CTS is raising funds for a scholarship named after alum Elder Thomas M. Hughes '77, this year's Distinguished Alumni honoree. This $100,000 endowed scholarship fund will be designated for AME and Black students who are in excellent academic standing and demonstrate outstanding service to the Church.

If you would prefer to give by check, please make checks payable to Chicago Theological Seminary and write "Elder Hughes Scholarship" in the Memo line. Please send checks to: Chicago Theological Seminary, 1407 E. 60th St. Chicago, IL 60637

Join us to celebrate Elder Hughes as the 2022 Distinguished Alumni honoree on Wednesday, May 4 at noon at https://ctschicago-edu.zoom.us/s/97135339976.

Elder Thomas M. Hughes was born in Kingstree, South Carolina during the era of segregation. He broke the color barrier in standardized testing, becoming the first African American student in eastern South Carolina to take the SAT exam. Elder Hughes advanced to Allen University, earning a bachelors degree in mathematics, and he eventually became an elementary school teacher.

Elder Hughes was born and raised in the African Methodist Episcopal Church tradition, the son of a preacher, and the Church called to him. Realizing hed need proper seminary training, his path led him to Chicago Theological Seminary in the mid-70s. A stellar student during his time here, Elder Hughes also was an entrepreneur, starting his own mortuary business as he matriculated as a student.

Through the years, Elder Hughes built a successful mortuary business and became an Elder in the AME 4th District, covering portions of Canada and the upper Midwest of the United States. At the height of his career, he had oversight of more than 50 churches. After 50 years of faithful service, Elder Hughes retired in the summer of 2020.

If you have questions about this scholarship campaign, please contact Rev. Brian E. Smith at brian.smith@ctschicago.edu.