Sixty-Second Commencement Exercises - INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER - VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT
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Sixty–Second
Commencement Exercises
INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER
Saturday, the Nineteenth of June
Two Thousand and Twenty-One
One O’Clock P.M. ET
VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT
Rev. Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., '04, President
Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
COMMENCEMENT
The term “commencement” is derived from a practice in the medieval university
where it was customary for a candidate for an academic degree (bachelor’s,
master’s, or doctorate) to present a public lecture of disputation to the faculty and
other scholars gathered to hear it. If the disputation was successfully defended
and accepted, the candidate was granted the degree with all the rights, privileges,
and responsibilities pertaining thereto.
The first public lecture of disputation was originally called an “inception.” It
signified the beginning or commencement of the scholar’s academic career in the
area in which a degree had been granted. The ceremony surrounding this inception
or “graduation” from “bachelor” to “master” and eventually to “doctor” has
subsequently come to be called Commencement. Today, the Interdenominational
Theological Center (ITC) celebrates it’s Sixty-Second Commencement Convocation.
____________________________________________________________________
THE CEREMONIAL MACE
During the Middle Ages, the mace was an effective weapon in battle, but as newer
and more powerful military arms developed, it was transformed into a symbol of
authority. The earliest ceremonial maces were borne by bodyguards of 12th Century
English and French kings. By the end of the 16th Century, they were used widely
by officials of English cities and towns. Today, the ceremonial mace is found in the
British Houses of Parliament and is frequently carried in ecclesiastical processions
and in university convocations and commencement ceremonies.
____________________________________________________________________
HONOR CORDS
Honor cords are worn by those graduates who have achieved “summa cum laude,”
“magna cum laude” and “cum laude” status (yellow) and those graduates who are
members of the International Society of Theta Phi (red).
____________________________________________________________________
ITC’S MISSION STATEMENT
The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) is a Christian Africentric
ecumenical consortium of seminaries and fellowships that educate students to
commit to practicing justice and peace through a liberating and transforming
spirituality to become leaders in the church and local/global communities.
_____________________________________________________________________
~ 2~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER
Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, D.Min. Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04
Chair, Board of Trustees President
~~CONSTITUENT SEMINARIES~~
GAMMON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
United Methodist Church
Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, M.Div., ’83, Board Chair
Candace Lewis, D.Min., President-Dean
TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
African Methodist Episcopal
Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, M.Div., ’79, Board Chair
John F. Green, D.Min., ’84, President-Dean
PHILLIPS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
Christian Methodist Episcopal
Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr., D.Min., ’88, ’08, Board Chair
Paul L. Brown, Sr., D.Min., ’91, President-Dean
CHARLES H. MASON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Church of God in Christ, Incorporated
Bishop David A. Hall, Sr., D.Min., ’78, Board Chair
Harold V. Bennett, Ph.D., ’88, President-Dean
MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF RELIGION
Baptist
Rev. Clarence Moore, B.A. ’78, Board Chair
Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D., ’04, President-Dean
~~AT-LARGE CONSTITUENCY~~
The HARRY V. and SELMA T. RICHARDSON
ECUMENICAL FELLOWSHIP
Willie F. G-dman, Th.D., ’87, ’01, Coordinator
~~MARSHALS ~~
Carolyn A. L. McCrary, Th.D., ’77, ’89, Lead Marshal
~ 3~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
ORDER OF COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04, President
Presiding
Prelude
African Drums
Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation
Willie F. G-dman, Th.D., ’87, ’01
Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling
Convoking the Sixty – Second Commencement Exercises
Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, D.Min.
Chairperson, Board of Trustees
Welcome
Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04, President
Opening Prayer
Carolyn A. L. McCrary, Th.D., ’77, ’89
Jarena Lee Professor in Pastoral Theology Care and Counseling
Scripture Readings
Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Exodus 3: 7-8b, 9-10 NRSV
Darius Bowers
President, ITC Student Christian League
New Testament, Romans 5:1-5 NRSV
Jacqueline Marie Davis-Gines, Ph.D., ‘20
President, Theta Phi
Hymn of Praise
Great is Thy Faithfulness………………………………………Chisholm/Runyan
Mount Zion Baptist Church (Nashville, TN)
Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III, D.Min., Senior Pastor
©2021 CCLI
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my [Father],
There is no shadow of turning with Thee,
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not,
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
~ 4~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Presentation of Candidates for Honorary Degrees
Reginaldo P. Braga Jr, Ed.D.
Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost
Associate Professor of Religion and Education
Goldie Frinks Wells, Ed.D.
Doctor of Humane Letters
Presented by
Harold V. Bennett, Ph.D., ’88, President-Dean
Charles H. Mason Seminary
Trinette McCray, D.Min.
Doctor of Divinity
Presented by
Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D., President-Dean
Morehouse School of Religion
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, J.D.
Doctor of Humane Letters
Presented by
Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04, President
Interdenominational Theological Center
Conferring of Honorary Degrees
Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04, President
Reading of Honorary Degree Citations
Seminary Deans
Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04, President
Introduction of Commencement Speaker
Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04, President
~ 5~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
Hymn of Praise
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring……………………………………………Johann Sebastian Bach
Recorded by Lisa Allen-McLaurin, Ph.D.
Helmar Nielsen Professor, Music and Worship
at Oakhurst Presbyterian Church (Atlanta, GA)
Commencement Address
The Honorable Keisha Lance Bottoms
Mayor of Atlanta
Special Announcements
Presentation of Candidates for Degrees
Reginaldo P. Braga Jr., Ed.D.
Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost
Associate Professor of Religion and Education
Conferring of Degrees
Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04, President
Reading of the Graduates
Catherine Binuya, Ed.D., Associate Vice President of Student Affairs
Maasai Dance………………………………………………………………Noel Malekai
©2021 CCLI
Charge to Graduates
Matthew Wesley Williams, M.Div., ’04, President
Response to Charge
Dontavious Drake
President, Senior Class
Induction into the ITC National Alumni Association
Anita Green, M.Div., ’09, D.Min. ’15
President, ITC National Alumni Association
Benediction
Jacquelyn Grant, Ph.D.
Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Systematic Theology
Recessional
Pomp and Circumstance.…………………………………………Sir Edward Edgar
Recorded by Lisa Allen-McLaurin, Ph.D.
Helmar Nielsen Professor, Music and Worship
at Oakhurst Presbyterian Church (Atlanta, GA)
~ 6~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER’S DEGREES
MASTER OF DIVINITY
(2021)
Gammon Theological Seminary
Gill, Jatin Chandigarh, India
B.S. Punjabi University 2016
Robinson, Dwayne Atlanta, GA
B.S. Liberty University 2016
Stevenson, Cheryl Miles * Yazoo City, MS
B.S. Rust College 1987
B.S. Xavier University of Louisiana 1990
M.S. University of Michigan 1992
Ph.D. University of Michigan 1996
Tilghman, Ayanna Salisbury, MD
B.S. Bowie State University 2006
M.S. University of Maryland Eastern Shore 2010
Weems, Christopher Edward Atlanta, GA
B.S. Paine College 2017
Williams, Leah Marie * Milwaukee, WI
B.A. University of Memphis 2008
Morehouse School of Religion
Boone, IV Richard A Aberdeen, MS
B.A. Rust College 2016
Brinson, Keenen Donté Savannah, GA
B.F.A. Savannah State University 2018
Cole, Delana Renay (MARE) Baton Rouge, LA
B.S. Louisiana State University 1993
M.A. University of Georgia 2007
Duncan, Trudy L. Fayetteville, GA
A.A. Point University 2013
B.A. Point University 2018
~ 7~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
Morehouse School of Religion (Cont’d)
Frierson, Jocteal Larry Bishopville, SC
B.F.A. Morris College 2018
Hardy, Frederick Lee Selma, AL
B.S. Concordia College 2004
M.Ed. Alabama State University 2008
Livingston II, Tarzene Dale II Fitzgerald, GA
B.S. Columbia State University 2008
Padgett, Jr., Kenneth LaTron * W. Columbia, SC
B.S. Liberty University 2017
Ray, Janice Diana Atlanta, GA
B.S. Point University 2015
M.S. Belhaven University 2017
Turner Theological Seminary
Burns, Oliver Christopher Mt. Pleasant, SC
A.S. Trident Technical College 1993
B.A. Luter Rice College & Seminary 2017
Farmer, Melvin L. Wrens, GA
B.A. Georgia State University 2004
M.A. Georgia College & State University 2006
Ed.S. Georgia Southern University 2008
Gee-Theophille, Reneé Cairo, GA
B.A. Albany State University 1991
Haywood, Colette Racquell (MARE) Atlanta, GA
B.S. Morris Brown College, 2019
Nance, Authur James #* Cordele, GA
