Alumni News

Prof. Shively T. J. Smith records the Book of Revelation for The People’s Book

Assistant Professor of New Testament Shively T. J. Smith has lent her voice to recording the book of Revelation for The People's Book. The People's Book is a collaboration between The Friendship Press and the National Council of Churches, and it is described as an “ever-expanding audio Bible narrated by Black, Brown, Asian, and Indigenous voices.”

Other well-known leaders who have recorded books for this audio publication include Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, and Dr. Teresa Fry Brown.

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Reverend Dr. Titus Presler (STH’95) Publishes “The Poverty Captivity of Mission in the Churches—and Strategies for Its Liberation”

The following is an excerpt from the International Bulletin of Mission Research article "The Poverty Captivity of  Mission in the Churches — And Strategies for its Liberation" by Reverend Dr. Titus Presler, published on December 22, 2021. 


"Western world mission initiatives since World War II have become captive to a dominant emphasis on socioeconomic amelioration. The Poverty Captivity of Mission departs from the economically multivalent mission patterns of Jesus, early Christian communities, and the medieval church. It typically recapitulates assumptions of Western and white superiority embedded in colonial emphases on “civilizing” mission. Strategies for its liberation include learning from the Majority World, reaching middle and elite classes as well as the poor, developing relationships of companionship and friendship, and employing asset-based community development."


Read the full article here. 

Reverend Vernon K. Walker (STH’16) Publishes Article on “Envisioning a Greener Future”

The following is an excerpt from the Climate Policy Lab article “Envisioning a Greener Future: Transforming VoTech Education through Environmental Justice” by Reverend Vernon K. Walker, published on January 11, 2024. 


"In the summer of 2023, as part of a groundbreaking research project at Tufts University, I embarked on a mission to weave environmental justice into the fabric of vocational technical (VoTech) education. The urgency of climate change and the evolving job market demands a new approach to vocational training –  one that embraces sustainability and equity. Thanks to the Tufts CREATE Fellowship, my team and I were empowered to conduct an interdisciplinary study that could potentially reshape vocational education for future generations."


Read the full article here.

Reverend Dr. Titus Presler (STH’95) Appointed Executive Director of Global Episcopal Mission Network

The following is an excerpt from the Global Episcopal Mission Network article “The Rev. Canon Titus Presler, Th.D., D.D."


"GEMN’s executive director since May 2022, Titus Presler is an Episcopal missiologist with extended mission experience in Africa and Asia.  He grew up in India as the child of missionary theological educators.  He and his wife Jane served as missionaries in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe during the 1980s after that country’s Liberation War.  More recently he served four years as principal of Edwardes College, a church undergraduate and graduate institution in Peshawar, Pakistan.  He was president of GEMN from 2018 to 2022 and is a member of the Board of Bridges to Pakistan, a GEMN member organization based in Texas."


Read the full article here. 

Dr. Dai Sil Kim-Gibson (GRS’69, STH’69)

Dr. Dai Sil Kim-Gibson passed away on October 22, 2023 at the age of 85. A formal obituary is coming soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Kim-Gibson's family during this time.

This photograph comes from a BU Today article about Dr. Kim-Gibson and can be found here.

Mrs. Darlene E. Jonas (STH ’60)

This obituary was originally posted by Groce Funeral Home & Cremation Service and can be found here.

Darlene Evans Jonas, 89, was born on January 4, 1935 in Los Angeles, California to her mother Della May Evans. She passed away peacefully Friday, February 9, 2024 at RiverBend in Asheville, NC after bravely living with Parkinson’s disease for over 20 years. Darlene was surrounded by family and those who loved her dearly.

Darlene’s mother Della, her sister Claudette, and Darlene moved to Phoenix, Arizona to live with her grandmother Hanson when Darlene was a young girl. Della soon married Keith Evans and he became an important figure and adoptive father to Darlene. She and her sister grew up during the Great Depression and World War II in Phoenix and her beloved Grandma Hanson took in roomers and boarders in their home to make ends meet. Their dinner table was always full with the wives of soldiers who were serving in the war, and families and single men who needed a warm meal and a safe place to sleep. These people and their stories became an important part of Darlene’s extended family and would impact Darlene’s lifelong commitment to create a safe shelter for all those she encountered.

