Sixty–First Commencement Exercises

Sixty–First Commencement Exercises

INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER

Saturday, the Twenty-Seventh of February 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, February 27, 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 the Sixty-First 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, ’83, Board Chair Joseph L. Crawford, D.D., ’77, Interim 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, Board Chair Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D., 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

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

Chairperson, Board of Trustees

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

Opening Prayer

M Adryael Tong, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Early Christian Scriptures (New Testament)

Scripture Readings Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Psalm 150 NRSV

Dontavious Drake President, ITC Student Christian League

New Testament, 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13 NRSV Jacqueline Marie Davis-Gines, Ph.D.

President, Theta Phi

Hymn of Praise Great 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!

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

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


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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 Maisha I. K. Handy, Ph.D.

Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost

Jacqueline I. Scott Doctor of Divinity

Presented by Paul L. Brown Sr., D.Min., ’91, President-Dean

Phillips School of Theology

Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr. Doctor of Divinity

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

Turner Theological Seminary

Virgil R. Miller Doctor of Humane Letters

Presented by Joseph L. Crawford, D.D., ’77, Interim Dean

Gammon Theological Seminary

Mawuli “Mel” Davis, Esq. Doctor of Humane Letters

Presented by Matthew 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


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

For Every Mountain………………………………………………………Kurt D. Carr Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church (Memphis, TN) Rev. Dr. J. Lawrence Turner, Senior Pastor ©2021 CCLI

Commencement Address Mawuli “Mel” Davis, Esq.

Special Announcements Presentation of Candidates for Degrees

Maisha I. K. Handy, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost

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 Minister Kylan Pew, President, Senior Class

Induction into the ITC National Alumni Association Rev. Dr. Anita Green, ’09, ’15

President, ITC National Alumni Association

Benediction M Adryael Tong, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Early Christian Scriptures (New Testament)

Recessional Pomp and Circumstance.…………………………………………Sir Edward Edgar

Edward Menifee, II, Organist


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CANDIDATES FOR MASTER’S DEGREESMASTER OF DIVINITY

(2020)

Gammon Theological Seminary

Allen, III, Ray Whitley Memphis, TN B.A. Wiley College, 2015

Booker, Jamal Rashard Fairburn, GA B.A. Morehouse College, 2001

Davis-Gines, Jacqueline Marie % Seneca, SC B.A. Clemson University, 1988 M.S. Mississippi State University, 1990 Ph.D. Iowa State University, 1993

Jones, Marvin E. Alpharetta, GA B.S. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 1982

Jones, Jr., Bobby Screven, GA B.A. Paine College, 2016

Lopez, Brenton Golden ^ Miami, FL B.S. University of Phoenix, 2007 M.B.A. Kaplan University, 2010

McReynolds, Paul Ryan Santa Ana, CA B.S. Wiley College, 2016

Middleton, Kenneth Bernard Louisville, GA B.S. Point University, 2012

Moore, Roy Anthony Miami, FL A.A. Point University, 2013 B.A. Point University, 2015

Nutt, Amy Suzanne * Chattanooga, TN B.S. Bryan College, 2012

Pew, Kylan Christopher & Wichita, KS A.S. Coffeyville Community College, 2010 B.A. Wiley College, 2016

Williams, Karen * Jacksonville, FL

B.A. Edward Waters College, 2016


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Morehouse School of Religion

Adams-Hudson, Cynthia # Atlanta, GA

Billingslea, Burrell * Atlanta, GA B.A. Point University, 2016

Chester, Adrian JaMarl & Columbus, GA B.A. American Baptist College, 2014

Coar, III, John Kurtis Macon, GA B.A. Fort Valley State University, 2007

Falconer, Undrea Oneil Douglasville, GA A.A.S. DeKalb Technical College, 2011 B.S. Point University, 2013

Fauntleroy, Jeffree & Atlantic City, NJ B.A. Christian Bible Institute Seminary, 2015

