The Power of Welcome

When asked to define their Bishop’s experience, Steve Townsend and Glenn Ward, like many before them, instantly mention the warmth of the Bishop’s community. “We felt that embrace from the beginning,” says Steve, who retired after 30 years as chapel organist in 2022. Over decades, Glenn and Steve have in turn shared their own kindness and artistry with the School they both love.

Now the couple has chosen to make an extraordinary gift to the Lead with Purpose campaign in the form of a charitable remainder trust. Through the trust, they are endowing the director position for Bishop’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Program. By choosing a “planned gift” like the trust, they are able to empower Bishop’s vision for inclusive community and define a legacy while they are alive.

“It seems like Bishop’s has always been on the cutting edge of creating a community that belongs to everyone,” notes Glenn. “We want to help make sure that Bishop’s has resources to evolve the program and sustain those values well into the future.”

“We see this as a spiritual connection,” explains Steve. “As a community, Bishop’s fosters a commitment — rooted across many traditions — to honor the dignity of every human being. I love how Bishop’s has always been grounded in this idea and has also deepened its focus over time. Today’s emphasis on student well-being, and how that connects to learning and inclusion and our Episcopal values — it’s really remarkable. You can’t help but be inspired by it.”

The couple’s connection to Bishop’s began in 1992, when Steve moved from Santa Barbara to become the organist for Bishop’s and the director of music for St. James by-the-Sea. He and Glenn met three years later, and a shared passion for music has remained fundamental throughout their lives. As an undergraduate, Steve trained at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., followed by graduate work at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. While Glenn earned degrees in math and statistics from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and worked for BAE Systems and General Dynamics in San Diego for over 20 years, he also trained as an organist and pianist. Eventually he too became a church organist at the Foothills United Methodist Church in La Mesa, as well as the principal accompanist for the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus and the San Diego Women’s Chorus.

Now, in retirement, Steve and Glenn are enjoying adventurous travel while also keeping close ties to Bishop’s. “When you’re there for 30 years, you become very involved in the life of the School,” says Steve. “We treasure our friendships, we attend events and musical performances, we love the chapel, which is a gorgeous, amazing jewel.” Glenn agrees, adding, “It’s a place that works hard to impart its values to all areas of the School and to all the faculty, staff and students.” 

With their gift, Glenn and Steve join many others throughout Bishop’s history who have helped the School live up to its ideals and go deeper and deeper into its mission. “We trust in the enduring vision of Bishop’s to inspire and guide future generations,” says Steve. “With gratitude, we offer this gift, in the hope that it will inspire others to help ensure a bright and lasting future.”