Honoring Debbie Bauder’s 28 Faithful Years at Central
For 28 years, Debbie Bauder has been the first face to greet everyone who walked through the doors of Central Seminary. Students, faculty, guests, and prospective families all received the same warm welcome, and this summer we had the joy of celebrating her as she steps into retirement.
Fifty friends, family members, and coworkers gathered for a special lunch celebrating more than 75 combined years of faithful service to God through the ministries of Central Seminary, WCTS Radio, and Fourth Baptist Church. Alongside Debbie, we honored Dr. Bob Fuller Jr., who is retiring after seven years with WCTS Radio, following decades in pastoral ministry and service as the Minnesota Baptist Association State Missionary. This was his second stint with the station, having first served in the 1970s. We also honored Amie Steinhart, who is retiring after 19 years as secretary of Fourth Baptist Church. The celebration also marked a milestone for Ron Gotzman, who, after 31 years as Vice President of Advancement, is stepping into a new role as Legacy Advisor.
Seminary President Matt Morrell shared the impact each has made, and attendees enjoyed cards and a special photo display assembled by our new Administrative Director, Tandi Swift, who has been training alongside Debbie to carry forward the office and event coordination responsibilities.
Provost Dr. Brett Williams pointed to Acts 9, where Luke describes Tabitha as “full of love and acts of good works.” That, he said, is Debbie. He recalled his first week as a new seminary student decades ago, when a fellow student told him he would need to talk to Debbie Bauder. When he asked who she was, the answer came back: “She’s the nicest human you’ll ever meet.” Twenty-eight years of refilled staplers, carefully edited communications, meals delivered to families in need, and quiet acts of service have proven that answer true again and again.
“She’s the nicest human you’ll ever meet.”
The good news? This is a retirement, not a farewell. Debbie plans to continue helping with conferences and special events, and the Bauder family remains a vital part of Central, where Dr. Kevin Bauder continues to teach and direct our Doctor of Ministry program.
Thank you, Debbie, for 28 years of love, faithfulness, and good works. Well done.
