CLASS OFCELEBRATING THE

A message from AST President, Neale Bennet:

Congratulations class of 2020!

On behalf of myself and the entire AST community, I wish to extend best wishes on this wonderful accomplishment. We are enormously proud of you and the positive impact you are having in your communities and beyond. This, more than any in recent memory, has been an incredibly challenging year and you have met this challenge head on with grace and perseverance. While we cannot be together to celebrate this year, we so look forward to next year’s convocation, when we can share our heart-felt good wishes in person.

Meantime, we know that you, as graduates, will be exemplars of AST’s values of community, faith, learning and leadership. I wish you all the best. May God’s peace be with you.

Blessings,

The Rev. Canon Neale Bennet AST President

A message from Chair of the Board, Mike Foster:

Blessing to the graduates of 2020!

On behalf of AST’s Board of Governors, I want to say how proud we all are of your accomplishments. You are an inspiration and hope for this world. As your journey continues may your faith grow and your spirit soar!

Dr. Mike FosterChair, Board of Governors

Congratulations to our 2020 graduates

Diploma in the New Evangelization

Martha Patricia Orellana CarreraNanette Elizabeth Crowell

Graziella D. GrbacKaren T. LeBlanc

James B. MelansonCatherine Margaret Petrie

Deborah Marie Power

Diploma in Theological Studies

Sharon L. ArbeauJoann Evelyn Chapman

Trudy Anne Warren ColpittsPamela Allison Larivee

Ashley Olive SlauenwhiteDawn Heather Upham

Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies

Phillip William CooperKaran Ann Manuel

Christopher Filip Swiatoniowski

Master of Arts (Theology and Religious Studies)

April Elizabeth HartCatherine Marie Targett

Master of Divinity

Douglas Alan BeckShirley J. Cole

Rebekah Jane DuncanGail Annette Fricker

Richard Edward GunnApril Elizabeth Hart

Janet Mary McCormickAlison C. Miculan

Amadeus William Kael PyralisChristopher Filip Swiatoniowski

Joyce Ann Van EykGavin Scott Williams

Awards and PrizesThe Allan R. Wayte Music and Liturgy Award, given each year to a deserving student of any year who has

demonstrated an interest in the integration of music and liturgy with their study of theology and preparation for ministry.

Recipient: Rick Gunn

Citation: “Rick Gunn has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to integrate his theological studies, music, and liturgy. Perhaps his most singular achievement in this area was a Directed Study that included research into diverse

understandings of Jesus’ resurrection, and the composition of a cantata, Awaken Us. Rick composed, arranged and conducted this work, performed by a 60-voice choir, a rhythm section, and an electronic artist. The cantata moves the

listener with its spirit of openness to a range of possible interpretations as well as unanswered questions about the doctrine of the resurrection. It leaves spaces in its narration of the passion story, and knits together pastoral, systematic, and biblical theology, with a vibrancy that makes the work swing, bounce, gives it a heartbeat, while gesturing toward

an ‘unknown’ that rejuvenates us.

The ASTIAA Award, presented to the graduate who, in the opinion of faculty, has successfully demonstrated thecapacity, while a student, to serve the AST community with creativity, passion and dedication. This capacity for service,

for which this award is made, is a strong promise of future success for this person in ministry.

Recipient: April Hart

Citation: “April Hart has been an integral part of the AST community throughout her studies. She has successfully balanced academic achievement, church, employment, and outstanding service to the school community through her involvement in Student Union, the AST Board of Governors, and amazing support for Brenda Munro and Pine Hill. April

has shared her organizational gifts and her culinary skills for many Thursday community lunches. Our last in person gathering for the 2019-20 academic year was the Informal Formal which April coordinated with her usual skill and joy.

The church will continue to be blessed by April’s gifts as she embarks on ministry with a new congregation, moving towards ordination.”

The Barbara Rumscheidt Memorial Scholarship, for students who have completed half or more of their studies at AST and who have demonstrated integration of a significant contribution to social justice and/or human rights with their

program of study.

Recipient: Rhonda Schofield

Citation: “Rhonda Schofield embodies a steady spirit of attention. It is not demonstrative, overbearing or capricious. She quietly and firmly gives voice to the voiceless in her academic and personal life, to those who are often overlooked

or left behind, or whose stories are silenced. She accomplishes this prophetic mission by attending to the lyrical. In community worship, in her field placement, in her passions, in her academic work Rhonda encourages others to see

what is hidden. Whenever possible, she draws on the wisdom of other lyrical voices.”

The ASTFA Awards, presented to the graduates with the highest overall academic standing in each of the MDiv and MA programs (on the basis of thesis work); provided by the AST Faculty Association.

MDiv Recipient: Gail Fricker

Awards and Prizes Continued

The Johnson Insurance Award, presented to the graduate(s) who, in the opinion of faculty, has contributed greatly to the life of the AST community during his or her years of study in the degree program. Life at AST encompasses more than

studies. It encompasses many aspects including but not limited to worship; committee work; personal relations with peers, faculty, and staff; extra-curricular involvement; and most importantly community building.

Recipients: Gail Fricker and Julian Summers

Citations: “Since joining the AST community, Gail Fricker has been a source of joy and care to everyone she meets. Each summer she pulls into campus in her red Mini Cooper with a licence plate that reminds us all that she has a story for us.She is truly a storyteller, eager to share her gifts with others—in chapel services, through workshops, and as she shares

a glass of wine with faculty, staff, and fellow students. Gail’s warm demeanour invites people to open up, unload the burdens they are carrying, and share in the common life forged through studies and formation at AST. During the year, when she is not on campus, Gail contributes to the life of the community through social media and, when geography

allows, visiting with fellow distance students in southern Ontario.”

“Julian Summers eased slowly and carefully into the life of AST—almost stealth-like. Not in the surreptitious or secretive sense of that word, rather he chose to be virtually invisible, sizing up the place, making sure that we were real. He

carefully began to connect, to make an impact, to become involved, to emerge as a leader, to take on responsibilities, to make the experience of studying, living and enjoying AST a mission. Julian threw off the cloak of invisibility and emerged as a leader, one who was always around to lend a hand, lead worship when AST needed someone to step up, and allow

himself to grow and in so doing made us a better community.”

The Marian Hepditch-Littlepage Prize, awarded to a female graduate who is actively involved in her congregation’s ministry.

Recipient: Cathy Petrie

Citation: “Cathy Petrie is active in various ministries at Our Lady of Mount Carmel / Holy Apostles parish. In particular, her contribution to lectio divina is renowned. She has been a stellar participant during her studies at AST, so much so that a number of the incoming students to the EQUIP program are entering due to Cathy’s inspiration. A key player in

her parish and a key player at AST, Cathy has established a vital link between Holy Apostles and AST.

The Sisters of Saint Martha Prize, awarded to a Roman Catholic member of the graduating class who has demonstrated academic excellence and a spirit of hospitality in keeping with the charism of the

Sisters of Saint Martha.

Recipient: Martha Carrera

Citation: “Martha Carrera has embodied a spirit of hospitality at her parish and during her studies at AST. As an immigrant from Mexico, she is uncommonly aware of the needs of newcomers. Hers is the welcoming face that identifies

and offers assistance to those in need, spiritually, and (in her parish) financially. Martha has helped in the formation of many people, guiding and nurturing them, including those being baptised at the Easter Vigil. In addition to serving as a

Eucharistic minister, Martha is central to the prayer life of Our Lady of Guadeloupe parish, organizing and directing prayer movements. Her life of service is a gift to the church and has been a gift to AST during her time in the DNE

program, where she has embodied a spirit of hospitality to all who have journeyed with her.”

Final Blessing

May God always inspire and guide you, keep you and sustain you, bless you and make you a blessing. May God’s Spirit strengthen and encourage you, filling you with peace,

and directing your steps in mission to the world God loves.Amen.

Thanks and Farewell to Joan Campbell

As academic year 2019-20 draws to a close, we say a fond farewell to Sister Joan Campbell, PhD, whose time as Associate Professor of New Testament at AST is ending. Sister Joan has made a tremendous contribution to AST’s

intellectual, spiritual and relational life for 15 years. We will miss her dearly!

Congratulations Class of 2020!

www.astheology.ns.ca