Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Professor of Reformed Theology the Rev. Dr. Andrew Purves received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during Waynesburg University’s commencement exercises May 19. The degree was conferred upon Purves for the ways in which he parallels Waynesburg University’s mission of faith, learning, and serving.

In recognition of Purves, Waynesburg University wrote:

"Andrew Purves, in recognition of your unwavering commitment to the Christian faith and to all those you so diligently serve and teach, Waynesburg University honors you.

Your steadfast dedication to the Christ-centered renewal of the Church has set you apart as an inspirational leader and dedicated role model, and your distinct contributions have influenced countless individuals throughout the world while simultaneously advancing Christ’s kingdom.

You are a man of God, and your walk in faith inspires others to understand Christ’s love. Your concise theological insights engage and enlighten a new generation of leaders.

Your resolute vow to the ministry is apparent through your selflessness and the energy and enthusiasm exuded through your daily choices. Your personal commitment to education, mentorship, and scholarship reflects your profound example of expounding God's “word with boldness” so that all nations might “cleave” to His truth.

For the impact you make through your work as a passionate educator, we commend you. For your personal credo as it relates to igniting theological and spiritual renewal, we are pleased to recognize you.

For the ways in which you parallel Waynesburg University’s mission of faith, learning, and serving, it is with great honor that we confer upon you our degree of Doctor of Humane Letters."

A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, Purves received degrees in philosophy and divinity from the University of Edinburgh, and a Th.M. from Duke Divinity School. His Ph.D. is from the University of Edinburgh. Purves came to the US in 1978 and was ordained by Philadelphia Presbytery. He served as minister of the Hebron Presbyterian Church, Clinton, Pa., until 1983, when he was called to join the faculty of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Purves has a long list of publications, both books and articles, academic and popular. Recent books include The Search for Compassion: Spirituality and Ministry, Union in Christ (with Mark Achtemeier), A Passion for the Gospel (with Achtemeier), Encountering God: Christian Faith in Turbulent Times (with Charles Partee), Pastoral Theology in the Classical Tradition, Reconstructing Pastoral Theology: A Christological Foundation, The Crucifixion of Ministry, and The Resurrection of Ministry.

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is a graduate professional institution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Founded in 1794, the Seminary is located in Pittsburgh, Pa., and more than 300 students are enrolled yearly in the degree programs. The Seminary prepares leaders who proclaim with great joy God’s message of good news in both word and deed. PTS is rooted in the Reformed history of faithfulness to Scripture and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Professor of Reformed Theology the Rev. Dr. Andrew Purves received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during Waynesburg University’s commencement exercises May 19. The degree was conferred upon Purves for the ways in which he parallels Waynesburg University’s mission of faith, learning, and serving.

In recognition of Purves, Waynesburg University wrote:

"Andrew Purves, in recognition of your unwavering commitment to the Christian faith and to all those you so diligently serve and teach, Waynesburg University honors you.

Your steadfast dedication to the Christ-centered renewal of the Church has set you apart as an inspirational leader and dedicated role model, and your distinct contributions have influenced countless individuals throughout the world while simultaneously advancing Christ’s kingdom.

You are a man of God, and your walk in faith inspires others to understand Christ’s love. Your concise theological insights engage and enlighten a new generation of leaders.

Your resolute vow to the ministry is apparent through your selflessness and the energy and enthusiasm exuded through your daily choices. Your personal commitment to education, mentorship, and scholarship reflects your profound example of expounding God's “word with boldness” so that all nations might “cleave” to His truth.

For the impact you make through your work as a passionate educator, we commend you. For your personal credo as it relates to igniting theological and spiritual renewal, we are pleased to recognize you.

For the ways in which you parallel Waynesburg University’s mission of faith, learning, and serving, it is with great honor that we confer upon you our degree of Doctor of Humane Letters."

A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, Purves received degrees in philosophy and divinity from the University of Edinburgh, and a Th.M. from Duke Divinity School. His Ph.D. is from the University of Edinburgh. Purves came to the US in 1978 and was ordained by Philadelphia Presbytery. He served as minister of the Hebron Presbyterian Church, Clinton, Pa., until 1983, when he was called to join the faculty of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Purves has a long list of publications, both books and articles, academic and popular. Recent books include The Search for Compassion: Spirituality and Ministry, Union in Christ (with Mark Achtemeier), A Passion for the Gospel (with Achtemeier), Encountering God: Christian Faith in Turbulent Times (with Charles Partee), Pastoral Theology in the Classical Tradition, Reconstructing Pastoral Theology: A Christological Foundation, The Crucifixion of Ministry, and The Resurrection of Ministry.

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is a graduate professional institution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Founded in 1794, the Seminary is located in Pittsburgh, Pa., and more than 300 students are enrolled yearly in the degree programs. The Seminary prepares leaders who proclaim with great joy God’s message of good news in both word and deed. PTS is rooted in the Reformed history of faithfulness to Scripture and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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