Marquand: WHAT WHAT!!!

Keeping the count alive: four days until you arrive. Who’d a thunk it? I want to take a little time away from planning to introduce you to yet one more amazing person. Last year, I had the pleasure of singing the Marquand Chapel Choir, a group that helps with Wednesday’s Sung Morning Prayer routine in Marquand and also performs the anthem at the Eucharist service each Friday. My director was fantastic. He made schmucks like me sound like we had a voice. I was truly bummed to sing for him at graduation, knowing he was leaving.

Then, news came that this great man was staying in New Haven. Better still, staying to work at Yale. Cherry on top: he had been hired to hold the position of Patrick Evans, who was on sabbatical. So, without building up his amazingness too much, an interview with the man who will help lead music at Marquand, ¬¬¬Colin Britt!

Q: Colin, you’re taking on a new role in our community. How do you envision that role?
A: I serve as acting director of chapel music, and I also provide/supervise some of the logistical work in chapel. I deal with bulletin creation, some of the music copyright record keeping, and some work in the space itself, such as furnishing music resources and moving instruments.

Q: Nice, safe answer. Why are you here and not elsewhere?
A: A good place to start is the fact that I am coming directly to this job after a year as Marquand chapel choir director, where I developed a strong relationship with Marquand and grew to love the people here. So when I was approached about the job it seemed like a natural continuation of that work, and a good opportunity professionally because it’s a renowned institution with a very successful musical program.

At the same time, I had become so attached to the spirit of the place, the people, and the worship community. Last year I found myself not only attending the choir services, but if I possibly could I would go just to find a sense of balance.

Q: You are changing from one role on the Marquand Team to another, more visible role. Do you think this will be a difficult transition?
A: One thing that I liked about Patrick’s and my relationship last year is that he gave me a lot of freedom and liberty with choosing music, and he didn’t attempt to involve himself in how I directed. He let me do the job, while offering to act as a sounding board for ideas. I appreciated that because it allowed me the freedom to discover how I could best contribute to the worship style. So I was well-prepared for this position.

That said, it is a transition because I’m now more involved in the planning. Before, I had very limited involvement in choosing hymns or leading song, and for the most part I was one of many involved in planning. This will be a much more involved and more present role in the community. From a logistical standpoint, it’s a lot more work preparing bulletins, arranging music, etc.

Q: You now hold the position of potential boss of the new Marquand chapel choir leader, Michael Sansoni. You both were in school together, and you and Michael co-led the chapel choir. Now that you have more technical authority, will you lord over Michael?
A: Good Lord, I don’t Lord over Michael.

Q: What is your vision for this year?
A: From a musical standpoint, I believe that what Marquand does best is provide an open and welcoming space for all who attend, and one of the ways that it does that is through the act of song. And because singing is so central in Marquand, and because music from all over the world is used in such versatile ways, I feel that two goals for this year will be to continue that communal act of joining together in song and to explore more styles and genres.

My biggest goal for the year is to continue what has been started and led so expertly by Patrick and the music team, while finding ways that my particular voice can contribute in a unique way.

Q: Many people on the blog have spoken about the centrality for many people of Marquand to the YDS experience. Can Marquand live up to the expectations?
A: Absolutely.


Q: What is the greatest challenge to Marquand for this year?
A: Our challenge is to maintain the very successful ecumenical worship and the role that the chapel plays in our community, and to contribute to this legacy without carbon copying it. That’s both liberating and challenging. Siobhán and Patrick leave big shoes to fill, but we’re bringing to these roles our own unique strengths, experiences, and personalities. I, for one, do not own any Hawaiian shirts. (To see the contrasting styles of Colin and his predecessor Patrick, see the shot to the left.)