A.A. Ogeechee Technical College 2004
B.A. Morehouse College 1995
MPA Albany State University 2001
Strickland, Cynthia * Senoia, GA
A.A. Atlanta Metropolitan College 2014
B.S. Point University 2017
~ 8~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
Turner Theological Seminary (Cont’d)
West, Darnell #* Tallahassee, FL
B.S. Florida A & M University 1974
Phillips School of Theology
Bogan, Sheaneter Johnson # Nettleton, MS
A.A. Itawamba Community College 2000
B.S. Itawamba Community College 2009
B.S. University of Mississippi 2014
Brooks, Russell Earl #* Okolona, MS
B.A. Mississippi Valley State University 1998
Peoples, Pamela Bradford * Jonessboro, LA
B.B.A. Wiley College 2018
Rowe, Gerald Vanallen Indianapolis, IN
B.S. Cross Road Bible College 2007
Stephenson, Marecia Patrice * Paris, TN
B.S. Bethel University 2013
Thomas, Elisha # Tupelo, MS
A.A. Itawamba Junior College 2007
B.A. University of Mississippi 2011
Charles Harrison Mason Theological Seminary
Harrington, Cedric Lithia Springs, GA
B.A. Beulah Heights University 2007
M.A. Luther Rice University 2010
Pitts, Henry Joshua Tuskegee, AL
A.A. ITT Technical Institute 2012
B.S. ITT Technical Institute 2014
Thomas, Kenneth # Jacksonville, FL
B.S. Morehouse College 1991
~ 9~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
Harry V. & Selma T. Richardson Ecumenical Fellowship
Bean, William G. (MDiv/MARE) Atlanta, GA
B.A. Arcadia University 1985
M.B.A. Pepperdine University 2000
Drake, Dontavious Deontaé # Lithonia, GA
B.A. Liberty University 2012
Jackson, Latarsha Chicago, Il
A.A. MacCormac College 2004
Keels, Travis Jermaine Augusta, GA
B.A. Augusta University 2013
M.Ed. Augusta University 2016
Mtenje, Ella Nyosyedje * Sandy Springs, GA
B.A. Indiana Christian University 2005
M.A. Indiana Christian University 2006
M.Div. Indiana Christian University 2008
Nelson, JoAnne * Jackson, MS
B.A. University of Mississippi 1984
J.D. University of Mississippi 1989
Parks, Joe Lewis # Decatur, GA
A.A.S. Dekalb Technical College 2006
B.S. Georgia State University 2014
Parks, Timothy #* Amory, MS
A.A. Itawamba Community College 2002
B.A. University of Memphis 2007
Scott, Jaquel Dominique (MARE) Atlanta, GA
B.S. Ohio Christian University 2016
Shedrick, Leroygo Atlanta, GA
B.A. Argosy University 2014
________________________________________
# Completed requirements Fall 2020
* Matriculated via Distance Learning
% Full-time student with highest GPA
! Part-time student with highest GPA
~ 10~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
CANDIDATE FOR DOCTORAL DEGREE
Doctor of Ministry
Disconnected Youth and Public Response
Interim Ministry Cohort
Anne E. Streaty Wimberly, Ph.D
Edward P. Wimberly, Ph.D
Blevins, Louis Michael Milwaukee, WI
B.A. Ohio Christian University 2011
M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2014
“The Black Church’s Call and Public Response to The School to Prison Pipeline’s Impact
on Disconnected Black Youth and Young Adults”
Butler, Jr., Curry Flinton Ashland City, TN
B.S. Union University 2010
M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2019
“iLive: A Digital Space and Sacred Place Discerning the Way Forward”
Stewart, Richard Neil Warner Robins, GA
B.S. Mercer University 2015
M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2018
“Relay: A Ministry of Mentoring and Shepherding Emerging Adults”
Warren, Susan Magnum Montgomery, AL
B.S. Alabama State University 1971
MPA Georgia State University 1996
M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2012
“Becoming Connected: A Visitation Model for Volunteer Chaplains That Builds
African American Millennial Female Inmates’ Self-Love”
~ 11~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
CANDIDATES OF DOCTORAL DEGREE
Doctor of Ministry
Pastoral Care
Interim Ministry Cohort
F. Keith Slaughter, Th.D., ’03, ’09
Faye Weems-Singleton, Th.D., ’11, ’18
Bego, Orlando Jermaine Washington, DC
B.S. Calvary Christian College 2005
M.Div. Virginia Union University 2011
“Mental Health and The Black Baptist Church: Exploring the
Impact of Faith on African American Male Churchgoers”
McGee, John Paul Atlanta, GA
B.S. Bethune-Cookman College 2006
M.A. Liberty University 2008
M.S. Emory University 2015
“A Sound for The Distressed Soul: Gospejazzical As An ‘Ntu’ Approach
