S*0979 Concurrent Resolution, By Courson
 A Concurrent Resolution to recognize Dr. J. Obert Kempson of Columbia upon
 receiving the "Outstanding Older South Carolinian Award" by the South Carolina
 Commission on Aging.

   05/07/91  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-19
   05/08/91  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ-1

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE DR. J. OBERT KEMPSON OF COLUMBIA UPON RECEIVING THE "OUTSTANDING OLDER SOUTH CAROLINIAN AWARD" BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION ON AGING.

Whereas, Dr. J. Obert Kempson has received the "Outstanding Older South Carolinian Award" given by the South Carolina Commission on Aging; and

Whereas, Dr. Kempson did his undergraduate work at Newberry College and received a Masters in Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, a M.A. in psychology from the University of South Carolina, a L.H.D. from Newberry College, and a Certificate in Gerontology from the University of South Carolina. He has done graduate work at Columbia University and Boston University, the Institute of Gerontology of the University of Michigan, New Jersey State Hospital, the Federal Detention Headquarters in New York, and St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C.; and

Whereas, he is recognized and respected as a national leader in pastoral care, mental health services, and clinical pastoral education and has received numerous regional and national awards in these and other fields; and

Whereas, before retirement Dr. Kempson pioneered pastoral counseling education for clergy in the 1940's and for years taught graduate courses in pastoral counseling at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary; and

Whereas, he sponsored community education programs for clergy of all faiths, initiated and edited a hymnal for worship services in institutions which still is used widely across the United States, and fostered quality leadership training with standards and certification for church school teachers in the southeast, including Lutheridge Assembly Grounds in Arden, North Carolina; and

Whereas, as a professional consultant Dr. Kempson advised Richland Memorial Hospital and the South Carolina Baptist Hospital in setting up chaplaincy services; and

Whereas, Dr. Kempson was a pioneer chaplain in the unpopular field of mental health at the South Carolina State Hospital and Department of Mental Health from 1933 to mandatory retirement 1981, including Chief Chaplain and Director of Primary Prevention Services. He created the first Clinical Pastoral Education program in the southeast and pioneered establishing national standards and certification for instructors and students; and

Whereas, for twelve years he advised and expanded the Lutheran Church's state youth organization, reorganized and revitalized educational leadership in congregations across South Carolina in his capacity as Chairman of the Lutheran Church's State Parish Education Committee for eight years, and served as president or on the board of directors of the South Carolina Mental Health Association, South Carolina Social Welfare Forum, and South Carolina Council on Family Relations; and

Whereas, he organized and expanded pastoral training and pastoral services at community mental health agencies across South Carolina, served as chairman of the Committee on Churches and Aging for the South Carolina Commission on Aging, on the Committee on Pastoral Care in Alcohol and Drug Abuse for the South Carolina Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, on the South Carolina Juvenile Justice Advisory Council, and as President of the South Carolina Federation for Older Americans bringing insight, vision, improved planning, and organization where he is now in his second term; and

Whereas, Dr. Kempson organized and chaired the planning for the first two annual Seniors' Day with the legislature in the early 1980's. He also planned a statewide convocation for the Lutheran Church for retirees attended by five hundred persons; and

Whereas, Dr. Kempson established the Education and Training Center in gerontology and aging services at the Lowman Home in White Rock, South Carolina, and continues as its director. For two years he was director of Contextual Education at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary supervising seminary students of several denominations serving a year internship in congregations in a dozen states; and

Whereas, he served as president or on the board of directors of the Southeastern Council on Family Relations, National Council on Family Relations, Council for Clinical Training, Inc., National Advisory Committee on Clinical Pastoral Education, Americal Associations of Pastoral Counselors, and Mental Health Clergy; and

Whereas, many honors have been conferred upon this outstanding national leader in the fields of pastoral care and in mental health recognizing a life singularly devoted to care and service to people. For over fifty years Dr. Kempson has been sensitive to the needs of people and the professionals who serve them. He continually takes on new challenges, initiates programs, builds support, upgrades standards, and motivates others; and

Whereas, Dr. Kempson has been a pioneer in America in mental health and pastoral education. He is a shining example of continuing education and growth, vibrant living, professional service, voluntarism, and a succession of careers that are still evolving in his eightieth year; and

Whereas he is a genuine "enabler" and a caring individual with great skills in planning, administration, counseling, teaching, delegating responsibility, building relationships, and enhancing confidence and delights when others achieve and get credit; and

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly are proud to take note of the achievements and contributions of this fine man and thank him for making South Carolina his home. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly recognize Dr. J. Obert Kempson of Columbia upon receiving the "Outstanding Older South Carolinian Award by the South Carolina Commission on Aging.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Dr. Kempson.