Alumni News
Milestone Ordination Anniversaries in 2024
Celebrating 50 Years
Andy Channer 6/2/1974
Carol Walker 6/5/1974
Dan Junkin 6/15/1974
Roger Williamson 7/14/1974
Dan Alexander 10/1/1974
Richard Kleiman 11/1/1974
Celebrating 60 Years
Mike Jousan 6/21/1964
Warner Bailey 6/24/1964
Lindsay Moffett 6/27/1964
Lynn Simpson 7/12/1964
Milton Aylor 9/20/1964
Class Notes
1950s Class Notes
- Eleanor Alexander, wife of John Alexander (MDiv'55), died January 1, 2024.
- Gretchen Lara-Shartle, widow of Jorge Lara-Braud (MDiv’59) has authored, “Dare To Adventure: The Life of Jorge Lara-Braund.” The Seminary hosted Gretchen and family for a book launch on November 13. The book is available at online book retailers.
1960s Class Notes
- Betty Montgomery, widow of Bob Montgomery (MDiv'62), died December 3, 2023.
- Peggy Brown, wife of John Zeigler (MDiv'68), died November 29, 2023. John recently shared, “Though retired from ministry, I am currently writing books. My next book will launch on November 15, 2024, entitled Life Skills For Every Teen, available on Amazon.”
1970s Class Notes
- Ellie Cole, wife of Mike Cole (MDiv'75), died December 29, 2023.
- Paul Benejamin (ThM’77) updated us on his ministry. “I served as a minister in Sri Lanka for five years. I served on the faculty of Theological College, Pilimatalawa, Sri Lanka for two years. Then I went to Chicago and earned a Ph. D. from Lutheran School of Theology in conjunction with the University of Chicago. I went back to Sri Lanka and continued on the faculty and served as principal of the seminary. Later I went to Wartburg Theological Seminary as a Visiting International Professor and served as a minister of a United Methodist Parish at the same time. I was accepted as an ordained minister in the Iowa United Methodist Conference and the Baltimore-Washington Conference. In 2000 I retired and live in Woodbridge New Jersey.”
- Shirley Coffman, wife of Stewart Coffman (ThM'77, DMin'79), died December 23, 2023.
1980s Class Notes
- Leigh McCaslin (MDiv'87) retired from the pastorate in October, 2019. He is now in his third term as Stated Clerk of Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery.
- Tim Brewer (DMin'89) is serving two churches in retirement: Lometa UMC & Bend UMC north of Austin. In June he took part in the 166th annual camp meeting at the Bend church’s campground, one of the oldest camp meetings in the country.
1990s Class Notes
- Sam Cutrone (MDiv'90) was honorably retired by the Texas Annual Conference of the UMC, July 1, 2024. Sam notes, “I want to thank APTS for preparing me for ministry and offering me a wealth of wisdom from all those who taught me. I especially thank God for APTS for teaching me the importance of learning Greek and Hebrew. Those courses were a vital tool I used often in the past 34 years of ministry. I will always be grateful for my time at Austin Seminary.”
- Doug Dalglish (MDiv'93, DMin’05) had his first novel published in April 2024. He says, "Beto & The Apocolypse is about what happens when the world is coming to an end and you still have to adjust to a new high school." The book is available through major online booksellers. Doug is pastor at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, San Antonio, Texas.
- David Green (MDiv'95) is minister of Foothills Congregational Church, Los Altos, California as of May 2023.
- Steve Buchele (MDiv’99) and his wife Suzanne have worked at Mission Training International as debriefers in their Debrief and Renewal (DAR) Program. They work with cross-cultural workers (CCWs) on home leave, those retiring or otherwise returning from the mission field, or those processing major transitions of other kinds (life events, change of field, etc.). Steve says, “In a DAR, CCWs can pause and reflect on their journey in a safe environment with facilitators who have been there. It is not counseling nor coaching but more of a guided, active listening process paired with curriculum and individual and small group activities.” Previous to MTI, Suzanne and Steve served at Hanoi International Fellowship, Hanoi, Vietnam. Steve was Pastor of Operations, and Suzanne was interim office manager. Previous to that, Suzanne was Provost of Ashesi University, in Ghana while Steve taught leadership at the university while also serving as a teaching pastor at Asbury Dunwell Church, Accra, Ghana.
2000s Class Notes
- Alex Moses (MDiv’01) is now pastor at Northwest Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, Georgia. Alex was previously at Fayette Presbyterian in Fayetteville, Georgia.
- Pete Seiferth (MDiv'01) Finished service as Interim Pastor of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Tucson, Arizona in February, 2024. He was then named Executive Director of Tucson Refugee Ministry.
- Kennetha Bigham-Tsai (MDiv’03) has been elected a Bishop by the United Methodist Church elected and appointed to the Iowa Annual Conference.