to Coping with The Vocational Stressors of The Black Pastor”
Patterson, Natasha L’Shay Dover, DE
B.S. University of Maryland Eastern Shore 2010
M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2014
“A Gospel of Exclusion: An Examination of Spiritual Trauma
in Queer Black Women”
Sanders, Lashounia Elaine Rome, GA
B.S. Point University 2012
M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2016
“Developing A Critical Pedagogy for Understanding The “I’m Ok”
Response Among Black Baptist Women Living with Symptoms of
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder”
Walton, Reginald Dion Richmond, CA
B.A. Miles College 2007
M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2010
“A Charge to Keep I Have: An Exploration Of The Response Of Some CME Pastors
To The Implementation Of Social Justice As A Form Of
Pastoral Care In The Age Of ‘Black Lives Matter’”
~ 12~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
Ward, Gustedus Lucian Montgomery, AL
B.S. Faulkner University 1997
M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2004
“Working with Black Male Ex-Offenders: Developing an Africentric
Therapeutic Reentry Program at Branch Grove Baptist Church in
Montgomery, Alabama”
Washington, Richard Allen Columbus, GA
B.S. University of Georgia 2001
M.Div. Interdenominational Theological Center 2004
“A Therapeutic Journey of Unmuted Fathers: Recalling and Reclaiming the Voices of Non-
Residential Fathers through “The Fatherhood Lab”
____________________________________
CHM=Charles H. Mason Seminary
GST=Gammon Theological Seminary
HVR= Harry V. & Selma T. Richardson
PST=Phillips School of Theology
TTS=Turner Theological Seminary
~ 13~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
The Honorable Keisha Lance Bottoms
The 60th Mayor of Atlanta
A daughter of Atlanta, Mayor Bottoms is committed to realizing her vision of One Atlanta – an affordable,
resilient and equitable Atlanta – which stands as a model city for both commerce and compassion.
A lifelong public servant, Mayor Bottoms is the only Mayor in Atlanta’s history to have served in all three
branches of government, serving as a judge and City Councilmember before being sworn in as Mayor.
Leading with a progressive agenda focused on equity and affordable housing, Mayor Bottoms serves
as Chair of the Community Development and Housing Committee and the Census Task Force for the
United States Conference of Mayors.
Georgia Trend magazine named Mayor Bottoms the 2020 Georgian of the Year. Among Mayor Bottoms’
notable accomplishments to date include the establishment of the City’s first fullystaffed Office of Equity,
Diversity and Inclusion, the appointments of a LGBTQ Affairs Coordinator and a Human Trafficking
Fellow, the citywide elimination of cash bail bond, the closure of the Atlanta City Detention Center to
ICE detainees, and the rollout of the most farreaching financial transparency platform in the City’s
history – Atlanta’s Open Checkbook.
In 2020, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights (LCCR) Under Law awarded Mayor Bottoms the
Distinguished Civil Rights Advocate Award in recognition of her equity-driven leadership to help guide
and protect marginalized communities.
In October, Mayor Bottoms was named one of Glamour’s 2020 women of the year. Mayor
Bottoms was honored as a BET 100 Entertainer and Innovator of the Year in 2020, and named
Smart Cities Dive’s 2020 Leader of the Year. Mayor Bottoms presided as Chair of the Platform Committee
for the 2020 Democratic National Convention. In 2021, President Joe Biden appointed Mayor Bottoms
as Vice Chair of Civic Engagement and Voter Protection.
Under Mayor Bottoms’ leadership, the City of Atlanta led the historically successful staging of Super
Bowl LIII, which included unprecedented community benefits – a $2.4 million renovation of John F.
Kennedy Park on Atlanta’s Westside, more than 20,000 trees planted throughout the community and
the seamless coordination of 40 federal, state and local public safety agencies.
A product of Atlanta Public Schools, Mayor Bottoms graduated from Frederick Douglass High School
and received her undergraduate degree from Florida A&M University. She earned her Juris Doctorate
from Georgia State University College of Law.
