Last week, the Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH) welcomed alumnus Rev. Tom Sears (’59) into Boston University’s William Fairfield Warren Society with a surprise reception, in recognition of more than 60 years of extraordinary generosity and philanthropic leadership. Through cumulative giving exceeding $1 million, Sears has helped shape the life and future of the School of Theology and the wider Boston University community.
A retired United Methodist minister, educator, and longtime advocate for theological education and dedicated chaplaincy work, Sears has remained deeply engaged with BUSTH throughout his life. He is currently serving his second nine-year term on the BUSTH Dean’s Advisory Board and previously served on the Boston University Alumni Council from 2008 to 2018. He also served on the steering committee for Boston University’s Choose to Be Great campaign.
In recent years, Sears provided two helpful matching challenges for annual BU Giving Days, which encouraged broad alumni participation in support of BUSTH. This year, the School reached a record-breaking 367 donors during Giving Day 2026.
Sears has supported more than 30 different funds and initiatives across Boston University and the School of Theology over the years. Among the funds bearing his name are the Thomas A. and Margaret A. Sears Endowed Fund and the Rev. Tom Sears Chaplaincy Operating Fund. He also played a major role in endowing the Truman Collins Chair of World Christianity and History of Mission and helped successfully endow the Harrell F. Beck Chair of Hebrew Scripture. In addition, Sears was the first donor to what later became the Dahod Family Alumni Center at the Castle. He is also a member of the Claflin Society.
“Tom Sears is an exemplary alumnus and friend of BUSTH,” says Dean G. Sujin Pak. “He has such a beautiful heart and generous spirit. Those who know him know that he has a contagious sense of humor. Tom is one always with a twinkle in his eye and a ready, joy-giving chuckle. Tom has been generous in investing in [our School] in so many ways: his time, presence, financial gifts, wisdom, and service on my Dean’s Advisory Board—just to name a few!”
Beyond his philanthropy, Sears devoted his career to ministry and education. After earning a BA from Cornell College in 1956 and an MDiv from Boston University School of Theology in 1959, he served United Methodist churches across Iowa for more than a decade. He later earned an MA in history from the University of Iowa and joined the faculty of Kirkwood Community College, where he taught social and intellectual history until his retirement in 2000. During his tenure, he also served as president of the Faculty Association, chaired the Curriculum Committee, and acted as chief negotiator for the faculty.
In 2007, Sears received the School of Theology Distinguished Alumnus Award in recognition of his lifelong commitment to ministry, education, and service. He and his late wife, Margaret, shared a deep commitment to philanthropy and family.