Melting snow, blossoming magnolia trees, final papers and exams, and a series of events to celebrate, congratulate, and offer farewells to the class of 2015—the newest class of graduates rushed past these springtime mile markers as they completed their YDS careers and began the next stages of their journeys.
In total, 140 students represented more than 26 religious traditions have embarked from YDS this spring to pursue a wide variety of new adventures. Some graduates are going into Ph.D. programs, others into church ministry, some into religion journalism, and others into nonprofit arts and justice organizations.
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Among the pre-graduation festivities was the Class Reception on Wednesday, April 22. A few weeks before commencement, graduating students gathered in the Common Room for drinks and appetizers with faculty, staff, mentors, and peers. Dean Greg Sterling, Professor Denys Turner, and class gift representatives offered words of wisdom, encouragement, and orientation for the coming weeks.
In the spirit of looking forward and looking back, a few graduating seniors took a moment from the mingling and reminiscing to reflect on what they would be taking with them as the ventured forth from YDS.
Congratulations to the class of 2015!
Ellen B. Koneck is an M.A.R. student interested in Roman Catholic theology. She has previously written for Commonweal and Whether.