Alumni News
Rev. Mariama White-Hammond (STH ’17) Speaks at Virtual Event Entitled “Challenging Environmental Racism: From the Local to the Global”
Panelists Discuss Environmental Racism, Effects Of Climate Change
This article was originally published here, by The Heights.
Social justice and ecological advocate Rev. Mariama White-Hammond said that the fight against climate change is not so much an attempt to save the world, as it is one to ensure humanity’s survival.
“I just want to make it clear that Mother Earth will be okay and will continue to survive,” White-Hammond said. “She may look different, she may have lost some of her members, but she will continue to evolve and survive. The question is whether or not she will continue to be a hospitable home for us.”
At a virtual event entitled “Challenging Environmental Racism: From the Local to the Global,” held on Dec. 1, environmental sociologist David Pellow and White-Hammond discussed the intersection of racism, climate change, and ecological justice.
Vincent Rougeau, dean of the Boston College Law School, explained the salient nature of the panel’s topic.
“We have to recognize that racism is everyone’s problem, become actively conscious about race and racism, take actions to end racism in our daily lives, and understand that we all have a role in stopping it,” he said.
Laura Steinberg, panel moderator and Seidner Family executive director of the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society, added to Rougeau’s reasoning.
“Environmental racism reaches deep into the lifeblood of communities, causing an accumulation of environmental harms, threatening health, and eroding the value and cohesion of neighborhoods,” she said.
After talking about how he familiarized himself with environmental sociology, Pellow said that minority communities contribute the least to climate change, yet are the ones most impacted by its side effects.
“Shouldering the burden of all of that particulate matter and all of that pollution … that’s the essence of environmental and climate justice,” Pellow said. “They’re contributing the least to the problem, and yet getting the brunt of the problem.”
According to Pellow, the environmental justice movement deals with links between social inequality and the condition of the environment. He said that the state of the environment affects people’s quality of life.
“Empirical evidence of environmental racism is supported by literally thousands of studies, going back at least to the early 1970s,” Pellow said. “So, the bottom line is that low-income communities [and] communities of color face disproportionate environmental risk and exposure.”
White-Hammond said that communities and countries who contribute the least to climate change, primarily due to their lower energy consumption, are going to be the ones to face the most serious consequences.
“It is no accident that the most vulnerable communities are always asked to take on the greatest environmental danger, always,” she said.
According to White-Hammond, ecology has to do with the study of home and place. She said humans should not be looking at Earth as something they can dictate, but rather an ecosystem that they are members of.
“That ecosystem that we live in is in a crisis of relationship,” she said. “Ecological justice is the work of repairing the dysfunction in our relationships with the rest of the beings on this planet.”
If humans fail to become more sustainable in their ways, climate change could mean a dramatic shift for the future of society, according to White-Hammond.
“If we don’t shift, if we don’t evolve, if we don’t change, we will be evicted from this home,” she said.
Reverend Maria Coleman (STH ’91)
Rev. Maria Coleman, passed peacefully on Monday, January 11, after an extended illness at Portsmouth Medical Center. A retired elder, she served churches in Medford, Springfield and Milton, MA and as District Superintendent of the Connecticut Western Massachusetts District of the New England Annual Conference. Prior to ordination, she was youth pastor at the United Methodist Church of All Nations and a founder of City Lights, an Urban Youth Ministry of Boston United Methodist churches.
In retirement, she and her husband Raymond were happily at home at Wesley by the Sea in Wells, Maine. Please keep Ray and the family in your prayers.
In addition to her husband, Maria is survived by his daughters Elizabeth Coleman and Claire Miller, and her brother Donald Halfkenny of Stamburg-Söcking, Germany. She was preceded in death by her sons, Raymond Coleman, Jr. and James Donald Coleman, her parents Donald and Louise Halfkenny and her brother Peter Halfkenny.
Condolences may be sent to:
Raymond Coleman
83 Charles Wesley Court
Well, Maine 04090
Arrangements for a virtual memorial service are pending.
This obituary was originally published here, by The United Methodist Church New England Conference.
Reverend Kevin H. Barnicle (STH ’74)
Kevin H. Barnicle 72, of Mount Dora, Florida, passed away on November 26, 2019. He was born to George and Marie Gleason Barnicle in Natick, Massachusetts on June 6, 1947. He was a retired Property Manager for Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts and he was of the Anglican faith. He is survived by his husband, Philip Tomarchio, his siblings; Theodore Barnicle and Susan Barnicle both of Natick Massachusetts and Patricia McGillicuddy of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and his nephew Christopher Barnicle of Natick.
