Seminary of the Southwest shared fellowship with communicators from across the church at this year’s Episcopal Communicators Conference, including bringing home two Polly Bond awards and reaffirming its leadership within the Episcopal Church’s communications community.
Eric Scott, Vice President for Advancement and Communications, and Tatiana Suggs-Perea, Director of Communications, represented Southwest among more than 120 Episcopal communicators from across the country who gathered in Oklahoma City for the annual gathering.
“Episcopal Communicators are the heart of the church,” said Scott. “This annual gathering empowers and affirms these important lay leaders who do so much of the work of making church happen. Every year, I’m inspired by the people I meet and their commitment to these ministries of communication. We learn, we laugh, and we recognize in each other these unique jobs we have that so many of us cherish. It is one of my favorite weeks of the year.”
Southwest received two Polly Bond Awards for excellence in graphic design, honoring the seminary’s creative contributions to Episcopal communications. The winning entries—“Keep Seminary Weird” and “Welcome to the Episcopool”—stood out for their playful and locally rooted designs.
The “Keep Seminary Weird” graphic, inspired by Austin’s iconic slogan, was part of a suite of materials distributed at the 2024 General Convention. It celebrated the seminary’s deep connection to its city and cultural context. “Welcome to the Episcopool,” meanwhile, is a sign proudly displayed outside the swimming pool at College Courts, offering a warm and whimsical invitation to beat the Texas heat.
In addition to the design accolades, Suggs-Perea was re-elected to the board of directors for Episcopal Communicators, extending her leadership role for another two-year term. She has served on the board since 2022.
“I am honored to have been re-elected,” said Suggs-Perea. “This community has been formative for me—both professionally and personally. The conference is not just a time to gain new tools and strategies, but a chance to reconnect with friends and colleagues who care deeply about the mission of the Church.”
For more information on Episcopal Communicators and upcoming events—including a virtual conference in July 2025 and the next in-person gathering in San Diego in April 2026—visit episcopalcommunicators.org.
