As part of Homecoming 2026, members of Palmer Seminary and Eastern University community gathered to celebrate the remarkable journeys of our 2026 Waymaker Award recipients during an evening filled with joyful fellowship and worship. The dinner commenced with a heartfelt blessing of the meal by Shameika Black-Odei ’24, followed by an opening prayer from Alumni Ambassador Charles L. McNeil ’06, ’10. Our spirits were lifted as Daniel Peirce ’23 led the room in a moving musical rendition of "Waymaker” and invited attendees to give thanks to the Waymaker of all waymakers, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Dean Kimberlee A. Johnson introduced the University Provost, Dr. Kent Sparks who warmly welcomed attendees before the program moved into a time of spiritual reflection. We were grounded in the Word through scripture readings by MDiv student Williams Turner and Madelyn Ridgeway ’17, which paved the way for Professor Emeritus George Hancock-Stefan’s inspiring presentation, "God’s Assigned Poetry.” Dr. Hancock-Stefan highlighted personal strengths of each of the four waymakers from their classroom interactions and his personal relationship with each of them. 

The evening’s crowning moment was Dean Johnson’s presentation of the Waymaker Awards. The room was deeply encouraged by the gracious responses from this year’s distinguished honorees: Casey Bien-Aime ('12, '25), Harven Auguste ('24), Daniel Garrison-Edwards ('18), and Jocelyn Moore ('25).

Before departing, Daniel Peirce united our voices in singing "Great is Thy Faithfulness," and Marsha Brown-Woodard, Director of Supervised Ministries, offered a closing prayer and benediction. As we reflect on the impact of these dedicated leaders, we invite our alumni friends to continue supporting Palmer’s century-long mission to bring the Whole Gospel to the Whole World as Whole Persons. Please visit palmerseminary.edu/give.