Hall, JeJuan Miguel * Atlanta, GA B.A. Southern Polytechnic University, 1995

Malone, Brandon Lewis Hernando, MS B.A. American Baptist College, 2016

McGee, Felix Feliano LaGrange, GA B.A. Rust College, 1996

A.A. Savannah Technical College, 2015

McMahand, II, Samuel Greenville, SC B.A. Morris College, 2016

Parks, Joseph Edwyn Sanders Charlotte, NC B.A. North Carolina Central University, 2015

Ross, Randy Camilla, GA B.S. ACC/Point University, 2011

Warren, Ella Patricia * Jacksonville, FL B.A. University of North Florida, 1986 M.Ed. University of North Florida, 1996

Waters, Jo Angelia * San Antonio, TX B.S. Southwest Texas State University, 1980 M.A. Southwest Texas State University, 1996

White, Candyce Jones Nashville, TN B.A. Tennessee State University, 1997


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Morehouse School of Religion (Cont’d)

Wilson, Esther * Phoenix, ILB. A. Knox College, 1995

M.A. University of Memphis, 2013

Turner Theological Seminary

Adams, Celeste Fay * Dothan, AL B.S. Shippensburg University, 1996 M.A. Shippensburg University, 2003 M.S. Troy University, 2011

Barnett, Conrad Dewain Hampton, GA B.S. University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1999

Green, Melissa W. &* Rimini, SC B.S. Benedict College, 1983

Madison, Mary Lee * Des Moines, IA B.A. St. Peter College, 1973 M.A. Seton Hall University, 1981 M.Ed. Tarleton State University, 1992

Milton, Maggie & * Georgetown, SC B.A. Coastal Carolina University, 2015

Reynolds, Calvin Wesley * ! Panama City, FL B.A. Fort Valley State University, 1973 M.A. University of West Florida, 1995

Wineglass, Annarene F. * Tallahassee, FL B.A. Florida A&M University, 1978

Phillips School of Theology

Archer, Andrew Nassau, Bahamas A.A.S. Chattahoochee Technical College, 2011 B.A. Birmingham – Southern College, 2014

Coleman, Marshall Wayne * Calhoun City, MSB.S. University of Phoenix, 2010

Hickman, Dewayne Elmo Deridder, LA A.S. Columbia Southern University, 2012 B.S. Columbia Southern University, 2014

Woods, Larry Jermaine * Alabaster, AL University of Alabama


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Charles Harrison Mason Theological Seminary

Harrison, Harold E.* Conyers, GA B.S. Liberty University, 2016

Marcell, Horace W. Riverside, CA B.A. Loyola University, 1998

Walker, Kelvin Bernard Greensboro, GA B.S. DeVry University, 2008

Harry V. & Selma T. Richardson Ecumenical Fellowship Kydd, Marlene Port of Spain Trinidad

B.S.N. Hunter College, 1976 M.S.N. Hunter College, 1985

Pitters, Coretta Elaine * Montgomery, AL A.S. University of Mobile, 1989 B.S. Auburn University, 2003 M.S. University of South Alabama, 2005

Rowan, Tawnicia Ferguson * Miami, FL B.A. Spelman College, 1994 M.A. Vanderbilt University, 1995

White, Jerry L. & Atlanta, GA B.A. Urbana College, 1997

________________________________________ * Distance Learning Student # Summer 2019 graduate ^ Fall 2019 graduate & Summer 2020 graduate % Full-time student with highest GPA ! Part-time student with highest GPA


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CANDIDATE FOR DOCTORAL DEGREE Doctor of Ministry

(2020)

INTERIM MINISTRY COHORT Dr. Anne E. Stready Wimberly, Ph.D., Cohort Leader

Dr. Edward P. Wimberly, Ph.D., Cohort Leader

Campbell, Sonya Gail Charlotte, NC B.S. Southern Connecticut State University, 2000 M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center, 2013

“Psychological and Cultural Homelessness in Disconnected African American Youth: Beyond Slavery and the Myth of Black Inferiority”

THETA PHI (2020)

Jacqueline Marie Davis-Gines, President Esther Wilson - Secretary Candyce J. White – Chaplain John Kurtis Coar, III Jeffree Fauntleroy, Sr. Larry Jermaine Woods


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COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

Mawuli “Mel” Davis

Mawuli “Mel” Davis is a native of Chicago, Illinois who attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland where he played varsity basketball and earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland and a juris doctorate degree from the Georgia State University College of Law in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Davis has been an outstanding example of educational achievement and a commitment to justice in the same lineage of Thurgood Marshall, Spotswood Robinson, Charlotte Ray, Charles Hamilton Houston, and Anita Hill.

