Dean Mary Elizabeth Moore’s Fall ’20 Letter to Alumni & Friends
Dear STH Alumni/ae & Friends,
This extraordinary year has reminded all of us at the School of Theology that we are part of an extraordinary community. You are a cherished part of that community, and we are grateful for all that you do for the school and in the world.
Both the pandemic and the longstanding social fissures it has exposed have forced all of us to reinvent ourselves: how we practice our faith, how we teach and learn, and most of all how we connect with our fellow humans. At STH, the quarantine this spring shut down our classrooms—but not our teaching, learning, and service to the communities around us.
Our professors and students reinvented their classes and ways of working about a half-dozen times, showing remarkable creativity in the process. In the absence of in-person internships, students found ways to intern remotely—and found that their technological savvy was just what many faith communities needed. All of us explored new ways of worshipping, conducting research, and maintaining connections through virtual gatherings, both large and small.
In short, our students, faculty, and staff have been changing almost everything, except the heart of who they are. They are dedicated people of faith, cultivating compassion and justice, which is exactly what the world needs now. To support their work, I ask you to support STH.
As I prepare to retire on December 31st, I am filled with gratitude for our alums, who have themselves been witnesses to faith and justice and who form the backbone of the school’s moral and financial support. I am grateful, too, for our students, faculty, and staff. This school has always been a real community, willing to reach out and have tough conversations. For all these reasons, I know the future of STH is exceedingly bright.
You can help shape that future by giving in whatever way you are able. We know that some may not be able to donate at this time but, if you can, the need for spiritual and financial support has never been more acute if we are to support a rich spiritual life and respond to emergency life situations and technological needs. Further, we need to support gatherings, events, and publications that are vital in bringing together people who are hungry for human contact.
Our mission has never been more essential. Please consider donating whatever you are able by the end of this calendar year. We also ask for your prayers. Many thanks!
Sincerely,
Mary Elizabeth Moore, Dean
School of Theology
PS: By giving to the School of Theology, you’re not just helping STH—you’re helping all the communities we serve. I urge you to visit www.bu.edu/give2sth today.