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Judy Lee Hay named 2008 Distinguished Alumna

The Reverend Judy Lee Hay (M.Div., Class of 1971) will be honored as the 2008 McCormick Theological Seminary Distinguished Alumna on Tuesday, October 28 at a special luncheon during the seminary's McCormick Days alumni/ae event. The Distinguished Alumnus/a Award was established in 1976 by the McCormick Board of Trustees and recognizes exceptional contributions to the Church, including the making and strengthening of connections between the local congregation and the world. The first woman to be named senior pastor of a Presbyterian Church, Judy has served Calvary St. Andrew's Presbyterian Parish in Rochester, New York since 1979. Calvary St. Andrew's is a former joint Presbyterian/Episcopal congregation, and Judy led the liturgy in both traditions from 1973 to 2000. She was the first non-Episcopalian to be granted both voice and vote in the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester. In 2000, Judy led Calvary St. Andrew's congregation in becoming a solely Presbyterian Church. While pastor of Calvary St. Andrews, Judy also served for 16 years as Executive Director of the South Wedge Planning Committee, Inc., where she was instrumental in developing a non-profit housing corporation for this challenged neighborhood of Rochester. During her tenure, the corporation placed 120 houses back on the tax rolls, brought in new businesses, established a public library and operated work camps to help elderly, low-income residents. It also built three Habitat Houses and created two public parks. Judy also continues to serve the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as a field staff representative for the Congregational Transformation Office of Church Growth, where she is a consultant for presbyteries and congregations undergoing transformational change. She is the author of several articles, including the Feminist Theology section of the Congregational Transformation Workbook published by the PCUSA. Deeply committed to theological education, she has served on the Board of Directors for Auburn Theological Seminary in New York, and is an adjunct faculty member of Colgate Rochester Crozer Theological Seminary in Rochester. In addition, Judy is a beloved and tireless mentor and supervisor of Field Education students. Judy has been an active member of both the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, and the PCUSA for many years. She has served on numerous committees, including a four-year term as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, and Moderator of Presbytery. In addition to her service as Field Staff for Congregational Transformation, Judy leads workshops nationally on church transformation and community organizing, and was the 2004 Keynote Speaker at the National Conference on Congregational Transformation PCUSA. In addition to her devoted church leadership and commitment to theological education, Judy is continually on the forefront of community issues, and is a passionate advocate for positive social change. The Board of Trustees of McCormick Theological Seminary is pleased to recognize Judy Lee Hay's outstanding contributions to the Church of Jesus Christ with the Distinguished Alumnus/a Award. Click here to download Rev. Judy Lee Hay's address in .pdf format

 

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