as a person of faith, an advocate for justice, and a steward of the environment. The Cook Award was created in 2009 by the faculty to honor their colleague and Seminary of the Southwest alum Charlie Cook on the occasion of his retirement from the Seminary. Each Fall, another Academic Year begins, the community pauses to remember this common calling we have and to honor one who especially embodies the Christian commitment to selfless service on behalf of others. Pat Ayres, with her late husband, Bob, have been wonderful friends of Seminary of the Southwest for many years,” said the Very Rev. Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, Dean and President. “She is an extraordinary and humble servant leader. It will be a blessing to honor her at Matriculation, particularly her work with her family to conserve and share the wildlands of Shield Ranch here in Austin.
The service will be livestreamed at the seminary website and facebook page. Please feel free to forward these links to family or friends who may be interested but cannot attend.
Following the service, please join us for a celebratory reception in Howell Dining Hall.
We look forward to celebrating with you.
