Bishop Lowry Delivers Keynote Address / Receives Honorary Doctor of Divinity During United Theological Seminary Spring Commencement
United Theological Seminary celebrated 92 women and men who have completed their theological education and are going out to serve as faithful, fruitful leaders of the Church during its Spring Commencement on May 18. Bishop Lowry delivered the commencement address to a packed house at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton, OH, encouraging graduates to keep Jesus at the center of their lives and ministries.
Among the graduating class were 48 receiving master’s degrees, 31 receiving the Doctor of Ministry degree and 5 completing the Course of Study for United Methodist licensed local pastors.
“I am humbled and thankful for the honor accorded me by United Theological Seminary,” said Bishop Lowry following the commencement ceremony. “It is a high privilege to serve United Theological Seminary, one of our 13 United Methodist Seminaries. United’s dedication to the historic faith of the Christian church, to scriptural holiness, and to the renewal of the church marks it out as a truly distinctive leading seminary.”
Besides the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree, special awards were presented to 16 current and graduating students who have demonstrated academic excellence, outstanding leadership skills or promising ministerial work. The high number of special awards is something Bishop Lowry credits to both the dedication and caliber of the students as well as the culture of excellence throughout the seminary.
"The passionate commitment to high quality teaching and preparation for local church ministry is transforming,” exclaimed Bishop Lowry. “The breadth of scholarship is impressive. The dedication to personal and social holiness is inspiring.”
Among the graduating class were 48 receiving master’s degrees, 31 receiving the Doctor of Ministry degree and 5 completing the Course of Study for United Methodist licensed local pastors.
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| Bishop Mike Lowry receives the hood for the honorary Doctor of Divinity, presented by David Watson, Academic Dean, and James Tharp, chair of United's Board of Trustees (Photo: Reginald Worthen Photography) |
During the ceremony, United Theological Seminary bestowed Bishop Lowry with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in recognition of his longstanding commitment to supporting vibrant churches and communities through practices such as evangelism, stewardship and service, as well as for his outstanding leadership in The UMC.
“I am humbled and thankful for the honor accorded me by United Theological Seminary,” said Bishop Lowry following the commencement ceremony. “It is a high privilege to serve United Theological Seminary, one of our 13 United Methodist Seminaries. United’s dedication to the historic faith of the Christian church, to scriptural holiness, and to the renewal of the church marks it out as a truly distinctive leading seminary.”
Besides the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree, special awards were presented to 16 current and graduating students who have demonstrated academic excellence, outstanding leadership skills or promising ministerial work. The high number of special awards is something Bishop Lowry credits to both the dedication and caliber of the students as well as the culture of excellence throughout the seminary.
"The passionate commitment to high quality teaching and preparation for local church ministry is transforming,” exclaimed Bishop Lowry. “The breadth of scholarship is impressive. The dedication to personal and social holiness is inspiring.”
About United
United Theological Seminary is a graduate professional school of The United Methodist Church offering masters and doctoral theological degrees and continuing education with programs offered on campus and online. United's goal is to prepare faithful, fruitful leaders to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Learn more at www.united.edu.