THE BULLETIN DISCIPLES DIVINITY HOUSE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO DDH Day-dayenu! Day-dayenu! Previous attempts to arrange field work at non-Christian congregations in Chicago An ebullient melody and clapping had come to no avail, the religious leaders broke out around the table at the and their communities being somewhat (and Passover Seder. Dayenu roughly understandably so) suspicious when contacted about having a Christian MDiv student work translates from Hebrew as “that alone with them. But Clark’s trust and friendship with Dayenu! would have been enough” or “that the Indianapolis Jewish population provided me the opportunity to join Congregation Beth- Rachel Abdoler alone would have sufficed us.” El Zedeck as an intern invited into every facet Inaugural Barbara I joined along singing the thousand-year-old of community life. and Clark Williamson song which joyfully recounts all the blessing When I reflect on Clark as a person and a Scholar and miracles that God had visited on God’s scholar, Dayenu comes to mind. He is the one people, beginning with the Exodus from Egypt: who enabled my presence at that Passover A PhD student in the If God had brought us out of Egypt, but not Seder where I first learned and sang this song, History of Christianity, split the sea, Dayenu! If God had split the sea, and more. When I think of all that Clark has she studies Christian but not fed us manna, Dayenu! given and taught me and others, the senti- theological texts written This was one of the many, many intimate ment of Dayenu is most apt. Had Clark simply in Arabic against a back- moments of communal life I got to join during arranged the internship for me—an internship drop of Christian and my year interning at Congregation Beth-El that is one of the most formative experiences of my personal and academic life—Dayenu! Islamic polemical writing, Zedeck in Indianapolis, made possible through But I did not just get the experience of the and, particularly, the DDH and, particularly, by Clark Williamson. hermeneutical strategy Clark’s warm spirit and serious commitment to CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 of Butrus al-Sadamanti, addressing anti-Judaism in Christian theology enabled his formation of deep relationships an Arabophone Christian with several Jewish religious leaders in Indiana- who wrote in a 13th-century polis. So trusted and profound were these Copto-Islamic milieu. relationships that when I, then a soon-to- be third-year MDiv student, indicated my interest in interning with a non-Christian congregation, Clark was able to arrange for me to spend the 2014–15 academic year with VOL. 91 | NO. 1 | SUMMER 2021 Rabbis Dennis and Sandy Sasso at Congre- gation Beth-El Zedeck. IN MEMORIAM

Disciples Divinity lectual, moral, and spiritual formation of House of the Letter from the dean University of Chicago these years will, along with the relationships I have Amidst a challenging year, students LEFT Clark Williamson gives his 2015 1156 East 57th St. formed through this handsome House on 57th Distinguished Alumnus address, “The Disciples: Chicago, Illinois 60637 have nevertheless invested heart, Street, repeatedly buoy me and guide my steps. Mainlined, Sidelined, or Derailed?” 773.643.4411 mind, and soul in their vocations. I’m grateful for what this remarkable institution has Your interest and support have made grammatic expressions that bespeak ddh.uchicago.edu given me, and commit myself to ensuring that it and a mind that is simultaneously penetrating, a difference for them. other institutions like it persist long into our future. insightful, critical, visionary, restive, and BOARD OF TRUSTEES Andrew Packman, a summer 2021 PhD graduate, playful,” according to Ron Allen, a colleague April J. Lewton In September, the 2020 and 2021 graduates will President will become a Louisville Postdoctoral Fellow at at CTS and co-author of several books with United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. gather for an in-person Convocation, which will Clark. Williamson was self-consciously a Pamela James Jones also mark the conclusion of the 125th and 126th Vice President He reflects on pursuing a vocation of theological “church theologian,” that is, a theologian academic years of the Disciples Divinity House. Mareta J. Smith teaching during the past months: who intended for his work to strengthen Treasurer The 2021 graduates—five Disciples and two the church. A favorite characterization of Paul A. Steinbrecher …There is the usual nervous energy of presenting ecumenical students—were awarded three MDiv, God came from Alfred North Whitehead: two MA, and two PhD degrees. They will go to Secretary oneself and one’s work to others. But there is a that God’s nature “is best conceived, [as] chaplaincy, arts ministry, anti-racism work, and that of a tender care that nothing be lost.” Joan Bell-Haynes deeper vein of intensity rippling through a nation Larry D. Bouchard doctoral programs; they will teach at this univer- Loving questions: Seeking to identify anti-Judaism and that has witnessed the loss of over 600,000 souls Julian DeShazier sity and in a seminary. The four 2020 graduates, anti-Semitism in Christian theology and Teresa Dulyea-Parker in the past year. Along with this horrifying loss of both Disciples and ecumenical students, received Remembering Clark M. Williamson to correct it was a persistent theme of Patricia A. Duncan life, the social and institutional tumult already well MDiv degrees and serve in congregations. Williamson’s life and work. As he said, J. Marshall Dunn underway before the pandemic has grown in its wake. We give thanks for a legacy of learning and Love of questions brought Clark Williamson to DDH as a “I have come to see that loving questions W. Clark Gilpin The need for the kind of intelligent, imaginative, leadership, service in the present, and vision for student and to his pathbreaking work as a Christian theologian. and loving strangers (who bring their Claudia A. Highbaugh the future. That legacy, service, and vision were questions with them) is a requirement of experimental ministry and theological education Sandhya R. Jha exemplified by Clark M. Williamson and Eddie Clark Murray Williamson was born 1957, Clark entered the Divinity School Christian faith. Even more, it is a require- that DDH has prepared me to do could not be Verity A. Jones Evans Griffin. ThisBulletin remembers their November 3, 1935, in Memphis, Tennes- as a Disciples Divinity House Scholar. He ment of any authentic spirituality or Angela A. Kaufman greater. And whatever the setting of my future remarkable lives and celebrates the Barbara and see. He grew up in the Taylor Memorial earned BD (1961), AM (1963), and PhD pastoral leadership. After Auschwitz, Cynthia G. Lindner vocational life, I am equally certain that the intel- Clark Williamson Scholarship that bears promise Christian Church in Memphis, where his (1969) degrees from the University of unquestioning faith is pernicious.” His Allison Lundblad into the future. grandfather, J. Murray Taylor, was minis- Chicago. He served as an assistant dean 1982 book, Has God Rejected his People?, Chad H. Martin BELOW PhD grads Mark Lambert and Andrew Packman ter. His grandfather viewed the principal of the Disciples Divinity House and an recognized the searing questions put to Vy T. Nguyen with Administrator Daette Lambert. With gratitude, Kristine A. Culp, Dean calling of the minister to be that of teacher interim minister of University Church. He the Christian community by the Shoah. David A. Vargas of the Christian faith, a perspective that was Paul Tillich’s assistant for Volume III Later books continued this work, includ- Clark M. Williamson† animated Clark’s own approach to theol- of Tillich’s Systematic Theology. Tillich ing A Guest in the House of Israel and the Melinda Keenan Wood three-volume lectionary commentary Gaylord Yu ogy, church, and ministry. referred to Williamson as “my Englisher.” A pioneer in post-Holocaust theology, For his part, Clark had a raft of stories to series co-authored with Ron Allen that

STAFF important voice in Process Theology, and share about “Paulus.” provided guidance for Christian preaching without “blaming the Jews” or “dismissing Kristine A. Culp leading Disciples theologian, he was the Clark met Barbara Unger when she Dean author of seventeen books, including his was a student working in the office of the the Law,” as two of the subtitles put it. He Daette G. Lambert systematic theology, Way of Blessing, Way dean of the Divinity School. She earned served on the Committee on the Church Administrator of Life: A Christian Theology (1999), which AB (French) and AM (Linguistics) degrees and the Holocaust of the United States Bruce T. Gumm has just been published in Korean trans- from the University. They married and CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 Building Maintenance lation, and A Guest in the House of Israel: raised a son, Scott. She taught high school Parag M. Shah Post-Holocaust Church Theology (1989). French before serving as Executive Director Director of Finance He was the Indiana Professor of Christian of the ACLU in Indiana, in the US Attorney’s Ryan Haefke Thought Emeritus at Christian Theological Office, and in the Federal Court House in Development Assistant Seminary and its former Vice President Indianapolis.

