2024 Divinity School Reunion

Event List

• November 7

  7 p.m. Disciples Divinity House

  Wine and Cheese Meet and Greet

  Join us for a meet and greet with the new Dean of the House, Rev. Cherisna Jean-Marie, alumni, and community members. We'll share exciting updates about the future of the Disciples Divinity House during a wine and cheese reception, hosted by the 2024 House Scholars.

• November 8

  8:45 a.m. Vanderbilt Divinity School, Reading Room (Rm. 124)

  Educational Workshops

  Leadership and the Politics of White Christian Nationalism: Impacts on Ministry, Society, and the 2024 Election

  This workshop series examines the rising influence of White Christian Nationalism and its implications for the 2024 presidential election, with a focus on its impact on leadership in ministry and broader society. Over three sessions, we will explore the historical foundations, current challenges, and the political dynamics shaping this moment. Participants will leave with strategies for addressing these issues within their communities and ministries. Breakfast and lunch are provided. All are welcome, and local congregations are especially encouraged to attend.

  · Breakfast: 8:45–9:30 a.m.

  · Session 1: 9:30–10:30 a.m. explores the historical roots of White Christian Nationalism and its lasting impact on church and society, highlighting how it has shaped current challenges to leadership with Professor James Hudnut-Beumler and Professor Juan Floyd-Thomas.

  · Session 2: 10:45–11:45 a.m. focuses on the present political and societal climate of church and society, such as Project 2025, with Professor Stacey Floyd-Thomas and Professor Herbert R. Marbury.

  · Lunch: 12:00–1:00 p.m.

  · Session 3: 1:15– 2:15 p.m. addresses how these dynamics affect leadership and provide practical and theological tools for faith leaders to take back to their communities with Reverend Yolanda Norton and Professor Lisa L. Thompson.

• November 8

  5 p.m. Disciples Divinity House

  A Blessing and a Toast

  The Disciples Divinity House has been the backdrop for countless stories and cherished memories shared by our alumni. Come together with fellow alumni as we reminisce and toast to the past while offering blessings for the future as the House and its leaders embark on a new chapter.

• November 8

  6 p.m. Vanderbilt Divinity School

  Distinguished Alumni Celebration

  Join us for an evening of celebration and recognition as Vanderbilt Divinity School and the Graduate Department of Religion honor distinguished alumni/ae whose work has made a significant impact in ministry and scholarship. The evening begins with wine and appetizers in the Lobby, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The event will include an address from Dean Yolanda Pierce and the presentation of awards to this year’s honorees.

  · 6 p.m. – Wine and appetizers in the Lobby

  · 7 p.m. – Dinner in the Reading Room (Rm. 124)

  • • · Dean's address

    • · Award presentations

  2024 Distinguished Alumni:

  Divinity School – Rev. Dr. J. Bennett Guess, MDiv’91

  Graduate Department of Religion – Dr. George Williamson, Jr., MA’70, PhD’71

• November 8

  9 p.m. Disciples Divinity House

  Social

  "After the party, it's the after party." Continue the celebration with us at the Disciples Divinity House for a lively social hosted by the renowned Al’s Pub. It's the perfect way to reconnect and unwind after the Distinguished Alumni Celebration.

• November 9

  10 a.m. Woodmont Christian Church, 3601 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215

  Installation of new Disciples Divinity House Dean

  The Board of the Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt warmly invites you to a historic occasion—the installation of our new Dean, Rev. Cherisna Jean-Marie. The service will feature guest preacher Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, with a reception to follow. The Installation will be held at Woodmont Christian Church.