Dr. C. Samuel Calian, retiring Pittsburgh Theological Seminary president, received Princeton Theological Seminary’s Distinguished Alumnus Award at its annual reunion banquet May 20.
Dr. Calian was celebrated for visionary leadership in the academic theological community as president of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary for 24 years; his contributions to the Pittsburgh-area community; prolific writing that has greatly contributed to the church and to the venture of theological education; and for deep love for the church. The award ceremony capped the two-day reunion for graduates from across the decades.
Dr. Calian, a 1958 Princeton Seminary graduate, began his relationship with Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1981 as president and professor of theology. Prior to that, he was on the faculty of Dubuque Theological Seminary for 18 years. He is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and holds a doctor of theology degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Basel.
Princeton Theological Seminary was founded in 1812 as the first seminary established by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. It is the largest Presbyterian seminary in the country, with more than 700 students in six graduate degree programs.

