Staying Connected
Louis (ThM, 1979) and Eileen Lee (MABS, 1979) praise God for their 50th anniversary celebration on May 15, 2026. They were married after Louis’s first year at DTS at their home church in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where both graduated from the University of Michigan in 1975. Eileen has taught piano lessons and has been active in worship ministries and women’s Bible studies to this day. Louis retired from full–time pastoral ministry in 2019 and from part–time interim ministry in 2025. Louis and Eileen now enjoy spending time with family and friends and traveling.
Eric Zito (ThM, 2018) recently defended his dissertation with distinction at Loyola University Chicago, earning a PhD in New Testament and Early Christianity. His revised dissertation has been accepted for publication as an academic monograph with De Gruyter Brill, and he is contributing a chapter to a forthcoming Wipf & Stock volume (for both works, see the recent publications section of the June eNews). Currently, he is an adjunct professor at Loyola and is searching for a full-time position.
Joe (ThM, 1988) and Lindsey Allen had dinner with Mike (ThM, 1985; DMin, 2003) and Cindy Easley.
Todd Hampson (MBTS, 2025) and Dr. Jeff Kinley (ThM, 1986), co-hosts of the Prophecy Pros Podcast, are working together to host Future Hope conferences, which equip students with “bold, biblical clarity to understand the end times and live with unshakeable hope.” For more information or to partner with them, visit their website: https://futurehope.now/.
Jerry (ThM, 1989) and Cherie Spurlock came to Dallas to celebrate their son-in-law, Brian Newby (ThM, 2012; PhD, 2026), graduating from DTS with a Doctor of Philosophy, along with their grandson, Elijah, daughter, Laura Newby (MABS, 2012).
Dr. Don Hawkins (ThM, 1974) completed his seventh India ministry trip last November, speaking to over 1,500 men at a conference on discipleship at the Mission India Theological Seminary campus in Nagpur. While there, Don’s recently published book, Sarita’s Story, was dedicated during a ceremony. The book chronicles the amazing story of Sarita Samuel, faculty member and registrar at the seminary. Don also taught two short-term courses: Master Discipleship and Philosophy of Ministry.
Events
Pennsylvania Alumni Dinner
Ed Griffioen (ThM, 2013), Uyen Dang (MACL, 2020), Sheryl Lackey (MACE, 2015), Adrian Pina (ThM, 2012), Kevin Gottlieb (ThM, 2019), and Dr. Mike Svigel (ThM, 2001; PhD, 2008) helped host a dinner for alumni located in the American Northeast. It was encouraging to hear everyone’s curiosity about the development of DTS in the area and their desire to keep engaged.
Austin Alumni Dinner
Amanda Boddeker (MACE, 2018; DEdMin, 2024) and Sheryl Lackey (MACE, 2015) hosted an alumni dinner in Austin, TX. It was encouraging to hear everyone’s stories and to be in the company of a graduate from 1959, Ron Greene (ThM).
Reunions
Graduates from the classes of 1976 and 1986 reunited at Concord Church in Dallas, Texas, and joined the Class of 2026 in graduation festivities.
Legacy Students
Peter and Lydia Cassetta (CGS, 2005) celebrated their daughter, Julianne Cassetta, who graduated with an MA in Christian Education and an MA in Apologetics and Evangelism (2026).
Joel (ThM, 1984) and Becky Williams celebrated their son, Luke Williams, who graduated with a ThM (2026).
Heather and Douglas Evans (MBTS, 2021) celebrated their son, Garrett Evans, who graduated with a Master in Biblical and Theological Studies (2026).
In Memory
Dr. Ron Blue (ThM, 1965), a treasured member of the DTS family, passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of ninety-one. Dr. Blue began his ministry career as a missionary in Latin America and Spain. He joined the DTS faculty in 1974 and was an immediate campus favorite, even winning the faculty award that same year. He served for several years as Professor and Chair of the Department of Missiology and Intercultural Ministries. In 1992, Dr. Blue accepted an appointment as the President of Central American Mission International (Camino Global and now Avant Ministries). In 2000, he returned to DTS, where he was instrumental in launching the Spanish DMin program in partnership with Guatemala’s Seminario Teológico Centro Americano (SETECA). He authored Evangelism and Missions: Strategies for Outreach in the 21st Century.
Dr. Blue was known for his trademark phrase: “I’d rather wear out than rust out!” That is exactly how he lived his life. In addition to his many accomplishments and accolades, he was a faithful husband to his dear wife, Libby, and a proud and caring father and grandfather to his children and his grandchildren. He remained active in ministry to the end, serving in various roles as a long-time member of Central Bible Church in Fort Worth, and he managed to attend his sixtieth DTS class reunion last year. In all he did, Dr. Blue exuded an infectious joy in the Lord!
Arthur Clifford “Art” Borden (ThM, 1957) passed away on April 26, 2026. Art was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his oldest two children, Janet Spinney Borden, and by his wife, Alice Holsopple Borden, with whom he had three more children.
Art earned a BA from The King’s College, a ThM from DTS, and a certificate from the Spanish Language Institute in Costa Rica. In Latin America, he pastored a church in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, served with the Orinoco River Mission, and directed the work of the United Bible Societies in seven countries. After returning to the United States, he served as a Special Washington Representative for the Departments of Health and Social Services of the Puerto Rican government. Art later worked in church relations for the American Bible Society, led The Genesis Project, served as Executive Director for the ECFA, and finished his working years with the American Bible Society, the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, and then Eastern Mennonite University. He was also a regular contributor to the Daily News Record.
Time will tell if one of his favorite t-shirts rings true: “Earth without Art is just ‘eh.’” He had a way of making ordinary moments feel memorable and knew how to delight in small oddities and everyday pleasures, like two-dollar bills and cowboy poetry. A man of faith and lifelong growth, Art leaves behind a beautiful legacy for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.