Determined for months to return to the classroom, Dr. Charles Siburt (’68) did exactly that this morning, as he began to teach a week-long Maymester class for the Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University.
Siburt, who surprised colleagues and students by participating in Commencement on May 12 in Moody Coliseum, has been battling IgM Multiple Myeloma.

“Since being diagnosed with cancer in August 2009, Charles has been blessed with good health, great doctors, and amazing support from family and friends,” said a post Sunday night on his CaringBridge website by his wife, Judy (Bailey ’69). “In March 2010, Charles underwent a bone-marrow transplant at Zale Lipshy Hospital in Dallas. Charles, his family and his doctors were hopeful that the bone-marrow transplant would lead to many years, if not a lifetime, of remission from this disease. However, Charles relapsed in January 2011 and is currently undergoing treatment to slow down (and hopefully shut down) this aggressive form of multiple myeloma. Charles and his family are facing each day with faithful hope, courage and peace. We are thankful for all the caring friends who are journeying with him at this time. You are incarnations of God’s love to the entire Siburt family. Please join us in praying for clarity, courage, and peace as we continue the fight against this horrible disease.”
Siburt, the O.L. and Irene Frazer Professor of Church Enrichment, has led ACU’s popular ElderLink Forum program since its inception in November 2000, as well as sabbatical retreats for more than 400 ministers and spouses over the past 15 years through the university’s Ministers Support Network, both designed as proactive and restorative services for church leaders.