An active member of the community, Mayor Bottoms is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, Jack
~ 14~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
and Jill of America, The Links, Incorporated, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She has
also served on the board of Families First and shares her personal story of adoption and advocates on
behalf of adoption and foster care.
Therefore, it is with great pride and profound gratitude for his life’s work that the Interdenominational
Theological Center bestows upon Mawuli “Mel” Davis the honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters,
Honoris Causa, with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities pertaining thereto on this day.
~ 15~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS
Dr. Goldie Frinks Wells
Goldie Frinks Wells, a retired educator, has served as President of Saints Academy and College, a
branch of the Church of God in Christ Education System, in Lexington, Mississippi, 1994-96. She
served as Title I Director for the Iredell-Statesville Schools, 1985- 1994, and taught in the Raleigh-Wake
and Guilford County School Systems in the state of North Carolina. She has conducted workshops for
teachers, principals, and administrators throughout the United States for Educator Training Center,
Long Beach, California. She is a member of professional organizations, served as Chairperson of
Statesville’s I CARE, Inc. for five years.
Wells is a member of the Board of Trustees of Wells Memorial Church of God in Christ, District
Missionary of the High Point District and member of the Education Committee of the Greater North
Carolina Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ. She is a member of the Board of Directors of All
Saints Bible College of the Church of God in Christ, Inc., Memphis, Tennessee, and is the National
Director of the C.H. Mason Jurisdictional Institutes of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. She has served
as Sunday school teacher, church announcer, president of the Help-Meet Society, and Jurisdictional
Commissioner of Education.
Wells is an active community volunteer. She is presently a member of the Greensboro Voters Alliance,
Building Stronger Neighborhoods’ Grants Review Committee, Welfare Reform Liaison Board,
Preservation North Carolina Board, Citizens for Economic and Environmental Justice (CEEJ) and the
Interactive Resource Center (IRC) and Co-chair of North Carolina Freedom Park. In November 2005
she was elected Greensboro City Councilwoman District 2 and served for two terms. In 2017 she was
reelected to serve a four-year term. Wells has received many awards for her outstanding leadership. In
2016, she received the Dr. Vivian Burke Community Leadership Award presented by the North Carolina
Black Elected Municipal Officials. In May 2018 she will be honored as one of the “50 Influential Blacks
in the Triad”.
Wells has published in the North Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
Journal and authored “Telling the Unsung Song” a biography of her father, Golden Asro Frinks, a civil
rights activist.
Originally from Edenton, North Carolina, Wells has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Hampton
University and North Carolina A & T State University, and a doctorate from the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is the daughter of the late Golden and Ruth Frinks. She is the proud mother
of an adult daughter Kelli Johnson, mother-in-law of Pastor Charles J. Johnson, and the grandmother
of Falon, Kelci and Bhali.
~ 16~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
The Reverend Dr. Trinette Vernell McCray
Trinette Vernell McCray is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was educated in the Milwaukee Public
School system. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Urban Affairs from the University of Wisconsin-
Oshkosh and a few years later, at age twenty-five, Trinette accepted God’s call to ministry and immediately,
in 1979, attended seminary at the Morehouse School of Religion of the Interdenominational Theological
Center in Atlanta, Georgia receiving a Masters degree in Religious Education, graduating Summa Cum
Laude in 1981. She was taught and influenced in black liberation theology and womanist theology with
professors such as Dr. Jacqueline Grant, Dr. Melva Costen, Dr. Charles Copher, Dr. John Waters, and
Dr. Bennie Goodwin. As a student at MSR, Dean Bobby Joe Saucer appointed her to the Board of
Trustees as the student representative. She was the only female among the men which included Dr.
Martin Luther King, Sr., Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, Dr. Kelly Miller Smith, Sr., Dr. Lou Rawls, Sr., and Dr.
Cameron Alexander. She was also a student member of the new Black Women in Church and Society.
She was subsequently licensed to preach in May, 1981 and ordained in 1981 by the late civil rights
leader, and pastor of West Hunter Street Baptist Church in Atlanta, The Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy,
an accomplishment that was both spiritual and social justice given that, at that time, some Black Baptist
churches in Atlanta declared not to license or ordain women. Notable persons who served on her
ordination committee were the Late Rev. Dr. William Holmes Borders, Sr., and Dr. Lawrence Carter.
