Perkins Alum Honored with SMU Distinguished Alumni Award - Rev. Paul L. Rasmussen (M.Div. ’04)

SMU celebrated five outstanding graduates at the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards on October 30 in Armstrong Fieldhouse. Hosted by SMU President R. Gerald Turner and the SMU Alumni Board, the annual ceremony honors alumni whose lives exemplify extraordinary achievement, leadership, and service to their communities.

Among those recognized was Rev. Paul L. Rasmussen (M.Div. ’04), a proud Perkins School of Theology alumnus and senior minister of Highland Park United Methodist Church.

A fourth-generation United Methodist pastor, Rasmussen has devoted his ministry to transforming lives through faith, service, and community building. Since becoming HPUMC’s 11th senior pastor in 2013, he has led one of the nation’s largest United Methodist congregations while overseeing the launch of several new church campuses—including Munger Place Church, The Grove Church, and Uptown Church.

Rasmussen also championed the creation of the Tolleson Family Activity Center, a 65,000-square-foot addition to HPUMC’s main campus that houses the Belong Disability Ministry and Family Ministry. His leadership continues to reflect the Perkins commitment to theological depth, compassionate service, and faithful innovation.

Perkins celebrates Rev. Rasmussen’s recognition as a shining example of how theological education and faith in action can transform communities for the greater good.

Read the full story on the SMU website: SMU Distinguished Alumni Awards 2025