Southern Fall/Winter 2022

alumni event
Distinguished Alumnus
RELEASES BOOK
Birmingham-Southern College and St. Luke’s
Episcopal Church celebrated the Rev. Dr. Russell J.
Levenson, Jr. ‘84 and the release of his latest book “A
Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W.
and Barbara Bush” with a book signing and lecture on
Nov. 16 at St. Luke’s.
A BSC Distinguished Alumnus, Levenson is the rector
at St. Martin’s in Houston, the largest Episcopal church
in North America. In 2018, he co-officiated and offered
a homily at the state funeral of President George H.W.
Bush in Washington, D.C. and in Houston. Levenson
also officiated the 2018 funeral of First Lady Barbara
Bush in Houston. Levenson contributed to “Pearls
of Wisdom: Little Pieces of Advice” by Barbara Bush,
published in March 2020.
“A Witness to Dignity” has received praise from
numerous public figures, politicians, and members
of the media, including Jenna Bush Hager, cohost
of NBC News’ TODAY with Hoda & Jenna;
Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and
presidential historian; and Gary Sinise, actor and
chairman of the Gary Sinise Foundation.
“Reverend Levenson was a dear friend and spiritual
mentor to both my beloved grandparents. His stories
of friendship will fill you with hope and inspire grace,”
says Jenna Bush Hager.
20 / ’southern