BULLETIN and Dean. An ordained Disciples minister, From 1966 until his retirement in 2002, Winge Design Studio he was an elder, volunteer, and teacher at Clark Williamson was a member of the Design Central Christian Church in Indianapolis. faculty at Christian Theological Seminary Adam Frieberg He was a valued colleague, mentor, (CTS), and became the first occupant of House photography friend, and, for many, a teacher without the Indiana Chair of Christian Thought. He parallel. developed an interpretation of God and After earning a BA in religion and the world through the lens of neo-process philosophy at Transylvania College in thought. “His writings are marked by epi-

2 3 NEWS IN Tribute to a righteous gentile, teacher, help from some friends, and completed BRIEF through Mr. Williamson’s stunning commit- and friend ment to the 125th Anniversary Campaign. Their determination was further catalyzed ■■■ At a time when we are witnessing a surge in anti-Semitism and in expressions when then-MDiv student Rachel Abdoler Congratulations to of religious and racial bigotry, the teachings of Clark Williamson are worth completed an internship at Congregation Katherine Raley pondering and taking to heart. Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis that Clark was Alexander (2008) and instrumental in helping to arrange. He saw the beloved wife, Barbara, dined, wined, wor- ■■■ Nate Alexander on the quality of leadership and thought that was Dennis Sasso shipped, learned, and celebrated together with birth of Michael Walter possible in a DDH student. Tish Duncan (1999; trustee) Sandy and me. They would periodically attend Alexander on June 30. Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, On April 24, friends and family surprised has received tenure and Shabbat services at the synagogue, especially He weighed in at 8 lbs, and Affiliate Professor of Jewish Studies at Clark by joining the Board of Trustees for the been promoted to Associate to recite Kaddish on the yahrzeit of Barbara’s 10 oz. Parents, baby, and Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis ■■■■■■ formal action to establish the scholarship. The Professor of Religion at Jewish father, and then we would enjoy big brother Parker are surprise continued with the announcement of Texas Christian University. Shabbat dinner together. doing well and learning Clark Williamson was a scholar committed to the inaugural 2021–22 recipient of the scholar- A passage from the Mishna teaches, “The Barbara and Clark ■■■ a new life together. eliminating anti-Judaism from the teachings of ship: Rachel Abdoler, now a fourth-year PhD the church. He was a loving critic of his own world is sustained by three pillars: justice (din), Williamson Scholarship student in the History of Christianity. She spoke June MDiv graduate Christian tradition and an architect of Jewish- truth (emet), and peace (shalom)” (Avot 1:18). movingly, recounting Clark’s formative mentor- Aneesah Ettress co-led Christian reconciliation. In his book, A Guest Clark’s scholarship was propelled by a passion Now fully endowed at $250,000, the ship and dinners shared with Barbara and “Attention and Testimony in in the House of Israel, he confesses that “anti- for Din, justice-seeking to rectify what two mil- scholarship will recognize “excellence Clark. In those ways and more, she explained, Works by Lorna Simpson” Judaism is an inherited ideology of which lennia of distrust and misunderstanding have in theological thinking that furthers she felt as though she had already been a at the Smart Museum and brought upon Western civilization, and it was Christians tend to be unconscious until it is understanding and accountability recipient of the scholarship. Her comments the Art Institute of Chicago brought to their attention.” He describes the motivated by a quest for Emet, truth. Clark’s were followed by remarks from Rabbi Dennis on January 6 and 8. business of theology as bringing “the church work was predicated upon Shalom—the hope between traditions.” Sasso, who blessed his dear friend Clark, the to self-understanding and self-criticism and of Jews and Christians for a renewed harmony memory of Barbara, the scholarship, and ■■■ The scholarship expresses the conviction that thereby to change its practice, which means, between two peoples who share a common Rachel, its first recipient. ✜ Joel Brown has been thinking critically about faith and about the first, to change its speech.” Clark took words spiritual ancestry and who are constantly awarded a 2021–22 accountability of Christianity to other faiths is ABOVE Clark Williamson from his student days at DDH. seriously, because they are not just words, called upon to renew our understanding of Divinity School Disserta- essential for spiritual life and leadership. On BELOW An early photo of Barbara Williamson during but have implications and outcomes. covenant. tion Completion Fellowship occasion, it can be awarded to students in the her ACLU career. ■■■ For over two decades, Clark and I taught Clark examined the fundamental issues for Preparing the Way: Divinity School from other faith traditions to a course together on “Dialogue Between Jews that over the centuries caused Christians and African American Women Congratulations to Kate make possible their residence and participation and Christians,” spoke at interfaith confer- Jews to drift apart, to become antagonists, and Social Christianity in Gerike and Kevin Gregory in shared life at DDH. ences, and co-led learning experiences for rather than co-protagonists, in the drama of sal- Turn-of-the-Century Chicago. who will marry in Chicago Barbara and Clark Williamson began to groups of students at the Holocaust Memorial vation. At the same time, he never lost sight of In February, he spoke on in October. They are build the fund in gratitude for excellence in Museum in Washington, DC. Clark and his CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 the “Spiritual Bondage of moving to Detroit Lakes, theological education and scholarship. The Minnesota, where Kevin is Whiteness” and moderated endowment was built through their commit- a panel for Ministers’ Week now serving as pastor of ment for more than twenty years, with a little the United Methodist con- ■■■■ at Brite Divinity School. gregation. Kate is search- ■■■ ing for a call nearby while A blessing for Rachel Abdoler she concludes service in as the first Williamson Scholar Dayenu! CONTINUED FROM COVER Michael Kinnamon (1973) Willmar and Vinje, MN. Her has published his debut Throughout her internship at Beth-El Zedeck, internship Clark enabled. Throughout my year Beth-El Zedeck, Dayenu! But he did much more ordination in the ELCA is novel, Summer of Love and Sandy and I were jealous that Rachel was not a in Indianapolis, and in the years since, I had than that. He accompanied me throughout upcoming; he was com- Evil. It’s 1967 in rural Iowa... rabbinical student whom we could snatch for the the pleasure and honor of having Clark as a the entire