Date: September 4, 2024
More than fifty people gathered in the Welcome Center last night for the Alexandria Roundtable. Our Roundtables were interrupted by the pandemic and then by different programming around the Historic Bicentenary. So, it was lovely to gather afresh with friends. Roundtables are a vehicle for friends and alumni to learn about the Seminary. We enjoy table fellowship together, culminating with a short program over dessert.
The message last night was that VTS is making a difference to the challenges facing The Episcopal Church. Our large incoming class will help the clergy shortage; our recruitment of strong faculty will help make the case for faith in our secular age; our emphasis on social justice will help Millennials and Gen Z take the church seriously; and our commitment to living together in community will help overcome polarization.
The strength of VTS is our friends and alumni support. We depend on their interest, prayers, and, yes, gifts. Thank you to all those in Institutional Advancement who worked so hard to make such an amazing event.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary