Christensen Citation
May 12, 2009
Carrielu Byram Christensen
Energetic, faithful, forthright and generous, you have done so much to enhance Seminary of the Southwest throughout three decades.
Austin born and educated at Austin High School and the University of Texas, you raised three children with husband Chuck while giving of yourself constantly to schools, churches, foundations and the wider community. Following the family tradition begun by your father, you served on and then chaired the board of St. Andrew's Episcopal School when your three children attended the school and returned for more service in the mid-1990s. St. Andrew's then presented you with its Charles Alan Wright Excellence Award.
Other community service includes leadership roles in Junior League, Austin Heritage Society, St. David's Foundation, Settlement Club of Austin, Austin History Center, the University of Texas, Governor's Mansion, both St. David's Episcopal Church and then Church of the Good Shepherd, and don't forget that one year term as President of Austin High's PTA in the mid-1970s.
You first joined the Southwest Board of Trustees in 1989, served for seven years in the 1990s and rejoined the board in 2000. Two particular skills personify you, Carrielu. You adeptly practice hospitality on behalf of the seminary. You share the enthusiasm you have for Southwest by introducing the myriad folk you know to our seminary and its people.
Your legendary gifts of interior design shine in the new Scott Field Bailey Center at Rather House. You led the renovation project's decorating team and devoted countless hours from designing rooms to the minutiae of hanging framed photographs, dusting shelves and cleaning up after construction was done.
Southwest thanks you for your abiding service to our seminary and takes pleasure in presenting you the Trustees' Award for 2009.
May 12, 2009 in Austin, Texas
