Winter 2023 Newsletter

GTF SCHOLAR
THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE
GRADUATE THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION
Winter Newsletter

01| Message from the President | 05| Next Residential Institute
| Offering
|

02| Wallace Fund Grant | 06| Recent Defenses
|

|

| 07| Community News
|

03| First Residential Course in |
the History Books
| 08| Student Spotlight
|

EOLOGICAL
RADUATE TH FOUNDATIO
A Message from the President

NG

Dear GTF community,

As the year 2022 comes to an end, it is time to look back over the past year and to look for-
ward with hope to the new one. For GTF 2022 was a year of challenges and blessings. In the
beginning of 2022, we made our final transition to Sarasota, Florida. This was a plan several
years in the making, as we laid out the map of transitioning from Mishawaka Indiana and
the Dodge House, along with the transitions of leadership in Administration and the Board
of Directors. The move has gone very well, and the new campus of GTF will offer many fu-
ture years of service to our faculty, students and alumni. In 2022 we held our first residential
course in our new location. You will read more about that in this newsletter. In every way,
the new campus of GTF is a wonderful addition to the ongoing work of the foundation.
2022 also had its challenges. Although it was not a direct hit, Hurricane Ian devastated parts
of the west coast of Florida, and required us to postpone our residential course to a future
date. With climate change leading to stronger and more frequent storms, we will have to
carefully navigate storm season.
2022 had another kind of storm. It is the financial crisis that has impacted the entire world.
GTF has not be immune to this economic situation. We are weathering this storm, but much
budget tightening has been required. It is our hope that better financial days are ahead, not
just for GTF, but for everyone who is impacted by the declining economy.
I am sure that for all who read this newsletter, 2022 has been a year of ups and downs, banes
and blessings. Here at GTF, we wish you all the best in the new year ahead. May 2023 be a
year that brings light into the world, and into your life. And may it be a year that expands
the work of GTF in our stated mission: “to Bring light into the World through Interfaith,
International, Multicultural Education”.

Best Wishes for the New Year, 01
Dr. Paul J Kirbas
President/CEO
The Graduate Theological Foundation

EOLOGICAL The GTF Receives a Grant
RADUATE TH FOUNDATIO from the Wallace Fund
NG

The Administration of GTF is pleased to announce that GTF has received a grant for $25,000 for
the Latin American Doctor of Ministry project. The project aims to offer Doctorate education to
Cuban pastors, and other pastors who travel to Cuba for ministry education. The grant has been
offered through the Harry W Wallace and Jo-Ann D Wallace Charitable Foundation. “We are very
thankful for this grant”, said President Kirbas, “It will offer pastors in Cuba the training they need
to successfully lead their growing churches.”

The situation for ministry in Cuba is full of potential
and promise. Unlike many churches in the States, the
churches of Cuba are rapidly growing. Many of the young
pastors serving these churches have great passion, but
not much training in leading churches that are growing
into larger, programmatic churches. This new Doctor of
Ministry program will offer that training to allow these
pastors to continue to lead these growing churches. These
pastors, however, are not able to afford the education that
they need. This grant will help provide the instruction,
housing and food for these students as they attend our
classes on the campus of our partner institution in Cuba,
the Evangelical Seminary in Matanzas.
The mission of the Harry W Wallace and Jo-Ann D Wallace Foundation is to offer grants to orga-
nizations that manifests a giving philosophy to religious education, medical education, community
services (food insecure, unhoused, etc), and certain medical research. We are very thankful that the
foundation has chosen to partner with us as we offer our educational services to pastoral leaders in
Cuba.

02

EOLOGICAL
RADUATE TH FOUNDATIO
First Residential Course

NG

GTF history was made as the first week-long residential intensive course was held in our new
location of Sarasota, Florida. Dr. Paul Kirbas, President of the Graduate Theological Foun-
dation and the Paul Tillich Professor of Theology and Culture at the institution, led the stu-
dents on a deep dive into the diverse theories of theodicy, which asks the question: If God is
all-powerful and If God is all-loving, then why is there evil and suffering in the world. This
first residential course was a true success!
Most students were housed in a hotel within easy walking distance of our campus. The course
included in-class instruction and discussion, as well as field trips. The group shared a celebra-
tory meal at the famous Marina Jacks restaurant on the Sarasota Bayfront.
Future residential courses are being planned, with the next course offered by GTF Logothera-
py Professor Dr. Edward Marshall happening at the end of January. We encourage all our stu-
dents to consider the positive impact of attending an in-person course at GTF. Here are some
comments from students who attended our first residential:

