Dean Moore’s 2019 Appeal Letter
Dear Alumni/ae and Friends,
With autumn upon us and winter before us, I am reminded of the wondrous beauty of change. There are times when change brings disarray, anxiety, and grief to our personal and communal lives. Other times it gives birth to new beginnings, beginnings born out of hope, promise, and courage. This year, the School of Theology (STH) has celebrated a number of changes that I’d like to share with you because, without your continued support, none of this would be possible.
This fall, we celebrated the completion of the first-ever Boston University capital campaign. The School of Theology raised $29.4 million for its own “On a Mission” campaign, after the 2010 campaign goal of $15 million was revised to $25 million in 2015 and surpassed in 2018. The impact of your abundant generosity includes the following:
- 19 Endowed Scholarships
- Six Named Scholarships
- Two Endowed Centers
- Center for Practical Theology
- Tom Porter Religion and Conflict Transformation Program
- Two New Programs
- Theology and Latinx Studies
- Faith and Ecological Justice
- Two New Chairs
- Harrell F. Beck Chair of Hebrew Scripture
- Truman Collins Professor of World Christianity
- Two Endowed Housing Funds
- Earl and Millie Beane Housing Fund
- Charles and Elizabeth Kenosian Residence Fund
- One Endowed Community of Learning
- Anglican Episcopal Community of Learning
- One Named Faculty Scholar
- Bishops Scholar of Homiletics and Preaching
- One Named Lectureship
- Father Vincent Machozi Lecture on Building Justice and Peace
- LEED Gold certified renovation of the lower level into Community Center
These are not mere accolades, but tangible accomplishments that will result in an enhanced learning community and strengthened research environment. Just last month, the School of Theology installed Professor David Schnasa Jacobsen as the inaugural Bishops Scholar of Homiletics and Preaching, and you are part of the cloud of witnesses who made this a reality. About two months ago, we announced the formation of two new programs at the School of Theology: Theology and Latinx Studies and Faith and Ecological Justice. With these programs established, we remain on the cutting edge of theological education and will continue attracting brilliant minds and loving hearts.
Another change is on the horizon. At this time, you may have already received news of my retirement plans. I have loved serving this great school because of the amazing people who have traveled these halls. Please know that I plan to make this last year count, serving the community with my full self as we work together to build greater student and faculty support systems and to deepen the roots of our academic and co-curricular programs.
STH is moving in the right direction, and I ask that you consider making a gift to the STH Annual Fund as we strive to maximize our potential. Your support, with a gift of any amount, to the STH Annual Fund will help nurture our students and equip them to create boundary-free communities of love all over the world. We are so very grateful for your financial and moral support, and for the work you help us do. Gifts of all sizes are welcome and much appreciated, and your gift increases our alumni participation rate, which helps with foundation grants. Thank you again for your consideration.
With appreciation and blessings,
Mary Elizabeth Moore
Dean, School of Theology
www.bu.edu/sthfund | www.bu.edu/sth/alumni/giving
P.S. In this time of change I ask for your renewed support of the STH Annual Fund, funds which will help keep the school going while our recent campaign has allowed the school to grow. The Annual Fund supports students’ contextual education opportunities, community and spiritual life programs and outreach to our alumni and friends including the annual publication of focus. Thank you!