Fuller Seminary’s Class of 1958 Gathers for 50th Reunion

“In many ways we’ve changed significantly since you were here—yet we are still faithful to the same gospel that our founder, Charles E. Fuller, preached so faithfully many years ago.” Such were the remarks of President Richard J. Mouw at a 50th reunion celebration held for Fuller Theological Seminary’s Class of 1958 on Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14, at the seminary’s Pasadena campus.

Over the last 50 years “Fuller Seminary has made its mark,” said Mouw, “and we continue to build on the tradition of courageous scholarship that was established by those who went before us.”

The class of 1958 had 78 members and 19 of those attended the reunion celebration, traveling from points across the U.S. and as far away as Scotland. Events over the two days included several meals together, times for shared remembrances, a campus tour, addresses from Dr. Mouw and Fuller’s three current deans, and participation in Saturday’s Commencement ceremony processional. Each member of the Class of 1958 was given a medallion at Friday’s luncheon gathering.

“We are proud of you; you are a distinguished group of alumni/ae,” School of Theology Dean Howard Loewen said to the group. Those in attendance ranged from Marvin L. Printis, Fuller’s first African American student and founding president of the National Black Evangelical Association; to Dudley Woodberry, current professor of Islamic Studies at Fuller and dean emeritus of the School of Intercultural Studies; to other class members, both men and women, who have used their Fuller experience in varied paths of ministry and mission.

Many reunion participants commented on the deep and rich impact of their Fuller experience—both inside and out of the classroom—in their lives and ministries over the years. “I have been profoundly shaped in my ministry by the investment that so many of Fuller’s pioneering professors made in me—Edward John Carnell, Lars Granberg, Clarence Roddy, Everett Harrison, Dan Fuller, George Ladd, Wilbur Smith, and Paul Jewett,” wrote Class of 1958 member John Notehelfer in a reunion booklet prepared for the event. “Without question the greatest benefit that I received from Fuller was the people I met,” said class member Harry Schortmann Jr. “More than memories, some friendships that began then have continued until today, growing in depth and significance. They have endured the rigors of time.”