Alumni News
Wabash Center Grant Awarded to STH Homiletical Theology Project
The Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Religion and Theology has awarded Professor David Jacobsen and the Homiletical Theology Project a grant for a research consultation on in-class sermon feedback and intercultural competency. The small project grant is titled Exploring Intercultural Instructional Communication for Homiletical Pedagogy: Facework Theory, Cultural Competence, and “Peering Behind the Curtain.” The project will be co-directed by both Professor Jacobsen and Amy McLaughlin-Sheasby, an instructor at Abilene Christian University and PhD student at STH. The consultation will meet from January 4-6 here on the Charles River Campus with University of Portland’s Professor of Communication Studies Jeff Kerssen-Griep, whose expertise in interpersonal and intercultural communication in instructional contexts will be utilized. Ultimately, the consultation will develop research articles on in-class sermon feedback for submission to The Wabash Center Journal on Teaching in 2020.
Reverend Robert “Bob” Kingsbury (STH ’55)
Rev. Bob Kingsbury, of Eugene, Oregon passed away on December 3, 2018, at the age of 90. You can read the entire obituary on the Albany Democrat-Herald website.
School of Theology and Brandeis University Awarded Henry Luce Foundation Grant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kimberly Macdonald
Marketing & Communications Manager
Boston University School of Theology
617-358-1858
kmacd@bu.edu
Julie Jette
Director of Media Relations
Brandeis University
781-736-4202
jjette@brandeis.edu
BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
AWARDED HENRY LUCE FOUNDATION GRANT FOR
EDUCATING EFFECTIVE CHAPLAINS PROJECT
Boston, MA – December 17, 2018 – Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH) and Brandeis University are pleased to announce that the Henry Luce Foundation has awarded a three-year $500,000 grant to support the Educating Effective Chaplains Project, which will focus on three elements critical for preparing professional chaplains for effective ministry. The project is led by the team of BUSTH Associate Professor of Theology Dr. Shelly Rambo, and Brandeis University Professor of Sociology and Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, Dr. Wendy Cadge.
The three primary elements of the project are:
- The synthesis of current scholarship and practitioner expertise about the nature of effective chaplaincy, in order to evaluate how theological schools can and should support development of successful chaplains,
- The identification of specific skills required for chaplaincy, both universally and in specific fields, such as in the military, within healthcare, and at correctional facilities, and the analysis of how theological education currently supports the development of these competencies, and
- Support for theological educators in strengthening their scholarship, curricula, and partnerships with clinical educators to better train future generations of chaplains.
With the goal of effectively equipping chaplains for all professional settings, the project will attend to the spaces where chaplains and religious leaders are working in today’s society. Even as religious affiliations are declining, spiritual needs and questions are as significant and important as ever, and therefore the need for refining chaplaincy education is opportune.
"We are honored to receive this grant from the Henry Luce Foundation in support of cultivating religious leaders of the future,” said Professor Rambo. “In the rapidly changing landscape of theological education, this network has the potential to transform models of education for religious leaders doing frontline spiritual care.”
Professor Cadge, who is also the founder of the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab, said she is eager to bring theological educators together in a way that advances a common conversation. “This is exactly why we launched the Lab and we're so pleased to collaborate with Professor Rambo. Innovation in chaplaincy won't happen unless the next generation of chaplains receive the very best training and education. This grant is going to help us build new curricula and new models of education to make that happen.”
For more information about the Henry Luce Foundation, please visit www.hluce.org.
###
About Boston University School of Theology
Since 1839, Boston University School of Theology has been preparing leaders to do good. A seminary of the United Methodist Church, Boston University School of Theology is a robustly ecumenical institution that welcomes students from diverse faith traditions who are pursuing a wide range of vocations – parish ministry, conflict transformation, chaplaincy, campus ministry, administration, non-profit management, social work, teaching, justice advocacy, peacemaking, interfaith dialogue, and more. Our world-renowned faculty and strong heritage help students nurture their academic goals and realize any ministry imaginable. For more information, please visit www.bu.edu/sth.
About Brandeis University
As a top-tier private research university with a focus on the liberal arts, Brandeis University is dedicated to teaching and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students, engaging them meaningfully in the groundbreaking research of our faculty. Founded by the American Jewish community in 1948 as a nonsectarian institution at a time when exclusionary practices prevented equal access to some of the nation’s best universities, Brandeis has always welcomed talented students and faculty of every ethnicity, religion and cultural background. Our 235-acre campus is located in Waltham, Massachusetts, in the suburbs of Boston, a global hub for higher education and innovation.
Faculty Member Tom Porter Announces his Retirement
Co-Director of the Religion and Conflict Transformation Program, Thomas W. Porter, Jr., has announced his retirement from the School of Theology, effective June 2019. Tom joined the School of Theology in 2004 to develop a program in Religion and Conflict Transformation at the invitation of former Dean Ray Hart.
