Cecil Williams

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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Cecil Williams has distinguished himself as an innovative minister and activist for social change. Under his 45-year leadership of Glide Memorial United Methodist Church in San Francisco, the church has grown to a membership of more than 11,000 and has become one of the nation’s most racially and culturally diverse congregations. His vision for the 21st-century church can be seen in Glide’s unique and powerful blend of spirituality, principled compassion and cutting-edge programs for those most in need. Located in one of San Francisco’s toughest neighborhoods, Glide is known worldwide for its outreach to society’s poor and marginalized, including the homeless, those with HIV/AIDS, people recovering from substance abuse, the unemployed and victims of domestic violence. Williams currently serves as Minister of Liberation at Glide.

Williams was one of SMU’s first five African-American students, entering Perkins School of Theology in 1952 and graduating in 1955. He has returned to speak on the campus on several occasions and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from SMU in 1997.

Williams has been recognized by numerous publications and organizations as a national voice for justice and human rights. He and Glide were featured in The Pursuit of Happyness, a 2006 film starring Will Smith. Williams also received the 2008 National Caring Award presented by the Caring Institute in Washington, D.C.