Mawuli “Mel” Davis is a founding partner of the Davis Bozeman Law Firm (Decatur, Georgia) where he leads the firm’s Civil Rights Division. Mr. Davis has been called “The Liberation Lawyer” because of his reputation as an activist attorney willing to fight injustice whenever and wherever it exists. Under his leadership, he successfully represented Morehouse College student Messiah Young during the summer 2020 confrontation with police officers in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Davis was a part of the legal team that successfully represented Basil Eleby, a man who was falsely accused of causing the I-85 highway collapse, and Baby AJ, a 2-year-old baby who required a kidney transplant. His ongoing work has led to the end of “cash bonds” in the City of Atlanta, Georgia, and the removal of the confederate monument in the City of Decatur, Georgia. Mr. Davis’ work has upheld the tenets of the law while demanding justice for the oppressed, marginalized, and discounted. His work has spoken truth to power even as he has affirmed the dignity, beauty, and potential of Black and Brown children.

Mawuli “Mel” Davis is the co-founder of Let Us Make Man, the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights, The Black Man Lab, and the Georgia Coalition 2 Save Lives. These non-profits keep Mr. Davis in touch with young people and the concerns of the next generation of leaders. Most who know what he is doing in the community, at the law firm, and as an author, wonder how he does it all; but God has blessed him with administrative gifts that allow him to maintain balance while still being a loving husband to Jana Johnson-Davis and father to Kobie and Khari.

Mawuli “Mel” Davis has received many honors over his illustrious career including Humanitarian of the Year by the Atlanta Chapter of the NAACP; Father of the Year by Jack & Jill, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia; Mentor of the Year by the Atlanta Alumni Association of Morehouse College; Father of Distinction by the Concerned Black Clergy; and, an outstanding advocate of the year by the ACLU, the National Urban League, the Southern Center for Human Rights, the Gate City Bar Association, and the National Black Prosecutors Association. The DeKalb Lawyers Association named the “Mawuli Davis Legal Warrior Award” in recognition of his outstanding leadership and advocacy on behalf of others. Mr. Davis is a proud member of the Atlanta Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and the DeKalb Chapter of the 100 Black Men in America. 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

Jacqueline I. Scott Jacqueline Isabel Scott is the tenth child of eleven of the late Mr. James H. Isabel and Mrs. Dorothy M. Isabel. She was born, raised, and has lived in Memphis, Tennessee her entire life. A graduate of LeMoyne Owen College, Jacqueline has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She further earned a master’s degree from the University of Memphis in Library Science (Education) and has completed extensive graduate studies at Cumberland University (Lebanon, TN).

Ms. Scott has taught at Brownsville Road Elementary School for twenty-six years as a fourth and fifth-grade teacher, and she retired as the Librarian. While teaching at Brownsville Road, she also served in the following capacities: Grade Chairman, Adopt-A-School Chairman, Discipline Committee, Acting Principal, United Way of Greater Memphis, and the Courtesy Committee Chairman.

Grady Chapel C.M.E. Church is where Ms. Scott’s Christian experience began. Later, she joined Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. Church and has been a member for the past forty-two years. Currently at Mt. Pisgah, she is a member of the Mass Choir, the Mary Becton Missionary Circle, the Stewardess Board, a member of the Board of Christian Education, and was a Sunday School teacher in the Children’s Division.

All who know “Jackie” (as she is affectionately known) are aware of her great devotion and love for the Missionaries! Ms. Scott has served as president both locally and district-wide before becoming president of the West Tennessee Region during the years 1995-2003. On the Council level, she served as Departmental Secretary of the Pauline B. Grant Status of Women 1995-2003, Division I Structure Leader 2003-2011, and 1st Episcopal District Missionary Institute Director from 2007-2015.

At the 17th Quadrennial Assembly in Schaumburg, IL, on July 1, 2011, she was elected Vice President of the Women’s Missionary Council of the C.M.E. Church. She was re-elected Vice President in June 2015. On June 27, 2019, Ms. Scott was elected International President of the Women’s Missionary Council. Ms. Scott’s involvements are not only with the missionary society. She also works with a variety of community organizations. She is a member of Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Therefore, it is with great pride and profound gratitude for her life’s work that the Phillips School of Theology of the Interdenominational Theological Center bestows upon Jacqueline I. Scott the honorary degree Doctor of Divinity, Honoris Causa, with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities pertaining thereto on this day.


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Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr.

Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr. is a native of Orlando, Florida who matriculated through the Orlando Public School System and earned a bachelor’s degree in Science and master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Rev. Green has been an outstanding example of commitment to pastoral ministry within the AME Church stemming from his father and mother, Presiding Elder Henry Green, Sr., and Mrs. Irene Green.

Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr. is the current pastor of Mount Hermon AME Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Rev. Green is called an “authentic servant-leader” because he led the congregation in building a new $5.3 million sanctuary and family life center. He is currently leading the congregation in building a 101-unit senior housing development complex projected for completion in 2021. Rev. Green has over 43 years of ecclesiastical leadership and pastored several congregations in the 11th Episcopal District of the AME Church as well as serving as the Presiding Elder of both the Tampa and South Districts of the West Coast and South Conferences in Florida.

Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr. is the founder of the Richard Allen Leadership Academy, the first Charter School for boys in Florida for inner-city at-risk-male youth. As a life member of the NAACP, he has been actively engaged in the NAACP’s activities for more than 30 years. Rev. Green led a march in the 1980’s to protest the arrest of city council members who were supporting the improvement of infrastructure in Duval County, Florida. Rev. Green organized and led several protests against police misconduct in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in Florida. This activism keeps him in touch with young people and the concerns of the next generation of leaders. Most who know what Rev. Green is doing in the community wonder how he does it all; but, God has blessed him with administrative gifts that allow him to maintain balance while still being a loving husband to his wife of 40 years, Jennifer Cason Green, father to Rev. Henry E. Green, III and Philip Michael Green, and grandfather to London and Henry IV.

Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr. has received many honors over his illustrious career including the honor to preach during the 46th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the AME Church and to deliver a sermon along with Archbishop Desmond Tutu at Stetson University in Deland, Florida. Rev. Green is a proud member of the Board of Trustees of Edward Waters College, the United Way of Dade County, the NAACP and the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Therefore, it is with great pride and profound gratitude for his life’s work that the Turner Theological Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center bestows upon Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr. the honorary degree Doctor of Divinity, Honoris Causa, with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities pertaining thereto on this day.


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Virgil R. Miller Virgil R. Miller is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Aflac U.S. and President of Aflac Group Insurance Company. Mr. Miller is responsible for the overall direction of operations for Aflac Incorporated and for the strategic leadership and execution of Aflac Group. Mr. Miller joined Aflac in March 2004 and was rapidly promoted that same year to director of premium reconciliation and billing activities. In 2006, Mr. Miller accelerated to the level of Second Vice President, Policy Administration and later Second Vice President, Customer Service Center. Continuing his leadership trajectory, Mr. Miller was promoted to Vice President in 2008 and held this title in the areas of Client Services, Customer Assurance Organization, Marketing, and Technology, Transformation, and Innovation. In 2015, Mr. Miller advanced to Senior Vice President of Internal Operations where he was instrumental in leading strategic corporate initiatives such as persistency, customer experience and operational excellence. As a result of Mr. Miller’s stellar performance, in 2016 he was named Chief Administrative Officer and head of Aflac Group.