Reverend Zelma Bostick (STH ’89)
Zelma Edina Bostick was born in Boston, Massachusetts on August 30, 1950 to the late Delano M. Bostick, Sr. and Claudia G. (Clarke) Bostick.
Zelma was educated in the Boston Public School system. At a very young age, she became an enthusiastic reader. When she attended Boston Latin School for Girls, she began her love for languages which continued throughout her entire life. She loved linguistics.
Zelma received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of the State of NY, followed by a Master of Divinity from the Boston University School of Theology. She later received two Master of Education degrees; one from Suffolk University, followed by another from Cambridge College.
Zelma was a loving and fiercely protective mother of her only child Alinda who she showered with love and guidance every day of her life.
The Reverend Zelma E. Bostick was an Itinerate Elder for almost 40 years and member of the Grant AME Church in Roxbury, MA and served several AME Churches faithfully. She was active in the NEAC Women in Ministry and she served with members of Grant's Commission on Social Action with the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization. Together she worked faithfully to seek resolution on critical issues that impacted people including: affordable healthcare, unfair housing, and de-carceration. Rev. Bostick also demonstrated an unquenchable thirst for mentoring young people through their undergraduate and graduate college experiences.
Rev. Zelma Bostick served as a Lieutenant and Active Duty Chaplain in the United States Navy and as a tertiary hospital chaplain. Rev. Bostick was the 7th female African American Chaplin on active duty and she was a founding member of the Cambridge Women Veterans’ Organization.
Preceding her in death are her siblings: Delano M. Bostick, Jr., Laurazelle (Bostick) Harris, and Cleophas “Jeff” Bostick. She leaves to cherish her memory and to carry on her legacy, her daughter Alinda Bostick, her brother Charles “Statts” Wyon Bostick, and her sister Muriel Randolph (Steven). She also leaves nephews: Earl Bostick, Otis Harris, Jr., Delano Bostick III, and Vincent Randolph, niece: Damita Godfrey, great nieces: Delaney and Nayani Bostick, great nephews: Osiris and Steven Randolph and a host of other family members and friends scattered around the globe.
Zelma was a shining light to everyone that she met. Almost everyone that knew her, referred to her as “mother” or “sister” and her memory shall be forever cherished by all those whose lives she touched.
This obituary was originally posted here, by Davis Funeral Home.
Dr. Charles F. McCook (STH ’53, STH ’54, GRS ’64)
The Rev. Charles Franklin McCook, Ph.D., 93, passed peacefully Jan. 1, 2021, at WellStar West Georgia Hospice in LaGrange.
Frank lived an abundant life of service - service to God, family, church and country. He will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, philomathical theologian, caring pastor, challenging professor, passionate gardener, army vet, author, a man of proud Scottish decent and devoted follower of Christ.
Son of C.B. and Margaret Trimble McCook of Lizella, Ga., Frank was born July 20, 1927, in Macon, Ga. After graduating Macon's Lanier Boys' High School ('45), he was drafted in the army during the end of World War II. It was here he received his call to the ministry.
Upon completion of his military service, he began his career of academics, earning a bachelor's degree from Emory University, followed by his master of divinity and Ph.D. from Boston University School of Theology. While in Boston, he served at the Congregational Christian United Church of Christ in Stoneham and Belmont, Mass.
Moving his family back to Georgia, Frank served pastoral appointments in South Georgia, including, UMC circuit pastor for Hagan, Ga., Mulberry Street Methodist Church, Oak Grove Congregational Church UCC, Asbury UMC.
In 1961, Frank joined the faculty of LaGrange College, where he remained for 33 years, serving as department chair of religion. During these years he assisted the college in creating a B.A. degree in Christian education, devised a religion class specifically for nursing students, developed a summer study course where students studied in Israel, and initiated Project YES for North and South Georgia UMC Conferences to train college students for summer youth work. LaGrange College currently houses Frank's collection of Israeli pottery.
Family and heritage were important to Frank. In the 1970s, he became a member of the Order of the Tartan and later served as the organization's chaplain. He was also involved with Clan Donald USA, where he became chaplain for the Georgia branch. In 1994, Frank was asked to become National Chaplain for Clan Donald USA; a position he held for 10 years. His ministry within the Scottish community also included serving as the chaplain of the Stone Mountain Highland Games for 20 years, providing spiritual guidance, christenings, worship services and weddings.