year. He sat with me and listened to missioned a provisional synagogue. Some years after, I invited Rachel to mentor and friend. my questions and shared his experience and elder in the Central Texas return to preach. She delivered one of the most I have had the fortune of reading Clark’s wisdom. He showed me that Christianity is Annual Conference of the erudite and beautiful homilies I have heard, titled, scholarship and theology, and then discussing faithfully practiced through the sharing of United Methodist Church “Singing Another’s Song.” it with him, of chatting with Clark and Barbara meals, songs, and prayers with others of on June 21. over dinner or coffee about all manner of sub- differing faith communities. Rachel, may your voice always sing the song within jects, of witnessing Clark live and practice a Clark’s scholarship—Dayenu. Clark’s commit- you, and may you lend your voice, your heart, your form of Christianity that takes the message of ment and service—Dayenu! These alone would mind to amplify, to deepen, and to sweeten the songs Jesus seriously while holding Christians account- have sufficed to inspire me. But to have known of others. For you are not just a voice; you are a able for the harm they have often inflicted on Clark personally and to have called him a friend, MORE NEWS on Facebook and chorus. We pray that you will sing with conviction, of other groups. Had Clark just allowed me to this is a true blessing. So, to Clark and his our website: ddh.uchicago.edu joy, of hope, of peace. ✜ have the experience interning at Congregation memory I simply say Dayenu and thank you! ✜

4 5 NEWS IN “She took life on,” her dear friend Dolores regular participant in Monday dinners, chapel BRIEF Highbaugh observed. She died on December 21, services, and other events. Among those who 2020, in hospice care. She was 85. benefitted from her mentorship during their Born August 10, 1935, to Myrtle and Lorenzo student years and beyond were Joan Bell-Haynes, Evans, Eddie Lo Evans spent her formative Teresa Hord Owens, Aaron Smith, and Yvonne years in Indianapolis, where her father, an edu- Gilmore. She took special pleasure and solace cator, served as the first staff member of the in the Chapel of the Holy Grail. National Convocation in Christian education, Mrs. Griffin was an elder of Park Manor beginning in 1947. (In 1960, he became one of Christian Church and a longtime Sunday school the original merger staff of the NCMC and UCMC.) teacher. She was also a chair of the board, After graduate school, she married John Griffin sponsor of the college program, chair of the ■■■ and moved to Chicago. Mr. Griffin predeceased Christian Women’s Fellowship (now Disciples Current resident Emily King her. Most of her professional career was at the Women), and member of the Spires Women’s has been awarded a Fellow- Chicago Child Care Society (CCCS). She began as Group. She was a leader within the general ship for the Study of Profes- a case worker, working primarily with sexually church, including on the General Board. She sional Ethics at Auschwitz active teen girls, and served as a field education wrote meditations for women’s groups. She for this summer. In April, ■■■ supervisor for the University of Chicago. She worked with the Chicago Disciples Union. When she gave a paper for the Doug Collins (2013) became a senior administrator with CCCS, retir- she became the Moderator of the Christian American Weil Society’s was installed as the new ing as Director of the Chicago Comprehensive Church in Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), she annual colloquy; titled, “The Senior Minister of First Care Center. was the first Black female to hold that role. Pedagogy Unto Grace,” it Christian Church of Tacoma, Mrs. Griffin’s experience as a leader of non- During that time, she was also elected Secre- engaged Simone Weil’s Washington, on July 25. “She took life on.” profit organizations, her commitment to higher tary for the Conference of Regional Ministers notebooks as a source. and theological education, her mentorship of and Moderators. In 2012, she was recognized ■■■ An appreciation of Eddie Evans Griffin students, and her knowledge of the church in as one of three inaugural recipients of the ■■■ JoAnne Kagiwada, former every manifestation, as well as her wisdom and CCIW’s Disciple of Merit award. On February 8, Clark DDH trustee, conversed At DDH we esteemed Eddie Evans Griffin, an officer of the Board of skill in decision-making processes contributed Eddie Lo Evans Griffin is survived by her Gilpin (1970; trustee) dis- with Sandhya Jha (2001; Trustees and mentor to students. She was a pioneer in several realms. After decisively to the work of the DDH Board of sister, Stacy Duke (King), son Brian (Luba), and cussed “Communities of trustee) on Japanese Trustees. She served on its executive commit- grandchildren. A memorial service was held Spirit, 1800–1875,” one American heritage, interna- receiving her bachelor’s degree from what is now Clark Atlanta University, tee for twelve years, from 1999 to 2011, as virtually by Park Manor Christian Church. ✜ of his several sessions for tional human rights work, she became the first Black student to enter and to graduate from the Master Secretary of the Board and as Vice President. DDH’s ongoing Disciples NAPAD, being a mentor, of Social Work program at the University of Illinois. She knew the student community well as a History and Thought lobbying Congress for Seminar. In the nineteenth reparations for Japanese century, Disciples wrote American internment extensively about the move his family to Indianapolis to work for work that I began to realize that I had entered I sit on this board because I want to see the in concentration camps Why I do what I do doctrine of the Holy Spirit the church for less money. My mother taught more than a profession. I had this need to church survive and to do so it needs bright, during WWII, and being as they sought to resolve school. I knew that I was expected to go to change things and make it better for my clients dynamic young people who are knowledgeable a Disciple for the Women questions about religious For a DDH Board retreat in 2007, college and get a respectable job. I learned who were all Black. This was my vocation and bring a breath of fresh air to the church of Wisdom project by authority, community, Eddie Evans Griffin recalled how early that Black female college graduates (my identity) which later morphed and to the academic world. This is my Disciples Women. and experience that were could be assured of a good job if they entered into a calling. calling. This is the story of my journey she had come to her own profession, raised by revivalism and one of three professions: teaching, nursing, or As a young person, I was and this is the journey that many vocation, and sense of the calling the proliferation of reli- social work. told that as I achieved, I had students are beginning. It is a pro- gious movements. —and the convergences and The words