Distinguished Alums of the Year

Rev. Dr. Hakizimana Appolinaire is the 2024-25 Alum of the Year

Rev. Dr. Hakizimana Appolinaire serves as a Country Director of Scripture Union Rwanda, and Pastor in the Anglican Church of Rwanda, Diocese of Karongi. From 2019- 2020, he served as Professional Chaplain, in University of California, San Francisco’s hospital. From 2019- 2022, he was a deputy Regal Representative of the Anglican Church, Gahini Diocese. From 2003 – 2010, Dr. Appolinaire served as Executive Secretary of World mission frontiers in Tanzania, Africa, and as a Pastor of Rukara Parish in the Anglican Church from (2000 – 2003). He holds a Doctorate of Ministry from Berkeley School of Theology, two Masters’ degrees, one from Wyclif University, and the other from Berkeley School of Theology,  and a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Tanga, Tanzania. Appolinaire is married to Mukarwego Esperance, with three sons. He received vision to build East Africa Community Healing when he was working in the UCSF hospital where he was working as a professional Chaplain, after understanding how much people are suffering in the hospital physical, mental, and spiritual disease. He wishes to see no one suffering alone, He hopes that through the Community Healing Center project, people will learn how to support each other during someone’s suffering.

2025 Alum of the Year Nominations

Nominations for the 2025-26 award will be hosted from July 1 – August 31, 2025. Anyone is welcome to submit a nomination! This could be a congregant, colleague, faculty, fellow volunteer, or another alum. Simply fill out the nomination form below, and within 24 business hours, you will receive a confirmation email from the BST Alumni Office. Thank you for your time and submission!

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About the Alum (Nominee)

Since 1981, alums of the Berkeley School of Theology have been selected for their excellence in ministry and support of the Seminary to receive the Distinguished Alum of the Year Award (formerly the Alumnus/a of the Year Award). Previous award winners include:

2023 Karen Yee

2022 Celinda Miranda

2020 Kenneth Van Bik  

2019 Diane Hooge  

2018 Michael-Ray Mathews  

2017 Kathryn Choy-Wong  

2013 Florence Li  

2005 Jan and Myron Chartier  

2003 William Cline  

2002 Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes  

2001 David W. Roberts  

2000 Marvin Friesen  

1999 Gillette O. James  

1998 Emil J. Authelet  

1997 James E. Conklin  

1996 William Edward Calbert  

1995 Everett W. Curry, Jr.

1994 William Sutterlin  

1993 Marilyn Marston  

1992 James Chuck  

1991 Emory Campbell  

1990 James H. Stewart  

1989 Glenn “Jerry” Gano  

1988 John E. Skoglund  

1987 John Townsend  

1986 Violet Rudd  

1985 David Van Bik  

1984 John “Bud” Carroll  

1983 Linnea A. Nelson  

1982 J Palmer Watson  

1981 A Stanley MacNair 

June Webinar Graphic

Join us for this informative webinar on spiritual practices for discernment. All attendees will receive the following FREE digital download: Following the Flame of Pentecost, a 4-week reflective journey through scripture and spiritual practices.