Growing up, Darlene was a stellar student, active in the youth group and choir at Central Methodist Church on Central Avenue, played piano, and enjoyed sports. She attributed her lifelong curiosity and drive for education to her Grandma Hanson. Darlene graduated from Phoenix Union High School (“On Coyotes!” and “Old PU”, she would joke) and went on to Arizona State University, graduating in 1956 with a degree in Sociology. Upon graduation, her commitment to the Methodist church inspired her to continue her education and make a drive across the country (car breaking down along the way) to attend Boston University and study Theology. Darlene’s curiosity during this time inspired a trip on the ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth II, crossing the Atlantic to spend a semester living in and exploring England with her sister.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Eric Jonas, whom she met while earning her Master’s degree in Religious Education at Boston University. At the time, Eric was attending Harvard Law School. They had a chance meeting at a Thanksgiving dinner in 1960, and the “rest is history”, she liked to say. They loved their time in Boston and took in music by the Boston Symphony and the Pops, saw Ted Williams play at Fenway Park, and heard Malcolm X speak at Harvard. Darlene and Eric were married in 1962 at Trinity Church in Boston.

After relocating to Eric’s hometown of Charlotte in 1963, Darlene and Eric became the proud parents of four children born within five years. She would jokingly refer to those busy years raising babies and toddlers as the “blurred” years and also her happiest times because she loved being a Mom. An active parent, Darlene served as PTA President at AG Junior High and attended countless school and extracurricular events. She started a Great Books program and created a nature trail at Selwyn Elementary where her children attended. Darlene and her family were members of Covenant Church where Darlene was an active church member serving as an elder, supporting her children in youth groups and choir, and delivering food to others with Meals on Wheels. She created a home that welcomed all for meals and additional children and teenagers were always in the mix. Darlene introduced her children to camping with her dear friend Martha Mallory and created memories like climbing Mt. LeConte together as a family, Christmas family sing-alongs with the Goolsby and Mallory families, wonderful shared holiday meals, chasing crabs on the beach at Ocean Isle, and family basketball games in the backyard. She enjoyed playing tennis with friends, took up running and yoga, loved a challenging crossword puzzle, a witty joke, taking care of her azaleas, snuggling with the family dogs, cooking for her family, and traveling with family and friends.

Darlene went on to become a passionate teacher, social worker, and champion for affordable housing. She taught as an adjunct professor at Queens University, and worked at Crisis Assistance Ministry when that now essential community resource was in its early days. Darlene found her true calling as a social worker with the Charlotte Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. In 1991, Darlene and a couple of colleagues at Habitat for Humanity had the audacious idea to have a crew of only women build a house from start to completion. Habitat’s “Women Build” was born and now operates all over the world and continues its original mission to provide opportunities to empower women from all walks of life. Above all, Darlene was a voracious lifelong learner, poet, writer, and thinker who loved discussing big ideas with friends and family. Her indomitable spirit was a source of inspiration to all who knew her. When she learned she had Parkinson’s disease, she sprung into action and joined the board of the Parkinson’s Association of the Carolinas, started a yoga class for people struggling with the disease, lobbied on Capitol Hill with the Parkinson’s Action Network for increased funding for neurological diseases, and supported others who were impacted by the disease.

Darlene/Nanny/Nanza touched countless lives with her empathy, wisdom, insight, and need to build deep friendships and relationships with her children, their families, and their friends. She is survived by her sister, Claudette Warlick; children Rick, Jim, Don, and Annie Jonas; grandchildren Bennett, Markey, Henry, MaryElizabeth, Finn, and Gabriel; daughters in law Karin Jonas, Debbie Jonas, and Stacey Enos; sister in law Alice Jonas, extended family; many dear friends and adopted family she loved, including Tess, Violet, and Jordan Kelly, Hans Von Bulow, Lucie Hills, Tripp Funderburk, and Karen Hoglen who all embraced her as Mom/Nanny.

The family is grateful for the support and love from kind and caring friends and caretakers who supported her and allowed her to continue to be her curious, kind, witty, and joyful self into her final days.

A memorial service will be held in Charlotte at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 2 at 1 pm.

In place of flowers, donations can be made in Darlene’s honor to Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte or Four Seasons Hospice of Hendersonville.

Reverend Dr. Richard R. Streeter (STH ’65)

This obituary was originally posted by Dignity Memorial and can be found here.

On January 25, 2024, a legend was born. The Reverend Doctor Richard R. (Dick) Streeter, Servant of God, Beloved Pastor, Minister to All, passed peacefully in the arms of his beautiful wife Patricia surrounded by loving family.

His biggest pride - his family - carries on his legacy with honor: Sweetheart of over 65 years, Patricia Ann Streeter (Barr), Sons and Daughters-in-Law; Mark A. Streeter (Robin), Timothy J. Streeter (Kelley), Stephen P. Streeter (Rosemary), Daughters and Sons-in-Law; Deborah RS Davitt (Andrew), Sarah E. Black (Robert).