Rev. McCray went on to earn a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spirituality from Northern Baptist Theological
Seminary in 1998. Rev. Dr. McCray has been a leader both locally and nationally through church,
denominational, faith-based organizations and educational institutions at Cardinal Stritch University
and Central Baptist Theological Seminary-Wisconsin.
A leader, nationally, and most notably, in June 1999, Dr. McCray was elected president of the American
Baptist Churches, USA, having the historic distinction of being the first clergywoman elected as their
national president. She served the term 2000-2001. Dr. McCray is currently the president of the American
Baptist National Black Caucus of ABCUSA.
An urban minister, she is the Executive Planner of the Urban Center-Milwaukee. A preacher, a teacher,
a visionary, a consultant and foremost, the author of – “Vital Spirit, Vital Service: Spirituality that Works,”
Judson Press. Dr. McCray is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She gives all glory to God.
Trinette is warmly known to her family as “Auntie” by her beloved niece, and four nephews who she
enjoys in her role as “elder” nurturing, teaching, guiding, and loving them as they grow. She gives
all credit for her values, faith and character to her mother, father, the late Ruth and James McCray,
grandmothers, aunts, uncles, church mentors and to the unrelenting pursuit of God to form and shape
her call. Now completing forty-two years in ministry, Dr. McCray is grateful to God who redeems, calls,
sends, and keeps her every day and in every way.
~ 17~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
AWARD RECIPIENTS
DENOMINATIONAL HONORS AND AWARDS
———————————————————————————————————————
GAMMON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
———————————————————————————————————————
Gammon Merit Scholars Award
Sharon Britz
Christopher Carpenter
Sterling Harris
Jennie Mustin
Nicolas Pettye
Cheryl Stevenson
Ayanna Tilghman
President - Dean Award
Sandras Anderson
Dwayne Robinson
UMHEF Scholarship
Kimberly Dugger
Antionette Eiland
Raymond Gibbs
Ingrid Graham
Cedric Jackson
Devin James
Krystyna Jordan
Krystal Morris
Chotania Simmons
Tavis Tinsley
Kimberly Tyler
Kamisha Washington
Charlotte Williams
Leah Williams
Tamira Wimbish
~ 18~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
———————————————————————————————————————
TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
———————————————————————————————————————
The Bishop Frank C. and Martha C. Cummings Award
Alvin Attah
The Bishop John Hurst Adams Award
Oliver Burns
The Josephus R. Coan Award
Teresa Clark
The E. D. Curry Memorial Award
Renee Gee-Theophile
The T. J. Davis Award
John Mayon
The Dean’s Award
Andrea Lewis
The Bishop William Alfred Fountain, Sr. and
The William Alfred Fountain, Jr. for Academic Excellence Award
Vashti Kekula
The Samuel Hopkins Giles Award
Diana Duhart
The Daniel Lott Jacobs Award
Lamone Gipson
The James H. Clark Memorial Preaching Honor Award
Syreeta Moore
Cecil Wayne Cone Award
Dr. Adrian Lewis
The John A. Middleton Memorial Award
Andrea Lewis
The Bishop Donald George Kenneth Ming Award
Erika Austin
The Bishop Frank Madison Reid Jr. Scholarship
Kimberly Fields
The Bishop Fredrick Hilborn Talbort Award
Nekeshia Harris
The Bishop William R. Wilkes Memorial Award
Garrett Williamson
The Reverend David DeVeaux Scholarship Award
Terrence Mayes
The New Bethel Scholarship Award
Martin Williams
Amy Mainor
The Bishop Preston W. And Dr. Wilma Delores Williams Award
Regina DeLa
~ 19~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
——————————————————————————————————————
PHILLIPS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
———————————————————————————————————————
The Presiding Elder’s
Council Scholarship
Tiffany Echoles
Angel Howard
Dontavious Joseph
The Commission on
Women in Ministry Scholarship
Angel Howard
Nyla Barker
The Phillips’ Alumni Association Scholarship Lorenzo Heggs
Gerald Rowe
Tiffany Echoles
The Vergie Gant Woman
in Ministry Scholarship
Nyla Barker
The Bishop’s Spouses
Scholarship Award
Arthura Seabrook-Buchanon
Samuel McKinsey
~ 20~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
———————————————————————————————————————
CHARLES HARRISON MASON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
———————————————————————————————————————
The Bishop J.O. Patterson Leadership Honor Award
L. Michael Blevins
Demario Cheevers
The Bishop O.T. Brown Sr. Fellowship Award
Sherita Taylor
The President-Dean’s Honor Award
George Conway
The Bishop O.T. Jones Sr. Leadership Award
Sedgwick Daniels
Cedric Harrington
The Pioneer Scholarship Award
Timothy Johnson
The Dr. Mattie McGlothen Women’s Leadership Honor Award
JoAnn Williams
Sheila Lewis-Floyd
The Mother Kathryn Daniels Award
Destiny Williams
Aaronetta Wright-Harris
The Gracie Tugerville Haney Women in Ministry Award
Kenya Porter
The Oliver J. Haney Sr. Preaching Award
Henry Pitts
Rodney Cook
The C.H. Mason Award
Michael Allen
Rodney Martin
The James L. Whitehead Award
Courtney Sinclair
~ 21~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
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MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF RELIGION
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Morehouse School of Religion President Dean’s Honor Award
Keenen Donte Brinson
The Martin Luther King, Sr., Award
Dale Tarzene Livingston, II
The Gardner C. Taylor Memorial Award
Richard A. Boone, IV
The Antioch North-Atlanta Award
Kenneth Latron Padgett, Jr.