Pastoring was always a part of Frank's adult life, and he continued pastoring churches, including Antioch UCC and North Main UCC - both in Roanoke - and Harmony UMC in LaGrange, where he retired at age 90. His favorite text on which to preach was Isaiah 6:1-8. "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me'." (Isaiah 6:8)
Frank loved his family, his congregants and his students. It was his students who gave him the endearing nickname of "Froggy," which led to an impressive collection of frog figures. He was an accomplished prankster, hard to keep up with, grew the best corn, and could never be trusted near any dessert. If he was sitting down at home, be assured there was always a dog asleep in his lap.
Frank is preceded in death by his first wife, Louise Wiseman McCook, and his parents, CB and Margaret McCook.
Frank is the devoted husband of Elaine Laster McCook; loving father of Chip McCook (Judy), Don McCook (Kathleen) and Jennifer McCook Johnson (Steve); adored Papa of Nora McCook (Claire), Meredith McCook Prosak (Aaron), Austin McCook, Caitlin McCook (Jason), Noah Johnson (Courtney), Addie Johnson Brown (Shannon), Carsten Johnson (Kirsten), Hannah Johnson and seven great-grandchildren; brother to Nancy McCook Spence and proud uncle to numerous nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law to Reba and Teeny Smith, Alvous and Bobby Lassetter, Jane and Charles Custer, Linda and Coleman Cody.
Memorial donations may be made to the Dr. C. Frank McCook Scholarship Endowment Fund, payable to Georgia United Methodist Foundation, P.O. Box 922087, Peachtree Corners, GA, 30010-2087 (note Dr. McCook Scholarship in memo line). A celebration of Frank's life will be held in the spring.
Higgins Funeral Home at Hunter Allen Myhand, LaGrange.
This obituary was originally posted here, by The Randolph Leader.com.
Mrs. Janis E. Rand (STH ’65)
Janis Rand returned to the Lord on December 6, 2020 after a short decline. She was born to Ada (Gould) and George Rand on January 17, 1936. She was the 6th child of 10, all of whom have passed. She grew up in foster care with Bertha Yeaton from the age of 12 in Poland, Maine at the Methodist Campground. She graduated from Edward Little HS in 1954, went on to Gorham Teachers' College and then to Boston University for a Masters in Religious Education. At the Methodist Church in Arlington MA, she met and later married James Rand, who had the same last name. They moved to Auburn in 1965 and had a small hobby farm with goats. She taught second grade at Sherwood Heights School for many years and they owned Valetone Cleaners, where they both worked after her retirement from teaching. She is survived by her two children, Nancy and her husband Tony Linz, and son, Tom Rand, and her former daughter in law, Nicole. She had many grandchildren and great grandchildren that brought joy to her final years.
Due to the pandemic the family is postponing a celebration of life party until the summer of 2021
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church in Lewiston or any charity that helps those in need.
For anyone who would like to be informed of arrangements send and email to janisrand2@gmail.com
This obituary was originally posted here, by Funeral Alternatives Group.
Mr. Lowell K. Haynes (STH ’71)
Lowell Haynes of Newton, MA died on December 14, 2020 from a rare blood cancer called myelofibrosis.
Lowell was born on March 29, 1938 and grew up in Pueblo Colorado. He graduated from Westmar College, got a Bachelor of Divinity from the University of Chicago and a Masters of Sacred Theology from Boston University. He served as a campus minister in State College, Pennsylvania and in Pittsburgh where he worked with Fred Rogers. Lowell gradually migrated east, living in Boston for the last fifty years of his life where he worked as the Director of the Newton Multi-Service Center and as Director of Human Services for the City of Newton.
He had different callings in his lifetime but was always dedicated to helping people. As a minister and as a dedicated human services professional, he was especially devoted to supporting teens and the elderly. He was a wonderful listener and a master of detail who took great pleasure in organizing his 60th high school reunion. He loved athletics, running the Boston Marathon several times and competing and winning road races into his 70's. He also coached his son's baseball team to a town championship. In his later years he played softball, biked and played racket ball into his 80's. Lowell was an avid follower of both politics and sports, and a lifetime fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the University of Colorado Buffalos.
