Palmer Seminary Honors Orlando Costas

Twenty years after Orlando E. Costas died of cancer at the age of 45, his influence remains strong. Dr. Costas, who taught at Palmer Seminary in the late '70s and early '80s, was a scholar, preacher, teacher, social activist, and mentor to many both within and outside evangelical church circles. His widow, Rose Costas, was present on October 3 as the Seminary honored Dr. Costas at an inaugural awards luncheon. Next year, the Seminary plans to launch an annual lectureship in his honor.

The Philadelphia-based community development corporation Nueva Esperanza, whose services include a job-training program, a junior college campus of Eastern University, a campground, housing and economic development programs, and a grade 9-12 charter high school, received the inaugural Orlando E. Costas Community Service Award. Palmer alumna Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, the previous day's Swartley lecturer, received an award for preaching.

Robert Miller, pastor of the Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in West Chester, Pa. received an award for mentoring based on his efforts to steer young persons from his church toward ministry. Seven people from his church are currently studying at Palmer.

Bonnie Comarda, Director of Partnerships for the The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia, received an award for Social Justice Ministry. This past spring, she organized the first "Violins Not Violence" amnesty program, where for every gun or weapon turned in Musicopia and Jacobs Music Company provided a musical instrument to Philadelphia schools.

Doris and Ben Dickerson, who graduated from the Seminary in 1954, received the Missions award based on their 38 years of service in Thailand. And 87-year-old Rev. Alberto Julio Filomeno, a pastor for more than 50 years, received the inaugural Orlando E. Costas Award for Prophetic Teaching Ministry. Rev. Filomeno is known as a community activist in Philadelphia and throughout the country.