Fourteen Grandchildren he loves MORE: Lucius ‘Luke’ R. Streeter, II, Josh M. Streeter (Miranda), Kylie (Streeter) Gialloreto (Mike), Emma G. Streeter (soon to be Nadeau (Mike), Lilly E. Streeter, Alyson L. Streeter, Reilly M. Streeter, Hayley M. Boettcher, William A. Black, Claudia N. Boettcher, Eva P. Black, Hayden L. Streeter, Timothy R. Black, Kyle A. Boettcher.

Two of the cutest Great Grandsons: Nathan M. Streeter (3 yrs.) and Declan J. Streeter (1 yr.)

And many fiercely loved nephews, nieces, cousins and in-laws residing in the US and throughout the world.

Truly, he was immediately ushered into Paradise by his doting Irish Clan, especially his Mother and Father: Lucius R. Streeter and Jessie Carmel McDowell Streeter, his two beautiful sisters; Annette Emerson (Skip) and Margaret Evans (Jack) along with his Massie and Dassie and so many treasured family members and friends. The tea, bikkies, hugs and laughs are flowing.

Dick grew up with his single Mom (Dad Lucius, a WWI Hero and member of the famed Lost Battalion, was tragically killed in a car accident in 1938) and two older sisters Margaret and Annette. They lived on the South Side of Syracuse, NY on the same street with their large, extended Belfast, Ireland family. Here love, loyalty, hard work, resilience and faith had the run of the block. In Dick’s published book “The Only Thing We Have is Our Name – Mom”, he details stories of growing up which turn to be life lessons for all.

He graduated from Onondaga Valley Academy where he played Ice Hockey, Football and Baseball. “Dickie” was known for his “smile he had for all”. He began work at 11 years old washing dishes in his Uncle’s restaurant – The Brae Loch Inn - and running a city paper route. During high school, he learned the mason trade through his mentor George Kurak. He became a licensed mason and honed these skills throughout his lifetime. He gave all his earnings to his Mom to help with family expenses.

His drive and work ethic earned him an undergraduate degree from Colgate University, Masters Degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary, New York University and Boston University School of Theology and a Doctorate Degree from Eastern Theological Seminary, now Palmer Theological Seminary.

Interwoven through these advancing degrees, are the People and Parishes he, along with his family, served.

In the late 1950s, Dick and Pat journeyed to Arkansas; Atkins and Yellville. First serving as a Missionary for the First Presbyterian Church Atkins ministering to rural Ozarks. Then on to new church development as the inaugural Pastor for the First Presbyterian Church Yellville, growing the church to prominence and still thriving today. Always protecting his flock, Dick sprang into action when he heard of an illegal drug operation flying drugs in an out of a small airport in Flippen, AR. Together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office (Robert Kennedy) and the FBI, the drug ring was dismantled. During this time, Arkansas was burning as a hot bed of civil rights violations and violence. Dick tirelessly fought for equal rights and desegregation. Despite threats of violence on his life, he rallied surrounding clergy to fight the injustice and was present for the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School. He stood with and marched alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. and continued carry on King’s mission throughout his lifetime.

In the early to mid-1960s, Dick answered a calling to Andover, MA taking on the role of Youth Pastor for South Church of Andover under the leadership of Rev. Frederick Noss. Along with pastoring and mentoring the youth, he was asked to preach from time to time. One Sermon led to preaching almost every Sunday. The congregation grew. Upon Reverend Noss’ retirement, the church offered Dick the job of Head Pastor. Although an honor, his heart was true to the Presbyterian Church. He accepted a position in Rahway, NJ.

Mid 1960’s to early 1970’s, he served the Second Presbyterian Church of Rahway, NJ. He exponentially grew the church through his community outreach and leadership. He set up the church to serve as a safe haven for families impacted by the Civil Rights crises. Because of Dick’s impact in community, the NJ State Police called upon him to help quell the 1971 Rahway State Prison Thanksgiving Day riot. Prisoner grievances were heard, hostages were released and reforms made. He established Food Banks, Toy Drives and youth mentoring. Despite death threats on his own life, Dick continued to drive home God’s call for ALL to come together as one in spite of differences. He fought the fight and moved mountains in Rahway until 1972.

