Thanking McCormick

May 7, 2025

PHILIP RICHARD SUNDARAM
MTS Student

I profoundly thank God for the theological institutions that have shaped my ministerial and academic journey. The Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary and Gurukul Lutheran Theological College, Tamil Nadu, India, that broke the cocoons of a cozy city-born Dalit man and transformed me into a humble village pastor and a man of resistance. Now, McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, stands as a “Bodh Gaya,” deepening my academic rigor and sustaining my vision of holding the candle of justice, which I long to do.

I will never forget Dr. Rob Worley and Rev. Immanuel Karunakaran for encouraging me to pursue my studies at McCormick. I still remember speaking in broken English during the Zoom interview with Dr. Rob, yet he looked beyond the limitations of language and saw the curiosity and zeal within me. It is because of "him" and "them" that I am here. I am grateful for it.

I thank Chandra Wade, the only person I know after Dr. Rob, who took the time to respond to my numerous silly and doubtful emails that arose from fear and anxiety, as I sought to reach the far end of my world to achieve the disguised claim of the American dream, and to avoid being categorized as a "legal Alien."

Special thanks to Rev. David Watkins for his academic advising and to my sister, Rev. Dr. Chrisida Anandan, for giving me the opportunity to serve as Co-Editor of The Herald, a space for creativity and writing.

All credit goes to my teachers who stood by me, supported, and encouraged a person who came from marginalized ministerial experiences, seen as an outlaw by the Bishops and Church authorities. From my first teachers, Dr. Lis Valle and our beloved Rev. Dr. Jesus Marquez, who provided me with a solid foundation; my all-time favorite, Dr. Kenneth Sawyer, who looked me in the eye with deep compassion and stood by me through all my struggles and stress; I still seek answers as to why Dr. Reggie Williams, my conscientizador, cared for me so much, and I am greatly indebted to him.

I am deeply thankful to my Thesis Advisor, Rev. Dr. Anna Case-Winters, for her excellent guidance, theological wisdom, and unwavering support for my Thesis. Her mentorship helped me shape my voice and clarify my theological vision, affirming my calling with confidence and grace. I cannot forget her books and writings, which posed a compelling task to seek God and solutions amid my profound suffering.

All my teachers who loved me deeply, believed in me, supported me, and provided me space to learn, reflect, and resist remain etched not only in my journey but also in the hearts of many. Thanks to our McCormick Presidents, Past and Present, David Crawford and Maisha I. Handy.

I thank God for my friends Robert Owusu, Kelli Manning, who gifted me the winter coats, Monica Moss, Jennifer, and Jiseon, on this side of the world. A special note of gratitude goes to Cynthia for her hospitality, Rev. Vinodh and Jenita, and my neighbors in the LSTC apartment, even though I never visited them. I am immensely grateful to my roommate, Awm Kee, with whom I shared my pain, anger, happiness, and food.

I cannot forget my parents, my wonderful wife Priya, and my son Jerry Hadriel Magiban for all their continuous support throughout this journey.

THANK YOU, MCCORMICK, I LOVE YOU.