Q: How open, then, are you to student input for music?
A: Very open. One of the ways Marquand works is that it’s an opportunity for students to be directly involved in planning worship services, and there are many ways that can happen. Hypothetically, if a student preacher is giving a sermon for a worship service, they will be asked if there are particular music selections they want involved. If the music is appropriate—context, language, etc.—chances are we can use it in some way. That being said, we probably don’t want ‘Here I am Lord’ sung five times in one week.

Q: How would you advise new students to enter/treat the space of Marquand?
A: I hope they will find it welcoming, but expect to be challenged in their understanding of the possibilities of what worship can be. I also hope they will feel empowered to find new ways to share their own voice in the community.

Q: Any plugs for music?
A: If any students are looking for ways to be involved musically, there are several outlets. The two choirs that perform regularly are the chapel and gospel choirs. Gospel rehearses every other Monday evening (first service is the 14th of Sept), and Chapel choir every Sunday evening.

Also, if a student regularly plays a musical instrument in their worship community, they should contact me if they want to offer their gifts to our worship services. My email address is colin.britt@yale.edu .

Q: You are a fashionable man, do you have any advice for students?
A: Marquand has been, and will continue to be, a come-as-you-are community. So bring your own style and what you’re comfortable in, but the shirts and shoes rule might apply.
Q: So pants optional?
A: Actually, shoes are more optional than pants, now that I think of it. And would you tell all my friends from high school and college that you think I’m “fashionable”?

Q: Last thoughts?
A: The most important thing to remember about Marquand is that we want people to share and give to the community from their own traditions as they are comfortable, and that while not everything that happens in the chapel will be familiar, it’s our goal to welcome everyone and offer something new to every person who comes in.

Village on a Hill: Introductions: Dean Emilie Townes

Good evening, all:

After almost a week away on vacation to Nebraska (no cell reception and a broken computer...so I really had the chance to actually be away), I returned this week to my wonderful BTFO job. Seriously, we're less than 10 full days away from BTFO. I for one am thrilled, and anxious. Best way to deal with anxiety: get busy. Josh and I have been working hard, and we hope that you'll enjoy the results.

Here is one of the last installments of my 'Introductions' section. Dean Emilie Townes is a person you will all know soon (if you don't recognize her name already), and is a wonderfully kind person who cares a tremendous amount about the students. I can say that about nearly everyone at the Div School, of course, so understand that the same comments apply to all I've interviewed thus far. But still. So here you are, my interview with Dean Townes.

Q: Dean Townes, you’ve studied at U Chicago and Northwestern, and taught at Union. Why do you find your home at YDS?
A: I always function on ‘call.’ All my teaching jobs have been because it has been clear to me that God is calling me to this place at this time, and the same is true here. It was a surprise, I was not planning on ever being at Yale, it was not on my radar screen, but when the first call came from Dean Bartlett about teaching a course on “black something” I was like ‘sure.’ I did, and found there were students interested in what I taught. I also found myself teaching here rather than simply managing the classroom, which is what I was doing at Union. I’m a teacher, and I need to be where I’m a teacher, and Yale became that place. There are faculty here that I can work on projects with, students that are interested in looking at structures behind the issues and how we can be faithful responders to the good and bad in society, and I thought this oddly enough has become home. I look forward to coming in to school and seeing what will happen each day. I often say to staff in emails to staff: life here is never dull. We may be New England proper, but we are not dull.

Q: What do you hope for this year?
A: We recently started a long-range planning and self-study process for reaccreditation, and I look forward to seeing what we find for our future, what we will look like. Harry has asked us to see what we want to be in 2020. How will we get there? How will we keep doing the assessment and evaluation? We are building a process where the whole school is involved, not just a few people meeting in secret. And much like any other institution at Yale, we have a lot going on, and not a whole lot of people who know all that is going on. Wouldn’t it be great to know at one moment all that is going on? I think we could make wise choices what this means for education, the church, individuals, and how we can be really live into being hearers and doers of the Word in the fullest sense, as opposed to kinda hearing, kinda doing. We can really be engaged. This year is a year of reflection and I’m looking forward to it. I’m not sure I’ll say the same thing in December, but right now it’s exciting.