Dick and family came to Paoli, PA in 1972. He proudly served Paoli Presbyterian Church (PPC) from 1972 to 2003 and is currently Pastor Emeritus. His community outreach, passion for ministering to those both within and outside of the church along with his great love for each of his congregants, grew the church leading to building expansion and a new sanctuary. One of his proudest accomplishments was growing the Mission Program (local and abroad) to 50% of the entire PPC budget. He fostered a mission-oriented church monumentally serving those in need. When Dick heard that PPC’s original church building, located in the center of Paoli, was to be torn down, he launched a campaign to save the church to preserve PPC’s important history. Dick garnered the funds to uproot the little church and along with some members of PPC, the community and the Historical Society, gingerly transported the gem to PPC property where it now rests for generations to enjoy.

He loved his ministry at PPC and in the Paoli community. He cherished all his ministries, people he served and his esteemed colleagues. He loved hugging all children (from age -1 to 100+), joking while on and off the pulpit and will forever be proud of the many accomplishments achieved together as a church family and in the community.

He served on the Board of Directors of the Upper Main Line YMCA, Paoli Fire Company, Tredyffrin Easttown School District School Board (elected President) and was a member of the Paoli Business Association (voted Citizen of the Year).

Dick’s life call and genius was to awaken hope, to live a life of service and to encourage all to live a life of love, respect and compassion for all people. This, and more, he accomplished with fervor. A Life Well Lived.

Should you wish to donate in Dick’s honor, contributions may be sent to the Mission Program at Paoli Presbyterian Church. Checks can be made payable to Paoli Presbyterian Church with “Streeter” in the memo line or you may go to https://www.paolipres.org/ and click on GIVE, ONLINE, choose STREETER MEMORIAL DONATION in the drop down.

Should you wish to honor Dick in your daily life, he would love to see you ‘love your neighbor as you love yourself’ and to always know “You are Beautiful, God Loves You, And I Love You too.” And always recycle!

The family would like to extend an invitation to all those touched by Reverend Streeter to the Memorial Service on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 11:30 AM at Paoli Presbyterian Church, 225 South Valley Rd., Paoli, PA 19301, 610-644-8250.

Reception to follow at the church in the Forrester Lounge.

The Service will be Livestreamed. To view, please go to:

https://vimeo.com/EVENT/4060884

Minister, Full-Time, NACCC: Harpswell Center, ME

The Elijah Kellogg Church, Congregational, (NACCC) stands in historic Harpswell Center, Maine. We welcome and reach out to all who seek community. The Church's spire is visible from the sea, and has guided many captains and passengers to get their bearings. Over the years, the congregation has likewise provided support to community members ever since being founded in 1843 and named after the first minister. Harpswell is a picturesque town in MidCoast Maine, with more than 90 islands. In 2022 our longtime minister retired - might you be the new leader to join us in 2024? Please request a copy of the church profile - pulpit.committee.EKC@gmail.com

Additional Information: https://elijahkelloggchurch.org/

Dr. Nelson Robert Cowan (STH’19) Publishes Worship Any Time or Place

Dr. Nelson Robert Cowan (STH'19) authored the 2024 book: Worship Any Time or Place. 

Dr. Cowan says:

"Worship Any Time or Place is a compact collection (pocket sized) of over 200 resources for corporate worship and personal devotion, intended for clergy and laity. For clergy, this volume contains resources for the administration of the sacraments, as well as funeral services and other “pastor-led” moments. The majority of resources, however, are suitable for laity. Some may serve in a variety of church leadership roles, such as worship planners and leaders, lay servants, liturgists, congregational care ministers, deaconesses and home missioners, and members of committees and leadership teams. Others may want these resources to expand and nurture their life of prayer as parents, teachers, business executives, neighbors, justice-seekers, caretakers, retirees—and all of God’s people. Worship Any Time or Place equips these people to offer a steady, capable, prayerful voice to the myriad moments of life that take place between the Lord’s Day and the rest of the week."

Order a copy of the book here or here.

Dr. Heather Rene Josselyn-Cranson (STH’00,’05) Co-Edits Living the Church’s Song

Dr. Heather Rene Josselyn-Cranson (STH'00,'05) co-edited the 2023 text: Living the Church's Song.

The book description states:

"This anthology is the result of several years of work by the Liturgical Music Seminar of the North American Academy of Liturgy. A variety of liturgical music scholars and practitioners from various Christian denominations explore twenty-four propositions relating to music and its role in corporate worship. This wide-ranging approach results in a compilation that is both practical and informative, intended for all those who participate in sacred music, as well as for students and teachers in the discipline. Three sections—The Function of Liturgical Music, The Repertoire of Liturgical Music, and The Makers of Liturgical Music—present the diverse topics in an accessible manner. Above all, this book is meant to initiate, sustain, and further dialogue in this field into the future."

Order a copy of the book here.