The Rev. Dustin Parsons-Schwarz ’03 will deliver the 2017 Baccalaureate address for the Class of 2017. The Baccalaureate service will be held Friday, May 19, at 5 p.m. in Snidow Chapel.
Dustin moved to the Washington, D.C. metro area after graduating from the Lexington Theological Seminary, Lexington, KY in 2010. Passionate about social justice issues, he has had an extensive career working directly with those who live on the margins of society. While at University of Lynchburg, he earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology and religious studies.
After graduation, Dustin began a career in law enforcement with the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office before answering the call to ordained ministry. While in Seminary in Kentucky, Dustin became more aware of the myriad of social justice issues plaguing those that struggled with addiction, homelessness, and/or mental illness. During his time in Kentucky, Dustin served in a variety of roles that allowed him to work directly with many of the most vulnerable populations. He was an associate minister at First Christian Church in Maysville, KY and worked as both an addiction counselor and with disadvantaged youth.
Currently working in the D.C. metro area, he has served in numerous positions, working directly with the city’s most vulnerable homeless and mentally ill adults. He began his career as a chaplain in 2014, completing his chaplaincy internship at Inova Fairfax Hospital’s trauma and emergency departments. He currently serves as resident chaplain with the District of Columbia, Department of Behavioral Health at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. He is also a volunteer chaplain with the Fairfax County Community Chaplain Corps.
Dustin and his husband, Nathan, currently reside in Springfield, VA with their two dogs, Ty and Roxy.
The Baccalaureate Service is an opportunity to worship together and send students forth into new adventures.
