Distinguished Service Award 

Rev. Rodney W. Seeger

ACPE proudly presents this year's Distinguished Service Award to Reverend Rodney (Rod) Seeger for his outstanding contributions to spiritual care, education, and pastoral ministry.

Rev. Rodney W. Seeger has played a pivotal role in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) for over four decades, dedicating his professional life to promoting spiritual care, education, and pastoral ministry. His journey of service began in 1969 when he was ordained in the American Lutheran Church, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that would significantly impact the field of spiritual care education.

Seeger embarked on a distinguished path in clinical pastoral education after completing his theological training at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and advancing his studies at the C. G. Jung Institute in Zurich. His CPE journey, which began at Herrick Hospital in Berkeley, California, quickly evolved from pastoral ministry to his role as an ACPE Supervisor in 1981.

From 1975 to 2005, Rodney served as the Director of Spiritual Care Services at UCSF Medical Center, where he transformed the delivery of spiritual care and mentored countless chaplains and pastoral care professionals. His leadership extended well beyond his institutional role, and he became a key contributor to ACPE at both regional and national levels.

Throughout his career, Seeger has played a vital role in shaping ACPE's direction through extensive service on various committees, including the Finance Committee, Certification Commission, and several task forces. His commitment to the organization is clear in his work on the Research Committee, Nominating Committee, and in co-founding the Seminar on Supervision in the Pacific Region.

Rodney’s contributions have been acknowledged through prestigious awards, such as the Distinguished Service in Special Ministry from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and an ACPE Grant for an Innovative CPE Program. These accolades highlight his innovative approach to spiritual care and education.

Beyond his professional achievements, Rodney is a dedicated family man, married for 38 years to his wife Sandy, a Nurse Manager at UCSF, and the father of two adopted children. His personal commitment to care and service extends from his professional work to his family life.

ACPE congratulates Rod on receiving this well-deserved recognition for his transformative work in spiritual care education and his decades of service that embody the highest ideals of the organization. Rod will accept this honor on Wednesday, May 21, at the ACPE Annual Chair's Banquet in Minneapolis, MN.