June 2010

June 30, 2010 

Greetings Alums,

What a joy to watch 477 Fuller graduates cross the platform at commencement this month. Having attended dozens of commencements since 1963, I have seen countless processionals and recessionals. Today there are many, many more men and women--of many, many more races and cultures--than there were in 1963!

The majestic singing with organ accompaniment has always been a favorite part of commencement for me. This year we sang "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," joining together with one voice:

Let every kindred, every tribe
on this terrestrial ball,
to him all majesty ascribe,
and crown him Lord of all.

The new graduates' stories reminded us of the Kingdom ministry that has been Fuller's mission for 63 years. And it was a blessing to hear, during commencement week, the stories of our Alumni Council members who met on campus--and the testimonies of our Class of 1960 members as they gathered for their 50th reunion.

Below you will read the story of John Koeker (MDiv '60) and his son David Koeker (MDiv '10), who both marched in regalia at commencement. John tells of those who long ago influenced his decision to attend Fuller; David tells his of reluctance to attend Fuller because it was "his father's place." I can personally identify with that sentiment--but, like David, was drawn back to "my father's place" even so.

May you be blessed, inspired, and encouraged by your connection with Fuller and the way the Lord continues to use Fuller alumni for his glory. May we together with one voice "crown him Lord of all."

Blessings,
Mary Hubbard Given
Associate Vice President
Alumni/ae and Church Relations


ALUMNI IN ACTION

The Koekers: A Fuller Family
Participating in Commencement this month were father and son John Koeker (MDiv '60) and David Koeker (MDiv '10), who graduated from Fuller exactly 50 years apart. Read their story 


COUNCIL CORNER

The Fuller Experience: It Doesn't End with Graduation
Alumni Council member Dan Draney (PhD '96, MDiv '87) talks about the reasons for staying connected to the Fuller community after one's student days. Read his reflection  

Distinguished Alumni Award
The Alumni Council is seeking nominees for Fuller's Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing and honoring alumni actively contributing to God's work in the world. This rotating award will focus this year on School of Theology alumni. Read more 

Are You Going to Cape Town 2010?
If you will be attending the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in Cape Town in October, please let us know! Several representatives from Fuller will be there and we are planning a number of opportunities to gather with you. Read more and let us know here. 


FULLER NEWS

Fuller Celebrates 61st Commencement Ceremony
A total of 780 students complete degrees this year, and 477 of those participated in the commencement ceremony in Pasadena. Read more 

Fuller Texas Celebrates First Graduates
Fuller's campus in Houston, Texas--the seminary's newest regional campus--celebrated its first graduates this month. Read more 

Rabbi-Pastor Dialogue Focuses on Israel
Dr. Mouw and Rabbi Mark Diamond discussed "Christian and Jewish Views of Israel," the latest in an ongoing series of dialogues between the two faiths. Read more 

Baccalaureate Features Jehu Hanciles
Associate professor and director of the Center for Missiological Research Jehu Hanciles delivered a sermon entitled "Fulfilling His Promise." Read more 

Conference Focuses on Change in American Protestant Missions
The event explored the increasing diversity and changing contours of the mission field since the famed Edinburgh Missionary Conference of 1910. Read more 

"Up From Ground" Art Exhibit Draws Crowd
A special exhibition of the arts in Los Angeles, mounted by a Brehm Center student and featuring the work of several Brehm artists, attracted more than 250 viewers. Read more 

Lee Merritt Celebrated for 40 Years of Service
As he retires from Fuller, H. Lee Merritt was honored with a festive program that included a line-up of "all star" preachers. Read more 

Journal Sent from Orvieto, Italy
This report comes from one of the students participating in a Brehm Center immersion course in art, theology, and history currently taking place in the medieval town of Orvieto. Read more 

New Fuller Focus Magazine Released
The new issue features a reflection from President Richard J. Mouw on culture, Professor Juan Martínez on transnational leaders, alumni features and more. Read the magazine 

John Goldingay Featured on Podcast
Professor Goldingay was a guest on WJK Radio, a monthly podcast from publisher Westminster John Knox, speaking about his new Genesis for Everyone books. Read more 

Fuller in the Media
Fuller's June commencement ceremony was featured on the front page of the Pasadena Star-News. Read the article 

Check Fuller's News Archive for more stories 

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UPCOMING EVENTS: CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Ministry Enrichment Seminars
These Field Education seminars on practical ministry issues are open to alumni at no cost. Topics this summer will be:
    Spiritual Care at the End of Life
    July 13 5:00-7:00 p.m.
    Ministry and Marriage: Disaster or Delight?
    July 19 1:00-3:00 p.m.
    Hospital Chaplains: The Wounded Healers
    July 28 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Read more 

Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit
August 5-6

Fuller's Pasadena campus will again serve as a satellite host location for the Willow Creek Leadership Summit, providing local attendees the opportunity to participate via live streaming video. Read more and register 


UPCOMING EVENTS: PASADENA AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Ustream.tv Broadcast with Shelley Trebesch
July 8    2:00-3:00 p.m.