Virgil R. Miller was promoted to his current position in January 2018. Under Mr. Miller’s leadership, Aflac Group Insurance Company has realized astounding numbers; overall pre-tax earnings improved remarkably by the year 2020, and new revenue has increased more than 20 percent. As Aflac’s COO, the company has achieved the highest persistency rate in its 63-year history. In addition to these achievements, the customer service center was awarded the prestigious JD Power certification which demonstrates Aflac’s dedication to providing the highest levels of customer satisfaction. Aflac was also recognized as an industry leader in innovation with the conception of the One Day PaySM initiative, receiving the Digital Edge 25 Award and the Information Week Elite 100 Award for how Aflac pays claims. In 2018, Miller was awarded the prestigious Stevie Award by the American Business Association for Executive of the Year in the insurance industry.

Virgil R. Miller has also been recognized by Black Enterprise Magazine as one of the most powerful executives in corporate America. Mr. Miller’s most recent accomplishment is his appointment as co-chair of the Southeast U.S. Japan Association. He is also a director of NIO Innovative Technologies LTD. Mr. Miller’s journey in leadership began when he joined the United States Marines Corps at the youthful age of 17. After his military career, including serving in Operation Desert Storm, he entered his first corporate management job with Walmart. Mr. Miller transitioned from Walmart to another Fortune 500 company, GEICO, and was promoted 15 times during his 13-year tenure.

Virgil R. Miller holds an MBA from Wesleyan, a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Georgia College & State University, and Six Sigma/PMP certifications from Villanova University. Mr. Miller currently serves on the Board of Directors for the South Carolina State Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors for the Palmetto Health Foundation. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for Claflin University, the Group Insurance Executive Council, the Midlands Executive Business Forum, the Palmetto Business Forum, and the Columbia Urban League.


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Virgil R. Miller (Cont’d) Virgil R. Miller is a family man. He and his wife, Stephanie, are the proud parents of two daughters, Monique and Ravyn. Mr. Miller has worked for the church most of his life starting at the age of 7 by taking up collections in his hometown church, Friendship AME (Gray, GA). He later became a member of the Brotherhood at Beulahland Bible Church (Macon, GA). For several years, he worked for and ran the media ministry for Pastor E. Dewey Smith, Jr. at Beulahland and the Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church (Atlanta, GA) and the House of Hope (Atlanta, GA).

Mr. President, upon recommendation of the Gammon Theological Seminary Board of Trustees, the faculty, and Board of Trustees of the Interdenominational Theological Center, I am pleased to present Virgil R. Miller for 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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INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES ~ 2020-2021

Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton – Chair Dr. Lula Bailey Ballton Brigadier General (Retired) Sheila R. Baxter Mr. Calvin E. Booker Rep. Roger Bruce Dr. Jacqui L. Burton – Secretary Rev. Dr. Timm Cyrus – Vice-Chair Dr. Reginald Dawkins Bishop David A. Hall, Sr. Dr. Philipia Hillman Bishop L. Jonathan Holston Bishop Reginald T. Jackson Mr. Robert MacAlpine, Treasurer Bishop Michael L. Mitchell Dr. Mackie L. Harper Norris Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. Mr. Robert Rumley Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr. Dr. Aidsand Wright-Riggins Rev. Dr. Anita Green, Alumni Representative Dr. David Whitworth, Faculty Representative Ms. Andrea Lewis, Student Representative


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ITC FULL-TIME FACULTY 2020-2021

Lisa M. Allen-McLaurin, Ph.D., Helmar Emil Nielsen Professor, Church Music and Worship, Degree Coordinator Reginaldo Braga, Ed.D., Associate Professor, Christian Education, MA in Religion and Education, Degree Coordinator

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

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., Jarena Lee Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling

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, Early Christian Scriptures (New Testament), Degree Coordinator

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].

While every effort is made to ensure accuracy in the ITC 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. The ITC’s official registry for conferral of degrees is the student’s permanent academic record, maintained by the Office of the Registrar.

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

Atlanta, GA 30314-4143

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Sixty–First Commencement Exercises