Rev. Dr. Irene Taylor and Nadia Kanhai from the Northern Illinois Conference have been recognized as outstanding alumnae at two United Methodist higher education institutions this year.

Seven NIC people are among the Faithful 50 who will be recognized by Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary's Center for the Church and the Black Experience.

Rev. Dr. Taylor (retired elder) is one of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary’s 2023 Distinguished Alums.  She is a retired clergy member of the NIC.

“The life and work of Rev. Dr. Taylor are indeed characterized by faithfulness,” the seminary notes. “Through her multiple appointments as an Elder of The United Methodist Church and her involvement with diverse types of ministries, Rev. Dr. Taylor has cultivated a holistic ministry of spiritual formation for the empowerment and transformation of God’s people.”

“My heart is filled with joy, and my faith is renewed in the reality that God sees us and rewards faithfulness,” Rev. Dr.  Taylor told GETS, as she reflected on the legacy of her seminary education after more than thirty years in ministry.

GETS invites Rev. Dr. Taylor’s supporters to attend the awards ceremony and meal on Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. in GETS’s chapel (during Homecoming). Register here to attend. Learn more about the Distinguished Alums awards and how to nominate someone.

Nadia Kanhai has been added to North Central College’s Wall of Witness. 

Ms. Kanhai graduated from North Central College with a bachelor’s degree in English and religious studies. Her service through the church and community is exemplary. She is an active lay member of Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville. Her leadership in the NIC includes chairing Northern Illinois Conference’s Anti-Racism Task Force and co-chairing the Conference Commission on Religion and Race. She also serves on the board of Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors, a United Methodist–affiliated nonprofit that provides free or affordable, quality legal services to immigrants. For the community, she volunteers with the League of Women Voters, United Women in Faith, the City of Aurora Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board, and West Suburban Peace Coalition. She works as a senior proposal writer for ODP Business Solutions.

These seven NIC members have been named to GETS’s of the Faithful 50 who will be recognized by Garrett-Evangelical's Center for the Church and the Black Experience on Nov. 9: Revs. P. Devon Brown, Megan Tobola, Harlene Harden, Annie Lockhart-Gilroy, Dennis Oglesby Jr., and Pamela Pirtle; and Ms. Tina Shelton. The 50 exemplify faithfulness, commitment, and perseverance in ministry through their leadership in academic, nonprofit, and congregational settings.

GETS invites all interested to attend the CBE anniversary gala on Nov.  9. Register here.

The Northern Illinois Conference proudly applauds these exemplary Christian leaders!