“It was great sharing a learning space with a compassionate, charis-
matic, & competent cohort of collaborators from various denomi-
national backgrounds for Fall Intensive 2022. The Graduate Theo-
logical Foundation is a wonderful institution to explore, educate,
& empower individuals who are interested in next level living &
leading.”
~Nelson A. Henry, Doctoral Candidate

Nelson A. Henry Rev. Eleanor Glasgow 03

“Indeed, the Fall 2022 Residential Institute held 7th – 11th November was intel-
lectually empowering. The professional manner in which Dr. Paul Kirbas deliv-
ered the subject matter captured the imagination and released the exploratory
theological thirst of the students. The Theories of Theodicy theological adven-
ture - which seemed deeply metaphysical on first notification - was presented in
a light, understandable, student-friendly manner that drew the participants into
the real-life context of the several theorists.
The environment, both living and teaching, forged a camaraderie that has
transcended the Fall Residential engendering an eagerness for further academic
gatherings. Special mention must be made of Mrs. Jennifer Kirbas who treated
the students with her wonderful culinary skills and welcoming personality.”
~Rev. Eleanor Glasgow, Doctoral Candidate

Now in the History Book...

Dr. Terry Koch “Each day of the week-long first residential course, Theories of Theodicy, began with
an experience in art appreciation as I walked the short distance from our most com-
fortable hotel accommodation to the GTF offices on the festively-decorated sidewalks
depicting Sarasota, its history and culture.The daily class offerings by Dr Paul Kirbas
were fascinatingly offered through various effective tools of presentation; on screen,
through metaphor and story, including a unique field trip to the local botanical garden
as part of our topic research. The camaraderie we scholars experienced with one
another along with Dr. Kirbas, melded into warm and gratifying friendships as the
week transpired. Though coming from individually widely-differing spiritual back-
grounds and experiences, we found much on which to concur through our scholarly
discussions.There was a wonderful respectfulness shown for personal opinions offered
which drew us firmly together in our quest for developing our own theories for the
timely topic so many have grappled with through the eons of history, the defense of
God in face of horrendous evil. I encourage any GTF scholars to take advantage of
these residential course offerings. If they are anything like we experienced, they will be
well worth your effort and expense.”

~Dr Terry Koch, DSM

“I had a wonderful and memorable time at Graduate
Theological Foundation, Sarasota Florida during the 2022
Fall residential institute which was intensive, challenging
and educative. Done in a conducive atmosphere for study
of Theories of Theodicy after the Covid-19 pandemic that
ravaged the world.”
~Father Peter Oyenugba, Doctoral candidate

Fr. Peter Oyenugba

04

EOLOGICAL THE NEXT RESIDENTIAL
RADUATE TH FOUNDATIO INSTITUTE OFFERING

January 30 - February 3, 2023
Sarasota, Florida


NG

The first residential course held in Sarasota Florida
November 7-11 was a major success. Students loved
the environment, the community, and the learning that
they experienced here.

Now it is time to open registration for the next residential course, Dr. Edward Marshall
which offers an introduction to the work and legacy of Viktor
Frankl, the founder of Logotherapy. The faculty member leading
this residential institute is Dr. Edward Marshall, the Viktor E.
Frankl Professor of Psychotherapy and Spirituality here at GTF.
Dr. Marshall earned the Diplomate Clinician credential in Viktor
E. Frankl’s Logotherapy and Existential Analysis through the
Viktor Frankl Institute in the United States and became Lifetime
and Faculty member of this institute. In 2011 he was awarded the
Joseph B. Fabry Founders Award by the Viktor Frankl Institute
and he co-founded the Ottawa Institute of Logotherapy, Ottawa,
Canada, accredited with the International Association of Logo-
therapy and Existential Analysis, Viktor Frankl Institute Vienna.

Tuition and Other Costs
The tuition for our Intensive Residential courses is $1,400. In addition, students are responsible for their
travel costs and hotel costs. GTF has a special rate arrangement with local hotels. Most meals will also be the
student’s responsibility, although some meals will be scheduled together and offered by GTF.

Registration
To register for the course, please contact the registrar’s office
at [email protected]. Registration will require a
deposit to hold the spot. A minimum number of registered
students will be required to go forward with the course. If the
course is cancelled due to insufficient registrations, your deposit
will be refunded.

