sixty–second commencement exercises

Sixty–Second Commencement Exercises

INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER

Saturday, the Nineteenth of June Two Thousand and Twenty-One

One O’Clock P.M. ET

VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT

Rev. Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., '04, President

Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021

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COMMENCEMENT

The term “commencement” is derived from a practice in the medieval university where it was customary for a candidate for an academic degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) to present a public lecture of disputation to the faculty and other scholars gathered to hear it. If the disputation was successfully defended and accepted, the candidate was granted the degree with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities pertaining thereto.

The first public lecture of disputation was originally called an “inception.” It signified the beginning or commencement of the scholar’s academic career in the area in which a degree had been granted. The ceremony surrounding this inception or “graduation” from “bachelor” to “master” and eventually to “doctor” has subsequently come to be called Commencement. Today, the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) celebrates it’s Sixty-Second Commencement Convocation. ____________________________________________________________________

THE CEREMONIAL MACE

During the Middle Ages, the mace was an effective weapon in battle, but as newer and more powerful military arms developed, it was transformed into a symbol of authority. The earliest ceremonial maces were borne by bodyguards of 12th Century English and French kings. By the end of the 16th Century, they were used widely by officials of English cities and towns. Today, the ceremonial mace is found in the British Houses of Parliament and is frequently carried in ecclesiastical processions and in university convocations and commencement ceremonies.

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HONOR CORDS

Honor cords are worn by those graduates who have achieved “summa cum laude,” “magna cum laude” and “cum laude” status (yellow) and those graduates who are members of the International Society of Theta Phi (red).

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ITC’S MISSION STATEMENT

The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) is a Christian Africentric ecumenical consortium of seminaries and fellowships that educate students to commit to practicing justice and peace through a liberating and transforming spirituality to become leaders in the church and local/global communities.

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INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER

Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, D.Min. Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04 Chair, Board of Trustees President

~~CONSTITUENT SEMINARIES~~

GAMMON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY United Methodist Church

Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, M.Div., ’83, Board Chair Candace Lewis, D.Min., President-Dean

TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

African Methodist Episcopal Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, M.Div., ’79, Board Chair

John F. Green, D.Min., ’84, President-Dean

PHILLIPS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY Christian Methodist Episcopal

Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr., D.Min., ’88, ’08, Board Chair Paul L. Brown, Sr., D.Min., ’91, President-Dean

CHARLES H. MASON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Church of God in Christ, Incorporated Bishop David A. Hall, Sr., D.Min., ’78, Board Chair

Harold V. Bennett, Ph.D., ’88, President-Dean

MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF RELIGION Baptist

Rev. Clarence Moore, B.A. ’78, Board ChairJoseph N. Evans, Ph.D., ’04, President-Dean

~~AT-LARGE CONSTITUENCY~~

The HARRY V. and SELMA T. RICHARDSON

ECUMENICAL FELLOWSHIP Willie F. G-dman, Th.D., ’87, ’01, Coordinator

~~MARSHALS ~~

Carolyn A. L. McCrary, Th.D., ’77, ’89, Lead Marshal


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ORDER OF COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04, President

Presiding

Prelude African Drums

Reading of the Emancipation ProclamationWillie F. G-dman, Th.D., ’87, ’01

Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling

Convoking the Sixty – Second Commencement Exercises Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, D.Min.

Chairperson, Board of Trustees

Welcome Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04, President

Opening Prayer

Carolyn A. L. McCrary, Th.D., ’77, ’89Jarena Lee Professor in Pastoral Theology Care and Counseling

Scripture Readings Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Exodus 3: 7-8b, 9-10 NRSV

Darius BowersPresident, ITC Student Christian League

New Testament, Romans 5:1-5 NRSVJacqueline Marie Davis-Gines, Ph.D., ‘20

President, Theta Phi

Hymn of PraiseGreat is Thy Faithfulness………………………………………Chisholm/Runyan

Mount Zion Baptist Church (Nashville, TN) Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III, D.Min., Senior Pastor ©2021 CCLI

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my [Father],There is no shadow of turning with Thee,

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not,As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see.All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!


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Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,Sun, moon and stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witnessTo Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness!Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see.All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Presentation of Candidates for Honorary Degrees Reginaldo P. Braga Jr, Ed.D.

Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost Associate Professor of Religion and Education

Goldie Frinks Wells, Ed.D.Doctor of Humane Letters

Presented by Harold V. Bennett, Ph.D., ’88, President-Dean

Charles H. Mason Seminary

Trinette McCray, D.Min. Doctor of Divinity

Presented byJoseph N. Evans, Ph.D., President-Dean

Morehouse School of Religion

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, J.D. Doctor of Humane Letters

Presented byMatthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04, President

Interdenominational Theological Center

Conferring of Honorary Degrees Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04, President

Reading of Honorary Degree Citations Seminary Deans

Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04, President

Introduction of Commencement Speaker Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04, President


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Hymn of Praise

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring……………………………………………Johann Sebastian BachRecorded by Lisa Allen-McLaurin, Ph.D.Helmar Nielsen Professor, Music and Worshipat Oakhurst Presbyterian Church (Atlanta, GA)

Commencement Address The Honorable Keisha Lance Bottoms

Mayor of Atlanta

Special AnnouncementsPresentation of Candidates for Degrees

Reginaldo P. Braga Jr., Ed.D. Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost

Associate Professor of Religion and Education

Conferring of Degrees Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04, President

Reading of the Graduates Catherine Binuya, Ed.D., Associate Vice President of Student Affairs

Maasai Dance………………………………………………………………Noel Malekai ©2021 CCLI

Charge to Graduates Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04, President

Response to Charge Dontavious Drake

President, Senior Class

Induction into the ITC National Alumni Association Anita Green, M.Div., ’09, D.Min. ’15

President, ITC National Alumni Association

Benediction Jacquelyn Grant, Ph.D.

Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Systematic Theology

Recessional Pomp and Circumstance.…………………………………………Sir Edward Edgar Recorded by Lisa Allen-McLaurin, Ph.D.Helmar Nielsen Professor, Music and Worshipat Oakhurst Presbyterian Church (Atlanta, GA)


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CANDIDATES FOR MASTER’S DEGREESMASTER OF DIVINITY

(2021)

Gammon Theological Seminary

Gill, Jatin Chandigarh, IndiaB.S. Punjabi University 2016

Robinson, Dwayne Atlanta, GAB.S. Liberty University 2016

Stevenson, Cheryl Miles * Yazoo City, MS B.S. Rust College 1987B.S. Xavier University of Louisiana 1990M.S. University of Michigan 1992Ph.D. University of Michigan 1996

Tilghman, Ayanna Salisbury, MDB.S. Bowie State University 2006 M.S. University of Maryland Eastern Shore 2010

Weems, Christopher Edward Atlanta, GA B.S. Paine College 2017

Williams, Leah Marie * Milwaukee, WI B.A. University of Memphis 2008

Morehouse School of Religion

Boone, IV Richard A Aberdeen, MSB.A. Rust College 2016

Brinson, Keenen Donté Savannah, GA B.F.A. Savannah State University 2018

Cole, Delana Renay (MARE) Baton Rouge, LAB.S. Louisiana State University 1993M.A. University of Georgia 2007

Duncan, Trudy L. Fayetteville, GAA.A. Point University 2013B.A. Point University 2018


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Morehouse School of Religion (Cont’d)

Frierson, Jocteal Larry Bishopville, SC B.F.A. Morris College 2018

Hardy, Frederick Lee Selma, AL B.S. Concordia College 2004M.Ed. Alabama State University 2008

Livingston II, Tarzene Dale II Fitzgerald, GAB.S. Columbia State University 2008

Padgett, Jr., Kenneth LaTron * W. Columbia, SCB.S. Liberty University 2017

Ray, Janice Diana Atlanta, GAB.S. Point University 2015M.S. Belhaven University 2017

Turner Theological Seminary

Burns, Oliver Christopher Mt. Pleasant, SCA.S. Trident Technical College 1993B.A. Luter Rice College & Seminary 2017

Farmer, Melvin L. Wrens, GAB.A. Georgia State University 2004M.A. Georgia College & State University 2006Ed.S. Georgia Southern University 2008

