Westminster College Alumna to Give 26th Annual Christy Lecture April 7

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Bethann Dolan, a 1991 Westminster College graduate, will give the 26th annual Wayne H. Christy Lecture during Vespers Sunday, April 7, at 7 p.m. in Westminster's Wallace Memorial Chapel.  The service is free to the public.

Dolan will present "Sometimes You Have to Wonder…Where's God?"

Dolan earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education with a concentration in mathematics from Westminster and earned a master's in reading education from Slippery Rock University. During the past two decades she has taught third and fourth grade and middle school mathematics in the Hampton Township School District. Twice she has been recognized as a Teacher Excellence Award Finalist and in 2012 she was a recipient of the Westminster College Alumni Citation.

In 2006, Dolan was stricken with transverse myelitis, a rare sudden-onset neurological disorder that left her a quadriplegic. With the help of family, friends, and her church, she returned to the classroom and inspires students with life lessons about persistence and not letting setbacks keep you down.

Dolan reside in Allison Park with her husband, Michael, and their two daughters.

Additional worship participants include the Rev. Jim Mohr, chaplain, and Dr. Darwin Huey, professor of education.  Music will be provided by Kathryn Davison Miller, Westminster organist, and the Westminster Chamber Singers under the direction of Dr. Robin Lind, associate professor of music and director of choral activities.

The opening prayer and scripture reading will be given by senior biology major Joshua Cardwell. He is a son of Sue Caldwell and a graduate of Cambridge Springs High School.

The Wayne H. Christy Memorial Lecture series honors the late Dr. Christy, who was a long-time faculty member and chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Westminster College. As Dr. Christy dedicated his life to relating the heritage of faith to the emerging issues of a changing culture, the lecture series seeks out men and women who distinguish themselves by relating Christian faith to issues of contemporary life.

Contact Westminster's Office of Faith and Spirituality at (724) 946-7117 or email for additional information. 

Bethann Dolan `91