Watch and interact with Assistant Professor of Leadership Shelley Trebesch in this live "online visit." Only an internet connection is needed. Read more 

Workshop on Prevention of Home Loan Scams
July 20    8:30-11:30 a.m.

This free seminar, "Building Faith Among the Vulnerable: Preventing Foreclosure Rescue and Loan Modification Scams," will help you learn to help others in your church or community. Read more 

Bring a Friend to Fuller this Summer
July 20, August 8

If you know someone who might be interested in a seminary education, bring them to one of Fuller's summer visits at the Pasadena campus. These events are free and include a meal, and alumni are welcome! Read more 

Alumni Luncheon at APA Convention with Chinese Scholars
August 14    12:30-2:00 p.m.

Alumni and friends are invited to a luncheon during the APA Convention in San Diego, California, where Dr. Alvin Dueck will speak and introduce a group of visiting Chinese scholars. Read more 

Check Fuller's events calendar for more upcoming events for alumni and the larger community. 


UPCOMING EVENTS: FULLER'S REGIONAL CAMPUSES

Fuller Texas: 

"Missional Leadership: Character, Context and Challenge" with Reggie McNeal
August 9

All are welcome to this one-day event in Houston with noted author and speaker Reggie McNeal; clergy are invited to register for his class continuing through August 13. Read more 

Fuller Partners Dinner
September 12    Reception 5:30 p.m., Dinner 6:30 p.m.

Save the date for this special event hosted by Fuller in Houston. Details to come. 

Fuller Colorado: 

"The Dry Land" Film Screening and Discussion
July 1    2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

The Colorado premiere of this Sundance Film Festival selection, a powerful drama about a returning Iraq vet, will be held in two locations, both including discussion with the filmmakers. Read more 

Commencement
July 16    6:30 p.m.

The 2010 graduating class of Fuller Colorado will be celebrated with a dinner on July 16. More information: fullerco@fuller.edu or x719-385-0085 

Preaching with Passion Conference Coming to Denver
October 12-14

Attention Denver-area alums: The Lloyd John Ogilvie Institute of Preaching will hold its next Preaching with Passion Conference in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Contact Mark Labberton, institute director, for information and scholarship requests at marklabberton@fuller.edu.
Read about previous conferences 

Fuller Northern California: 

Sacramento Library Lecture
July 9    7:00 p.m.

"Creation and Evolution: Can they Coexist?" will be the topic of a free presentation by physician and Fuller Advisory Council member Dr. David Vinson. Read more 

Summer is a good time to encourage someone you know to learn more about Fuller at one of the regional campus introductory events below. 

Fuller Southwest:
Phoenix Prospective Student Night
July 9    5:15-6:15 p.m.
 

Fuller Northwest:
Seattle Prospective Student Night
July 14    6:30-8:00 p.m.
 

Fuller Texas:
Discover Fuller Seminary Texas
July 27    7:00-9:00 p.m.
 

Fuller Northern California:
"Discover Fuller" in Sacramento
August 4    7:00-8:30 p.m.
 


UPCOMING EVENTS: ACROSS THE U.S.

Alumni Luncheon at PCUSA Annual Meeting in Minneapolis
July 7    11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Alumni and friends are invited to a luncheon with President Mouw and professor Ronald Kernaghan at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Read more 


ALUMNI PUBLICATIONS

Thanks and congratulations to the following alumni whose publications have been donated to our Alumni Bookshelf: 

James Cheung (DMin '07). True Story: A Christianity Worth Believing In. InterVarsity Press, 2008.

Leonora Pruner ('87). Close to His Heart. Nordskog Publishing, 2010.


BULLETIN BOARD

80th Birthday Celebration for C. Peter Wagner
August 13    7:00-9:00 p.m.

The 80th birthday of Dr. C. Peter Wagner, a widely influential missiologist and faculty member of Fuller's School of World Mission (now School of Intercultural Studies) for 30 years, will be celebrated at the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena. Read more 

Book Feature
Lisa Thompson (MDiv '08) is one of the preachers featured in the newly released book This Is What a Preacher Looks Like: Sermons by Baptist Women in Ministry (Smyth and Helwys, 2010). Read more about the book 


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Theology, News and Notes is published twice a year for alumni and friends of Fuller Seminary. To read past issues of the magazine, visit our website. If you do not currently receive the magazine and would like a free subscription, please send an e-mail with your current postal address to alum-alumni@dept.fuller.edu.

Comments and ideas? E-mail us at enews@fuller.edu, call the Alumni/ae Office at 626-584-5498, or write Fuller Theological Seminary, Alumni/ae and Church Relations Office, 135 North Oakland Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91182.