Gee-Theophille, Reneé Cairo, GAB.A. Albany State University 1991

Haywood, Colette Racquell (MARE) Atlanta, GA B.S. Morris Brown College, 2019

Nance, Authur James #* Cordele, GAA.A. Ogeechee Technical College 2004B.A. Morehouse College 1995MPA Albany State University 2001

Strickland, Cynthia * Senoia, GAA.A. Atlanta Metropolitan College 2014B.S. Point University 2017


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Turner Theological Seminary (Cont’d)

West, Darnell #* Tallahassee, FLB.S. Florida A & M University 1974

Phillips School of Theology

Bogan, Sheaneter Johnson # Nettleton, MSA.A. Itawamba Community College 2000B.S. Itawamba Community College 2009B.S. University of Mississippi 2014

Brooks, Russell Earl #* Okolona, MSB.A. Mississippi Valley State University 1998

Peoples, Pamela Bradford * Jonessboro, LA B.B.A. Wiley College 2018

Rowe, Gerald Vanallen Indianapolis, INB.S. Cross Road Bible College 2007

Stephenson, Marecia Patrice * Paris, TN B.S. Bethel University 2013

Thomas, Elisha # Tupelo, MSA.A. Itawamba Junior College 2007B.A. University of Mississippi 2011

Charles Harrison Mason Theological Seminary

Harrington, Cedric Lithia Springs, GA B.A. Beulah Heights University 2007M.A. Luther Rice University 2010

Pitts, Henry Joshua Tuskegee, AL A.A. ITT Technical Institute 2012 B.S. ITT Technical Institute 2014

Thomas, Kenneth # Jacksonville, FLB.S. Morehouse College 1991


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Harry V. & Selma T. Richardson Ecumenical Fellowship Bean, William G. (MDiv/MARE) Atlanta, GA

B.A. Arcadia University 1985M.B.A. Pepperdine University 2000

Drake, Dontavious Deontaé # Lithonia, GAB.A. Liberty University 2012

Jackson, Latarsha Chicago, Il A.A. MacCormac College 2004

Keels, Travis Jermaine Augusta, GAB.A. Augusta University 2013M.Ed. Augusta University 2016

Mtenje, Ella Nyosyedje * Sandy Springs, GAB.A. Indiana Christian University 2005M.A. Indiana Christian University 2006M.Div. Indiana Christian University 2008

Nelson, JoAnne * Jackson, MSB.A. University of Mississippi 1984J.D. University of Mississippi 1989

Parks, Joe Lewis # Decatur, GAA.A.S. Dekalb Technical College 2006B.S. Georgia State University 2014

Parks, Timothy #* Amory, MSA.A. Itawamba Community College 2002B.A. University of Memphis 2007

Scott, Jaquel Dominique (MARE) Atlanta, GAB.S. Ohio Christian University 2016

Shedrick, Leroygo Atlanta, GAB.A. Argosy University 2014

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# Completed requirements Fall 2020* Matriculated via Distance Learning % Full-time student with highest GPA ! Part-time student with highest GPA


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CANDIDATE FOR DOCTORAL DEGREE Doctor of Ministry

Disconnected Youth and Public ResponseInterim Ministry Cohort

Anne E. Streaty Wimberly, Ph.DEdward P. Wimberly, Ph.D

Blevins, Louis Michael Milwaukee, WIB.A. Ohio Christian University 2011M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2014

“The Black Church’s Call and Public Response to The School to Prison Pipeline’s Impact on Disconnected Black Youth and Young Adults”

Butler, Jr., Curry Flinton Ashland City, TNB.S. Union University 2010M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2019

“iLive: A Digital Space and Sacred Place Discerning the Way Forward”

Stewart, Richard Neil Warner Robins, GAB.S. Mercer University 2015M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2018

“Relay: A Ministry of Mentoring and Shepherding Emerging Adults”

Warren, Susan Magnum Montgomery, AL B.S. Alabama State University 1971MPA Georgia State University 1996M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2012

“Becoming Connected: A Visitation Model for Volunteer Chaplains That Builds African American Millennial Female Inmates’ Self-Love”


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CANDIDATES OF DOCTORAL DEGREE Doctor of Ministry

