The first Doctor of Philosophy degree in The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia's 144 year history was awarded to Derek Cooper at the 144th Commencement on Sunday, May 18, 2008 in The Brossman Center on the seminary campus. Dr. Cooper's dissertation was on "The Ecumenical Exegete: Thomas Manton's Commentary on James in Relation to Its Protestant Predecessors, Contemporaries, and Successors." His faculty advisor was The Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert, Ministerium of Pennsylvania Professor of Church History at LTSP.