Date: July 17, 2026
Today, we joyfully lift up our VTS alumni – the more than 3,300 remarkable individuals who are the heart and soul of the Seminary. Their ministries extend across the United States and into fifty-five countries around the world. The impact they have on the Church and in their communities is profound. They embody the beloved VTS motto, “Go ye into the world and preach the Gospel,” through faithful service in churches, dioceses, schools, hospitals, prisons, and countless other settings.
Each August, as new students arrive, I find myself wondering how their journeys will unfold—during their time in seminary, in their first calls, and in the years of ministry ahead. Supporting our graduating students through the placement process offers a unique and meaningful glimpse into that sacred journey of discernment, and it is something I look forward to each year.
It is a true joy to remain connected with our alumni and to work alongside the volunteer leaders who help strengthen this community. The Alumni Association Executive Committee (AAEC) and our Class Stewards play an essential role in fostering communication and connection between alumni and the Seminary, while those who coordinate at a regional level expand and enrich our network in powerful ways. I am also deeply grateful for the exceptional team in Institutional Advancement, whose support makes this work possible.
Whether on campus, at events and conferences, or visiting alumni in their places of ministry, it is a blessing to see the depth and breadth of their work—and to walk alongside them in their ongoing vocations. We give thanks for them, and for the ways they continue to shape the life of the Church and the world.
Shelagh Casey Brown
Director of Alumni and Church Relations