profession, vocation, and calling a responsibility to reach back cess and as a board we support divergences among them. are different though very much related entities. and help others; anger and this in different ways, financially, Profession indicates an acquired body of specific projection of blame gets you emotional support to student and The fact that I was born Black and female and knowledge that is used to provide a service. nowhere. As I began to grow staff, practical support by helping came of age in the late 50s and early 60s some- A vocation is how one identifies one’s self, and as a professional and, through to provide a decent place to live. what predetermined my professional choices. a calling is something that one must do. The therapy, to understand my needs We help to provide the bridge from the Both my parents were college educated and three can and do merge to become one and and how they conflicted with what I now into the future as we prepare others had entered fields that were open to Blacks in the same but not necessarily at the same time. had been taught that I should be about that I to take our place. Hopefully, we help guide the late 30s and early 40s. My father was a Graduating from college at age twenty, I began to think in terms of a calling. Therefore, them through their journey as they arrive at seminary-trained Disciples minister and worked chose social work not for altruistic reasons but I am a life member of the NAACP. I am an their destination, whether it is a profession, with the Black churches in Georgia. He also because I knew too many teachers and nurses. active alumna financial supporter of HBCUs vocation, calling, or all three. ✜ worked as a department head at the Butler Pitiful confession but true! It was when I was in because they offer support and nurturing to MORE NEWS on Facebook and Street YMCA in Atlanta, but acted on his values graduate school and found that I was the first many students who would not survive in a our website: ddh.uchicago.edu when he left this secure higher paying job to and only Black student in the school of social large predominantly white university.

6 7 NEWS IN Yinxuan Erin He, an BRIEF international student, Save the dates has been a DDH resident September 17–18 throughout her MDiv ■■■ career. She spoke at the On Saturday morning, September 18, the Cynthia Lindner (1978; final DDH chapel service 2021 graduates will be joined by 2020 trustee) asks, “Will There of the year. Her MDiv graduates (Kate Gerike, Kevin Gregory, Be Life on Earth?” in her thesis explored a Savannah Gross, and Victoria Wick) plus ■■■ April 21 column for The Buddhist approach to families, friends, and colleagues for an in- Hannah Fitch (2015) was Marty Center’s Sightings. hospital chaplaincy. She person Convocation marking the end of ordained to the ministry on She reflected on the pre- will do a year-long CPE DDH’s 125th and 126th academic years. August 1 at First Christian residency at Rush Memorial Hospital in Chicago. carious beauty of our home To kick off Convocation Church, Peoria, Illinois, planet, and the need to where her mother, Karen DDH Scholar Sarah weekend, Friday evening see clearly the threats we Merrick, is the senior minis- Zuniga’s MDiv thesis will feature a night of story- pose to it. She is a regular ter. Yvonne Gilmore (2001) ■■■■■■ telling with a picnic in the considered The Marks preached; Regional Minister Sightings columnist. backyard and, of course, that I Bear: A Theological and DDH trustee, a fire(pit) around which Teresa ■■■ Congratulations, graduates Anthropology of Queer , presided. In to tell the stories. Dulyea-Parker Bonnie Osei-Frimpong and Trans BIPOC Tatoo- honor of Hannah’s scholarly The University of Chicago’s 534th Convocation was held virtually on June 9. ing Spaces. Together (2005), the former director WEEKEND EVENTS devotion to Hildegard of of the NBA XPLOR program, The Divinity School’s Diploma and Hooding Ceremony was held the with Aneesah Ettress, Bingen, the medieval preached on “The Love to following day. On September 17–18, DDH will celebrate its 2020 and 2021 they presented a sym- Friday Evening, September 17 abbess, theologian, com- posium on the arts in All Conspire,” for the DDH graduates with an in-person Convocation. DDH StoryHour, poser and polymath, the chapel service during secular ministry for a chancel was transformed Holy Week. CONGRATULATIONS TO DDH’S 2021 PHD, MDIV, AND MA GRADUATES May 24 Monday forum. Sarah has accepted a campfire edition into a “Hildegard-en.” full-time position as Digital Content Specialist Alumnae Rebecca Anderson and Yvonne Judith Guy (2013), Colton at Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Train- Gilmore will again join forces to host this Mark Lambert, DDH Scholar and MA alumnus, Lott (2015), and Danielle ing, and is under care for ordination with the event. Weather and construction permit- will receive a PhD from the University this Cox (2012), pictured Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin. ting, it will be held in the renovated summer. The recipient of the Divinity School’s below, participated in her Alma Wilson Teaching Fellowship and of a Louis- backyard. We’ll hear and tell stories Paige Spencer, ordination service. ville Institute Dissertation Fellowship, his work about fast friendships, making sparks fly, DDH Scholar and BA draws upon historical theology, medical ethics, and finding home away from home. graduate of Texas and medical history in an effort to understand Christian University, and approach stigmatic illness, including in Saturday Evening, September 18 was awarded the the present day. His dissertation is titled, MA degree. With gifts ■■■ The Sacramental Sickness: The Symptomatic Convocation celebrating in languages and a Correlation of Leprosy and the Sacraments in the 2020 and 2021 Mark Toulouse (1977) is passion for learning Historical Theology. He has been named a the general editor of the about gender in early graduates Teaching Fellow by the Divinity School for the Journal of Discipliana, newly Christianity, she has We’ll celebrate the graduates and next two years. Theologies Project, he has been awarded the launched by the Disciples been admitted to the welcome entering students for the Louisville Institute’s Postdoctoral Fellowship. of Christ Historical Society. PhD program at Syracuse University to study new academic year with a service in Andrew Packman, He will teach at United Theological Seminary of It studies the thought and early Christianity with Virginia Burrus. the Chapel of the Holy Grail. It will DDH Scholar and MDiv ■■■ religious life within the the Twin Cities. be followed by brunch outside and alumnus, will also On Monday, April 19, Stone-Campbell Movement. Coincidentally, ecumen- toasts to the graduates. receive the PhD this DDH Scholar Aneesah Ettress developed a Rebecca Anderson (2007), Amy Artman, Chuck Blais- ical resident and MA summer. His disserta- method of engaging art towards personal and Marshall Dunn, trustee and