Jan. 17, 2008

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago and spiritual advisor to Sen. Barack Obama, will receive Simpson College’s first Carver Medal when he delivers the annual George Washington Carver Lecture Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Smith Chapel.

The event is free and open to the public.

Simpson College established the Carver Medal to annually recognize an outstanding individual whose life exemplifies the commitment and vision of the service of George Washington Carver.

 “Born the son of slaves, Carver’s determination and persistence led to a life of enormous accomplishment and success. Though Carver is most noted as a great agricultural scientist, he was also an artist, inventor, author, teacher and humanitarian concerned about the plight of the poor in society,” said Simpson College President John Byrd. “Jeremiah Wright’s dedication to service through the church makes him an ideal candidate to receive the college’s first Carver Medal. Through the church’s ministries, Wright provides leadership, serves the disadvantaged and offers inspiration and hope to the community.”

Carver Legacy Events
The George Washington Carver Lecture and Medal Presentation are a part of the two-day George Washington Carver Legacy Events. The program pays tribute to Carver’s legacy at Simpson and the college’s commitment to diversity throughout its history. To learn about other legacy events, click here.

The Simpson/Carver Connection
After being denied admission to another university in the Midwest, Carver walked 25 miles to Simpson College and was admitted on registration day. At Simpson he developed his artistic skills as a painter but was encouraged to study botany. He finished his Bachelor of Arts degree at Iowa State Agricultural College.

When receiving his honorary doctorate from Simpson in 1928, Carver said the college’s effect on him was everlasting: “I owe to Simpson College my real beginning in life.”

To learn more about Carver's legacy at Simpson College, click here.

About the Rev. Jeremiah Wright
Wright has been pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ since 1972. Under his leadership, the church, whose motto is “Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian,” has grown to more than 8,000 members and now has approximately 70 ministry programs.

Wright holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary and master’s degrees from Howard University and University of Chicago Divinity School.