The winner of the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award

The Very Rev. H. Scott Kirby '63

The Very Rev. H. Scott Kirby (Class of 1963) was the recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award. Kirby's long ministry of service and devotion to the Church has emphasized community outreach and partnership. After many years serving parishes in Western New York, New Jersey, and Kansas, he was called as Dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Eau Claire, where he led a resurgence of congregational, spiritual, and financial growth.

Kirby's distinguished ministry culminated with his unanimous election to be Vice President of the House of Deputies for the 2012 General Convention. Since his retirement from the Cathedral in 2005, he has continued his life-long interest in the Church in small communities as part-time Vicar of Grace Church, Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Kirby also serves as Chaplain for the Upper Mississippi River Region for the Seamen's Church Institute and Captain Chaplain in the Civil Air Patrol.

Born in Richmond, VA in 1938, Kirby is married to the former Heather Roberts, and they have two grown children. He received his BA from the University of Richmond in 1960 before attending General, where he received his M.Div. in 1963, and was ordained deacon and priest the same year. He has served parishes in the Diocese of Western New York, the Diocese of New Jersey, the Diocese of Western Kansas, and the Diocese of Eau Claire. He has also served as the Resident Director and Vice President for Development of the St. Francis Homes in Kansas and New York.

Kirby's wide-ranging Diocesan experience includes Budget and Finance, Ecumenical Relations, Commission on Ministry, Long Range Planning, Christian Education, Music and Liturgy, and Standing Committee. Service to the National Church includes the Board of Directors of Episcopal Relief and Development and the Disciplinary Committee of Title IV. He serves on the Interfaith Council on Marriage and the Family, and is an Associate Member of the Community of St. John Baptist, Midwest Representative to the Anglican Society, and a recipient of the Bishop's Distinguished Service Award in the Diocese of Western Kansas.

The Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Kirby during the Alumni Gathering Memorial Eucharist, November 5, 2015.