The Victor Thomas and Edith Messer Glass Award
Trudy L. Duncan
C.D. Huber Memorial Award
Jocteal Larry Frierson
Dr. Bobby Joe Saucer Dean’s Scholarship Award
Delena Renay Cole
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THE SELMA T. AND HARRY V. RICHARDSON ECUMENICAL FELLOWSHIP
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Fellowship Support Award
Leroygo Shedrick
LaTarsha Jackson
Jacquel Scott
~ 22~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
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INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER
AWARDS AND OTHER GENERAL AWARDS
———————————————————————————————————————
Georgia Board of Higher Education Ministries Scholarship
Julia Allen
Sterling Harris
Lindsay Neal
Nicholas Pettye
Mirissa Tucker
Kamisha Washington
GTS Mississippi United Methodist Foundation Scholarship
Antoinette Eiland
Jennie Mustin
Sandra Wilson
ITC Scholarships
Frederica Alexander
Justin Dillard
Carl Golden
Latonya Lowe
Jarron-Charles McKinney
Laura Newsome
Chaz Robinson
Aaron Stewart
Glenn Washington
Stephen Williams
Gerald Wilson
North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church
Julia Allen
Kimberly Dugger
Nicholas Pettye
Eric Powell
Kamisha Washington
~ 23~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
UNCF General Scholarships
Keenen Brinson
Candice Edwards
Henry Pitts
Robyn Williams
Julia Allen
Nyla Barker
Orlando Bego
Louis Blevins
Richard Boone
Donna Briggins
Russell Brooks
Curry Butler
Angelique Carney
Randy Conley
Allen Craine
Mark Davis
Regina DeLay
Kimberly Dugger
Diana Duhart
Tiffany Echoles
Antionette Eiland
Bradford Everett
Daniel Foster
Tison Garnett
Cineve Gibbons
Wanda Holmes-Brooks
Angel Howard
Devin James
Alexis Jay
Timothy Johnson
Antonio Jones
Travis Keels
Cassandry Keys
Stephen Kumi
Alfred Lansana
William Lazare
Andrea Lewis
Cathy Lewis
Justin Monroe
Kevin Moore
Bertha Morrow
~ 24~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
THETA PHI
(2021)
Sharon Britz
Ashley Dixon
JoAnne Nelson
Kenneth Padgett
Randy Conley, Jr.
Stephon Ferguson
Tess Powell
Charles Rhodes
Darryl Ann Watkins
Michael Ephraim, Sr.
Victor Gooden
Janice McCray
INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER
BOARD OF TRUSTEES ~ 2020-2021
Dr. Lula Bailey Ballton, Director of Community and Economic Development, COGIC, At-Large
Ms. Sheila Baxter, Retired Army Brigadier General, Chaplain, Veteran’s Affairs, C. H. Mason
Theological Seminary
Mr. Calvin Booker, Retired, Vice President Waste Management Inc., At-Large
Representative Roger Bruce, District 61, Georgia House of Representatives, At-Large
Dr. Jacqui L. Burton, Conference of National Black Churches, At-Large
Rev. Timm Cyrus, Retired Pastor, Presbyterian Church, At-Large
Dr. Reginald Dawkins, Senior Pastor, Triumph Christian Church, Morehouse School of
Religion
Bishop David R. Hall, Sr., Tennessee Headquarters Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction-COGIC, C. H.
