This is an exciting time. The days are packed and there are so many things going on that it’s hard to capture it all, especially with graduation in a little less than six hours. We have our long-distance deaconess students on campus, alumni reunion attendees (from the years ending in eight and three — one gentleman I met yesterday was celebrating his 45th year since graduation), international students, pastors here to finish an even greater level of theological education, and the many family and friends that come with these men and women.
One such couple with us this week is Wayne Kroemer and Barbara Wakefield-Kroemer, whose names you may recognize from The Wayne and Barbara Kroemer Library. Three and a half years after the dedication of the major library expansion, we were able to thank them once again, following last night’s Vespers service, this time for the dedication of the Wakefield-Kroemer Director’s Chair in Library and Information Services.
The chair itself is symbolic, as what it does is pay the salary and benefits of a faculty member — in this case, the Director of Library and Information Services (currently the Rev. Prof. Robert Roethemeyer). President Rast spoke at the dedication, thanking Prof. Roethemeyer, David Daniels (who made the chair itself, and many more like it here on campus), and the Kroemers for their continued and incredible support of the Seminary. The brick and mortar that make up the campus find purpose and life through the people God has placed here to serve and be served. We are richly blessed.
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
2 Corinthians 9:10-15