Pastoral CareInterim Ministry Cohort

F. Keith Slaughter, Th.D., ’03, ’09Faye Weems-Singleton, Th.D., ’11, ’18

Bego, Orlando Jermaine Washington, DCB.S. Calvary Christian College 2005M.Div. Virginia Union University 2011

“Mental Health and The Black Baptist Church: Exploring theImpact of Faith on African American Male Churchgoers”

McGee, John Paul Atlanta, GAB.S. Bethune-Cookman College 2006M.A. Liberty University 2008M.S. Emory University 2015

“A Sound for The Distressed Soul: Gospejazzical As An ‘Ntu’ Approachto Coping with The Vocational Stressors of The Black Pastor”

Patterson, Natasha L’Shay Dover, DEB.S. University of Maryland Eastern Shore 2010M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2014

“A Gospel of Exclusion: An Examination of Spiritual Traumain Queer Black Women”

Sanders, Lashounia Elaine Rome, GA B.S. Point University 2012M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2016

“Developing A Critical Pedagogy for Understanding The “I’m Ok”Response Among Black Baptist Women Living with Symptoms of

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder”

Walton, Reginald Dion Richmond, CA B.A. Miles College 2007M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2010

“A Charge to Keep I Have: An Exploration Of The Response Of Some CME PastorsTo The Implementation Of Social Justice As A Form Of

Pastoral Care In The Age Of ‘Black Lives Matter’”


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Ward, Gustedus Lucian Montgomery, ALB.S. Faulkner University 1997 M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2004

“Working with Black Male Ex-Offenders: Developing an AfricentricTherapeutic Reentry Program at Branch Grove Baptist Church in

Montgomery, Alabama”

Washington, Richard Allen Columbus, GAB.S. University of Georgia 2001 M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2004

“A Therapeutic Journey of Unmuted Fathers: Recalling and Reclaiming the Voices of Non-Residential Fathers through “The Fatherhood Lab”

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CHM=Charles H. Mason SeminaryGST=Gammon Theological SeminaryHVR= Harry V. & Selma T. RichardsonPST=Phillips School of TheologyTTS=Turner Theological Seminary


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COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

The Honorable Keisha Lance Bottoms The 60th Mayor of Atlanta

A daughter of Atlanta, Mayor Bottoms is committed to realizing her vision of One Atlanta – an affordable, resilient and equitable Atlanta – which stands as a model city for both commerce and compassion. A lifelong public servant, Mayor Bottoms is the only Mayor in Atlanta’s history to have served in all three branches of government, serving as a judge and City Councilmember before being sworn in as Mayor. Leading with a progressive agenda focused on equity and affordable housing, Mayor Bottoms serves as Chair of the Community Development and Housing Committee and the Census Task Force for the United States Conference of Mayors. Georgia Trend magazine named Mayor Bottoms the 2020 Georgian of the Year. Among Mayor Bottoms’ notable accomplishments to date include the establishment of the City’s first fullystaffed Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the appointments of a LGBTQ Affairs Coordinator and a Human Trafficking Fellow, the citywide elimination of cash bail bond, the closure of the Atlanta City Detention Center to ICE detainees, and the rollout of the most farreaching financial transparency platform in the City’s history – Atlanta’s Open Checkbook. In 2020, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights (LCCR) Under Law awarded Mayor Bottoms the Distinguished Civil Rights Advocate Award in recognition of her equity-driven leadership to help guide and protect marginalized communities. In October, Mayor Bottoms was named one of Glamour’s 2020 women of the year. Mayor Bottoms was honored as a BET 100 Entertainer and Innovator of the Year in 2020, and named Smart Cities Dive’s 2020 Leader of the Year. Mayor Bottoms presided as Chair of the Platform Committee for the 2020 Democratic National Convention. In 2021, President Joe Biden appointed Mayor Bottoms as Vice Chair of Civic Engagement and Voter Protection. Under Mayor Bottoms’ leadership, the City of Atlanta led the historically successful staging of Super Bowl LIII, which included unprecedented community benefits – a $2.4 million renovation of John F. Kennedy Park on Atlanta’s Westside, more than 20,000 trees planted throughout the community and the seamless coordination of 40 federal, state and local public safety agencies.

