May 12 Commencement
May 12, 2009
The Rev. Charles James Cook
J. Keith Miller
Carrielu Christensen
The 26-member Class of 2009 will graduate and three Austin people will be honored during Seminary of the Southwest commencement at St. Matthew's Church on May 12.
The Rev. Charles James Cook, who retired from full-time teaching at Southwest at the end of 2008, and Austin writer and St. Matthew's parishioner J. Keith Miller will receive honorary doctoral degrees. Carrielu Christensen, veteran member of the seminary's board of trustees, will receive the Trustee's Award. Both she and Cook are members of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin.
The Rev. Canon C.K. Robertson, Ph.D., will present the commencement sermon. He is canon to Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori. Dr. Robertson has served as a consultant to congregations and dioceses both in the U.S. and Britain, in areas of communication, leadership, holistic stewardship, and conflict management. Southwest was the first Episcopal seminary to award an honorary doctoral degree to the presiding bishop two years ago.
A 1974 graduate of Seminary of the Southwest, Professor Cook taught pastoral theology, servant leadership and created the seminary's St. Luke's, Atlanta, January Term course where seminarians take part in that church's extensive outreach work. "In his 24 years as teacher, mentor and colleague here, Charlie has personified the dedicated, creative and innovative spirit of this school and has embodied the principles of pastoral leadership which he teaches," wrote faculty colleague the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Kittredge as Cook's retirement from full-time teaching approached. More information about Professor Cook is here and his retirement sermon can be read here
An author, speaker and lay leader, Miller has written several books including A Taste of New Wine and A Hunger for Healing: The Twelve Steps as a Classic Model for Christian Spiritual Growth. The later book brings the insights and transformative power of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous for Christians who find themselves beset by sin and compulsive behaviors other than an addiction to alcohol or drugs, wrote the Very Rev. Douglas Travis, dean of Seminary of the Southwest, who nominated Miller for an honorary degree.
In addition to being an author, Miller is a renowned public speaker and leader of retreats and conferences. He studied theology at Berkeley Divinity School, received a graduate degree in theology at Earlham School of Religion, and a master's degree in psychology and counseling from the University of Texas.
Christensen was first appointed to the Southwest board of trustees in 1989, served seven years in the 1990s and rejoined the board in 2000. She has worked on strategic planning and trustees board committees during that time. Christensen ensured the architectural integrity of the interior design of the Scott Field Bailey Center at Rather House. The recently-completed $3.6 million renovation project of the century-old Rather House provides a welcoming entrance to the seminary campus and houses three floors of administrative offices. View photos of the Bailey Center dedication here The Trustee's Award honors a person for exceptional service to Seminary of the Southwest.