Lowell leaves a son, Eric Haynes, a photographer, and Marsha Lazar, his loving partner of 30 years. A virtual remembrance will be held in January to celebrate Lowell's life. Donations in his name can be made to any organization that fights for equity and justice for all.
This obituary was originally posted here, by Legacy.com.
Reverend Donald E. Day (STH ’59, STH ’61)
Reverend Donald Day died December 5, 2020, at Crystal Brooks Gem Unit at the age of 89 years.
Donald was born on September 12, 1931, to Everett and Hazel (Risch) Day in Appleton, Minnesota. After high school graduation, he attended St. Cloud State University until 1951 when the Appleton National Guard was called to active duty during the Korean War. Upon honorable discharge, he attended Hamline University, graduating in 1956. During his Hamline years, his studies were again delayed for a year as he served on a deputation team working in churches to revitalize ministries through Methodist Youth Fellowship. It was during this year that Donald first felt the call to serve the Lord through ministry. He attended Boston University School of Theology earning a Bachelor of Divinity degree (1959) and a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling (1961). A second focus emerged in 1956 when he met Virginia Fairchild. They married in 1958 to enjoy 62 years of marriage. Children, Annette, Elizabeth, and Douglas soon joined the family. While at Boston University, he served two student charges; Pawtucket Congregational Church, Lowell, MA, as a youth minister and a pastor at Weirs Beach/Lakeport Methodist churches in New Hampshire. In 1961, he was ordained as Elder in the Methodist Annual Conference. He retired in 1998 upon serving 42 years in ministry and chaplaincy. He was appointed to the following MN churches; Waite Park (1961-66), Epworth Church in Minneapolis (1966-68), Riverside United Methodist in Park Rapids (1971-81), Fourth Avenue in Fairbault (1981-89), and St. Paul’s Mendota Heights (1989-1998). He also worked as a minister to children at First Church in St. Cloud (1964-66). Following three summers of chaplaincy training, he served as Chaplain/Case Worker at Bar None Ranch for Boys in St. Francis (1968-71). Donald took special pleasure in the churches he served, to share in the lives and spiritual journey of people was a privilege. He conducted over 200 weddings, 102 in Park Rapids alone. His involvement with young people was a consistent emphasis of his ministry. An ecumenical tent ministry at Riverside; Wednesday meals with MYF programs to forty youth in several churches, developing and leading Conference camping programs such as bike camps, children’s musicals, dramas, and missionary trips. He loved it all. He served on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry for eight years, acting as Registrar for Candidacy for four years, also the Board of Evangelism and Camping even into retirement. In each community, Don sought civic engagement. In Park Rapids, he was instrumental in starting the Day Activity Center, the beginnings of the PR youth hockey program with Ted Johnson. He was honored to receive recognition from that program in 2004. Into his 80’s, he taught ping-pong at the PR afterschool program. In Fairbault, Don was instrumental in initiating senior meals, chaired The United Way campaign, and actively participated in the Rotary Club. In Mendota Heights, he extensively helped in the start of a Latino Methodist Church and the U of M Ag Grad program. He deeply believed in justice for all and the commandment of loving the neighbor as oneself.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Hazel Day; his in-laws, George, and Ruby Fairchild; sisters-in-law, Elisa Day, Mary Clark, Barbara Strope, Judy Hansen; brothers-in-law, Jack Anderson, Thomas Hansen, Dick Clark, Stanley Fairchild, Neil Fairchild, Howard Oien; niece, Beth Caswell and nephew, Jimmy Day.
Donald is survived by his wife, Virginia Fairchild Day; Children: Annette Day (TonyPaukert), Elizabeth Davis (Thomas) and Douglas Day (Kimberly); Grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Rachelle Davis Taghikhani and Jason (Colton), Jacob Davis, Adam Ward, and Laura (Kinsley and Livvy), Regan Schaff and Elliot, and Kennedy Day. He is also survived by his siblings: Richard Day (Judy), Veneta Anderson, Helen Vulu; one aunt, Violet Risch; sisters-in-law: Oma Fairchild, Ardis Fairchild, and Harriet Oien; brothers-in-law: Donald Fairchild (Judy); beloved cousins and many loved nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials preferred to CHI St. Joseph’s Health Hospice Care or Riverside UMC Columbarium.
This obituary was originally published here, by Jones-Pearson Funeral Home.
Reverend Dr. Joseph C. Evers (GRS ’62, STH ’62)
It is with great sadness that the family of Rev. Dr. Joseph (Joe) Calvin Carr Evers announces his passing on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 at the age of 93.
Joe lived in Orange City, Florida, with his wife, Karen Way Sanner Evers, and had served as a pastor for over 70 years.
Joe was born in Metropolis, Illinois, on Dec. 17, 1926.
Preceding Joe in death were his parents, Luther L. Evers and Nellie (nee Trovillion) Evers.
Joe has five children, Mark Evers (Mary), Dan Evers (LaVonne Stangle), and Jane Ann Comeau from his first marriage to Anna Lee Evers; and Kevin Evers (Carla), and Karmen Birdsell (Doug) from his second marriage to Karen Way Sanner Evers.
Joe also has 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Joe graduated from Metropolis High School and then attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
While attending SIU, Joe was licensed, at the age of 17, as a United Methodist Pastor with the Southern Illinois United Methodist Conference (now Great Rivers United Methodist Conference).
Joe received his Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and later went on to receive his Doctorate Degree from Boston University School of Theology.
Joe served many churches throughout Southern Illinois.
After retiring from the Great Rivers UM Conference, Joe and Karen moved to Red Bird Missionary Conference in Beverly Kentucky where Joe served as the pastor of the Beverly United Methodist Church for seven years.
He went on to serve congregations for the Presbyterian Church in Virginia, Illinois, Quincy, Illinois, and DeBary, Florida.
Joe then started his own Community Church at the 55+ community where he and Karen resided in DeBary.
Joe was known for his humor, and for always having a joke or a funny story to share.
Joe was also known for his preaching and love of U.S. History.
Joe enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Kentucky Wildcats basketball, playing golf, volunteering with Kiwanis and other community groups; also traveling with his wife, Karen, and visiting with all of his family and friends.
The family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date to be determined because of COVID.
In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation of your choice to your local Kiwanis Club or local United Methodist church.
The obituary was originally posted here, by Legacy.com.
Dr. Edwin S. Stefan (STH ’60)
Dr. Edwin S. Stefan went home to be with the Lord on December 11, 2020, at The Heritage in Findlay, OH.
He was born to the late Edwin and Loraine (Holzinger) Stefan on November 18, 1933. On August 30, 1959, he married Katheryn J. (Rouse) who survives him. He has three daughters Cynthia L. Sharp, Deborah A. (Fernando) Escamilla and Jennifer S. Stefan. He has four living grandchildren: Evan Escamilla Flury (Roger Flury), Sierra Sharp, Sasha Escamilla and Andrew Sharp. A grandson, Marshall Escamilla preceded him in death. He will be missed by family, friends and former student Tena (Jim) Kirk. He had three beloved dogs in his life: Teddy Bear, Skipper and Spenser.
Education and learning were lifelong pursuits. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Carroll College in Waukesha, WI, Masters of Divinity from Garrett Theological Seminary at Northwestern in Evanston, IL, STM from Boston University, a Doctorate of Religion from Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, CA. He also took a Sabbatical at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He served as a minister in MI, MA, WI, CA and OH.
In 1969 Ed began his teaching career at Findlay College/The University of Findlay, retiring in 1995 as Professor Emeritus of Psychology. He enjoyed challenging students through innovative courses. He developed as well as directed an internship program known as CUE (Community Urban Experiences) for the Psychology Department which is still in existence today.
His interests included travel, hiking, backpacking and ballroom dancing. Ed traveled the world and never knew a stranger. He loved and accepted people regardless of race, religion or nationality. Even struggling with Alzheimer's at the Legacy, he found a way to brighten other people's day and bring a smile to their face.
He was also inspired to compose music, songs of faith and a Polka. His family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at the Legacy and the Heritage. We appreciate more than we can express the great care of Dr. Jacobus as well as all of the Hospice team. We are forever grateful to Dr. Sharon Cole, Dr. Haq and the staff of Orion Cancer Care and Dr. Lutz for helping Ed have many extra years with us.
Due to COVID-19 a private service is being held at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church on December 14, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. The service will be livestreamed and available for viewing on the church's website www.saumcfindlay.org or their Facebook page. A celebration of life is planned for a later date. Burial will be at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Milwaukee, WI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Coldren-Crates Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be sent by visiting coldrencrates.com. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Edwin S. Stefan Scholarship Endowment Fund in care of University of Findlay. 1000 N. Main St. or Cancer Patient Services, 1800 N. Blanchard St.
This obituary was originally posted here, by The Courier.