We extend sympathy to Clyde Curry Smith (1951) on the death of his wife, Ellen Marie Christine Smith, on July 21, 2015. She was 84. Ellen was born on April 16, 1931, in Lakewood, Ohio, to a Danish immigrant family. She was educated at Bowling Green State University, Ohio, receiving the Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1953, following which, on June 13, she married Clyde Curry Smith of Hamilton, Ohio, then a student in the Divinity School of the University of Chicago. Her interest in healthcare and her volunteer involvements, beginning in 1971 with the City of River Falls Hospital Committee, led to the integration of two old units into one. She continued to volunteer and offer leadership to various agencies. In 1983, she received the Harold Ristow Award for Outstanding Volunteer on Western Wisconsin Health Systems Agency Board. Ellen is survived by Clyde Curry Smith, her husband; her son and his wife and their three children; and her daughter and her husband and their four children. Read the full obituary here.

McKinna Daugherty (2010) has been named the minister of Altoona Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Altoona, Iowa, a growing suburb northeast of Des Moines. She began serving there on May 1. A formal pastoral installation service is planned for Sunday, August 30th during the 10:15am service. Upper Midwest Regional Minister, Rev. Bill Spangler-Dunning, will be preaching.

We are saddened to learn of the death of R. Douglas Spangler (1964) and extend sympathy to his wife, Katie Spangler. He died June 16, 2015 in California. In 1964, Doug entered the University of Chicago as a Disciples Divinity House Scholar where he earned a BD degree. Later, he completed a Master's degree in counseling. Katie, his wife of 46 years, reflected that “His call to ministry focused on helping parents, particularly fathers, build healthy relationships. He did this one on one, through his writing, with his TV and radio shows, by counseling, teaching classes and through creating school district wide programs and resources.” Beginning in 1973, his writing appeared in newspapers, national and regional magazines, and other publications. From 1977-1985, he wrote a monthly column “Frankly for Fathers” in American Baby Magazine. He wrote two books, Fatherhood: An Owner’s Manual, For Fathers of children from birth to age five (1994), and Meditations for the New Father (2013). You can read his blog posts at fathertalk.wordpress.com. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Katie Spangler, and by two children, four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren.

Thandiwe (Gobledale) Dale-Ferguson (2009) became Associate Minister of Cairn Christian Church in Lafayette, Colorado, in July. Her installation service is planned for September 6. Thandiwe and Darryl Dale-Ferguson (former resident), who is writing his PhD dissertation in religious ethics at the Divinity School, are already enjoying hiking in the Boulder area.

Brandon Cline (1999) and Patricia Duncan (1999) and their two daughters are moving to Fort Worth, Texas, in July. Tish has been appointed Assistant Professor of Religion (New Testament and Early Christianity) at Texas Christian University (TCU) and Brandon has been named Senior Major Gifts Officer at Brite Divinity School, TCU. Congratulations!

Danielle Cox (current House Scholar) has been selected as one of two DOM/Global Ministries summer interns. The internship provides opportunities for Disciples seminarians to engage with a variety of programs within Global Ministries, especially Africa and Latin America partnerships and mission personnel and communications. This program is designed to help nurture and develop leaders who have a commitment to God's mission in the world and a passion for justice. The experience includes a pilgrimage to visit one of Global Ministries' overseas partners. Danielle has just completed a nine-month internship in campus ministry and church relations at Chapman University.

Kathryn Ray, House resident and soon-to-be MDiv/MA in SSA graduate of the University of Chicago, was ordained May 31 in Chicago by the Alliance of Baptists and the Ellis Avenue Church. Fellow House compatriots Allie Lundblad and Kiva Nice-Webb were among the participants. Divinity School graduate and Ellis Avenue pastor Jonathan Friesen preached the ordination sermon.

Julian DeShazier (Trustee), Senior Minister of University Church, is among Chicago leaders featured in an excellent documentary about youth violence in Chicago and how communities of faith are responding. "Violence in Chicago: Responding with Faith" was broadcast May 28 on WTTW (PBS). The documentary builds on the human facts of the effects of violence to offer ways of thinking about violence theologically and of responding morally, practically, and constructively. Julian and other leaders speak eloquently and movingly. It can be viewed in its entirety on youtube.

Irami and Bonnie Osei-Frimpong (2005) are moving to Corvallis, Oregon, where they will live in and manage an intentional community. They are pictured here at daughter Graham's infant dedication at University Church Chicago on May 25, with big sister Carenen looking on. Bonnie continues as the director of the National Benevolent Association's Xplor program.

William Wright (1995) is the author of a new book, Calvin's Salvation in Writing: A Confessional Academic Theology, just published by E.J. Brill (2015). The book "is the philosophically boldest employment of Calvin to date. Through innovatively mining Calvin’s theology, William Wright designs a new method of theology, 'theography,' that will enliven the field." Bill Wright, who is Associate Professor of Religion at Eureka College, and spouse Jessica Barr, who is Associate Professor of English at Eureka, and Silas will be moving to Amherst, Massachusetts, later this summer, where Jessica has a new position in comparative literature. Two current House Scholars, Judith Guy and Doug Collins, and one entering House Scholar, Colton Lott, claim Prof. Wright as their mentor.