Date: May 1, 2026
Yesterday was Gratitude Day, and it was a joy to see our students pause to say thank you to the donors who make so much of our life together possible. Those moments of appreciation matter deeply; they remind us that formation is sustained by generosity as well as effort. We are grateful to every student who took the time to express that gratitude so thoughtfully.
We then gathered in the Welcome Center to celebrate Dr. Lisa Kimball as she moves toward retirement. The stories shared were powerful – full of affection, admiration, and a recognition of a vocation lived with remarkable faithfulness. It was a fitting tribute to someone who has given so much to this community.
In the Chapel, we commissioned spouses and families, rightly honoring the essential role they play in formation and ministry. The day concluded with the Thesis and Summative Projects Presentation, which was extraordinary – not only for the quality of the work, but also for the superb organization by Dr. Sharon Heaney. Thank you to everyone who made yesterday such a rich and meaningful day.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary.