2025 Vanderbilt Divinity School Reunion

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 October 8. Submit your book(s) here.

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. Participants are eligible to receive 0.2 continuing education credits.

The morning will feature three sessions, plus breaks, breakfast, and lunch:

• Breakfast | 8:45–9:30 a.m.
• Session 1 | 9:30–10:10 a.m. | Justice in Action: Answering the Call of Now Through Nonviolent Action
  Taure Brown, Director of the James Lawson Institute for the Research and Study of Nonviolent Movements
• Session 2 | 10:20–11:00 a.m. | Preaching the Moment
  Dr. Lisa L. Thompson, Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair and Associate Professor of Black Homiletics and Liturgics 
• Session 3 | 11:10–11:50 a.m. | When the World Shakes: Metabolizing Moral Shocks for Social Change
  Dr. C. Melissa Snarr, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Chair and Associate Professor of Ethics and Society; Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program
• 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.

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

November 7

5:00–7:00 p.m.  ·  Reading Room

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 a reception, followed by dinner with an address from Dean Yolanda Pierce and the presentation of awards to this year’s honorees.

• 5 p.m. – Reception with appetizers and wine
• 6 p.m. – Dinner in the Reading Room (Rm. 124)

The 2025 Distinguished Alumni/ae will be announced soon—check back for details.

November 7

7:00–9:00 p.m. ·  Lobby/The Space

Continue the celebration after the Distinguished Alumni/ae event with Al’s Pub Night—a familiar favorite for many alumni. Enjoy wine, conversation, and connection as we unwind and continue celebrating Reunion together.

November 8

10:00–11:00 a.m.  ·  Reading Room

Join us for our Worship Service, a time to gather in reflection and celebration. The service will feature preaching from Dr. Forrest Harris, Professor of the Practice of Ministry and Director of the Kelly Miller Smith Center for Black Faith in Public Life, honoring his retirement from the American Baptist College and celebrating his many years of ministry and leadership.

November 8

11:00–1:00 p.m.  ·  The Space

• 11:00 a.m. Community Service Project
• 12:00–1:00 p.m. Lunch

Take part in service and solidarity alongside the Vanderbilt Divinity School community. Together, we will hear from Open Table Nashville and join in preparing winter supply kits to be distributed during the coldest nights of the year. These supplies will support our unhoused neighbors through Open Table Nashville’s winter canvassing efforts, which provide care, connection, and essential resources to friends on the streets during the winter months.

Open Table Nashville, co-founded by VDS alumna Lindsey Krinks (MTS’13), is a non-profit, interfaith community that disrupts cycles of poverty, journeys with the marginalized and provides education about issues of homelessness. Learn more here.