About his experience at STH, Tom writes, "What a wonderful experience I have had teaching and working at the School of Theology. I have loved teaching, and have learned much from my students and colleagues. I have been gifted with extraordinary colleagues and students. I am proud of what we have accomplished together. I have felt supported by everyone on the faculty, in the student body and in the administration. I look forward to the rest of the academic year and the opportunity to express to all my appreciation for this support and for the friendships that have and will continue to mean so much to me."
Dean Mary Elizabeth Moore wishes Tom well in his retirement, and says "We will miss him terribly."
Shannon Finney (STH’96): Photographer
Shannon Finney is the owner and lead photographer for Shannon Finney Photography and a contributing photographer for Getty Images, WTOPNews, and other outlets. After earning her Master’s of Divinity from the Boston University Graduate School of Theology, she spent a decade in broadcast media and communications, working in radio and television, and then onto Capitol Hill and K Street before merging her love of photography with her interest in storytelling. Her work has appeared online and in numerous print publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, USA Today, Vogue, Billboard, Vanity Fair, Politico, The Washingtonian, DownBeat, Modern Luxury DC, Capitol File, Black Enterprise, and Essence.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment since graduating from STH?
Finding a true partner in my husband - someone who loves me, encourages me, and teaches me how to be a better person/friend/daughter/wife/aunt.
What advice would you give a current STH student?
Always challenge your sense of vocation and don’t be afraid to expand it beyond the bounds of your comfort. When I arrived at STH I had this very definite plan that fit into a neat little box, and when that wasn’t working I panicked and tried to double-down, to force myself to stay in that neat little box. There were a lot of amazing people who saw a young woman with the talents and gifts for ministry, and it took me a while to realize that those talents and gifts were transferable.
Why did you choose to become a photographer?
After STH I spent years in broadcasting, media relations and communications on Capitol Hill and on K Street and photography had become this place of escape for me. I started with portraits – photographing my family and then friends and then friends of friends, and it was all very organic. I was reluctant to take this thing that was my sanctuary and open it up to the deadlines and demands of “work,” and that’s when I understood that for me photography was my vocation. It is the work of my heart and soul and it is the best of all of me.
What skills or experiences would benefit someone who wants to use their theology degree and work in the arts?
I’ve always thought that the arts and theology have a lot in common. Neither the artists nor the theologians I’ve known entered their respective fields with plans on becoming billionaires. Rather, they want to express who they are, to give their whole selves in the work that they do, and to awaken profound connections among the people they encounter. But, this also exposes us to risks and dangers both spiritual and, sometimes, physical. There are times when the world doesn’t want to hear what you have to preach or see its own brutality reflected back to them in a photograph. The theologian and the artist must challenge, confront and comfort.
Can you give us an example of a mistake you have learned from during your career?/ What was the most important experience you’ve had that has helped you in your career?
One of the biggest mistakes I made early on in my working life was knowing what I wanted and, instead of going for it, I asked permission and then waited, and waited, and waited. There is a runway model I was photographing during New York Fashion Week’s September shows - her name is Shailah Edmonds and she was one of the first group of African American models to walk couture runway shows. She grew up out in Oregon and she said that her dad gave her the best piece of advice when he told her, “remember that you have the right to.” I carry that with me now – I remember that I have the right to.
Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr. (’83) will Present a Paper entitled The Black Rhetorical Traditions In The Civil Rights Movement
Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana will be presenting a Paper entitled The Black Rhetorical Traditions In The Civil Rights Movement. This paper will be presented at The National African and African American Studies Conference in Dallas, Texas on Thursday, February 14, 2019. Dr. Kelly is an adjunct Instructor at Louisiana State University in The African and African American Studies Program And In The College Of Education. This paper will highlight his research on The Black Rhetorical Traditions and how it assisted the Civil Rights Movement. He has edited Volume I And Volume II.
Linda Stetter (’06) is the new executive dean
Congrats to Linda Stetter ('06) who is the new executive dean for the Fremont Campus of Pueblo Community College! You can read more here.
Jon Powers (STH’74) contributes a chapter to book published by GBHEM
Ohio Wesleyan University Chaplain Jon R. Powers ('74) is one of 10 writers contributing a chapter to the newly published book “Displaced Persons: Theological Reflection on Immigration, Refugees, and Marginalization.” The book is published by The United Methodist Church’s General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and Powers' chapter is titled “Methodists and Muslims: Better Together.”
You can read more on the Ohio Wesleyan University website: https://www.owu.edu/news-media/details/better-together/
Reverend Walter H. Schenck (STH ’65) died September 6, 2018
Reverend Walter H. Schenck (STH '65) died earlier this fall. He earned his Master of Divinity at BU School of Theology before earning a second masters at Southern CT State University. Rev. Schenck worked for the National Mission Board of the United Methodist Church. You can read his full obituary here.
Sungmin Jeon (STH ’12) new pastor at The Oakland/Sidney United Methodist Church
Sungmin Jeon (STH '12) became the new pastor at The Oakland/Sidney United Methodist Church in October. He earned his Master of Divinity at BU School of Theology. Click here to read more.