GC 81 Recap

When I became the Director of Alumni, Development, and Church Relations in 2022, I very quickly began planning for the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church - the triennial legislative meeting of our church and the single largest gathering of Episcopalians each time it convenes. It is an honor and privilege that the Office of Church Relations gets to coordinate Sewanee's presence at various Episcopal events and conferences each year, and GC81 was no exception.

Our team conceived of a booth for the exhibit hall that would bring the look and feel of our beloved Mountain to the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville and offer Sewanee alumni and friends a bit of nostalgia for the Domain while giving newcomers and prospective students a glimpse of just how breathtaking and unique a place Sewanee is. Overwhelmingly, we heard from visitors to the booth that we accomplished our goal. Complete with a replica of the University Gates, large photo banners of quintessential Sewanee landmarks, and life-size photos of Sewanee faculty, staff, and students with QR codes linking to videos describing their Sewanee story.

Throughout our ten days in Louisville, we spoke with hundreds of alumni, friends, parents, and EfM participants who told us stories about their love for Sewanee. Additionally, we had the opportunity to meet many prospective undergraduate and seminary students as well as other Episcopalians who know prospective students and can encourage them to consider Sewanee for their educational and formational pursuits.

Finally, as legislative sessions took place in the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies, we had the great joy of seeing Sewanee folks participating in all levels of Episcopal Church governance - from an alumna serving as the Secretary for Elections in the House of Deputies, numerous alumni (including a SUMMA alum) speaking on the floor about resolutions, and influencing the life of our church. I am never more proud to be an Episcopalian and a Sewanee alum than at a large gathering of Episcopalians like General Convention - hearing stories of love for the Mountain and the Sewanee formational experience.

I am grateful to be able to represent Sewanee across the Episcopal Church - an important part of what it means to be the Episcopal University.
GC81 - Louisville is in the books; but we'll see you on Mountain or in many other places where Episcopalians are gathered very soon!

Ecce Quam Bonum!

The Rev. Casey Andrew Perkins, T'22
Director of Alumni, Development, and Church Relations