alumnus, founding co-pastor of Gilead dell, Kris Culp, Tim Lee, graduate Linden Smith tion, Theology and the social transformation with a pneumatology for will speak. He is the minister emeritus Church Chicago, and Katie Bonnie Miller-McLemore, will also enter the PhD Atmospherics of Race: her MDiv thesis, Art Attunement: Contemplating of University Christian Church, a multi- Hays from Galileo Church Santiago Piñón, and Scott program at Syracuse. He Schleiermacher, Affec- Contemporary Black Art. She is under care for ethnic, multi-racial congregation near in Fort Worth, shared “pan- Seay are among members came to DDH and the tivity, and the Tenacity ordination in the Central Rocky Mountain the University of Maryland that has been demic lessons” for local of the editorial board. Divinity School from of Racism, marshals Region, and has just begun a full-time position a model of community engagement for communities of faith. Among Saint Olaf College. He theological, theoretical, and phenomenological with an art curating and consulting firm in decades. He has served as an interim them: rethinking approaches will pursue interests in resources to address anti-Black racism’s recal- Denver, NINE dot ARTS, which aims to create Associate General Minister and President to accessibility and commu- the work of Sören MORE NEWS on Facebook and citrance in American life. A co-founder of Root meaningful experiences with art and to employ —and as a beloved camp counselor in nity formation in the age of Kierkegaard. ✜ our website: ddh.uchicago.edu and Branch Church and of the Constructive emerging and under-represented artists. the Capital Area Region. virtual church.

8 9 NEWS IN BRIEF Graduates are asking In their research projects and PhD dissertations, graduates have pursued ■■■ questions in ministry, theology, and shared life. Here’s a sampler from MDiv On February 1, Victoria graduate Aneesah Ettress and PhD graduate Mark Lambert. Wick (2017) became LEFT Justin Carlson Associate Minister for Can art museums function converses with alumnae Congregational and seven-step method of Kristin Van Heyningen and Community Care at First as sacred space for spiritual “art attunement” for Yvonne Gilmore. Christian Church of development that can transform engaging works of art in Hagerstown, Maryland. and renew community? conversation with She will be ordained on secular modes of close ■■■ “In understanding the relationship between looking and religious Welcome Justin, Marissa, and Charlie October 2 at the Christian Ayanna Johnson Watkins viewer and artwork and taking the distinct practices of lectio divina Temple in Baltimore. (2000) and David Bell claims of contemporary Black art seriously, we and the veneration of They enter the MDiv program this fall as Disciples Divinity House Scholars. served as co-interlocutors can more readily develop anti-racist museums icons, and Michael They will be joined by new ecumenical and interfaith residents. for the spring session and communities,” Aneesah Ettress argues Fishbane’s work, Sacred Justin Carlson seeks to infuse congregations Sherman Indian School, on the staff of the of Living Justice: An Anti- in her MDiv thesis. Her exploration leads to Attunement. She finds with a deepened understanding of how ideas Lutheran retreat center Holden Village, and as Racist Practicum, April a nascent “pneumatology of contemporary instructive parallels and practices of embodiment manifest in dif- a family support specialist in Seattle. Raised 13–May 11. It explored Black art.” She discusses Black artists as between an activated engagement through ferent traditions. “As a Disciple, I had been Roman Catholic, her journey to ministry has land, labor, and Black “prophets—as those who are engaged in the Amy Sherald’s confrontational portrait brought up constantly hearing the refrain that been nourished by women leaders in United women’s bodies under the ‘reshaping of nothingness’ (Theaster Gates)”— strategies and the practice of venerating icons. all are welcome at the table. Physically exclud- Methodist, ELCA, and UCC churches. She themes of aliveness and and, more generally, as “mediators” whose The museum space and the role of museum ing people from the church during times when reflects, “The table of communion has been commodification. artwork may involve “embedded truth claims.” education and art interpretation are crucial for they need community support the most seems extended to me throughout my life. The ability According to Ettress, “Art engagement is the ethical and spiritual formation and for the so contrary to what I understand to be the core to be a Disciples Divinity House Scholar would ■■■ ■■■ primary way through which the museum space Spirit’s circulation in imagination, hope, of Christianity: building a community where give me the connections to create my own table Sarath Pillai has been becomes transformational.” She develops a beauty, truth, and love. ✜ Beau Underwood (2006) all can share their gifts.” His interests are of welcome within the home of the Christian named DDH’s new head has concluded his service informed by attention to physical disability, Church (Disciples of Christ).” resident. He is a CISSR as Senior Minister of music and movement, and rituals including dissertation fellow in is the William First Christian Church in What do theological symbols century and Protestant Catholic fiestas and the art of drag. He grew up Charlie Platt History, the University’s N. Weaver Entering Scholar. Jefferson City, Missouri, “explain” vis-à-vis the experience thought, Lambert in First Christian Church in Minneapolis, where student ombudsperson, He earned a MSW from the to be a full-time PhD stu- of illness, and how does the considers how “John he remains very active. In the Upper Midwest and a longtime DDH resi- University of Minnesota dent at the University of Calvin’s medical human- Region, he has served in the camp program dent. Ainsley Grey is the experience of illness present ethical (2020) and is a 2016 cum Missouri-Columbia and ism is responsible for and on the search committee for the regional acting head resident this to serve the publication laude graduate of St. Olaf demands to theology? his biblical reinterpre- minister. He is a 2012 magna cum laude gradu- summer and will stay on Word & Way as Vice College in Social Work and tation of leprosy and ate of Carleton College (Music). He is presently as assistant head resident President of External In his PhD dissertation, Mark Lambert Religion. Currently a thera- subsequent reevalua- a legal editor for the State of Minnesota’s Office next year. Affairs and Senior Editor. appraises the relationship between stigmatic pist at the Boynton Mental tion of the traditional of the Revisor of Statues. He is the Oreon E. illness and historical sacramental theology, Health Clinic at the Univer- Jeremy Fuzy (2012), who understanding of Scott Entering Scholar. especially the medieval Franciscan inter- sity of Minnesota, he brings social work experi- is currently