2021 Alumni Convocation and Sprigg Lecture

Dr. McCray studies homiletics and the history of Christian spirituality. Within these fields, she focuses on African American preaching and spirituality, medieval women’s spirituality, and sermon genre.

Additional Convocation highlights include a presentation on the Reparations initiative, the Alumni Association Business Meeting, and Evensong.

Registration is $40.00 per person for those attending on campus, which includes the keynote address and other sessions, lunch, and the reception following Evensong.

Registration is $10.00 per person for those who are attending online only.

NOTE: The Alumni Reunion Dinner requires a separate registration by clicking here.

Convocation 2021 Schedule (Unless otherwise noted, all sessions are live-streamed)

Monday, October 11

6 pm - 6:30 pm Class Reunions Reception (for in-person attendees)

6:30 pm Class Reunions Dinner (for in-person attendees)

Tuesday, October 12

11 am-12 noon Reparations Information Session with Ebonee Davis, Associate for Multicultural Ministries Programming and Historical Research for Reparations

12-1:00 pm Lunch break (lunch served on campus for in-person attendees)

1:00-1:45 pm Alumni Association Business Meeting, Chaired by AAEC President, the Very Rev. Billy J. Alford ‘92

2:00-3:30 pm Keynote address by Dr. Donyelle McCray ’06, Associate Professor of Homiletics, Yale University

The Apostle Pauli

Focusing on the themes of bearing witness, intercessory prayer, and divine tenderness, Dr. McCray will explore preaching and intercessory prayer in times of calamity, and will reflect on some of the insights that the Rev. Pauli Murray learned from a beloved spiritual teacher, Julian of Norwich.

3:30-4:45 pm Concurrent opportunities on campus and campus videos streamed for online participants

• Campus tours of newly renovated spaces:
• Bicentennial Hall
• Addison Academic Center
• Bishop Payne Library
• Scott Lounge, Coffield Refectory, Food Serving area/Kitchen

(in-person tours of campus; videos streamed for online participants)

• Visit the VTS Lego Model of Aspinwall, Bohlen, and Meade buildings
• Visit the digital wall, A Seminary’s Saints and Stories on the lower level of Addison
• “Open House” sessions with various program departments (D.Min. Program, Center for Anglican Communion Studies (CACS), and Lifelong Learning)

5:15 pm Convocation Evensong with sermon by AAEC President Billy Alford and the awarding of Honorary Degrees

6:30-7:30 pm Light Reception for Convocation attendees following Evensong (for in-person attendees)