Date: March 14, 2025
There is something a little odd about having a portrait unveiled three years away from retirement. I confess I was very ambivalent. There are enough white, elderly men adorning the walls of this Seminary. But when I was asked by donors whether I would like one done, I heard myself saying “yes please, I would be honored.”
The unveiling occurs on March 31. Proceedings will start with Evensong and the conferral of the Dean’s Cross (thank you Marty, Shawn, and Kathy). Then afterwards in the Welcome Center will be a reception, conversation with the artist, and the formal unveiling of two portraits – one of Barney Hawkins and the other of me.
We are honoring the artist of these two portraits with the Dean’s Cross. Richard Fennell is one the great portrait artists of America. We have five of his portraits – Peter Lee, Tony Lewis, Charlie Price, Barney Hawkins, and me. Do please put this moment into your calendar.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary