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Seminary Alumni Class Notes

Started a new job? Relocated? Published a book or hosted a presentation? Share your latest updates with your classmates by submitting a class note! Check out the notes below to see what MTS and LTS alumni have been up to.

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View Notes for the Class of

 KEY:’X Theological Seminary’XLancaster Theological Seminary

Classnotes here

Dillon Naber Cruz M.A. L’18 comes out with his latest book, Theological Musings: Collect Essays of a Tattooed Theologian: Volume 2 on November 5th.

Jackie Gordon L’15 welcomed her daughter, Avery JoAnn, in March 2025. She also celebrated her 10-year anniversary at Mars Incorporated in May 2025. 

Mandy Mastros L’17 is meeting the needs of local folks with dignity and respect in a recent news article published in April 2025.

Trina Holmberg L’09 is serving in Nepal and volunteering in churches and schools.

Rev. Dr. Jennika Eckhaus ’98 received her Doctor of Ministry in May from LTS and serves as the Chaplain for .

Rev. Dr. Nina George-Hacker ’93 released a book titled Climbing the Great Pyramid. 

Rev. John Samuelson ’91 became a grandfather for the first time on February 27, 2025, when his grandchild, Arden Baxter, was born. His son and his wife are both UCC pastors, and they are both graduates of Union Theological Seminary in NYC. John currently works with foster children in Allentown PA. His wife, Mary, retired last year after a 36-year teaching career.  

Rev. Canon Gwendolyn-Jane Romeril L’81 passed away on November 2, 2024.

Rev. Robert Hoffman Naylor S’70 was the first recipient of the Meck Award and is still married to his wife. His second book is on the arts in ministry. He tries to live by the three J's: ”Jesus, Joy, Justice."

Wayne Alton Hawley S’76, a retired United Methodist pastor, passed away on Oct. 2, 2025.

 

Rev. Dr. Don Roderick Quayle L’65 last served Christ UCC Church in Bethlehem PA 1990-2006 In retirement he has served four interims.

Rev. William R. Swisher Jr. L’62 passed away on May 5, 2025.

Rev. Dr. Richard Charles Ditterline L’67 passed away on February 25, 2025.

Rev. Dr. Darryl E. Dech L’68 passed away on March 11, 2025.

Rev. John Everard Griffith L’65 moved to Canada in 1971 to serve a Church in Calgary, Alberta.  He served two churches in Calgary and then Transferred my ordination to the United Church of Canada in 1986. He served one United Church in Calgary and then opened a community ministry called Spiritual Directions in the year 2000 and was its director for 15 years. He retired in 2015 and is still involved in church life as a member of a progressive United Church in Calgary: St. David's United Church. He remarried in 1986. Sylvia and he are both 81 and enjoying retirement and three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. They have been active in social justice through the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good. This is a unique agency of 31 other groups: spiritual groups of all faiths, trade unions, not-for-profits, and individuals who want to make Calgary a more compassionate city for all people.  "He was ordained in 1969, served a church in Newfoundland, Pa., and then took a call to Christ church in Calgary Alberta Canada (1971). I served two Churches in Calgary and then transferred my ordination to the United Church of Canada and served as Assistant Minister of St. David's United Church from 1986 until 2000. He then started a community ministry in Calgary called Spiritual Directions Centre offering spiritual and healing courses and services. He retired in 2015.  Sylvia and he married in 1986 and I became a Canadian citizen.  We have three children, three grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. We are both 81 and enjoying retirement. "Sylvia and he remained involved in a progressive United Church (St. David's United Church) as members.  He also participates in social justice work through the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good. This is an alliance of spiritual communities, not-for-profits, trade unions, and individuals who are committed to making Calgary a more compassionate City for all people. 

Classnotes here

Rev. Dr. James Swen Hilander L’48 passed away on April 22, 2025.