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Episcopal News Service. October 29, 1992 [92220O]

Lucy Collins Nazro, director of St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Austin, Texas, is the first recipient of the Hal Perry distinguished alumni/ae award from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest. Named in honor of a long-time seminary assistant dean who died two years ago, the award recognizes exemplary ministry among the seminary's 700 or so graduates. Nazro, who graduated from the seminary in 1966, was the first woman to earn a graduate degree at the school.

The Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts elected the Rev. Robert S. Denigas seventh bishop for the 69 churches and 25,000 Episcopalians in the region. A native of New York with roots in Massachusetts, Denig, 46, is rector of the Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna, Virginia. "Over the years I have found three elements critical to the life of the church at all times and places: prayer, community and mission," said Denig of his vision for the diocese. The bishop-elect must now be approved by a majority of the bishops and standing committees of the Episcopal Church. His consecration is set tentatively for February 1993.

The Rev. Saundra D. Richardson has been named the new program associate for the Cornerstone Project, which is designed to strengthen and support clergy of the Episcopal Church. A 1989 graduate of Virginia Seminary, Richardson served as deacon-in-training at St. John's Cathedral and as vicar at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. "I look forward to the challenges and opportunities to improve clergy life and leadership in the church," said Richardson. "Strengthening clergy leadership does not stand on its own. Rather, it involves and enhances lay leadership so that we have a fuller, more competent body in Christ."