05

EOLOGICAL Recent Defenses Held in
RADUATE TH FOUNDATIO the U.S. and Cuba
NG

In the last few weeks of 2022, three GTF students defended their theses successful-
ly, as the major and last step of their academic degree requirements. The diversity
of locations and students demonstrate the vast impact of GTF around the world.

We congratulate Carmen Esther Nualla Parets for
the successful defense of her thesis “Relación Igle-
sia-Mundo en la constitución pastoral GAUDIUM ET
SPES del Concilio Vaticano II: Nuevos retos, nuevas
esperanzas.” Dr. Nualla Parets was one of our students
in our Cuba partnership with the Evangelical Semi-
nary in Matanzas. The defense faculty team consisted
of faculty from both institutions. Representing GTF
were Dr. Jorge Colon, our Director of Latin American
Studies, and Dr. Enrique Santiago Del Valle.
We congratulate Father Gregory Okafor for the successful defense of
his thesis “TOWARD AN INTEGRAL PSYCHO-SOCIAL TEACHING:
LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATIONAL SETTING”. The faculty on
the defense panel were Dr. Paul Kirbas, President and Paul Tillich Profes-
sor of Theology and Culture, Dr. Ann-Marie Neale, Karen Horney Pro-
fessor of Counseling and Psychology, and Dr. Donald Schwab, Professor
of Counseling and Psychology.

We congratulate Andrew Chaney for
the successful defense of his thesis
“Victory Mission’s Wholistic Resto-
ration Program.” The faculty on the
defense panel were Dr. Paul Kirbas,
President and Paul Tillich Professor of
Theology and Culture, Dr. Hugh Page,
Benjamin E. Mays Professor of Scrip-
ture and Applied Ministries, and Dr.
Robert Frantz, Professor of Mediation.
06

EOLOGICAL
RADUATE TH FOUNDATIO
Community News

NG

We are delighted to share the accomplishments of our
faculty, students, and alumni. If you have news to share,

please contact us.

GTF Faculty member Dr. Shinichi Tagami, GTF Professor of Psychology
and Counseling, has a new book published in Japan entitled “Hope Beyond
Covid-19”.

2022 Graduate Dr. Mindy Hills has begun a new position as the Director of the
Dominican Center Marywood at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Alum Sister Rosemarie Pacatte became an adjunct professor at Catholic Univer-
sity of America in Washington, D.C.

GTF Faculty member Rev. Anthony Hunt has published a new book entitled
“Things That Matter: Messages for Transformed Living”.

In November, GTF Faculty member Ansel Augustine received the “ARTIE
AWARD” for Literature from the local alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta So-
rority for Literature.

Faculty Member Jan Lundy has published a new book entitled “My Deepest Me:
A 30-Day Journey to Nourish Your Inner Life”.

In November, Doctor of Tribunal Studies Student Vladimer Narsia presented a 07
lecture entitled “The Role and Function of Canon Law in the Life of the Church”
at the Ilia State University in Tbilisi, Georgia.

EOLOGICAL
RADUATE TH FOUNDATIO
Student Spotlight

NG

We congratulate the following students who have completed their
studies and have earned their degrees since our last newsletter:

J Cecil Craig..................................................................................Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Direction
Mark Russoniell..................................................................................................................Doctor of Ministry
John Forkuoh.....................................................Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Pastoral Psychotherapy
Catherine Kuschel..........................................................................................................Doctor of Psychology
Josephine Saley.................................................................................................................Doctor of Education
Janice Lundy.........................................................................Doctor of Psychology in Pastoral Logotherapy
Abdoul Zeba....................................................................................Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Studies
Eeshat Ansarie................................................................................Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Studies
Carmen Esther Nualla Parets.......................................................................................Doctor of Philosophy
Catherine Miles-Flynn.......................................................................................................Doctor of Ministry
Scherell Bryan.....................................................................................................................Doctor of Ministry
Anthony Nwaohiri..............................................................................................................Doctor of Ministry
Fr. Gregory Okafor.........................................................................................................Doctor of Philosophy
Carmen Esther Nualla Parets......................................................................................Doctor of Philosophy
Andres Chaney..............................................................................................................Doctor of Philosophy

We welcome the following new students who have been accepted to
new programs since our last newsletter:

Mr. Todd Mesler
Rev. Dr. Janusz Bizewski
Shaykh Umer Khan
Ms. Yau, Wai Man
Mr. Jeffrey Chervenak

08

The GraduateTheological Foundation (GTF) is a 501(c)(3)
not-for-profit educational institution.

Graduate Theological Foundation - 751 South Orange
Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

800-423-5983 - 1-405-653-9410 - Fax: 1-405-653-9435