Alumnae/i News and Events

Wilbur C. Douglass III ’81
Specialized

The Rev. Dr. Wilbur (Doug) C. Douglass III has dedicated his life to ministry and service, both in the church and the U.S. Navy. A Pittsburgh native, he earned a B.S. in biological sciences from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.Div. from PTS, and a D.Min. from Ashland Theological Seminary. Commissioned as a Navy chaplain in 1981, he served for 31 years, ministering to Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel worldwide. Rising to the rank of captain, his career highlights include serving as chaplain of the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy Medicine. Following 9/11, he led a team of chaplains providing pastoral care at Ground Zero. Retiring from the military in 2012, he continued ministry as pastor of Community Presbyterian Church in Portsmouth, Va., until 2023. A committed Presbyterian leader, he remains active in church governance and community service.

Simeon N. Harrar ’14 
Mission

The Rev. Simeon N. Harrar was born in Papua New Guinea to missionary parents and developed a passion for global ministry from an early age. After earning a philosophy degree from Erskine College, he served in Bangkok, Thailand, assisting women and children affected by human trafficking. While pursuing his M.Div. studies at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, he immersed himself in missiology. Following seminary, he served as youth pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster, Pa., before moving to Nigeria to work at a Christian international school. His deep love for cross-cultural ministry led him to Kenya, where he now serves as chaplain at a Christian international school, mentoring students from more than 50 countries. A pastor, mentor, writer, and missionary kid advocate, he remains committed to shaping young leaders for Christ-like service in the global community.

Joseph W. Hedden Jr. ’97
Pastoral

The Rev. Joseph W. Hedden Jr. has devoted his career to pastoral ministry, theological education, and spiritual formation. A 1997 graduate of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, he has served as pastor of Emmanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Export, Pa., since 2010, providing leadership in preaching, pastoral care, and communal discernment. Previously, he served at Tabor UCC in Lebanon, Pa., and as an exchange pastor in Germany. In addition to parish ministry, Joseph is dean and instructor in theology at Penn West Academy for Ministry, where he mentors and trains lay ministers. He is also on the faculty of the Pneuma Institute. An active church leader, author, and former Alumnae/i Council member and president, he remains dedicated to nurturing faith communities and guiding future ministers.

Nichole M. Torbitzky ’00 
Academia

The Rev. Dr. Nichole M. Torbitzky is a theologian, philosopher, and educator whose work bridges theology, ethics, and process thought. A graduate of PTS, she earned her Ph.D. in philosophy of religion and theology from Claremont Graduate University. Since 2016, she has served as associate professor and university chaplain at Lindenwood University, where she teaches courses in theology, world religions, and critical thinking. A dedicated scholar, she has published extensively on process theology, philosophy, and religious studies, including contributions to Creating Women’s Theology and Preaching the Uncontrolling Love of God. She is also an active speaker and mentor, fostering thoughtful engagement with faith and philosophy. With a deep commitment to education, Nichole continues to shape future generations of scholars and faith leaders.

Erin E. Angeli ’18
The Fred McFeely Rogers Award for Creative Ministry

The Rev. Erin E. Angeli is a pastor, community advocate, and creative ministry leader committed to inclusion and justice. She serves as the co-pastor at Commonwealth of Oakland in Pittsburgh, where she provides pastoral care, fosters community partnerships, and cultivates a queer-inclusive space for people to grow in their faith journeys. Erin is passionate about creating spaces where all people can bring their full, authentic selves before God. She also chairs the Sharpsburg Human Rights Commission, working to promote equality and equity in the borough. A church planter and ministry coach, she supports emerging faith communities and leaders. Erin earned her M.Div. from PTS and is pursuing the Seminary’s graduate certificate in adaptive and innovative ministry. 

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Registration
Rotunda, Long Hall – 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Schaff Lecture
Sanctuary, Hicks Chapel and Livestreamed – 1:30-3:00 p.m. ET
Panel Discussion on Preaching
Moderator: The Rev. Dr. Angela Hancock, PTS
Participants: The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Carner, The Rev. Dr. Donna Giver-Johnston, The Rev. Dr. L. Roger Owens, PTS

Sanctuary, Hicks Chapel and Livestreamed – 4:00-5:30 p.m. ET
Lecture
Called to Preach the Totality of American History: The Prophetic Imperative to Embrace DEI”– The Rev. Dr. Debra J. Mumford, Vice President for Academics, Dean of the Seminary, and Frank H. Caldwell Professor of Homiletics, Louisville Seminary
Since the beginning of Trump presidency 2.0, the administration has launched an all-out assault on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion otherwise known as DEI. In her lecture, Dr. Mumford will make the case that preachers are called in this moment to affirm the dignity and worth of all of God’s people by preaching the totality of American history.   
 

