Date: September 23, 2025
Last night, the Seminary hosted a special dinner in the Welcome Center to honor Dr. Hoben Thomas for his generous gift establishing The Pat Thomas Welcome Center Floor, named in honor of his wife, The Rev. Dr. Patricia M. Thomas ’79, ’88. It was a gracious and joyful occasion, made even more meaningful by the presence of their children and grandchildren, who shared in celebrating Pat’s extraordinary legacy and Hoben’s generosity.
The Welcome Center was a fitting setting for the celebration, reflecting Pat’s lifelong commitment to connection and hospitality. Pat was a trailblazer in The Episcopal Church—the first woman to serve as Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of Washington, Canon Precentor at the Washington National Cathedral, and rector of Christ Episcopal Church in New Bern, NC. She also gave faithful leadership to VTS as Senior Class President, Class Steward, and a member of the Alumni Association Executive Committee.
The dinner provided a moment to reflect on Pat’s belief that “quiet conversations… are the genuine moments of grace.” The Welcome Center will now be the place where such moments continue, connecting visitors from around the world. The evening closed with gratitude to Dr. Thomas and his family and a commitment to carry Pat’s spirit of connection into the Seminary’s future.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary.