Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School

Tonight’s the night 💡

Opening Convocation for CRCDS’s 2026, 2027 academic year, 5pm at the Colgate Rochester Crozer campus.

Rev. Dr. Angela D. Sims hosting, with Rev. William H. Lamar IV joining us as convocation speaker.

Be inspired. Be renewed. Be equipped. Come be part of it.

RSVP at

2026 Convocation Opening Convocation welcomes the beginning of the new academic year at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. It is a formal academic ceremony that brings together trustees, administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni/ae, and friends.

A new season of learning starts here. 📚

The 2026–2027 academic year officially begins at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, and you’re invited to be part of Opening Convocation.

We’re honored to welcome Rev. William H. Lamar IV, Pastor of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, DC, as this year’s Convocation Speaker, hosted by Rev. Dr. Angela D. Sims.

📍 Monday, August 10
🕔 5:00 PM Eastern
📍 Colgate Rochester Crozer Campus

Come ready to be challenged, encouraged, and inspired as we begin a new academic year together.

RSVP today: www.crcds.edu/convocation

A new academic year begins with purpose 💡

Join us as we open the 2026–2027 academic year at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. Rev. Dr. Angela D. Sims will host, and we’re honored to welcome Rev. William H. Lamar IV, Pastor of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington DC, as our Convocation Speaker.

Monday, August 10 at 5:00pm Eastern, on our Rochester campus.

Be inspired. Be renewed. Be equipped.

RSVP today at www.crcds.edu/convocation

And just like that, our Summer Intensive semester is off to a great start!

Here, students in Dr. Warren's Tillich Unmasked: Theology, Power, and the Limits of a Legacy course meet for their first day in our new virtual campus—an initiative funded by the Wabash Center.

Remembering Dr. Kenneth V. Dodgson

With deep sadness and profound gratitude for a life so faithfully lived, we share the news of the death of Dr. Kenneth V. Dodgson, CRDS ‘48, who passed away on July 12, 2026, at the age of 100.

Dr. Dodgson was a beloved alumnus, faithful friend, and treasured member of the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School community. Across more than a century of life, he embodied a vocation of faith, compassion, healing, and service. His connection to this institution was deep and enduring, and his witness helped shape the lives of countless people across the world.

A graduate of Colgate Rochester Divinity School Class of 1948, Dr. Dodgson went on to serve as a medical missionary in Northeast India alongside his beloved wife, Sally. Together, Ken and Sally shared a remarkable ministry of healing, education, and community service at the Jorhat Christian Medical Centre in Assam, India. Their decades of service reflected the very best of a life rooted in Christian faith and committed to human dignity.

After returning to Rochester, New York, the Dodgson’s continued to be deeply connected to the life and mission and vision of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. Sally, who predeceased Ken in 2017, earned her Master of Divinity from Colgate Rochester Divinity School in 1984 and later served the seminary in significant leadership roles, including as Director of Communications and Assistant to the President for Institutional Research. Together, Ken and Sally became beloved staples of the institution - faithful, generous, wise, and deeply committed to the school’s mission.

In 2011, Colgate Rochester Crozer recognized Dr. Dodgson with the Distinguished Alumni/ae Award, honoring his extraordinary life of ministry, global service, and compassionate leadership. His witness reminded us that theological education is not confined to classrooms alone, but is lived out through service, and love of neighbor.

Dr. Dodgson often spoke with gratitude for the Baptist principles that shaped his life, especially freedom of conscience, respect for diversity, and the dignity of every person. These values guided his ministry, his medical work, and his lifelong commitment to peace, service, and justice.

We give thanks to God for the life and legacy of Dr. Kenneth V. Dodgson, and we hold in prayer his family, friends, and all who were blessed by his remarkable witness.

Further information regarding services and ways to honor Dr. Dodgson’s life will be shared as it becomes available.