Canon Holly McAlpen, long-time member of the Diocese of California staff, will receive the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley.

McAlpen, who has a master’s degree in social work from San Jose State University, became the first layperson in a prominent leadership position when she was appointed Coordinator of Social Ministries by the Rt. Rev. William E. Swing in 1985.

McAlpen played a crucial role in the diocese’s response to the AIDS pandemic, co-founding the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition and serving as president of the AIDS National Interfaith Network. She became Canon Missioner of the Diocese of California in 1999, responsible for oversight of 22 mission congregations and other specialized ministries. She has mentored many clergy and lay leaders, working closely with individuals and congregations to enhance church leadership and growth. She has also been an integral part of national church organizations such as Start Up/Start Over, Upward Bound, and CREDO as well as regularly serving as a deputy or alternate delegate to General Convention since 1991; she currently serves as chair of the Funding Section of Program, Budget, and Finance.

In November of 2006, McAlpen was appointed Ethnic and Multicultural Missioner for the Diocese of California by the Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus, continuing her dedicated service on behalf of the members of this community.

The Commencement Eucharist at which McAlpen will receive her honorary degree takes place on Friday, May 18, beginning at 10:30 a.m. in St. Margaret’s Courtyard on the CDSP campus in Berkeley and is open to the public. Others also receiving honorary degrees are The Rt. Rev. Frank T. Griswold (who will deliver the commencement address), The Rt. Rev. William E. Swing, and Fred Vergara.