Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest
Jerry Bass Adams

Committed and informed lay leader in the Diocese of Arkansas and indefatigable servant to many in myriad ways, you live out the Baptismal Covenant through an authentic sense of faith.

Dedicated and long-time member of St. Peter's Church, Conway, you have served five times as Senior Warden and twice chaired fund-raising capital campaigns for your parish. Described by your vicar as an "incredible leader who does everything from teaching Sunday School to raking leaves," you exude integrity in service to others throughout your wider community as well.

An active member of twenty-two church and community boards, you most recently gathered five churches in your hometown to launch the Conway Community Clinic to provide medical care for those in need. Your thirty-plus years of work with Little Rock-based Acxiom, an international information solution company you helped to grow, includes fostering the communal links between the business and the people of four American cities and ten foreign countries where Acxiom offices are located.

You have shared your skills and energy with the Diocese of Arkansas with service on its Executive Council and Commission on Ministry -- where you were instrumental in crafting new guidelines for the discernment process. Arkansas Bishop Larry Maze and other diocesan leaders value how your executive leadership in the secular world so easily translates into church work. A graduate of the University of the South and past chair of its Board of Regents, you solidly support your alma mater through chairing fund-raising campaigns, admissions recruitment and alumni/ae activities.

In recognition of your exemplary service to your church and the people of many cities, the Seminary of the Southwest is pleased to award you the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

May 17, 2005

Austin, Texas

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