- Tracy Kugler Sharp, wife of Jon Sharpe (MDiv'03), died September 14, 2023
- Callie Sue Candee's (MDiv'06) husband, Brian, died October 23, 2023.
- Chris Johnson (MDiv'06) married Robyn Homa on April 4th, 2024 at 4:44 pm. In June he became part time pastor of Congregational care at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (ELCA), Covington, Washington. Chris has also worked at Boeing for a number of years and relates how his seminary experience helps him be a better manager and offer a different voice when needed.
- Caressa (MDiv'08) and Jonathan (MDiv'08) Murray have moved to the greater Denver area. Caressa is Senior Pastor at New Hope Presbyterian in Castle Rock; Jonathan is pastor at First Presbyterian in Littleton.
- Dan Jean (MDiv'09) writes "I am enjoying retirement in the pacific northwest." Dan lives in Lynden, Washington.
2010s Class Notes
- Heather Green (MDiv'11) has developed new youth curriculum published by Illustrated Ministry, "Tell Me About the Bible: Extraordinary Leaders." Heather notes, "I had the privilege of working on this curriculum and I'm so excited to share it with everyone." https://www.illustratedministry.com/youth/
- John Engstrom, husband of Cynthia Engstrom (MDiv'12), died December 10, 2023.
- Naomi Ingrim (MDiv'12) has been honorably retired by Mission Presbytery. Naomi last served First Presbyterian Church, Copperas Cove, Texas. She and Michael will move to the DFW area to be closer to children and grandchildren.
- Karen Cotton (MDiv'13) reports that she and husband, Roy, moved to Oregon to be closer to a son and grandchildren. They love the natural beauty of the area.
- On Monday, October 28th, the Lee-Cornells – Alex (MDiv'14) and Kathy (MDiv'16) – welcomed their third child into the world when Mila joined her two older brothers to fill out their household.
- Emily Béghin (MDiv'15) is now pastor at Round Rock Presbyterian Church, Round Rock, Texas.
- In retirement Lee Stewart (MATS'16) enjoys “birding and also being a prolific reader.” Check her book reviews at Goodreads.com
- Janine Zabriskie (MDiv'17) became a board-certified chaplain in July 2024. She is a chaplain at the University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore.
- Ezequiel Herrera (MDiv'19) has been installed as minister at Central Presbyterian Church of Montclair, New Jersey.
- Sherry Kenney (CIM’19) has recently published two books. The first, "Stella’s Quilt," was published in 2023. Sherry describes it as “A love offering – a memoir, and a celebration. It weaves the threads of multiple generations and interrelated lives.” Her first novel, The Tonto Two-Step has “Intrigue and intimacy in an alluring desert setting.” Both books are available through major online booksellers. Tonto is the first in The Saguaro Mystery Series.
- Alex Pappas (MDiv’19) has accepted a call as senior pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Georgetown, Texas.
2020s Class Notes
- Savannah (MDiv'20) and Nick (MDiv'20) Demuynck welcomed baby Thatcher to the world in September 2023.
- Jey Jones (MAYM’20) was a keynote speaker as part of a monthly student leadership training at Union College: https://www.unionky.edu/the-rev-jamelle-jones-inspires-unions-next-generation-of-leaders. Jey runs the Wesley Foundation at the University of Louisville, A UMC student ministry. Jey also has also published a series of books available at online book sellers.
- In December 2023, Chelsea May LaRue (MDiv'20) became a board-certified chaplain and a Resolve Through Sharing Certified Bereavement Coordinator. She is a staff chaplain at Ascension Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Chelsea and Sheth LaRue (MDiv'20) welcomed son Howard John LaRue, born April 23, 2024. Sheth is pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Benton Harbor, Michigan.
- James Shea and Taylor McLean (MDiv'20/MSSW) married in October 2022. They welcomed baby Everly Shea to the world November 2023.
- Gigi Edwards Bryant (CIM'23), served as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Texas Book Festival 2022 - 2024.
- Nancy Barnard (MDiv'24), is in the CPE residency program at Seton Ascension, Austin.
Ordinations and Commissions
Inhye Park (MDiv'11) was ordained August 25, 2024 as a chaplain by the Presbytery of East Tennessee. Inhye says, "God never forgot my calling. After all this time, I was finally able to answer that call." She serves as a chaplain at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Ann Graham (MDiv'21) was ordained October 12, 2024 into the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Ann is pastor for Faith Lutheran Church, McDade, Texas.
Bert Colter (CIM’22) was commissioned by Grace Presbytery, October 27, 2024, as a pastor at Northridge Presbyterian Church, Dallas. Bert shares, “It was a beautiful service, and I am honored to be allowed to serve and worship with Northridge's wonderful congregation. APTS has played an enormous part in my faith formation and I'm grateful every day for the CIM program.”