Q: What about students here makes you laugh? Shake your head?
A: Yale students at Div School tend to be exceedingly earnest—and I use that in the best sense of the word. I find that endearing in the student body, that most of you come here because you are trying to figure out what you’re supposed to be doing, and how faith and religion plays or does not play into that. You ask hard questions of yourselves and teachers, and on your best days you actually listen to each other. When I watch that unfold in chapel, or class, or the halls, or wherever we are gathered, and see the best part of that, it is endearing. To watch that unwillingness to compromise because it’s the easy way, when I see you searching for the truth in this, and how we get there: I find myself smiling when I see those moments.

Now, when you’re not doing that I’m not smiling, and wish you would chill out and be more gracious. The staff takes a big hit when you’re not being gracious, but when you’re at your best it’s quite delightful to behold.


Q: Do people take themselves too seriously here?
A: Yes. Yes. Yes. This is a school with far too many type A personalities, from faculty, staff, students, admin, you name it, we tend to be type A. Luckily, my parents were both college administrators and teachers, and they taught me from example: if you can’t amuse yourself at what you do sometimes, you’re in trouble. If we can’t laugh at ourselves, realize that nothing should be so serious that we can’t see the humor in any day, then we’re in trouble. So yeah, you take yourselves too seriously. You’re too grade-driven. It doesn’t make you better students, or content students. We worry as faculty about how you take grades too seriously and don’t enjoy learning, which defeats the life of the mind. Learning should be a great joy, not drudgery. One of my happiest moments is being able to sit and read a book just to see what an author is saying. You can do that and be in a class… believe me, it is possible! My hope is that some of y’all will take a chill pill. I know that phrase is out of style, but it’s the only one I can think of that’s printable.

Q: What is the most common question from first years, and what do you answer (just to get it out of the way)?
A: How do I get an H? is the question more than any other one. The answer: always do your best work. That doesn’t guarantee an H, but that’s how you get one. In other words, I follow Socratic thought, because there’s no answer to that question. There are too many faculty and different things required of different disciplines, that there is no set answer. Pay attention to faculty on first day of class, when the syllabus is being discussed. If the professor is speaking for more than a few minutes about it, you better pay attention, because they’re trying to tell you something, including what constitutes excellence in the class.

Q: Where is your favorite place on the quad?
A: Marquand. It’s where I go to center myself every day. If I’m on campus, I’m in chapel at 10:30, and I build my day around being in chapel. This place can be such a pressure cooker that I need that time where what I’m doing is trying to be closer to God—as opposed to the next task, or the next meeting, or the next class. Just simply being. And the chapel changes so much during the course of the day because of how the sun moves across the chapel; it can be so many different things. It’s a place of quiet mystery, and I appreciate that.

Q: Any advice for incoming students? Fashion tips? Places to eat?
A: I don’t’ give fashion tips. I give fashion tickets, but not tips. One of my favorite places to eat on a student budget is Mama Mary’s Soul Food on Whalley. Lots of food at Mama Mary’s, you can get two or three meals’ worth of food on a plate. It’s cost effective, and because they now practice healthy cooking (not lard or pork seasoning), it’s even reasonably healthy. Friendly, good food, and you determine how much food by the size of the plate. Right across the street is Edge of the Woods Grocery Store, so you want to be noble and get really healthy food you can go across the street for that later in the same trip.

Q: Anything else?
A: I think it’s this: don’t stop asking questions. Be an active part of what happens at BTFO, but you just get so much info over the course of a week, that at the end it sounds like Snoopy (wah wah wah). Continue to ask questions after BTFO—even during BTFO! People don’t mind repeating themselves for those trying to understand. This is not an easy school to know what you need to do, so asking questions is one of the best things available to you.

