Pat Kriss, M.Div., 2010; STM., 2016

The degree of Doctor of Ministry was conferred on Rev. Pat Kriss by Hartford International University for Religion and Peace in May, 2023. Rev. Dr. Kriss, ordained in 2010, has been Senior Pastor of First Congregational Church Danbury UCC since 2012. Her dissertation focused on the ways that churches can partner with city government and local leaders to reimagine the use of its church building to meet greater community needs, and in exchange, preserve the ability of a shrinking congregation to worship in its historical space.