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Copy of 2024 Divinity School Reunion

2024 Divinity School Reunion

Vanderbilt Divinity School Reunion Weekend 2024 events were held on November 7-9.

All Divinity School Reunion events were free and open to all alumni, faculty, staff, students, and community members.

See Divinity School Reunion photos here.

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.

     

     

  • Welcome Reception + Sacred Pages: A VDS Book Showcase

    November 6

    5:00–7:00 p.m. ·  Reading Room

    Join us for our Welcome Reception to connect with alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members over appetizers, wine, and fellowship as we kick off Divinity School Reunion.

    As part of the reception, browse Sacred Pages: A VDS Book Showcase, featuring books published by alumni and faculty within the last five years. Author details will be shared so you can explore more about their work.

    Alumni and faculty may submit up to two books for the showcase by September 30. [Submit your book here →]

  • Lifelong Learning Sessions

    November 7   

    8:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ·  Reading Room

    Join us for Vanderbilt Divinity School’s Lifelong Learning Sessions and experience a sample of our Lifelong Learning Program. These sessions highlight the kind of faith-informed continuing education we offer for individuals, congregations, and organizations. These sessions are designed to invite formation in new ways, offering space to bring your own lived experience into conversation with others while deepening connections across the Divinity School community.

    The morning will feature three sessions:

    • Breakfast: 8:45–9:30 a.m.
    • Session 1: 9:30–10:10 a.m., TBA with Taure Brown, Director of the James Lawson Institute for the Research and Study of Nonviolent Movements
    • Session 2: 10:20–11:00 a.m., with Dr. Lisa L. Thompson, Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair in Black Homiletics and Liturgics, Associate Professor of Black Homiletics and Liturgics
    • Session 3: 11:10–11:50 a.m., TBA
    • Lunch: 12:00–1:00 p.m. hear updates on the Divinity School’s Lifelong Learning program from Nathan Cost, Associate Director of Lifelong Learning and updates on admissions from Harper Haynes, Senior Director of Strategic Enrollment Management, plus time for conversation among attendees. Participants are also eligible to receive 0.2 continuing education credits.

    Check back for more details soon!

    Learn more about Vanderbilt Divinity School’s Lifelong Learning program here.