Reception
Lounge, Hicks Chapel –5:30-6:30 p.m.

Dinner on Your Own

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

­Registration
Rotunda, Long Hall – 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Continental Breakfast
Basfield Dining Room (inside Kadel Dining Room), McNaugher Hall – 7:30-9:30 a.m.

Art with Robin
Location TBD – 9:00-10:45 a.m.
Take a break from the routine. Join us for a fun, stress free art project. No experience required. All supplies provided.
Requires preregistration

Spring Cleaning Book Giveaway Sponsored by Barbour Library
Lobby, Barbour Library – 10:00 a.m. through Alumnae/i Days

Faculty Presentation
Knox Room, Long Hall and Livestreamed – 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET
“’Even the Birds Find a Home’: God’s Extravagant Care for the Creation in Psalm 104” – The Rev. Dr. Jerome Creach, Robert C. Holland Professor of Old Testament, PTS

Lunch on Your Own

Bus Tour and Reunion Dinner for the 50-, 40-, and 25-year Reunion Classes, Award Recipients, and Invited Guests
By invite only. Board the bus behind the Chapel for the city tour with alumnae/i tour guides the Rev. Dr. Laura Strauss ‘09/’23 and the Rev. Dawn Lynn Check ’98 followed by dinner at the LeMont Restaurant.
Bus Tour – 1:45 p.m.
Hors d’oeuvres – 4:00 p.m.
Dinner – 5:00 p.m.

Barbour Library Tours
Barbour Library – 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Faculty Presentation
Knox Room, Long Hall and Livestreamed – 2:30-4:00 p.m. ET
“Family Ties and the Amazing Race: An Alternative Model of Belonging” – The Rev. Dr. Rafael Rodríguez, Professor of New Testament, PTS

Dinner
Kadel Dining Room, McNaugher Hall – 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Hymn Sing and Reception 
Knox Room, Long Hall – 8:00-9:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Registration
Rotunda, Long Hall – 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Continental Breakfast 
Basfield Dining Room (inside Kadel Dining Room), McNaugher Hall – 7:30-9:30 a.m.

Presentations by Distinguished Alumnae/i
Knox Room, Long Hall and Livestream – 10:00-11:15 a.m. ET
Moderated by a member of the Alumnae/i Council
Each participant will give a brief presentation followed by a time for questions and answers.
Presenters

• The Rev. Dr. Nichole M. Torbitzky ’00 – Academia – Associate Professor, Religion College of Arts and Humanities, Lindenwood University
• The Rev. Simeon N. Harrar ’14 – Mission – Chaplain at a Christian international school, Nairobi, Kenya
• The Rev. Dr. Wilbur (Doug) C. Douglass III ’81, USN (Ret.) –Specialized
• The Rev. Erin E. Angeli – The Fred McFeely Rogers Award for Creative Ministry – Co-Pastor, The Commonwealth of Oakland

Worship
Sanctuary, Hicks Chapel and Livestream – 11:30 a.m. ET
The Rev. Joseph W. Hedden ’97 – Distinguished Alumnus in Pastoral Ministry – Preaching

Community Lunch
Kadel Dining Room, McNaugher Hall –12:00-1:30 p.m.

Faculty Presentation 
Knox Room, Long Hall and Livestreamed – 1:45-3:15 p.m. ET
“Jesus and the Second Coming at the Origins of Christianity: Exploring the Steadfast Hope of the Early Church” – Dr. Tucker Ferda, Associate Professor of New Testament, PTS

PTS 2030: A Look at the Seminary’s Strategic Future
Knox Room, Long Hall – 3:30-4:30 p.m.
The Rev. Dr. Asa J. Lee, President and Professor of Theological Formation for Ministry, PTS

Wine and Cheese Reception
Rotunda, Long Hall – 4:45-5:45 p.m.

Pictures for the Class of 1975, 1985, 2000 and Spouses; Distinguished Alumnae/i and Families; The Fred McFeely Rogers Award Alum and Family
McNaugher Lounge, McNaugher Hall – 5:15 p.m. Please be prompt.

Seating for the Alumnae/i Banquet
Kadel Dining Room, McNaugher Hall – 5:45-6:00 p.m.

Alumnae/i Banquet
Kadel Dining Room, McNaugher Hall – 6:00 p.m.
 