A product of Atlanta Public Schools, Mayor Bottoms graduated from Frederick Douglass High School and received her undergraduate degree from Florida A&M University. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Georgia State University College of Law.

An active member of the community, Mayor Bottoms is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, Jack


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and Jill of America, The Links, Incorporated, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She has also served on the board of Families First and shares her personal story of adoption and advocates on behalf of adoption and foster care. Therefore, it is with great pride and profound gratitude for his life’s work that the Interdenominational Theological Center bestows upon Mawuli “Mel” Davis the honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities pertaining thereto on this day.


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HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS

Dr. Goldie Frinks Wells Goldie Frinks Wells, a retired educator, has served as President of Saints Academy and College, a branch of the Church of God in Christ Education System, in Lexington, Mississippi, 1994-96. She served as Title I Director for the Iredell-Statesville Schools, 1985- 1994, and taught in the Raleigh-Wake and Guilford County School Systems in the state of North Carolina. She has conducted workshops for teachers, principals, and administrators throughout the United States for Educator Training Center, Long Beach, California. She is a member of professional organizations, served as Chairperson of Statesville’s I CARE, Inc. for five years.

Wells is a member of the Board of Trustees of Wells Memorial Church of God in Christ, District Missionary of the High Point District and member of the Education Committee of the Greater North Carolina Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ. She is a member of the Board of Directors of All Saints Bible College of the Church of God in Christ, Inc., Memphis, Tennessee, and is the National Director of the C.H. Mason Jurisdictional Institutes of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. She has served as Sunday school teacher, church announcer, president of the Help-Meet Society, and Jurisdictional Commissioner of Education.

Wells is an active community volunteer. She is presently a member of the Greensboro Voters Alliance, Building Stronger Neighborhoods’ Grants Review Committee, Welfare Reform Liaison Board, Preservation North Carolina Board, Citizens for Economic and Environmental Justice (CEEJ) and the Interactive Resource Center (IRC) and Co-chair of North Carolina Freedom Park. In November 2005 she was elected Greensboro City Councilwoman District 2 and served for two terms. In 2017 she was reelected to serve a four-year term. Wells has received many awards for her outstanding leadership. In 2016, she received the Dr. Vivian Burke Community Leadership Award presented by the North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials. In May 2018 she will be honored as one of the “50 Influential Blacks in the Triad”.

Wells has published in the North Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Journal and authored “Telling the Unsung Song” a biography of her father, Golden Asro Frinks, a civil rights activist.

Originally from Edenton, North Carolina, Wells has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Hampton University and North Carolina A & T State University, and a doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is the daughter of the late Golden and Ruth Frinks. She is the proud mother of an adult daughter Kelli Johnson, mother-in-law of Pastor Charles J. Johnson, and the grandmother of Falon, Kelci and Bhali.


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The Reverend Dr. Trinette Vernell McCray

Trinette Vernell McCray is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was educated in the Milwaukee Public School system. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Urban Affairs from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a few years later, at age twenty-five, Trinette accepted God’s call to ministry and immediately, in 1979, attended seminary at the Morehouse School of Religion of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia receiving a Masters degree in Religious Education, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1981. She was taught and influenced in black liberation theology and womanist theology with professors such as Dr. Jacqueline Grant, Dr. Melva Costen, Dr. Charles Copher, Dr. John Waters, and Dr. Bennie Goodwin. As a student at MSR, Dean Bobby Joe Saucer appointed her to the Board of Trustees as the student representative. She was the only female among the men which included Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr., Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, Dr. Kelly Miller Smith, Sr., Dr. Lou Rawls, Sr., and Dr. Cameron Alexander. She was also a student member of the new Black Women in Church and Society.

She was subsequently licensed to preach in May, 1981 and ordained in 1981 by the late civil rights leader, and pastor of West Hunter Street Baptist Church in Atlanta, The Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, an accomplishment that was both spiritual and social justice given that, at that time, some Black Baptist churches in Atlanta declared not to license or ordain women. Notable persons who served on her ordination committee were the Late Rev. Dr. William Holmes Borders, Sr., and Dr. Lawrence Carter.

