GTS was honored to host Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) for the conferral of the Dean’s Cross for Servant Leadership on Stephen Colbert for his work as a satirist who provokes critical thinking and inspires change, and on Evelyn McGee-Colbert for her ministry and leadership in the arts. The Dean’s Cross is the highest honor VTS confers.

The awards were presented by the Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., dean and president of VTS and president of GTS, and Dr. David Charlton, chair of the Boards of Trustees of VTS and GTS, at a Solemn Evensong in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd on Friday, February 6, 2026.

Through his work on The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and The Late Show, Stephen Colbert has used satire to expose hypocrisy and hubris in contemporary politics and social issues. While employing humor, irony, and exaggeration, he consistently challenges audiences to think critically and to act with moral clarity. A Roman Catholic, Colbert remains deeply shaped by his faith and by his baptismal covenant to respect the dignity of every human being, even as he calls out human foibles and follies.

His citation read: “Your humor and genius are seasoned with passion and compassion. Courage and humility accompany you in every monologue. The Virginia Theological Seminary honors you with the Dean’s Cross because you are a truth-telling storyteller who is living the well-formed life in Christ.”

Evelyn McGee-Colbert was honored for her lifelong commitment to the arts, her leadership as an arts advocate with Montclair Film, of which she is a founding board member, and for her ministry of love, generosity, and care for others.

Her citation read: “Your life as a film producer, actress, arts advocate, theater professional, daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend is a lasting testament to unity overcoming estrangement.”

The service was held at General at the request of the Colberts. Evelyn McGee-Colbert lived in student housing at General for several years, and Stephen Colbert also resided there for a summer. The couple were close friends of the Seminary’s then dean and president, the Very Rev. James Corner Fenhagen, who officiated at the blessing of their marriage. His son, Jim Fenhagen, was present at the conferral of the Dean’s Cross and read the lessons during the service.

The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., said: “Stephen Colbert and Evelyn McGee-Colbert have modeled a steady and gracious Christian witness amid challenging and often unforgiving circumstances. They remind us that faithfulness is not withdrawn from public life but practiced within it, with courage, humility, and perseverance.”