Friday, April 25, 2025

Continental Breakfast 
Basfield Dining Room (inside Kadel Dining Room), McNaugher Hall – 7:30-9:30 a.m. 

Please note: additional videos are forthcoming.

Distinguished Alumnae/i Presentations and Preaching

Sheila L. Johnson (Hunt) ’10
Pastoral

The Rev. Dr. Sheila Johnson (Hunt) is an ordained Baptist minister, accomplished musician, and college professor and administrator. She is the executive pastor and minister of music at First Baptist Church of Penn Hills, and serves as president of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Pittsburgh and Vicinity—the first woman to hold that role. For 14 years, Sheila led the New Choices/New Options Program at the Community College of Allegheny County, assisting more than 1,500 women in crises to become emotionally and economically self-sufficient. As a musician, Sheila has been a conductor, director, and composer/arranger in residence for numerous citywide and convention choirs. She earned a bachelor’s in music and an M.A. in counseling from Western Kentucky University, a Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Pittsburgh, and a D.Min. with urban focus from PTS.

N. Graham Standish ’88
Specialized Ministry

The Rev. Dr. Graham Standish is an experienced pastor, spiritual director, teacher, speaker, and writer. Since 2017 he has been the executive director of Samaritan Counseling, Guidance, Consulting, and directs Samaritan’s Caring for Clergy and Congregations program. Prior to 2017, Graham was senior pastor of Calvin Presbyterian Church in Zelienople, Pa., for 22 years, leading the congregation in a spiritual approach to congregational revitalization. Graham earned his B.A. in psychology from Roanoke College, M.Div. from PTS, M.S.W. from the University of Pittsburgh, and M.A. and Ph.D. in formative spirituality from Duquesne University. He has taught in PTS’s Doctor of Ministry and Certificate in Spiritual Formation programs, and for Tyndale Theological Seminary (Toronto). Graham and his wife, Diane, established scholarships at PTS and the University of Pittsburgh to support students in the schools’ joint M.Div./M.S.W. program.

Kenneth H. Yount ’72
Academia

Dr. Kenneth Yount is a retired professor of political science and history and former provost and vice president for academic affairs at Alderson Broaddus University. He is a graduate of Alderson Broaddus (bachelor’s); University of Pittsburgh (master’s); PTS (master’s in religious education); and West Virginia University (Ph.D.). He taught at Alderson Broaddus from 1974 to 2012, during which time he received numerous awards and honors for his teaching. In 2023, he was named Poet Laureate of Barbour County, W.Va., and in 2014 was named Poet Laureate of Antarctica after winning a poetry contest on an Antarctic expedition. As a religious educator, Kenneth has volunteered as a Sunday school teacher, fill-in preacher, moderator for the Union Baptist Association in his area of West Virginia, and president of Baptist Theological Fellowship. He is an accomplished writer of history, travel, and government, with many published books and academic articles.

Kendra Buckwalter Smith ’12/’13
The Fred McFeely Rogers Award for Creative Ministry

The Rev. Kendra Buckwalter Smith has served since 2012 as the director of the Worship Program at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. In her role, she equips students for Christian ministries as faithful, thoughtful, and hospitable worshipers and worship leaders through weekly chapel services and additional seasonal worship services. Since 2019, she has also been the associate pastor of discipleship at Shadyside Presbyterian Church, where she provides spiritual care to youth and families and participates in worship leadership. She is a leader in the PC(USA), where her expertise in liturgy and worship makes her a sought-after speaker, workshop leader, worship planner, and liturgist for large gatherings and conferences in the PC(USA). Kendra earned her B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh, and M.Div. and Th.M. from PTS.

Professor John Burgess asks, "Can theology still talk about God?"

Dr. Bonnie Thurston is the former professor of New Testament at PTS.

Hear more about the ministries of this year's Distinguished Alumnae/i.

Daniel M. Corll ’80/’01
Pastoral

The Rev. Dr. Daniel Corll’s entire career has been devoted to pastoral ministry—before ordination and in retirement. Dan is a graduate of Westminster College (B.A.) and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (M.Div. and D.Min.). He was ordained a PC(USA) Minister of Word and Sacrament in 1980 and retired in 2019. During his years in active ministry, Dan served churches in Pennsylvania and Ohio including Mt. Pleasant United Presbyterian Church of Marshall Township, Wexford, Pa. for 27 years (now pastor emeritus).In his retirement, Dan serves as part-time visitation pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Meadville, Pa. Beyond this work, Dan has served a number of presbytery roles, been the chaplain for his local volunteer fire department and senior care facility, and was a member of the Seminary’s Alumnae/i Council (2000-2008, president, vice president, and Alumnae/i Days chair). 

Michael C. T. Ludwig ’09
Mission

The Rev. Michael Ludwig is associate pastor at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Midland, Mich., where he has served since 2022. From 2014-2021, Michael and his wife, Rachel, served as mission co-workers in Niger, West Africa, with the PC(USA). In Niger, Michael was a trainer in the community health evangelism technique to help pastors empower their communities through self-development. Learning from the local church and responding to their shared concerns was formative in the strong partnership that the Ludwigs helped develop between the Evangelical Church in Niger (EERN) and U.S. Presbyterians. Michael continues to strengthen these connections as the Lake Huron Presbytery’s special mission liaison with the EERN. Michael received an M.Div. from PTS in 2009 and the Valentour Travel Scholarship in 2007, using it to study theological education in seven countries in Africa and Asia. 

Nichelle Nelson ’05
Specialized Ministry

The Rev. Dr. Nichelle Nelson graduated in 2005 with a joint M.Div./M.S.W. from PTS and the University of Pittsburgh. She has a B.A. in psychology from the University of Delaware, and a D.Min. from Drew University. Nichelle has worked as a fundraiser and development officer, and for over a decade has been the chief programming officer for the Fund for Advancement of Minorities Through Education (FAME), where she works to close the education gap in Pittsburgh and help FAME scholars realize their full potential. She is also the interim chief executive officer of FAME. Additionally, for 14 years she has served as a field instructor for the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. The receiptient of several awards, Nichelle is an ordained minister at Mount Ararat Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, a public speaker, and a teacher for churches, theological schools, and colleges.

Ralph B. Watkins II ’93  
Academia

The Rev. Dr. Ralph Watkins is the Peachtree Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth at Columbia Theological Seminary. As a scholar, professional photographer, documentarian, pastor, speaker, and workshop leader, his work focuses on building bridges between young adults and the church to develop future leaders who work for justice. Ralph has a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Pittsburgh, a D.Min. in African American Church Studies from PTS, and degrees in photography, religion, and political science. Ralph worked for a year at PTS as the assistant director for Black Church Studies. He has written more than 250 publications and conference presentations, including several books. He is also a television producer and nationally recognized jazz musician. Thanks to various fellowships, awards, and grants, he has studied the African roots of African American theology in Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Ghana.

Joanne E. Spence ’18
The Fred McFeely Rogers Award for Creative Ministry

Joanne Spence is a certified yoga therapist who has taught mindfulness and yoga for 20 years. Her work is trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive, and her specialties are adults and children with trauma, chronic pain, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. She also has a background in clinical social work, and worked for 10 years as the first yoga instructor at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh. She teaches yoga in prisons, hospitals, schools, churches, and sometimes on street corners. In 2005, Joanne founded the nonprofit Yoga in Schools (YIS) as a way to help school children and teachers nurture their own wellbeing through yoga. In 2018, Joanne earned her M.A. from PTS, and is currently a student in the D.Min. in Creative Writing and Public Theology Cohort. She is the author of Trauma-Informed Yoga: A Toolbox for Therapists and is a spiritual director trained in Ignatian spirituality. 

Making Hearts Sing: Jazz in Worship

Deanna Witkowski and friends presented "Making Hearts Sing: Jazz in Worship." Deanna is a pianist, composer, vocalist, and author. Her adventurous, engaging music heals the soul as she moves with remarkable ease between Brazilian, jazz, classical, and sacred music.

Conversation, Music, and Liturgy in Worship

Deanna Witkowski and PTS President Asa Lee discussed music and liturgy in worship.

Award Recipient Presentations

Throughout the event, our award-winning alums offered presentations on their respective fields.

In addition to these in-person and livestreamed events, we invite you to also check out the following:

Images of Music: An Evening of Clarinet and Piano
Faye D’Ippolito (piano), Dr. Edith Humphrey (piano), Janice Vanderslice Coppola (clarinetist)

Harry L. Burns ’97
Specialized Ministry

The Rev. Harry L. Burns is a chaplain at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C., and has been an ordained pastor in the AME Church for more than 34 years. He has a B.A. in business management from Shaw University, an M.A. in religion from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and is a board certified chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains. Harry previously served as director of pastoral care at UPMC Squirrel Hill and as a community chaplain at Carolinas Medical Center. He is a member of the North Carolina Chaplains’ Association and in 2008 was named the NCCA Chaplain of the Year. He serves on several nonprofit boards in the Charlotte area. Through health fairs, speaking engagements, and other opportunities, Harry has worked hard to bring a message of hope to the faith community and those affiliated with health in general.

