From @austinseminary ... "The Reed" for August 2019

• Long-time Seminary employees retire

Long-time Seminary employees retire

Lila Parrish, who became Stitt Library's public services librarian in 2000, retired on May 24. For nearly nineteen years, she has been the public face of Stitt Library, assisting patrons, coordinating the annual book sales, and overseeing the circulation desk. Upon reflection, Lila says the best part of her time at the Seminary was having a "wonderful way to connect with students" and working with the library team. Academic Dean Dave Jensen praised her consistently positive and helpful attitude with all patrons. He says, "Lila always seems to be in a good mood!”

An avid game player and puzzle solver, Lila was honored on her last day of work with a party, where her library colleagues surprised her with a 1000-piece custom puzzle featuring a photograph of the library.

She kicked off retirement life with long-time friends who live in a religious community in Kansas. She spent the summer working in the garden and tending the alpaca and hens.

Glenna Balch joined the Office of Student Affairs staff in 2001 and was promoted to director of financial aid in 2003, the first person to hold that position.

"We have fantastic donors!" says Glenna, acknowledging the support that enables her to help most students with financial assistance. Glenna's primary role has been to guide students toward resources to pay for seminary; additionally, she monitored the federal loan program, was the primary contact for our incoming international students, and oversaw student employment.

An active member of Austin's Quaker community, Glenna has been a spiritual guide to men on death row; one for more than twenty years. At her retirement party, July 30, friends described her as a passionate activist for justice, yet "a quiet soul who treads lightly in the world." Her Admissions Office colleague William West (MDiv’17) said, "Your heart exemplifies what we try to teach here."

• Help welcome our entering class with support for our students!

New student Karen McDonald, who comes to us after a stint in Africa serving in the Peace Corps.

Welcome our students. Send a gift. Click here.

• Highlighted Workshops

"Just Worship", Sept. 30-Oct. 2, featuring Austin Seminary faculty: Jennifer Lord, Margaret Aymer, Eric Wall, and Carolyn Helsel.

• For a complete listing of the 2019 lifelong learning events offered from Education Beyond the Walls, CLICK HERE.

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