a PhD student confession.” pretation of leprosy alongside the sacrament is the second-ever recipient ence in church, educational, and community in Media Law, Ethics and Lambert argues that Marissa Ilnitzki of the Eucharist. settings. He served at Holden Village (with Policy at the University this historical theologizing of leprosy has of the Martin Family Scholarship, which recog- He elaborates, “Eucharistic piety and Marissa) and is a member of Macalester Ply- of Missouri-Columbia, has ramifications for contemporary approaches to nizes promise for leadership. She is a 2017 leprosy are provocatively coupled in the mouth UCC in St. Paul. “My experiences have joined his journalism skills stigmatic illness, such as HIV/AIDS, mental graduate of Georgetown University where she thirteenth-century theologies of Francis of shown me how participating in community and with Beau and Word & Way. illness, and COVID-19. “These theologians offer majored in sociology and Assisi, Bonaventure, and Angela of Foligno— productive models for imaginatively and minored in environmental spiritual experiences have an essential place who famously consumed a leprous scab that sensitively rethinking theological symbols in studies. After graduation in the flourishing of all human lives. Being a then transformed into the Eucharistic Host. order to address the ostracization of stigmatic she gained experiences leader in shaping these experiences is a core These early Franciscan theologies are notable illness. There are potent ramifications for in community leadership, part of my vocation.” During his year as a case for their aesthetic insistence upon the revela- contemporary medical ethics and church wilderness education, manager at the Lincoln Park Community Shelter tory fecundity of creation with a challenge to communities.” ✜ and social services in in Chicago, he participated in Root and Branch properly ‘read’ even decay-prone matter so as Washington State with Church, which provided a model and mentors MORE NEWS on Facebook and to perceive the presence of the divine therein.” the Jesuit Volunteer for Disciples ministry. ✜ our website: ddh.uchicago.edu Extending his insights to the sixteenth Corps at the Pascal

10 11 NEWS IN Middle Testament Wilt Not Let Me Go, and What a Friend We Have Transformative ■■■ BRIEF in Jesus, their voices match in harmony and Welcome to the world The Flying Chalices are Ross Allen soar in choruses. There’s a contagious joy and leadership David Walker Bateman. and Emily King. Their recordings a lot of fun in their musical collaboration. Proud parents are Danielle Their name comes from the winged chalices Sandhya Jha, author of four books ■■■ graced chapel services this year. Cox (2012) and Samuel that fly across the patterned ceiling of the and founder of the Oakland Peace Bateman. Walker arrived Stephanie Paulsell (1985) Chapel of the Holy Grail. Even with chapel ser- on May 28 at 5:28 am, has concluded a two-year In May, The Flying Chalices released a playlist Center, has been elected to the Board vices being held by remote virtual connection, weighing 8 lbs, 10 oz. appointment as Interim of their “greatest hits,” complete with album of Trustees. their recorded songs lifted the tone. Pusey Minister in the cover. In folk songs and hymns such as Late in the afternoon, Ross Allen, a third- Memorial Church at Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, O Love that An alumna and 2006 graduate of the year MDiv and Disciples Scholar who aspires Harvard University. She University of Chicago’s joint MDiv and Public to doctoral work in theology, can often continues as the Susan Policy program, Sandhya R. Jha is a consultant, be found at the piano in the Shallcross Swartz community organizer, and serves with the Common Room. Emily King, Professor of the Practice of Emerging Leaders Program at the Leadership now a second-year MDiv and Christian Studies at Institute at Allen Temple. ecumenical resident with a Harvard Divinity School. In addition to founding the Oakland Peace special interest in Simone Last year, she and Kevin Center, she is its former executive director Weil, plays the guitar for Madigan became faculty and current Connections Consultant for OPC— their arrangements. ✜ deans of Eliot House. a collective of forty organizations working to Transforming Communities: How People Like YOU CAN FIND create equity, access, and dignity as the means You are Healing Their Neighborhoods (2017), ■■■ THE PLAYLIST AT of creating peace in Oakland and the Bay Area. and, most recently, Liberating Love (2020). Former resident Braxton www.youtube.com/ She serves as an anti-racism/anti-oppression Claudia Highbaugh and David Vargas, Shelley, path-breaking playlist?list=PL8-gOZC_ trainer with Reconciliation Ministries for the two members of the Nominating Committee, theorist of African American 3tbpefWBYoiy4c8YnfrRx98bK Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and, with stressed the importance of the “grass roots” ■■■ Yvonne Gilmore, co-directs DDH’s “Living perspective that Sandhya Jha brings to the sacred music and author Brandon Cook (2010) Justice Project: An Anti-Racist Practicum.” Her Board’s work of planning for and imagining of Healing for the Soul: became a chaplain at first book,Room at the Table (2009), a history the future of theological education at the Richard Smallwood, the Ascension St. Thomas of people of color in the Disciples of Christ, Disciples Divinity House. Her three-year term Vamp, and the Gospel Midtown Hospital in was followed by Pre-Post-Racial America: on the twenty-one member board begins Imagination (Oxford, 2021), Nashville this spring. has been appointed to Nirenberg named He holds an MA and PhD in history from Prince- Spiritual Stories from the Front Lines (2014), immediately. ✜ a tenured position as ton University and an AB from Yale University. ■■■ associate professor at Yale Divinity Dean Dean Nirenberg begins his term with a Garry Sparks (2001) University in the Institute one-year sabbatical. James T. Robinson, the shared his research on mean theologically, and how do Disciples from of Sacred Music, Divinity Effective July 1, David Nirenberg has Caroline E. Haskell Professor of the History of Scott grant extends Maya and Christian doc- School, and Department been appointed Dean of the Divinity Judaism, Islamic Studies, and the History of “Living Justice” diverse communities practice it with integrity? trines of divinity during a of Music. He will be the School, continuing the leadership he Religions, is serving as the interim dean during A second grant of $15,000 from the Oreon Monday forum on May 17. E. Scott Foundation, together with continuing faculty director of the new the 2021–22 academic year. ✜ An anti-racism project directed by An associate professor at has given since 2018 as the interim leadership from Yvonne Gilmore and Sandhya Program in Music and the Sandhya Jha and Yvonne Gilmore George Mason University, Black Church. dean. Jha, will allow DDH to offer a second cycle of