Phillips Theological Seminary Celebrates 2024 Graduates, Awards Honorary Doctorate to Free Mom Hugs Founder
Phillips Theological Seminary awarded 24 degrees and certificates during its annual commencement ceremony May 18 at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Tulsa, Okla.
The senior class reflection was delivered by Phillip Daniel Munsterman, graduating Master of Divinity student. The faculty address was given by Nancy Claire Pittman, president of Phillips who is retiring Sept. 30. Inspiring commencement music was provided by Alex Geiger, graduating Master of Divinity student.
This is the first year Phillips Theological Seminary recognizes students graduating with a concentration in Black Church Traditions. The first two to complete this concentration were Sharri L. Coleman and DeSean A. Jarrett.
Sara Cunningham, founder of Free Mom Hugs and recipient of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, takes a selfie with the faculty and graduates after the 2024 Phillips Theological Ceremony commencement ceremony May 18, 2024.
This year’s ceremony also honored Sara Cunningham with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Cunningham, the founder of Free Mom Hugs, has gained national acclaim for her dedication to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, providing support and advocacy that underscores the power of unconditional love and acceptance.
Those receiving Doctor of Ministry degrees were Joshua Eugene Bell, Miriam Oropesa Gentle, and Celeste LeBak.
Receiving Master of Divinity degrees were Heidi Hewitt Bounds, Alex Tavarus Geiger, Stephen Israel Hogue, DeSean A. Jarrett, Phillip Daniel Munsterman (High Honors), Rachel Lynn Neil, Kelly J. Perotti, Stacy Webb Reaves, and Angela Suzanne Wrentz (Honors).
Receiving Master of Arts (Social Justice) degrees were Laurie Capehart Clark (Honors), Erin Louise Gresham, Keith Orlando Jossell, and Jayson Quincey Robertson.
Receiving Master of Theological Studies degrees were Joshua Michael Beck (Honors)
Sharri L. Coleman, Thomas D. Schwartz, and George Allen Terrell.
Receiving Certificates in Pastoral Ministry from the Center for Ministry and Lay Training were Steven Cody DeMint and Robert Alan Simpson.
Receiving a Graduate Certificate was William Scott Harralson.
For a video of the 2024 commencement, CLICK HERE. You can view chapel services and other live events at https://www.youtube.com/@PhillipsSeminary/streams.
About Phillips Theological Seminary
Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Phillips Theological Seminary offers comprehensive theological education dedicated to learning, leadership, and service to society. It provides a range of graduate programs that prepare students to be thoughtful, informed, and responsible religious leaders in diverse community contexts.