Success, Expansion, and New Beginnings

The General Seminary’s Annual Alumni Association Meeting on October 30 brought together more than 60 alumni on Zoom for a discussion about the seminary’s future and recent achievements. Led by President Ian Markham and Dean Michael DeLashmutt, the meeting provided significant updates on enrollment growth, campus transformations, and plans for alumni engagement.

Highlights from President Markham’s Address

President Markham highlighted the recent growth of the hybrid MDiv program, which now makes GTS the second-largest training institution of ordination-track MDiv students for The Episcopal Church, an incredible turnaround from just a few years ago!

President Markham also outlined the details of the recently finalized lease agreement with Vanderbilt University, which will allow GTS to continue to own and operate from our beloved Close while benefiting from extensive renovations and an annual rental income. “We’re looking at a campus that will be renovated, a significant rent, and year-round presence. This is a solid foundation for General’s next chapter,” he explained.

Dean DeLashmutt on Enrollment and Program Development

Dean Michael DeLashmutt’s presentation featured a detailed overview of the hybrid MDiv program, which has seen impressive enrollment growth. “In 2024, we have 44 MDiv students from 30 dioceses across The Episcopal Church,” he reported, crediting the program’s flexible approach and dedicated faculty for its success. DeLashmutt expressed excitement about the national reach of the program, with students from Alaska to Florida, and Maine to California.

The Dean shared student feedback, noting the strong emphasis on spiritual and vocational formation in the program. He also hailed the innovative “mentor teams” structure (one of the distinctive elements of the program), which brings together the student, their field education supervisor, a long-term friend, and the faculty advisor for monthly conversations which, in his words, “cultivates relationships and ensures ongoing formation across distance.”

Plans for the Keller Library and Rare Materials

Questions from alumni about library resources sparked a detailed discussion on plans for the Library. President Markham affirmed the library’s importance, mentioning that rare materials, including the historic Seabury papers, are safely housed in The General Theological Seminary Collection at the Bishop Payne Library and that these will be available to scholars and alumni. Plans are in place to ensure that the alumni have access to both the physical and electronic resources of the library, with further developments expected in the coming year.

Alumni Engagement and Future Gatherings

Dean DeLashmutt revealed plans to revitalize alumni engagement with the return of in-person events on campus. “We’re tentatively planning an alumni-focused week for the second week of June, including the Paddock Lectures, the Distinguished Alumni Award, the Memorial Eucharist, and a retreat,” he announced. Alumni were encouraged to “pencil in” the dates and look forward to reconnecting on the renovated campus. Up to 45 dorm rooms will be available for the week!

Concluding Remarks

The meeting concluded with a warm expression of gratitude from Susan Wrathall, outgoing President of the Alumni Executive Committee, whose service spanned 15 years in various roles. Alumni voiced appreciation for the dedication and transparency shown by the Seminary’s leadership in navigating this transformative period.

With strengthened programming and a vibrant alumni community, the Seminary looks forward to a promising future that honors its past while adapting to new demands.