The seventh annual Bishop James Walker Hood Donor Appreciation Dinner was held May 13 on the Hood Theological Seminary campus.
This event was held to thank and recognize those individuals who gave a thousand dollars or more in 2010 to the seminary.
ěThis year, Hood is celebrating the tenth anniversary of becoming an independent seminary and tonight we want to say thank you for your on-going support and encouragement of this outstanding institution,î said Dr. Albert Aymer, President of Hood Seminary, as he welcomed more than 80 guests who attended the dinner.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Bishop James Walker Hood Award for Distinguished Service. This is the highest honor Hood Seminary bestows on donors, leaders and supporters.
Aymer presented this yearsí award to the Rev. Dr. Robert M. Lewis and his wife, Jan. In recognizing them, Aymer said, ěIn the eight years Bob has served as adjunct professor and director of the Doctor of Ministry degree program, he has been instrumental in developing the doctoral program at Hood into one of the fastest growing and most diverse advanced degree programs in the country.
ěHe has personally taught, advised and mentored almost 90 students and graduates of this program. Jan has been by his side every step of the way. They have generously and selflessly contributed of their time, talent and resources to help fulfill the mission of a growing Hood Theological Seminary ó to advance the preparation of persons for transformative leadership in Christian ministry.î
Lewis, former senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Salisbury for 24 years, is retiring this summer from his position as the director of the Doctor of Ministry program after eight years at Hood.
Those gathered for the occasion were also thanked by three seminary students, the Rev. Charles Allen, the Rev. Carolyn Bratton and the Rev. Craig Allen. They each gave personal remarks on the preparation and formation they have received at the seminary and how meaningful it has been in preparing them for the ministry and the diverse communities they serve.
Among the special guests in attendance was the chairman of the Board of Trustees, Bishop Richard K. Thompson.
Hood Theological Seminary, established in 1906, is located at 1810 Lutheran Synod Drive in Salisbury. The ecumenical community is made up of students, faculty and staff from multiple national and ethnic backgrounds, representing sixteen denominations.