Each year, Palmer Theological Seminary acknowledges alumni who are charting new paths in their calling and ministry, reflecting the reign of God in the world. The honorees embody a spirit of waymaking, of innovative pursuit, and of living out Palmer's motto: the whole gospel for the whole world through whole persons.
This Centennial Year, we are overwhelmingly blessed to celebrate five distinguished Waymakers who are committed to creating innovative and gospel-driven change in our world.
Rev. Amy Banka, MDiv ’09
For more than a decade, Rev. Amy Banka has led the Residency in Ministry Program for the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church, mentoring and equipping those preparing for ordination. She is passionate about helping people encounter Christ in ways that lead to growth, hope, and transformation through her preaching and teaching of the Scriptures.
Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft Sr., DMin ’03
Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft Sr. has served as Pastor of St. Paul’s Baptist Church in West Chester, PA and The Church of the Redeemer Baptist in Philadelphia for a total of 33 years. Rev. Dr. Croft has distinguished himself as a pastor, writer, and scholar. He has published numerous books, including The History of the Black Baptist Church: I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired (2020), which won the Independent Press Award.
Rev. Dr. Danielle Brown, DMin ’13
Rev. Dr. Danielle Brown is an increasingly sought-after preacher and workshop leader with the ability to communicate across multiple generations. She has had the opportunity to share the Gospel throughout this country and in South Africa. A natural leader, Rev. Dr. Brown has served in various capacities, developing and implementing ministry programs and strategies. She has a passion for mentoring and assisting in the development of faith and community leaders.
Rev. Dr. Catherine E. Williams, MDiv ’10
Rev. Dr. Catherine E. Williams is the Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship, and Director of Chapel Worship at the Lancaster campus of Moravian University’s School of Theology. Rev. Dr. Williams’ recent book, Preaching and Music: Powerful Partners in Proclamation (2025), demonstrates her dual identities as musician and homiletician as she makes the case for the dynamic synergy between preaching and music and between pastors and ministers of music.
Rev. Elisa Medina-Fuentes, MTS ’18
Rev. Elisa Medina-Fuentes graduated with Palmer’s first cohort from Mexico City in the Master of Theological Studies, Latino/a Ministries program. Rev. Medina-Fuentes currently serves as a priest in the Anglican Church of Mexico, as a professor in three seminaries, and in pastoral ministry as vicar of the Congregación de Templo de Cristo in Guadalajara, Mexico. Her ministries include leadership on retreats for children, adolescents, and women.