Dr. Freda Ann Gardner
1981 Educator of the Year

"...disciples of Christ (acknowledge) that whether we succeed or fail, we are instruments of God's mercy, forgiveness and transforming power, and that our faithfulness to God's purposes will be matched by God's faithfulness and companionship on our journey of life."

Dr. Freda Ann Gardner joined the faculty of Princeton Theological Seminary in 1961 and is now Associate Professor of Christian Education and Director of the School of Christian Education. She had previously served as Director of Christian Education at the 1,800 member Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church of Plainfield, New Jersey.

Freda received her MRE from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education and has done graduate work at Syracuse University, Columbia University and Union Seminary in New York. In 1979 she received the Doctor of Divinity degree from Bloomfield College.

She is a ruling elder and a commissioned church worker and a most loyal member of APCE. As Barbara Shibley said in announcing the award: "Freda's contribution to APCE has been invaluable. She has been a popular workshop leader and a thoughtful consultant to planning committees as to the future of education in the church and APCE's role in making the future happen. It is a privilege to recognize her outstanding contribution to the field of Christian Education."