Lutheran Summer Music is proud to announce Rev. Dr. Jessicah Krey Duckworth (LSM 1993) as the recipient of the 2026 LSM Alumni Award. A pastor, educator, author, and philanthropic leader, Duckworth has dedicated her career to strengthening theological education, congregational life, and the exploration of Christian vocation across North America. The award will be presented during LSM 2026 at the Finale Celebration on Saturday, July 18, at 5 pm.

Duckworth currently serves as Program Director in the Religion Division of Lilly Endowment Inc., where she helps guide initiatives supporting Christian vocation, pastoral leadership, theological education, and congregational life across North America. Ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, she has served as a pastor, seminary professor, author, and philanthropic leader. Her book, Wide Welcome: How the Unsettling Presence of Newcomers Can Save the Church, explores hospitality and belonging within Christian communities. Throughout her career, Duckworth has sought to strengthen institutions that help people discover and live out their vocations in service to church and society.

Yet some of the lessons that have stayed with her longest were learned during a month at LSM in 1993.

As a cello student, Duckworth and her instructor made the ambitious decision to completely change her bow hold during the summer. For weeks, she felt as though she was learning the instrument all over again.

"The first couple weeks I felt like I was learning how to play cello for the first time," she recalled. "The bow grip felt so unnatural. After countless hours of orchestra rehearsals, lessons and practice, making beautiful music with strangers who were fast friends, what was unnatural slipped into ease."

The experience taught her a lesson she still carries today: patience and persistence, especially when surrounded by friendship and joy, can lead to remarkable growth and opportunity.

Another favorite memory reflects the spirit of courage and possibility that LSM encourages in its students. Arriving at LSM, Duckworth realized she had missed the instructions about preparing a choir audition. With no formal voice training and only a few moments to think, she chose the first song that came to mind: "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."

Despite feeling underprepared, she earned a place in one of LSM's select choirs.

"What I learned from that experience," she said, "is to always take the risk, even when you are a bit under-prepared."

It is a lesson she has since passed on to her own children: "Don't be afraid to take the next step for your dreams. Let your light shine."

Since her time at LSM, Duckworth's vocational journey has led her from parish ministry to theological education and now to philanthropic leadership. Through each chapter, music has remained a touchstone of faith and belonging.

"No matter where I am in the world, I am most at home where the people of God are singing their laments or their praise."

Duckworth's connection to LSM now spans generations. In addition to attending LSM as a student in 1993, her children, Talitha Duckworth (LSM 2018) and Naamen Duckworth (LSM 2024), have also participated in the program.

Reflecting on LSM's ongoing impact, she shared:

"These days, when I catch the LSM community making beautiful music together on my socials, I pause and give thanks to God for the experience given to me. And I am grateful to everyone—staff, alumni, donors, participants, friends, and family—who continues to make LSM an unforgettable experience for new generations, so that my children and young people in my congregation and young people across the U.S. and the world can make music and let their lights shine together in the world God loves."

LSM is honored to recognize Rev. Dr. Jessicah Krey Duckworth for her outstanding contributions to the church, theological education, philanthropy, and public life—and for the wisdom, leadership, faith, and generosity she continues to share with communities across the country

Pastor, Educator, Author, and Philanthropic Leader Rev. Dr. Jessicah Krey Duckworth Named 2026 LSM Alumni Award Recipient

LSM Recieves $25,000 Matching Grant from the Rupert Dunklau Foundation