Virginia Theological Seminary honors Stephen Colbert, wife with highest award
Late-night host and his wife receive seminary's highest honor at New York City service
Virginia Theological Seminary has awarded its highest honor, the Dean’s Cross for Servant Leadership, to Stephen Colbert and his wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert.
The awards were presented at a Solemn Evensong on Feb. 6 at The General Theological Seminary in New York City by the Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, dean and president of Virginia Theological Seminary, and David Charlton, chair of the seminary’s Board of Trustees.
Colbert, a Roman Catholic, was recognized for his work as a satirist on “The Daily Show,” “The Colbert Report” and “The Late Show,” where he has used humor and irony to challenge audiences to think critically about politics and social issues.
“Your humor and genius are seasoned with passion and compassion,” his citation read. “Courage and humility accompany you in every monologue.”
Evelyn McGee-Colbert was honored for her commitment to the arts, including her leadership as a founding board member of Montclair Film, and her work as a film producer, actress and theater professional.
Her citation called her life “a lasting testament to unity overcoming estrangement.”
The New York City venue held personal significance for the couple. McGee-Colbert lived in student housing at the General Theological Seminary for several years, and Colbert also resided there for a summer. The seminary’s then-dean, the Very Rev. James Corner Fenhagen, officiated at the blessing of their marriage. His son, Jim Fenhagen, was present at the service and read the lessons.
“Stephen Colbert and Evelyn McGee-Colbert have modeled a steady and gracious Christian witness amid challenging and often unforgiving circumstances,” Markham said.
Established in 2008, the Dean’s Cross recognizes leaders who embody the baptismal vows to strive for justice and peace and to respect the dignity of every human being. Recipients receive a certificate and a handmade silver cross modeled on the cross that stood on the steeple of the seminary’s 1881 Chapel.
Past recipients include former first lady Barbara Bush, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, poet and novelist Wendell Berry and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham.
Virginia Theological Seminary, founded in 1823 in Alexandria, is the largest accredited seminary of the Episcopal Church.