his research attends to will continue to develop pedagogies three interrelated five-week sessions during the periods of first contact David Nirenberg, the Deborah R. and Edgar D. and curricula. the 2021–22 academic year. The second year between Iberian mendicant Jannotta Distinguished Service Professor of will enable the practicum to consolidate learn- missionaries and native Medieval History and Social Thought at the Living Justice: An Anti-Racist Practicum ing, adjust aspects of the emerging pedagogical Mesoamericans. University of Chicago, is a leading scholar of the invites conversation, exploration, and inquiry structure and model, engage a second group of ways in which Jewish, Christian, and Islamic to support individual and collective anti- core leaders, and reach out to new participants. societies have interacted with and thought racism work and to develop pedagogies and The initiative seeks to enable individuals about each other. curricula. The project also expresses DDH’s with expertise in the Disciples anti-racist/pro- Prior to leading the Divinity School, Mr. commitment to innovative ministry and to reconciling training to join with other Disciples Nirenberg served as Executive Vice Provost, thinking critically and constructively. practitioner-scholar-activists to develop a next which included a focus on the current state of Which models of teaching and learning can generation of pedagogical approaches and graduate education at the University. He previ- better engender thinking about and practicing resources. It responds to a seismic shift in ously served as Dean of the Division of the justice? How can we deepen talk about the attention to policing and race as well as to the Social Sciences from 2014 to 2018 and was power of love and the call to justice beyond the ongoing commitment of the Christian Church MORE NEWS on Facebook and the founding Roman Family Director of the structural and ideological lines that prevent trans- (Disciples of Christ) to build an anti-racist, our website: ddh.uchicago.edu Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society. formative conversations? What does solidarity anti-oppression church. ✜

12 13 his coverage of the Hispanic community. Righteous Gentile CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 He was an important community and civic IN leader, sometimes joining forces with his the main task, which is transformation the community of Israel, historic and late sisters, Miriam and Rebecca Cruz. He and healing. Several of his books are, present. As a faithful Christian, Clark MEMO was predeceased by his spouse, Karen, and in the best sense, manuals, practical sought to teach Christians and Jews is survived by his son, José. guides. They provide a deeper apprecia- about Jesus, both the historical Jesus RIAM tion of a Christianity that is aware of its and the Jesus of faith, in ways that are ■■■ Judaic roots, while maintaining its historic historically accurate, intellectually con- James M. Gustafson, University Professor and theological integrity. sistent, and spiritually compelling. ■■■ ■■■ of Theological Ethics in the Divinity School expertise in cross-cultural studies. He co- In significant ways, Clark was what The ancient rabbis taught Ase l’kha Kenneth Azel Bloyd (1992) died on July 7 Ann Wallace Horton Burns died on January 2 and the Committee on Social Thought from edited Ministry and Theology in Global Jewish tradition would call Hasid Umot rav uk’ne l’kha haver—“Find yourself a in Canton, Illinois. He was 64. After working in Lexington, Kentucky. She had celebrated 1972–89, died on January 15. Born in 1925, Perspective (1996), and authored Toward a Ha’olam, “a Righteous Gentile.” He was teacher and make for yourself a friend” for Mid-Century Telephone Co-Op for nearly her 100th birthday in September 2020. She he helped to define the field of theological Modern Chinese Buddhism: Taixu’s Reforms a loving critic and a faithful friend. His (Avot 1:6). It was my good fortune to two decades, Kenny Bloyd went back to was the widow of alumnus Benjamin F. Burns ethics as a renowned scholar, author, and (2001) and numerous scholarly articles in scholarship was vivid and vital. It drew have had in Clark a teacher and friend, school. He earned a BA from Eureka College (1941). Although she knew she couldn’t attend teacher. Mr. Gustafson taught at Yale Univer- English and Chinese. His keen mind and gentle on the past, but it remained relevant to master and colleague, mentor and in 1992 and the dual MDiv and MA in SSA in person, she sponsored the tea for the open- sity before coming to the University of spirit made him a treasured colleague in the present and conscious about shaping partner. Clark and I would have long ing afternoon of DDH’s 125th celebration in theological education and in the Association from the University of Chicago. His career in Chicago, and before culminating forty-three the future. Clark’s labors were timely conversations on Alfred North White- ministry, chaplaincy, and social work was May 2019. That was but one glimpse into years of teaching and research at Emory of Disciples for Theological Discussion (ADTD). reminders to the naïve and complacent head and Mordecai Kaplan, our centered in his home town of Canton and her magnificent spirit. University. Among his classic works were He is survived by his spouse, Nancy that the virus of prejudice and the plague respective philosophic patron saints. the surrounding community, including at Born in Paris, Kentucky, she graduated Treasure in Earthen Vessels, Christ and the Claire Pittman, who is President of Phillips of anti-Semitism are easily reactivated. Sunnyland Christian Church, Cuba Christian from Transylvania College (now University) Moral Life, and his magnum opus, the two- Theological Seminary; his mother, Eve; and As a Process thinker, Clark reminded us Clark prodded Jews and Christians to Church, Graham Hospital, First Congregational in 1942. She married fellow alumnus Ben volume Ethics from a Theocentric Perspective. daughters, Debra, Katheryn, and Merillat. that “everything exists in relationship re-examine our sources and traditions, UCC in Canton, Mason District Hospital, Burns, who would return to Transylvania as His book, Protestant and Roman Catholic A memorial service was held at Harvard to everything else.” At a time when we and, at the time of his death, Spoon River Dean of Morrison Chapel. They enjoyed fifty- Ethics, first took shape as the 1973 Hoover Avenue Christian Church in Tulsa on July 2. to ponder our mutual tasks, to consider are becoming increasingly divided and Correctional Center, where he was chaplain. eight years of marriage. She had a career Lectures of the Disciples Divinity House. For our common agendas and our particular polarized, religiously, morally, and He was preceded in death by his son as a teacher. At age fifty, she received her a full obituary, please see divinity.uchicago ■■■ responsibilities, not by overlooking dif- politically, when we seek to define