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In pursuit of wisdom
Susan Hylen, assistant professor of New Testament, drew inspiration from Proverbs 8:22–36 and John 15:9–17 as she addressed the Class of 2012 on May 10. Hylen, who is preparing to join the faculty at Emory University in the fall, challenged the graduates to use both knowledge and understanding in their pursuit of wisdom as Vanderbilt alumni/ae. Read more >>
Charge to the graduates
Ted Smith, assistant professor of ethics and society, urged the Class of 2012 not only to live lives of rigor but to believe more in the God they set out to serve. He said stronger belief leads to a depth of perception that can see the ways of life at work even in the trials of the world. Read more >>
Congratulations to the Class of 2012
We welcomed 100 new VDS and GDR alumni/ae into the Vanderbilt family during Commencement on May 11. While celebrating the Class of 2012, we also honored our 93rd Founder's Medalist and 16 other graduates in recognition of their outstanding contributions to scholarship and service to the school and beyond. Congratulations, everyone! Read more >>
Congratulations to all the members of the Class of 2012
The Divinity School and Graduate Department of Religion are well-represented among the Class of 2012 Fund for Theological Education Fellows.
- Jennifer Bailey, master of divinity candidate—FTE Ministry Fellow
- Courtney Bryant, Ph.D. candidate—FTE Doctoral Fellow
- Melanie Jones, MDiv'12—FTE Doctoral Fellow
- Gerald Liu, Ph.D. candidate—FTE North American Doctoral Fellow
- Brandon McCormack, Ph.D. candidate—FTE Dissertation Fellow
Shelli Yoder, MDiv'02, has won the Democratic nomination for the Indiana 9th District seat.
Kathy Chambers, MDiv'99, has been selected as one of the Tennessee Alliance for Progress Long Haul Awardees for her work with Tennessee for All of Us.
Lindsey Krinks, a master of theological studies candidate, has been named as one of the Tennessee Alliance for Progress Young Leaders for her work with Occupy Nashville.
The Rev. Kelly Ayer, MDiv'04 has been selected by the Red Cross in Greater Rochester, New York, as the 2012 "Hometown Military Hero" for establishing one of the first homeless facilities for female veterans in the country.
The Rev. Dr. J. Bennett Guess, MDiv'91, gave the commencement address at Andover Newton Theological School on May 19. Guess is a national leader in the United Church of Christ and the co-founder of the Paff Haus Justice and Peace Center and the state's largest LGBTQ advocacy group, the Kentucky Fairness Alliance. He is the first openly gay person to serve as a national officer of the United Church of Christ.
Lisa Dordal, MDiv'05, MFA'11, has written a chapbook, titled Commemoration, which is scheduled to be released August 10.
The Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt received a renewal grant from Lilly Endowment to continue the "Congregational Immersion Project."
Romney and the ghost of anti-Mormonism
Religious Dispatches—Kathleen Flake, associate professor of American religious history, who is noted as the nation's finest scholar of Mormons in American political life, is interviewed about the Congressional hearing of Sen. Reed Smoot and its impact on the 2012 election. Read more >>
The covert war on Planned Parenthood
Nashville Scene—Lyndsey Godwin, MDiv'08, talks about matters of faith, sexuality, reproductive health and the Tennessee state legislature. Read more >>
Vanderbilt honors top graduates
Read about Kyle Lambelet, MTS'12, and the other 2012 Founder's Medalists. Read more >>
It's time to share our stories
Cool People Care—Amy Lyles Wilson, MTS'07, is interviewed about why she believes that sharing our stories will save us. Read more >>
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Your gifts matter. Join the Class of 2012 and make a difference!
Twenty-six percent of the Class of 2012 have made a gift in honor of their graduation. Cameron Barr, MDiv'12, one of the giving campaign co-chairs, challenges you to invest in the theological education of current students and future generations of religious leaders and scholars before June 30. Read more >>
Check the calendar for up-to-date event postings.
Spirituality and mental health conference
June 13
Mental health professionals, ministers, social service providers, long-term care providers, and alcohol and drug counselors will discuss the role of church and religion in understanding mental health concerns. Register here.
More information
Save the date
Homecoming 2012
October 25–27
We hope you can make plans now to attend Homecoming 2012. Information about the great opportunities for reconnecting with VDS/GDR and your classmates will be sent to you. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Meagan Burton-Krieger by email or at
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