Rev. McCray went on to earn a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spirituality from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1998. Rev. Dr. McCray has been a leader both locally and nationally through church, denominational, faith-based organizations and educational institutions at Cardinal Stritch University and Central Baptist Theological Seminary-Wisconsin.

A leader, nationally, and most notably, in June 1999, Dr. McCray was elected president of the American Baptist Churches, USA, having the historic distinction of being the first clergywoman elected as their national president. She served the term 2000-2001. Dr. McCray is currently the president of the American Baptist National Black Caucus of ABCUSA.

An urban minister, she is the Executive Planner of the Urban Center-Milwaukee. A preacher, a teacher, a visionary, a consultant and foremost, the author of – “Vital Spirit, Vital Service: Spirituality that Works,” Judson Press. Dr. McCray is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She gives all glory to God.

Trinette is warmly known to her family as “Auntie” by her beloved niece, and four nephews who she enjoys in her role as “elder” nurturing, teaching, guiding, and loving them as they grow. She gives all credit for her values, faith and character to her mother, father, the late Ruth and James McCray, grandmothers, aunts, uncles, church mentors and to the unrelenting pursuit of God to form and shape her call. Now completing forty-two years in ministry, Dr. McCray is grateful to God who redeems, calls, sends, and keeps her every day and in every way.


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AWARD RECIPIENTS

DENOMINATIONAL HONORS AND AWARDS

———————————————————————————————————————GAMMON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

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Gammon Merit Scholars AwardSharon Britz

Christopher Carpenter Sterling Harris Jennie Mustin Nicolas Pettye

Cheryl Stevenson Ayanna Tilghman

President - Dean AwardSandras Anderson Dwayne Robinson

UMHEF ScholarshipKimberly Dugger Antionette Eiland Raymond Gibbs Ingrid Graham Cedric Jackson Devin James

Krystyna Jordan Krystal Morris

Chotania Simmons Tavis Tinsley

Kimberly Tyler Kamisha Washington

Charlotte Williams Leah Williams

Tamira Wimbish


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———————————————————————————————————————TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

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The Bishop Frank C. and Martha C. Cummings Award Alvin Attah

The Bishop John Hurst Adams Award Oliver Burns

The Josephus R. Coan Award Teresa Clark

The E. D. Curry Memorial Award Renee Gee-TheophileThe T. J. Davis Award

John MayonThe Dean’s Award

Andrea Lewis The Bishop William Alfred Fountain, Sr. and

The William Alfred Fountain, Jr. for Academic Excellence Award Vashti Kekula

The Samuel Hopkins Giles Award Diana Duhart

The Daniel Lott Jacobs Award Lamone Gipson

The James H. Clark Memorial Preaching Honor Award Syreeta Moore

Cecil Wayne Cone Award Dr. Adrian Lewis

The John A. Middleton Memorial Award Andrea Lewis

The Bishop Donald George Kenneth Ming Award Erika Austin

The Bishop Frank Madison Reid Jr. Scholarship Kimberly Fields

The Bishop Fredrick Hilborn Talbort Award Nekeshia Harris

The Bishop William R. Wilkes Memorial Award Garrett Williamson

The Reverend David DeVeaux Scholarship Award Terrence Mayes

The New Bethel Scholarship Award Martin Williams

Amy Mainor The Bishop Preston W. And Dr. Wilma Delores Williams Award

Regina DeLa


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—————————————————————————————————————— PHILLIPS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

———————————————————————————————————————The Presiding Elder’s

Council Scholarship Tiffany Echoles Angel Howard

Dontavious JosephThe Commission on

Women in Ministry ScholarshipAngel Howard Nyla Barker

The Phillips’ Alumni Association Scholarship Lorenzo Heggs Gerald Rowe

Tiffany EcholesThe Vergie Gant Woman in Ministry Scholarship

Nyla BarkerThe Bishop’s Spouses

Scholarship AwardArthura Seabrook-Buchanon

Samuel McKinsey


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———————————————————————————————————————CHARLES HARRISON MASON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

———————————————————————————————————————The Bishop J.O. Patterson Leadership Honor Award

