2026 Vanderbilt Divinity School Reunion

Friday, October 16

2:00–2:45 p.m. · Alumni Hall

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how we work, learn, create, and connect, while raising profound questions about what it means to be human in an increasingly technological world. Join Yolanda Pierce, Dean of the Divinity School, and Matthew Johnson-Roberson, Dean of the College of Connected Computing, for a timely and thought-provoking conversation at the intersection of AI, ethics, technology, and human values.

Bringing together two scholars whose fields approach AI from distinctly different but deeply complementary perspectives, this discussion offers a rare opportunity to explore the technology from both sides: what AI can do, and what it should do. Together, they’ll examine not only how AI is changing our everyday lives, but how Vanderbilt can shape its future with intention.

Friday, October 16

3:00–4:30 p.m.  ·  Vanderbilt Divinity School · The Space (Rm G29)

Join us for a VDS Alumni Conversation, centered around The Wilderness of Friendship: Forty Years of Hospitality, Vulnerability, and Wonder, co-authored by VDS alumni Bill Friskics-Warren (MDiv’84), Bill Harkins (MDiv’86, MA’01, PhD’01), Bob Victorin-Vangerud (MDiv’86), and Paul Shupe (MDiv’87).

The group became friends as VDS students in the 80s and went on to careers spanning ministry, pastoral counseling, homelessness advocacy, journalism, teaching, and more. In conversation with co-moderators, Ellen Armour (PhD’91), Director of the Carpenter Program in Religion, Gender and Sexuality, and Taure Brown, Ph.D., Director of James Lawson Institute, they’ll reflect on how their time at VDS shaped their lives and explore themes from the book, including the values and actions that sustained their 40+ years friendship.

Alumni/ae, students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to join us. Reflections/Q&A and mixer with refreshments will follow.

Friday, October 16

5:00–7:00 p.m.  ·  Vanderbilt Divinity School · Reading Room (Rm 124)

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 includes dinner with an address from Dean Yolanda Pierce and the presentation of awards to this year’s honorees.

Jennifer Bailey, MDiv ’14, is recognized as the Distinguished Alumna for the Divinity School and Ryan LaMothe, MA ’93, PhD ’94, is recognized as the Distinguished Alumnus for the Graduate Department of Religion.

Saturday, October 17

9:00–10:00 a.m. · Vanderbilt Divinity School · Benton Chapel

One Vanderbilt: A Student-Led Interfaith Service & Blessing

Co-hosted by Vanderbilt Divinity School and the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life 

All Reunion attendees are invited to begin Saturday morning with a Campus Blessing, a student-led worship service that brings together multiple faith traditions in shared reflection.

Held in the historic Benton Chapel, this service will bring together student leaders from diverse faith traditions represented on campus. Through brief reflections, readings, and moments of collective pause, the Campus Blessing offers a space to ground the Reunion experience in connection, meaning, and Vanderbilt’s enduring commitment to spiritual and ethical life.

All are welcome to attend and share in this time of reflection.