John A. Creasy ’06
Mission

The Rev. John A. Creasy is the founder and executive director of the Garfield Community Farm. He is also the founding co-pastor of The Open Door Presbyterian Church, a missional community in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Garfield, and was a founding board member of Open Hand Ministries in Garfield and Lamppost Farm in Columbiana, Ohio. John is passionate about helping people and faith communities connect with God and nature through works of social justice, environmental justice, and eco-theology. Garfield Community Farm is a place of experimentation of missional faith practices, sustainable urban food production, ecological restoration, and community activism. Due to his work with Garfield Community Farm, John received a 40 under 40 award from Pittsburgh Magazine in 2016 and the Community Pioneer award by the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation.

Casper I. Glenn ’46
Pastoral

The Rev. Casper I. Glenn completed a bachelor of divinity at Western Theological Seminary (now PTS) in 1946. Following graduation he served Presbyterian churches in Baltimore, Md. (1946-52); New Orleans, La. (1952-54); Tuscon, Ariz. (1956-64); and Los Angeles, Calif. (1964-68). Throughout Glenn’s ministry he was active in the civil rights movement and the NAACP. The churches he served became central to the movement, and while in Tucson the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. insisted on meeting him. Later, Glenn’s peacemaking work in the streets during the 1965 Watts rebellion kept area buildings and residents safe. Glenn later served as a synod executive for the PCUSA, engaged in interfaith peace initiatives, and pastored in Kenya in the 1980s and 1990s. In retirement, Glenn continues to mentor young ministers, lead worship, and remains involved in community and civil rights initiatives. He recently celebrated his 100^th birthday.

Patricia A. Sharbaugh ’99   
Academia

Dr. Patricia Sharbaugh is an associate professor of biblical theology at Saint Vincent College, where she has taught since 2006. She holds a B.A. in business economics from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, an M.Div. from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in systematic theology from Duquesne University. Patricia has also been an instructor at Wheeling Jesuit University, Seton Hill University, and Duquesne University. She specializes in the field of biblical theology. Patricia’s research interests include: Christology in the Gospel of Matthew, Jewish-Christian dialogue, the theology of the cross, and the study of women in Scripture. She is the recipient of numerous academic honors and awards. Patricia has written articles published by several academic journals, and is the author of Irrepressible Light: The Women of the New Testament. She maintains a blog of her writings called Everyday Spirituality.

Richard P. Hanlon Jr. ’15
The Fred McFeely Rogers Award for Creative Ministry

The Rev. Richard P. Hanlon Jr. says his professional mission is to kindle neighborly connections between people and nature. As a pastor in Athens, Pa., he leads guided events at parks and trails and shares nature writings and videos on social media. Rich believes this work is critical for preparing church and community groups to address habitat loss, climate change, and other environmental challenges facing the world today. He holds a B.A. in environmental studies from Penn State University and M.Div. from PTS. Rich is a certified interpretive guide through the National Association for Interpretation and an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church. Beginning in June 2022, Hanlon and his wife, Erin, will offer guided tours of nature and spiritual retreats for church and community groups in New York’s Adirondack Mountains.

BookTalks - Witches and Mystics in Reformation Scotland
The Rev. Dr. Nancy Hayes Kilgore '83

Images of Music: An Evening of Clarinet and Piano
Faye D’Ippolito (piano), Dr. Edith Humphrey (piano), Janice Vanderslice Coppola (clarinetist)

Clergy Covenant Building 
The Rev. Dr. Renee Mikell ‘10, Assistant to the Bishop, Western Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church

Self-Care and Spirituality in Anxious Times 
The Rev. Joseph Hedden ‘97, Pastor of Emmanuel Reformed Church of the United Church of Christ, Spiritual Director and Spiritual Leader

Manage Conflict Before It Manages You: Lessons We Have Learned 
The Rev. Dr. Mark Whitsel ’04/’18, Lead Pastor, Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church; and the Rev. Chris Weichman ’98, Pastor, Head of Staff, First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant 

What Borders Mean Within Community: Faith in Action at the Mexican/American Border 
Ruth Boykin, Associate Director of the Metro-Urban Institute, PTS; Nicole Schilder, Student; and Jocabed Gallegos, Trip Host