L. Michael Blevins Demario Cheevers

The Bishop O.T. Brown Sr. Fellowship Award

Sherita Taylor

The President-Dean’s Honor Award George Conway

The Bishop O.T. Jones Sr. Leadership Award

Sedgwick Daniels Cedric Harrington

The Pioneer Scholarship Award

Timothy Johnson

The Dr. Mattie McGlothen Women’s Leadership Honor Award JoAnn Williams

Sheila Lewis-Floyd

The Mother Kathryn Daniels Award Destiny Williams

Aaronetta Wright-Harris

The Gracie Tugerville Haney Women in Ministry Award Kenya Porter

The Oliver J. Haney Sr. Preaching Award

Henry Pitts Rodney Cook

The C.H. Mason Award Michael Allen

Rodney Martin

The James L. Whitehead Award Courtney Sinclair


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———————————————————————————————————————MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF RELIGION

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Morehouse School of Religion President Dean’s Honor Award Keenen Donte Brinson

The Martin Luther King, Sr., AwardDale Tarzene Livingston, II

The Gardner C. Taylor Memorial AwardRichard A. Boone, IV

The Antioch North-Atlanta Award Kenneth Latron Padgett, Jr.

The Victor Thomas and Edith Messer Glass AwardTrudy L. Duncan

C.D. Huber Memorial AwardJocteal Larry Frierson

Dr. Bobby Joe Saucer Dean’s Scholarship AwardDelena Renay Cole

———————————————————————————————————————THE SELMA T. AND HARRY V. RICHARDSON ECUMENICAL FELLOWSHIP

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Fellowship Support AwardLeroygo ShedrickLaTarsha Jackson

Jacquel Scott


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———————————————————————————————————————INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER

AWARDS AND OTHER GENERAL AWARDS ———————————————————————————————————————

Georgia Board of Higher Education Ministries ScholarshipJulia Allen

Sterling HarrisLindsay Neal

Nicholas PettyeMirissa Tucker

Kamisha Washington

GTS Mississippi United Methodist Foundation ScholarshipAntoinette Eiland

Jennie MustinSandra Wilson

ITC ScholarshipsFrederica Alexander

Justin DillardCarl Golden

Latonya LoweJarron-Charles McKinney

Laura NewsomeChaz RobinsonAaron Stewart

Glenn WashingtonStephen Williams

Gerald Wilson

North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist ChurchJulia Allen

Kimberly DuggerNicholas Pettye

Eric PowellKamisha Washington


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UNCF General ScholarshipsKeenen Brinson

Candice EdwardsHenry Pitts

Robyn WilliamsJulia Allen

Nyla BarkerOrlando BegoLouis Blevins

Richard BooneDonna BrigginsRussell Brooks

Curry ButlerAngelique Carney

Randy ConleyAllen CraineMark Davis

Regina DeLayKimberly Dugger

Diana DuhartTiffany Echoles

Antionette EilandBradford Everett

Daniel FosterTison Garnett

Cineve GibbonsWanda Holmes-Brooks

Angel HowardDevin James

Alexis JayTimothy Johnson

Antonio JonesTravis Keels

Cassandry KeysStephen KumiAlfred LansanaWilliam LazareAndrea LewisCathy Lewis

Justin MonroeKevin Moore

Bertha Morrow


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THETA PHI (2021)

Sharon BritzAshley Dixon

JoAnne NelsonKenneth PadgettRandy Conley, Jr.Stephon Ferguson

Tess PowellCharles Rhodes

Darryl Ann WatkinsMichael Ephraim, Sr.

