On Thursday, February 19, 2026, Seminary of the Southwest welcomed guests to the Weeks Campus Center’s Howell Dining Hall for a special reception celebrating the Pauli Murray Scholarship. The evening followed the 5:30 p.m. Eucharist and brought together students, faculty, clergy, supporters, and community partners to honor the enduring legacy of Pauli Murray.
The Eucharist celebrated the Feast of Pauli Murray, an annual community-initiated service at Southwest,which is student-led and organized. This year’s thoughtful and meaningful service was organized and planned by MDiv senior Ariane “Ari” Gandy. This year’s presider was the Rev. Scott Madison, Class of 2025, and former Pauli Murray scholarship recipient. The Rev. Jewels Wolf, MDiv senior, preached an inspirational sermon at the service.
The program began at 7 p.m. with a welcome and blessing offered by the Rt. Rev. Kathryn M. Ryan, who also introduced the Rt. Rev. Diane M. Jardine Bruce, interim dean and president. Bishop Bruce reflected on the significance of the scholarship and its role in supporting students called to ministry and leadership in the Church. He then introduced Committee Chair the Rev. Mary Keenan.
Keenan offered remarks of gratitude and vision, highlighting the scholarship’s impact before introducing Judge Lora Livingston, who shared a brief history of the Pauli Murray Scholarship and its growth as a tangible expression of the seminary’s commitment to justice, equity, and theological education shaped by Murray’s witness.
Vickie Blumhagen then honored St. James’ Episcopal Church in Austin for its partnership and longstanding support of the scholarship, and introduced the Rev. Eileen O’Brien, Rector of St. James’. In her remarks, O’Brien reflected on the congregation’s history of courageous leadership:
“It is an honor for St. James’ Episcopal Church’s contribution to the Pauli Murray Scholarship at the Seminary of the Southwest to be recognized. Since 1941, this faithful community has been listening carefully for the needs of the people of God with an ear to equity and human dignity, and St. James’ has often gone out on a limb to take risks to do big things during times of transition in its own community’s life. This scholarship initiative is an example of that spiritual practice of holy risk-taking in response to human need and a vision for a more representative and equitable Church community. We are delighted to see it bear great fruit!”
Her words underscored how the scholarship reflects St. James’ commitment to “holy risk-taking” in pursuit of a more representative and equitable Church.
Later in the program, Keenan expanded on the scholarship’s impact on seminarians themselves, noting that its significance extends well beyond financial assistance. She shared that she hears repeatedly from recipients about the encouragement they experience through the generosity of St. James’:
“What the people of St. James’ did when they formed the Pauli Murray Scholarship is more than provide financial support. I hear again and again from seminarians who have received the scholarship how much it means that people they have never met support them, believe in them, and share their dreams for the future of the church.”
The program concluded with thanks to sponsors and supporters and current Pauli Murray Scholars were recognized. The evening closed with words of gratitude from Keenan and an invitation to continued fellowship. Marked by prayer, remembrance, and celebration, the reception reflected both the legacy of Pauli Murray and the seminary’s ongoing commitment to forming leaders for a more just and faithful Church.
