In November 2022, the School hosted its first in-person Alumni Day since the 2017 bicentennial. The day was filled with celebration as graduates reconnected, reflected, and reminisced about their time at HDS—and the work they have done as alumni in fields spanning across (and beyond) academia, ministry, and public service.
Participants gathered on campus for events that showcased the evolution of the School. The day began with a panel titled “HDS Now,” followed by concurrent “Back to the Classroom” sessions where alumni could relive their graduate school experience by attending a course with a professor of their choice.
Leaders of the School’s Office for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Melissa Wood Bartholomew, MDiv ’15, and Steph Grayson Gauchel, hosted a session on Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery and the School-wide Common Read program that delved into the report throughout the academic year.
The report was also discussed in the “HDS Now” panel as a critical way the University can harness its resources to address some of humanity’s biggest questions. Reflecting on the School’s role in teaching and learning related to the report, Professor Tracey Hucks remarked: “To be leading these conversations for Harvard is really important and timely at this moment. How do we face those questions—and how do we begin—those are the big questions that we’ve inherited.”
The formal program concluded with an interview between President Bacow and Harvard Alumni Association representative Quardricos Driskell. A reception followed, where alumni from six different decades enjoyed rich conversation and a spontaneous dance party inspired by student musicians. A few highlights from the gathering are shared here for posterity, with plans for a future Alumni Day already underway!
“This is exactly where you should be if you want to think about who we are as humans and where we need to go in pursuit of a greater sense of justice and common humanity.” —Teddy Hickman-Maynard
“HDS Now” Discussion with School Leaders
The “HDS Now” discussion panel featured Associate Dean for Ministry Studies Teddy Hickman-Maynard, AB ’00; Victor S.Thomas Professor of Africana Religious Studies Tracey E. Hucks, AM ’95, PhD ’98; and Associate Dean for Religion and Public Life Diane Moore, MDiv ’84. Together, they exemplify the three pillars of HDS: academics, ministry, and religion in public life. The discussion, led by Dean David Hempton, focused on key elements of HDS’s history, where the School finds itself today, and the importance of multireligious education for the future.
In the words of Professor Moore, the education and opportunities offered through HDS “inspire people to think in different, more imaginative, more generative ways about what is possible—not just what is probable—relevant to social change.”
(Re)connections
Throughout the day, alumni were encouraged to explore new and revitalized spaces around campus. The reinvention of Swartz Hall took two years and included the addition of a 200-seat auditorium called the James Room, a multifaith space, ramps and accessible entryways, and a glass bridge connecting the original, gothic architecture structure to the HDS Library. In between programs, alumni also spent time catching up, meeting new friends, and reconnecting with some of their favorite faculty members.
“I was so excited to see our alumni authors bring in 18 different books to the Alumni Day book fair, including national bestseller The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life by Simran Jeet Singh, MTS ’08. I can’t wait to read them all!” —Chandra Mohammed, associate director for alumni relations
Food for Thought
A book fair in the Braun Room kicked off the reception portion of the day, with alumni authors showcasing their published works. Participants were then invited to continue conversing over a shared meal in the James Room. Throughout the evening, alumni were introduced to current students who performed musical pieces, poetry readings, and a benediction—bringing the spirit of HDS to life.
“The HDS experience influences our lives long after we’ve graduated. During Alumni Day, I enjoyed interacting with alums who yearned to continue to build relationships with other alums, HDS, and current students. I was also inspired to harness the day’s enthusiasm and shared wisdom to help the School move forward.” Arleigh Prelow
Connecting Alumni across Harvard
Arleigh Prelow, MDiv ’13, helped lead the joyous Alumni Day as the 2022–23 chair of the School’s Alumni/Alumnae Council. She was joined by Quardricos Driskell, MTS ’08, who represented the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA). These interconnected organizations help connect alumni across the University and across the globe.