An escaped slave who became a leading minister, abolitionist, and historian of the African American people took center stage at Yale Divinity School’s 2015 Commencement ceremony this week.
James Pennington, who studied at YDS in the 1830s despite not being allowed to enroll officially, was hailed by Dean Gregory E. Sterling for making the most of his unusual Yale education. Pennington used the term “visitorship” to describe his two years at YDS, during which he was allowed to sit in on classes but could not speak or ask questions. Pennington is now the subject of a new installation in the Sarah Smith Gallery at the Divinity School, which includes a large portrait developed from a sketch of Pennington found at the Brooklyn Historical Society.
“His portrait will hang on the walls of Yale Divinity School for as long as I am dean and, I hope, much longer,” Sterling declared in his commencement speech to the graduates and their families. “His ‘visitorship’ is over. He is one of us!”
(A video of the entire commencement ceremony can be accessed here. And the text of Dean Sterling’s address is available here.)
The celebration of Pennington highlighted commencement ceremonies for a class that included the largest cohort of African Americans in the Divinity School’s nearly 200-year history, constituting 20 percent of the graduates. A total of 140 students received degrees, including 56 receiving the Master of Divinity degree, 74 receiving the Master of Arts in Religion, and 10 receiving the Master of Sacred Theology.
Sterling urged the graduates to draw inspiration from Pennington, a man who went on to a life of stunning accomplishments without the benefit of an actual Yale diploma. (For more on Pennington’s life and career, see this article at the African American Registry website.)
“Pennington did not have the advantage of a Yale degree, but he did have a Yale education,” Sterling said. “His life is a challenge to all of you who have both. Use what you have to make a difference in the world. Pennington came to Yale because he knew what Yale meant and used it to serve other people. His life charges you to do the same.”
Also marking Monday’s celebration on the Divinity Quadrangle was the return of a beloved associate dean of students, Dale Peterson, to announce student award winners. Earlier this year, Peterson, announced he was taking early retirement after nearly 15 years of service to YDS students to care for ailing family members in Virginia.
A complete list of student winners of fellowships and prizes is available here.