Introductions: Bill Goettler

August is nearly upon us. Unbelievable. Second year is about to start for me so I'm about to reminisce (this is my blog, so it's about me for a second). One of the first memories I have of being at YDS was actually Prospective Students Day. After Chapel, at Coffee Hour, I was talking to a (seemingly) random Presbyterian minister. Quick smile, witty, and knew all the students. As a schmoozing prospective (and Presbyterian) trying for any assistance in getting into Yale, I was trying to talk this guy up.

This guy was Bill Goettler. Bill serves as co-pastor of First Presbyterian Church in New Haven with his wife, Maria LaSala. He is also the Asst. Dean for Assessment & Ministerial Studies at YDS, meaning he oversees much of preparation for ministry--MDiv ears should be perking up. He's a great resource, and has a great office if you want to chat and lament such issues as why Presbyterians have to take learn Hebrew and Greek and take lots of exams while Episcopalians just have to be able to stand incense and cross themselves at the right time to be ordained.

So below, an interview with Dean Goettler:

Q: What is your role here?
A: My role here is to work with every MDiv student to develop a portfolio and an approach to academic and personal life that will help them move through their degree in a purposeful way, and then to lead them into a midterm conversation ½-way through their three year program. This discussion takes place with them, their advisor, myself, and other mentors. Its intended to be a deeply significant conversation about where they’ve been and where they’re going. After that, each student continues that process of conversation and growth through graduation.

Institutionally, my role is to help YDS go through program-outcomes-assessment, which means self-reflection and assessment about how well we are meeting our goals for MDiv students. That’s done with faculty standing committees (which include students). It sounds boring but it’s actually really cool to think that the school takes very seriously that kind of self-reflection. The faculty talk to each other about this project, and then they continue to revisit their goals and check in on how they’re doing. You might think a school like Yale might not do that kind of self-reflection, but in fact we do, and it’s a great asset for this institution.

Q: Why do you find yourself at Yale?
A: I was drawn by the chance to work with MDiv students at Yale as they figure out what is ahead for them in ministry and in study. And that’s really fun; our students are interesting human beings with a whole range of life experiences behind them. Over three years, it’s a delight to be in on their movement toward ministry, and to be a part of their communal and individual journeys.

The whole job offers an aspect of ministry that came as a surprise to me after two decades of parish ministry. I love it.

Q: How did this surprise come to you?
A: I spent 10 years teaching Presbyterian polity and helping with Supervised Ministries here at Yale, and I guess it went well because I was invited to have a larger role. My wife, Maria (who is also co-pastor with me of First Presbyterian Church) and I figured out some ways for me to take on that larger role and stay involved with the local congregation. I am able to continue to practice ministry in a church and also engage students. That’s not something one can plan for in a professional life, so that was the surprise.

Q: Students come in from many denominations and places on their spiritual journeys. There are a plethora of churches in this area. Are there home churches for people during their time at YDS?
A: Some churches draw more students than others. I’ll use my church as one example. Sometimes one chooses the church because of proximity (First Presbyterian in a 10 minute walk from campus) and sometimes it’s history (a good number of students and faculty attend First Pres), and sometimes it’s denominational (we are the only English-speaking Presbyterian Church in New Haven). It’s a fun, very progressive community, near enough to the university to bring many people: undergrads, grads, Ph.D. students, young professors, old professors.And then lots of other people who have no connection to Yale at all.Every year we lose 20% of active congregation as the academic turnover and changeover takes place. In the fall, new people always show up! That adds a vitality and a sense of urgency to the church’s life and ministry that Maria and I enjoy. There are many factors that go into finding a home church, and I encourage people not to settle too early or too easily. Visit five churches, minimum.

Q: What has surprised you about YDS?
A: In ministry studies work, the open-hearted willingness to engage the questions I ask, both from students trying to figure out the intersection of academic/spiritual/personal life, and enthusiasm of faculty to take part in that discussion. Faculty at Yale are sometimes portrayed as focused solely on their academic work. They are indeed involved with that here, but they are enthusiastic as well about the growth of students, and the effort to train ministers…it probably doesn’t hurt that the Dean has long said its important for them to be involved as well!


