Versed in ethics, religiously knowledgeable, and formed in faith, our students emerge from YDS uniquely capable of fostering the positive transformations needed in our communities, country, and world.

YDS is a soft place to ask hard questions. How we need that in a world of too many jagged edges where we don’t afford each other love, kindness, and generosity.

Most of us think of YDS as a place of the mind. It is also a place of the heart.

This was a place for people like me: rooted in a tradition, ecumenically inclined, passionate about questions of religious belief and practice. I could be myself, let down my guard, and do my work with people who would become some of my closest friends.

I feel as though I still use my YDS degree every day.

The most formative part of my time at YDS was the ecumenical worship. I am so appreciative of Marquand Chapel.

I lean upon my YDS experience every day in my personal and professional life. The community continues to inspire and support me in important ways, and I am grateful for the indelible impact that has had on my life.

It’s the students who affect me the most. I’ve written poems that emerged out of classes, and been directly motivated and challenged by perceptions of students. They’re really the lifeblood of the school.

My experience at YDS pushed me to better appreciate spiritual mentors in and out of class. Many times, I found myself blessed by faculty members who encouraged me to look beyond the boundaries of the syllabus as I sought answers to my biggest questions.

Of one thing I’m sure: There are people to serve, a world in pain and confusion, work to do … and my formation at YDS has given me the will and grace to do it.