Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education
3401 Brook Road
Richmond, VA 23227
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Glenn Birch
Phone: 804.278.4306
FAX: 804.355.5648
E-mail: gbirch@union-psce.edu
Gift Surprises Charlotte Dean
Charlotte, NC — March 18, 2008 — It all began with a secret letter. Money and checks exchanged hands in clandestine moments during theology class. Meanwhile, Tom Currie, the dean of Union-PSCE at Charlotte, had no idea that students and alumni/ae were conspiring to collect funds that would result in a $3,000 gift to Union-PSCE in his honor.
“Tom gives so much to us. He’s our professor, our mentor, our pastor and our friend. Money can’t really express that, but we hoped it would at least help show how highly we think of him. I don’t think we thank our faculty nearly enough for all they do,” said Nadine Ellsworth-Moran, M.Div. student and one of the masterminds behind the scheme.
The gift will go towards the Charlotte Operating Fund in a collaborative effort to recognize the exceptional leadership of Tom Currie for Union-PSCE at Charlotte since it began in 2002. The program, now in its sixth year, has more than 90 students enrolled. Classes are held on weekends to accommodate students with full-time jobs.
“We all love and respect Tom. He has been such a powerful force for getting this campus to the point we are. When I arrived, we were not yet accredited, so all of us—beginning with the Genesis class—were stepping out on faith,” said Mary Anne Welch, co-conspirator and M.Div. student.
The element of secrecy added to the mounting anticipation as funds were collected. Mary Anne and Nadine, who coordinated the fundraising, felt like spies out of a Tom Clancy novel.
The intrigue ended when the gift was announced to a still unsuspecting Dean Currie at the annual Texas barbecue hosted by Tom and his wife for the Charlotte community.
“It was the best gift for us to see the look of surprise on the dean’s face!” said Nadine.