Victor GoodenJanice McCray

INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES ~ 2020-2021

Dr. Lula Bailey Ballton, Director of Community and Economic Development, COGIC, At-LargeMs. Sheila Baxter, Retired Army Brigadier General, Chaplain, Veteran’s Affairs, C. H. Mason Theological SeminaryMr. Calvin Booker, Retired, Vice President Waste Management Inc., At-LargeRepresentative Roger Bruce, District 61, Georgia House of Representatives, At-LargeDr. Jacqui L. Burton, Conference of National Black Churches, At-LargeRev. Timm Cyrus, Retired Pastor, Presbyterian Church, At-LargeDr. Reginald Dawkins, Senior Pastor, Triumph Christian Church, Morehouse School of ReligionBishop David R. Hall, Sr., Tennessee Headquarters Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction-COGIC, C. H. Mason Theological SeminaryDr. Philipia Hillman, Founder, The October Group, At-LargeBishop L. Jonathan Holston, South Carolina Conference-UMC, Gammon Theological SeminaryBishop Reginald T. Jackson, Sixth Episcopal District, AMEC, Turner Theological SeminaryBishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, Fifth Episcopal District, CMEC, Phillips School of TheologyMr. Robert MacAlpine, Retired Businessman, At-LargeBishop Michael L. Mitchell, Twelfth Episcopal District, AMEC, Turner Theological SeminaryDr. Mackie H. Norris, Retired, Registered Nurse, Gammon Theological SeminaryBishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Eleventh Episcopal District AMEC, Turner Theological SeminaryMr. Robert Rumley, Vice President and Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley, At-LargeBishop Sylvester Williams, Third Episcopal District, CMEC, Phillips School of TheologyDr. Aidsand Wright-Riggins, Ordained American Baptist Clergy, Mayor, Collegeville, PA, Morehouse School of ReligionRev. Dr. Anita Green, CEO, the Grief Circle, Alumni Designee


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ITC FULL-TIME FACULTY 2020-2021

Lisa M. Allen-McLaurin, Ph.D., Helmar Emil Nielsen Professor, Church Music and Worship, MA in Liturgical Arts and Culture Degree Coordinator Reginaldo Braga, Ed.D., Associate Professor, Religion and Education,MA in Religion and Education, Degree Coordinator, Interim VP Academic Services/Provost

Riggins R. Earl, Jr., Ph.D., Professor, Ethics and Theology

Mark Ellingsen, Ph.D., Professor, Church History

Jacquelyn Grant, Ph.D., Fuller E. Callaway Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology

Willie G-dman, Th.D., Associate Professor, Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care

Maisha I. K. Handy, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Religion and Education, VP Academic Services/Provost

Mark Lomax, D.Min., Associate Professor, Homiletics, Degree Coordinator

Temba L. J. Mafico, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

Carolyn Akua L. McCrary, Th.D., Associate Professor, Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care, Doctor of Theology Degree Coordinator (On Sabatical in 2021-22)

F. Keith Slaughter, Th.D., Assistant Professor, Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care, Director, Gardner C. Taylor Preaching Archives

M Adryael Tong, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Early Christian Scriptures (New Testament), Master of Divinity Degree Coordinator (On Leave in 2021-22)

David Whitworth, Ph.D., E. Stanley Jones Assistant Professor of Theology and Evangelism

Anne Streaty Wimberly, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Christian Education, Director, Youth Hope-Builders Academy

Edward Wimberly, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Pastoral Care and Counseling


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ITC Alma Mater Striving, Ever Marching Onward E. Augcomfar - M. Costen, Lyrics

Melva W. Costen, Ph.D., Music

Striving, ever marching onward Stalwart faith and ceaseless prayer. For through Christ our lives are guided At an Institution rare.

Just as Christ, our humble Shepherd, Bore a cross to set us free, Now we share with many nations: Ever onward, ITC.

Ecumenical in concept, For the whole world is God’s field; As we reach sisters and brothers Carrying God’s love as our shield. Thanks for guided inspiration, And the wisdom of faculty, For prophetic voices raising, And for priestly ministry.

The ITC Virtual Commencement Ceremony will be broadcast on the ITC’s FB and YouTube pages and can be shared widely. For questions, please contact Katrina Garnes, Office of Institutional Advancement, Director of Marketing and Communications, at (404) 614-6394 or [email protected].

THIS PROGRAM IS NOT AN OFFICIAL GRADUATION LISTWhile every effort is made to ensure accuracy in this Commencement program, printing deadlines may result in omission of some names and use of names of persons not completing graduation requirements as intended. This printed program, therefore, should not be used to determine a student’s academic or degree status. ITC’s official registry for conferral of degrees is the student’s permanent academic record, maintained by the Office of the Registrar.

For questions regarding graduation requirements, including degree progress and academic honors, contact the Office of the Registrar.

Interdenominational Theological Center 700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, S.W.

Atlanta, GA 30314-4143

TURNER THEOLOGICA

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1894S E M I N A RY

sixty–second commencement exercises

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