Golden Graduates – Class of 1963

Published Date: May 30, 2013

by Sandra McKinney, Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore Campus, Alumni Office

Thirteen members of the Asbury Theological Seminary Class of 1963 descended upon Wilmore May 24-25, 2013. This was a weekend to reunite, remember the past, and share in the rewards of each others 50 years of ministry since parting ways. The Golden Graduates and their spouses were honored with meals with President Timothy C. Tennent and Dr. and Mrs. J. Ellsworth Kalas. The weekend included driving and walking tours of the growing Wilmore campus, a class photograph, and attending the Commencement Concert on Friday evening. The culmination of the weekend was donning the golden robes and processing into commencement with the Class of 2013.

While attending the concert on Friday night, Dr. Llewellyn C. (M.Div. 1963; D.Min. 1985) and Mrs. Evelyn Johnston Jr. saw Ted (M.Div. 2013) and Valerie Fine. Rev. Johnston was the pastor at Ted’s home church and officiated at Ted and Valerie’s wedding. Neither man realized they would both be celebrating commencement together. The Holy Spirit was definitely moving.

This year we celebrated having our first Golden Graduate Couple. Al and Jane Vom Steeg graduated with Bachelors of Divinity and Masters of Religious Education, respectively. Al served on the Board of Trustees at Asbury Seminary. He and Jane shared with the Alumni Office team, “Though I have made many visits to the campus over my years on the board they always seemed to focus on the task of being a board member without just enjoying being on the campus and sensing the presence of God from the beauty of the landscape to the freshness of young lives who were studying there. This time I can say with certainty we just enjoyed being there and so much more.”

Having the Golden Graduates on campus is a highlight for the Asbury Community and Alumni Office. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity for these saints to come back “home” and share how God has been at work in the 50 years since they walked across the stage and became an Alum of Asbury Theological Seminary.