Alan David Constant (MDiv'22) was ordained into the PC(USA) on December 10, 2023 by Mission Presbytery. As the Learning Specialist at Austin Seminary, Alan helps students hone study, writing, and other academic skills.
Matthew Ratliff (MDiv'22) was commissioned as provisional elder June 7, 2024 by the Rio Texas Annual Conference of the UMC. Matt is pastor at First United Methodist Church, La Feria, Texas.
Allison Angell (MDiv'23) was commissioned as provisional elder June 7, 2024 by the Rio Texas Annual Conference of the UMC. Allison is a chaplain with Ascension Seton Health, Austin.
Ashley Brown (MDiv'23) was ordained May 19, 2024 by Presbytery of South Louisiana. Ash is in the second year as a Pastoral Resident at St. Charles Presbyterian Church, New Orleans.
Becca Edwards (MDiv'23) was commissioned as provisional elder June 7, 2024 by the Rio Texas Annual Conference of the UMC. Becca serves as a Climate and Energy Fellow for Texas Impact, Austin.
Brad King (MDiv'23) was commissioned as provisional elder June 7, 2024 by the Rio Texas Annual Conference of the UMC. Brad is pastor at Cross Tracks Church (UMC), Liberty Hill, Texas.
Amanda Alvardo (MDiv'24) was ordained August 11, 2024 by Metropolitan Community Church at Upright church Austin. Amanda is the program coordinator at upRising Church, Austin.
Chrystal Brigman (MDiv'24) was ordained as an Itinerant Deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal Church at the 141st/21st Session of the Northwest Texas Annual Conference. Chrystal is in the CPE program at Northside Hospital - Gwinnett, Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Carrie Holley-Hurt (MDiv’24) was ordained August 31, 2024 by the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin and Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church (Cedar Park). Carrie is a holistic health coach and operates her own company.
Marta Pomroy (MDiv'24) was ordained September 22, 2024 by Presbytery of East Iowa. Marta serves as the Border ministry coordinator for Tres Rios Presbytery in El Paso, Texas/Juarez Mexico.
Frank Vasquez (MDiv'24) was ordained May 19, 224 by The Vine Church. Frank is the stated supply pastor for Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, San Antonio, Texas.
In Memorium
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Richard C. Lamb |
(MDiv'59) |
10/13/2023 |
Richard Lamb Obituary (1926 - 2023) - Charleston, WV - Charleston Gazette-Mail |
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Don Alan Farquhar |
(MDiv'60) |
1/18/2024 |
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Wallace Eugene March |
(MDiv'60) |
5/2/2024 |
Obituary, Visitation & Funeral Information | Rev. Dr. Wallace Eugene March |
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Anne S. Pardington |
(MCE'64) |
2/15/2024 |
Anne Pardington Obituary (1938 - 2024) - Portland, OR - The Oregonian |
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Norman N. Huneycutt |
(MDiv'65) |
6/19/2024 |
Rev. Norman Huneycutt Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information |
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Charles C. Hendricks |
(MDiv'65, DMin'98) |
12/25/2023 |
Charles Hendricks Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information |
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William Emory Glover |
(MDiv'66) |
6/21/2024 |
William F. Glover Obituary (2024) - Bellville, OH - Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel |
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Jerry Webb |
(MDiv'67) |
3/1/2017 |
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Michael R. Weed |
(MDiv'69) |
4/27/2024 |
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Harvey Lee Friedel |
(MDiv'73) |
11/5/2023 |
Harvey Lee Friedel Obituary (2023) - Oklahoma City, OK - Buchanan Funeral Service |
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Richard Layne Smith |
(MDiv'74) |
1/21/2023 |
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Charlie Schuler, Jr. |
(MDiv'78) |
8/18/2024 |
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Frank Diaz |
(MDiv'82) |
1/14/2024 |
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Eula Rae McCown |
(MDiv'86) |
5/14/2022 |
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Marcy Ann Campbell |
(MDiv'90) |
5/28/2024 |
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Jerry Kay Foote |
(MDiv'90) |
7/6/2024 |
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Eleanor Cozad Cherryholmes |
(DMin'95) |
5/15/2024 |
Eleanor Cherryholmes Obituary (2024) - Dallas, TX - Dallas Morning News |
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Rick J. Cepris |
(MDiv'97) |
7/30/2024 |
Rev. Frederick "Rick" Cepris Obituary - The Beaver County Times |
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Gayle C. Perkins |
(MDiv'98) |
5/16/2024 |
Obituary | Gayle Creekmore Perkins | Klein Funeral Homes and Memorial Parks |
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Mike Lane |
(MDiv'01) |
10/11/2024 |
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Howard W. Pettengill |
(DMin'04) |
6/14/2024 |
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Patricia Oringderff |
(MDiv'07) |
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Elsa L. Ramírez |
(MDiv'11) |
9/15/2024 |
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Rebecca L. Branton |
(MDiv'18) |
8/30/2024 |
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