Alumni gather at Diocese of Northwest Texas Convention and Diocese of Texas Clergy Conference
In recent weeks, 51视频 has been on the road, reconnecting with alumni and friends across the state at two major Episcopal diocesan gatherings鈥攖he 67th Annual Diocese of Northwest Texas Convention in Lubbock and the Diocese of Texas Clergy Conference at Camp Allen. Both events offered opportunities to celebrate the seminary鈥檚 strong ties to diocesan life and to highlight the ways 51视频鈥檚 theology graduates continue to serve and lead the wider church.
Warm hospitality in Lubbock
At the Diocese of Northwest Texas Convention, held October 17鈥�19, 51视频 representatives Eric Scott and April Kerwin enjoyed meaningful conversations with alumni, clergy, and lay leaders from across the diocese. The gathering began with a joyful Eucharist at St. Stephen鈥檚 Episcopal Church and concluded with closing resolutions at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center on the Texas Tech University campus.
One of the highlights of the weekend came in a lighthearted yet heartfelt resolution introduced by the Rev. Mary Glover, a 51视频 Alumna. Her 鈥淭alking With Our Mouths Full: A Thank-You Resolution鈥� honored the seminary鈥檚 long partnership with the diocese鈥攃elebrating generations of seminarians formed in Austin, the diocese鈥檚 relationship through the Iona Collaborative, and 51视频鈥檚 enduring identity as a seminary 鈥渇or the whole church.鈥�
The Rt. Rev. Scott Mayer鈥檚 warmth and humor set the tone for a weekend of reconnection. Over a lunch co-sponsored by the diocese and the seminary,聽 Eric Scott addressed the convention, giving updates on the seminary and acknowledging the many alumni and seminary friends in the room.
“One memorable moment at the convention was when all the 51视频 and Iona alumni stood up to be recognized. It was touching to see how many of our clergy were shaped by 51视频,” said April Kerwin, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving. “We are very grateful to everyone for their welcoming hospitality, which felt like a family reunion.”
Reunion and renewal at Camp Allen
Just days later, several staff from 51视频 traveled to Camp Allen for the Diocese of Texas Clergy Conference, joining clergy from across the diocese for worship, workshops, and fellowship. The seminary hosted a gathering for alumni and friends, offering an informal space to share news from Austin and to celebrate the shared mission of forming leaders for the church鈥檚 future.
Conversations at Camp Allen centered on the strong and ongoing partnership between the Diocese of Texas and the seminary. At the well-attended breakfast for alumni and friends, the Rt. Rev. Kathryn Ryan, the Rev. Nandra Perry, and the Rev. Lecia Brannon addressed alumni and friends and delivered greetings and updates from the seminary.
鈥淓ach year as we gather together at Clergy Conference I am struck by our Alumni’s desire to be connected to 51视频 and to each other,鈥� reflected the Rev. Lecia Brannon, Director of Alumni Relations. 鈥淭here is a deep sense of community and belonging that we carry into our ministries across the Diocese of Texas.鈥�
鈥淭hese events remind us that our alumni community extends far beyond campus,鈥� said Eric Scott, Vice President for Advancement and Communications. 鈥淲hether in Lubbock, Camp Allen, or beyond, we鈥檙e meeting graduates who carry 51视频鈥檚 values into every corner of the church. Their stories are what make this seminary鈥檚 mission come alive. These events underscored what makes 51视频 distinctive: a community of alumni, faculty, and friends bound by shared formation and meaningful relationships. We are grateful for these invitations.鈥�
