wfn.org | Former Cook College head honored with Higher Education Award at

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Note #6647 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

Native American dinner
12-June-2001
GA01089

Former Cook College head honored with Higher Education Award at Native
American dinner

by Evan Silverstein

LOUISVILLE, June 12 - Quiet wisdom could easily have been the theme for the
Native American Consulting Committee (NACC) dinner Tuesday evening.

That's because the spotlight shinned on the Rev. Cecil Corbett, a retired
pastor and long-time former administrator at Presbyterian-related Cook
College and Theological School in Tempe, Ariz.

Corbett, 70, known for his reserved demeanor and wise leadership abilities,
was presented with the Higher Education Award, presented annually by the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Higher Education Program area, and confirmed
by the National Ministries Division (NMD).  The award goes to a person who
has embodied the mission of higher education throughout his or her life.

A plaque and citation presented to Corbett said: "Still water runs deep.
Whether in casual conversation or in the castles in the church, one soon
learns this to be very true about Cecil Corbett. Over the years, Cecil's
quiet but always mature and wise counsel has rung true for those who
listen."

	About 100 people jammed into a meeting room at the Hyatt Regency Louisville
for the event sponsored by NACC, which works in collaboration with the
Office of Native American Congregational Enhancement under the NMD.

Corbett, a Nez Perce Native American currently residing in Scottsdale,
Ariz., is also renowned for his deep commitment to Native American
education, as president and eventually chancellor during a 25-year career at
Cook College. He was also a founding member of the Native American
Theological Education Consortium, which later became NACC.

Corbett said of the many opportunities that came his way through education
and the church, that seeing former students reach their full potential
touches him the most.

"There are so many (people) here that it really is a humbling experience and
a pleasure to be here and to receive this at the Assembly, in fellowship
with all of you this evening at dinner," said Corbett. "But as I see many of
our students who have completed their courses of study, going on to other
aspects of other education, making a significant contribution in their
community and churches, that brings great gratitude to me."

Duncan Ferguson, coordinator of the Office of Higher Education said
Corbett's reputation in educational circles has made him "the most
recognizable educator across broad ecumenical and tribal communities." He
said thanks to Corbett's leadership, Cook College has expanded its ministry
far beyond its original mission, reaching perspective students as far north
as Canada and Alaska.

"(Cecil is) a person who in his own quiet way has epitomized the values of
Christian faith and our Presbyterian heritage and higher education," said
Ferguson, as he prepared to bestow Corbett with the honor.

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