Jeremy. He is survived by two sons, Nathan Master’s degree from the University of .edu/news. ferences, but by respecting them; not by others as competitors and adversaries Lanny Wood, spouse of alumna and trustee and Kyle (Alicia) Bloyd, grandchildren and Kentucky. She was a mainstay of Central filling the gaps, but by bridging them. rather than as partners and allies, Clark Christian Church in Lexington and a national Melinda Keenan Wood (1997), died on June great-grandchildren, his mother, and his ■■■ Clark believed that religion is urgent Williamson modeled a discourse and leader and speaker for the CWF. She is 13 of complications from a recent diagnosis partner, Geneva Becker. and relevant business. Churches and modes of thinking that are, as the titles survived by extended family. A memorial Don A. Pittman (1976), the William Tabber- of advanced stage lymphoma. He was 60. synagogues are not museums of dead of two of his books suggest, A Mutual service will be planned for later in 2021. nee Professor of the History of Religions Born and raised in La Harpe, Illinois, ■■■ ideas, but laboratories for testing and Emeritus and former Vice President of he went on to earn a degree in architecture Witness and A Way of Blessing, A Way at the University of Illinois. Lanny and improving the human condition. He of Life. ✜ Sherry Drennen Bouchard died on January 3 ■■■ Academic Affairs and Dean of Phillips Theo- in Fort Worth, Texas. She was 90. She was logical Seminary, died on June 26 in Tulsa, Lindy married in 1987. After several years encouraged Christians to talk to Jews the mother of Larry D. Bouchard (1974; Ruben I. Cruz (1963) died on May 12 in Oklahoma. He joined the PTS faculty in 2000 as an architect, he dedicated his life to as Jews of flesh and blood; not theo- Adapted from a post for The Times of trustee) and his siblings, Kathy, Kevin, and Chicago. From 1964–2019, he was Pastor of after having taught for seven years at Tainan education, teaching middle school math. logized Jews, but living members of Israel, July 13, 2021. Kerry, and the widow of Tommie Bouchard. First Spanish Christian Church, the oldest Theological College and Seminary in southern Through Project Lead the Way, he trained A retired elementary school teacher, Ms. Spanish-speaking Protestant congregation Taiwan, where he also served on the regional teachers in the Midwest and Southeast Bouchard had taught young children for in Chicago, founded in 1960. He was a faculty of the Southeast Asia Graduate School states on ways to incorporate STEM sub- member of the DDH entering class of 1963. jects into their classrooms. At the time of forty years. She was active in Disciples con- of Theology. A leader in Disciples theologi- Williamson CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 gregations, including Midway Hills in Dallas He was a well-known media figure as a cal education, he had served for ten years his death, he was a drafting and engineer- television and radio host and newspaper ing instructor in the Chapel Hill–Carrboro and University Christian in Fort Worth, and a as Associate Dean and member of the fac- Holocaust Memorial Museum and was Clark Williamson Scholarship became good friend of the Disciples Divinity House. columnist. He produced and hosted shows ulty at Brite Divinity School. At DDH, he was City Schools. on WMAQ-TV, WCIU-TV, and FOX Chicago. He was active at Pilgrim United Church a member of the Christian Scholars fully endowed due primarily to Barbara Born in Stuttgart, Arkansas, in 1930, Associate Dean during Don Browning’s Group on Judaism. and Clark’s immense generosity over she literally grew up at the hospital where He wrote the first bilingual news column in deanship and was interim dean during the of Christ in Durham, of which Lindy is the a major US newspaper, the Chicago Sun- senior minister; he sang in the choir, facili- Transylvania University honored him many years. (See related article on she was born, which had been built by her 1983–84 academic year. Times. He received a local Emmy in 1972 for tated theology discussions, and was ever with its Distinguished Achievement page 5.) father, Sherod A. Drennen, MD, and her After earning a BA from Texas Christian the volunteer. He loved photography, Award (2002) and with the Doctor of mother, Marguerite Owens Drennen (also University (1970) and a MDiv (1973) and MA landscaping, cooking, hiking, and music. Divinity degree (2005). Clark M. Williamson died on June 26 a schoolteacher); attached to the hospital (1976) from Vanderbilt University, he entered He is survived by his spouse; their In 2007, Clark Williamson was in Indianapolis, after a short illness. He was an apartment where the family resided. the University of Chicago Divinity School as daughter, Thompson (Jacob) Bellet; three Sherry liked to recall the family’s fishing a Disciples Divinity House Scholar. He earned elected to the Board of Trustees of was 85. He was preceded in death by siblings; and extended family. A memorial holidays on a houseboat and the times her his PhD from the University of Chicago in 1987, the Disciples Divinity House. In 2015, his beloved wife Barbara. He is survived service was held at Pilgrim UCC on June 26; father allowed her to observe surgeries while and did postdoctoral studies at National he was honored with DDH’s Distin- by his son Scott (Eva) and two grand- Bill Crowl delivered the eulogy. she stood on a stool in the O.R. She was Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan (1994– guished Alumnus Award. He served children, Jolie and James. A memorial a generous spirit who lived a storied life 95). Trained as a scholar of Chinese Buddhism, as the Honorary Co-chair of DDH’s service will be held at 2:00 pm, and brought much wisdom and love into he also gained historical and global per- 125th Anniversary Celebration in September 25, at Central Christian the world. spectives on theology and ministry and 2019. This April, the Barbara and Church in Indianapolis. ✜

14 15 Eddie Hurray New Griffin for our new DDH scholars remembered grads! announced 6 PAGE 6 8 PAGE 8 11 PAGE 11

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SUMMER 2021

BACKYARD RENOVATION UNDERWAY New possibilities for student life and community are being created. DDH’s backyard will be renewed as a place of gathering, relaxation, and respite. Can you imagine sitting together outdoors for Monday dinners? A patio, grill, serving area, farm table, and strings of lights will make that and other student gatherings possible. What about finding a quiet retreat to talk with a colleague or read a book? There will be hammocks, a swinging bench, picnic tables, and a fire pit lined with seating. Bicyclists will be able to enter and exit from the alley and make use of new vertical bike racks. Raised beds for vegetables, herbs, and flowers will line the edges against a new cedar fence. Ernest Wong of Site Design developed the plans in consultation with the trustees and a group of students. The work starts in August. ✜