Mason Theological Seminary
Dr. Philipia Hillman, Founder, The October Group, At-Large
Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, South Carolina Conference-UMC, Gammon Theological Seminary
Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Sixth Episcopal District, AMEC, Turner Theological Seminary
Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, Fifth Episcopal District, CMEC, Phillips School of Theology
Mr. Robert MacAlpine, Retired Businessman, At-Large
Bishop Michael L. Mitchell, Twelfth Episcopal District, AMEC, Turner Theological Seminary
Dr. Mackie H. Norris, Retired, Registered Nurse, Gammon Theological Seminary
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Eleventh Episcopal District AMEC, Turner Theological
Seminary
Mr. Robert Rumley, Vice President and Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley, At-Large
Bishop Sylvester Williams, Third Episcopal District, CMEC, Phillips School of Theology
Dr. Aidsand Wright-Riggins, Ordained American Baptist Clergy, Mayor, Collegeville, PA,
Morehouse School of Religion
Rev. Dr. Anita Green, CEO, the Grief Circle, Alumni Designee
~ 25~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
ITC FULL-TIME FACULTY
2020-2021
Lisa M. Allen-McLaurin, Ph.D., Helmar Emil Nielsen Professor, Church Music and Worship, MA
in Liturgical Arts and Culture Degree Coordinator
Reginaldo Braga, Ed.D., Associate Professor, Religion and Education,
MA in Religion and Education, Degree Coordinator, Interim VP Academic Services/Provost
Riggins R. Earl, Jr., Ph.D., Professor, Ethics and Theology
Mark Ellingsen, Ph.D., Professor, Church History
Jacquelyn Grant, Ph.D., Fuller E. Callaway Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology
Willie G-dman, Th.D., Associate Professor, Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care
Maisha I. K. Handy, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Religion and Education, VP Academic Services/
Provost
Mark Lomax, D.Min., Associate Professor, Homiletics, Degree Coordinator
Temba L. J. Mafico, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
Carolyn Akua L. McCrary, Th.D., Associate Professor, Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care,
Doctor of Theology Degree Coordinator (On Sabatical in 2021-22)
F. Keith Slaughter, Th.D., Assistant Professor, Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care,
Director, Gardner C. Taylor Preaching Archives
M Adryael Tong, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Early Christian Scriptures (New Testament),
Master of Divinity Degree Coordinator (On Leave in 2021-22)
David Whitworth, Ph.D., E. Stanley Jones Assistant Professor of Theology and Evangelism
Anne Streaty Wimberly, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Christian Education, Director,
Youth Hope-Builders Academy
Edward Wimberly, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Pastoral Care and Counseling
~ 26~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
~ 27~Interdenominational Theological Center Commencement, June 19, 2021
ITC Alma Mater
Striving, Ever Marching Onward
E. Augcomfar - M. Costen, Lyrics
Melva W. Costen, Ph.D., Music
Striving, ever marching onward Ecumenical in concept,
Stalwart faith and ceaseless prayer. For the whole world is God’s field;
For through Christ our lives are guided As we reach sisters and brothers
At an Institution rare. Carrying God’s love as our shield.
Just as Christ, our humble Shepherd, Thanks for guided inspiration,
Bore a cross to set us free, And the wisdom of faculty,
Now we share with many nations: For prophetic voices raising,
Ever onward, ITC. And for priestly ministry.
THEOLO
ER G
RN
IC
AL
TU
SE 1894
MINAR
Y
The ITC Virtual Commencement Ceremony will be broadcast on the ITC’s FB and YouTube
pages and can be shared widely. For questions, please contact Katrina Garnes, Office of
Institutional Advancement, Director of Marketing and Communications, at (404) 614-6394 or
Kgarnes@itc.edu.
THIS PROGRAM IS NOT AN OFFICIAL GRADUATION LIST
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy in this Commencement program, printing deadlines may
result in omission of some names and use of names of persons not completing graduation requirements
as intended. This printed program, therefore, should not be used to determine a student’s academic
or degree status. ITC’s official registry for conferral of degrees is the student’s permanent academic
record, maintained by the Office of the Registrar.
For questions regarding graduation requirements, including degree progress and academic honors,
contact the Office of the Registrar.
Interdenominational Theological Center
700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30314-4143
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