About Columbia May 24, President emeritus remembered fondly for his passion for theological education. July 23, β In witness to the resurrection, Columbia Theological Seminary gives thanks for the life and ministry of president emeritus Douglas Oldenburg.
He served as the seventh seminary president, from , and was a transformative presence on campus. The Oldenburg Quadrangle, the visual and social center of the campus, is named for him. At his heart, he was a pastor who loved God and served the church with faithfulness and excellence. Marcia Y. Riggs, J. Erskine Love Professor of Christian Ethics and seminary ombudsperson. By confirming my appointment as the first African American person to a tenure-track position, President Oldenburg set the seminary on a course toward racial-ethnic and gender inclusion and diversity that is now bearing fruit.
He was a person of deep faith who possessed a great vision for Columbia. He consequently had high expectations of excellence for himself and for those called to the facultyβand he was not afraid to make hard decisions in the quest for such excellence.
Rodger Nishioka, former faculty member at Columbia and Senior Associate Pastor and Director of Adult Educational Ministries at Village Presbyterian Church, remembers Oldenburg for his integrity, wisdom and graciousness, which marked his leadership as president and earned him the respect of the faculty.
He emphasized Theological Education during his year as moderator. Throughout his career, Oldenburg shared his passion for theological education. A virtual memorial service has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, at a. Read Dr. About Columbia Theological Seminary. As the most diverse educational institution of the Presbyterian Church USA , Columbia Seminary is a community of theological inquiry, leadership development, and formation for ministry in the service of the Church and the world.
