Seminary Alumni/ae Association

Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest

Robert Elzy Cogswell

Rob with the Rev. Mary Glover '01

You once described a librarian as a collector of coins of thought. Generations of seminary graduates thank you for being an avid collector; and, more personally, sharing the glittering coins with us in so many ways during your twenty-seven years at the Seminary of the Southwest.

As Cataloging and Reference Librarian and later Director of the Booher Library, you have been committed to preserving the best of the past while keeping in stride with the many technological advances that continue to transform libraries. Graduates from throughout the world can access the ETSS Booher Library catalog online. The library’s web site provides links to excellent databases while the LUSTRE pages are packed with helpful information on theology and religion. You brought your love for the classic look of printed books into the world of web site design and have shared your knowledge and enthusiasm for the Web in your seminary course – Web Site Creation and Management for Ministry.

Your service to others extends well beyond Rathervue Place. Nearly thirty months as an unpaid volunteer as the 1960s became the 70s with the Catholic Worker in New York City; a founding partner in creating Casa Marianella, the center for Central American refugees in Austin; extensive regional and national service with the American Theological Library Association; and singing in the church choirs of St. Martin’s Lutheran and St. Mark’s Episcopal churches here in Austin – a tuneful symbol of Called to Common Mission.

Thank you, Rob, for many jobs done so well with utmost competence, dedication to teaching and learning and an abiding joy of sharing.