Q: What do you think is underutilized by YDS students?
A: YDS students do not take courses downtown nearly enough. The degree requirements make it difficult to imagine taking courses in the broader university (downtown). But there is a huge and wonderful university just blocks away, and that is the most underutilized part of YDS. Have you taken a course downtown?

Q: No, but I will this semester.
A: Good. It’s crazy not to do that. If nothing else, sociologically not to meet people who are not Div school students, and to fail to engage the many people who are from the other schools and disciplines and perspectives is a detriment to your work at YDS.

Q: What do we as students often miss out on in New Haven?
A: It’s too easy to live in a student bubble. This is a very interesting and complex city. There are huge opportunities to learn beyond the walls of the university, and to engage people who are wise and have lived through the struggles of a northeastern city. Those folks offer profound ministries and witness to the goodness of this community.

Again, I recommend going to at least 5 churches, including some churches that are very different than your own tradition. That’s my pitch. Get to know people outside Yale, outside your denomination. It makes living here more real. Our church has an after-school program that is always looking for more volunteers. Columbus House does great ministry with homeless people, and almost any church has links to other community organizations.

Q: What has you most excited about the upcoming year?
A: There are 81 new MDivs, and I’m excited to get to know them. Seventy are reaching their midway point in the degree, and I am really excited for the upcoming discussions. It’s quite amazing, the 70 who have completed their first year will bring in pastors, Bishops, directors of non-profits, etc. who will sit in a circle and have these really wise conversations about the hopes and dreams of the students and give their best counsel. This began as part of an experiment three years ago, and it really works. It’s well worth the effort people put into it. I’m excited for those things.

Q: Is there something students should be aware of before they come?
A: The Nica’s vs Romeos debate. These are the two terrific Italian delis, a couple of blocks from YDS. But you must choose your favorite.This is one of the hardest decisions to make: where to eat. Now it’s been thrown into a vortex because of Orange Street Market. So now there are three Italian Delis that are down the street, any one of which would put a great smile on your face for lunch. The drama is how the three delis are related to one another, the great love lost between them and their owners, and how this feud has led to the three stores.The problem is that you cannot ask the owners of any of the three because they will not tell you. It’s left up to the gossip of the street to learn the sordid tale.

Q: So can you fill us in on the sordid tale?
A: I won’t say anything if it’s going into print. The word on the street is still that Nica’s is the best, but I think Orange Street Market will rise fast this fall. Café Romeo’s (a fourth option) is the real newcomer, a few blocks farther down the road. It’s a different flavor, it almost doesn’t belong in New Haven—more Brooklyn style coffee shop. It’s not really a true deli, and their coffee costs too much.

Q: Any fashion tips for the incoming class, something they should know about?
A: The tall, thin man look will continue to be popular. If you are that, no one will know your name for a time; you’re going to be interchangeable with many others. There have been students who tried to bring in the beard, but it’s not really caught on. I think mostly because of the pictures of the students in the hallways from the 60s and 70s that give such opportunity for laughter.

Annand Redux

Good morning, all! Thought it would be a good idea, after extolling the virtues of Annand a few days ago, to introduce you to some of the people who will lead the small groups for you. So...


Julie Kelsey has been a spiritual director for over twenty years. She is an ordained Episcopal priest and has spent most of her ministry doing parish work, most recently serving as rector of Grace and St Peter's Church in Hamden. She is especially interested in retrieving the language of theology, integrating theology and the study scripture, and making this language meaningful in daily life. Care for the entire person - body, mind and soul - is of paramount importance to her. Julie loves jogging, hiking, reading, singing, classical music and theater. She currently serves as Assistant Dean of Students for Pastoral Concerns at YDS.


Bari S. Dworken is a lay leader serving in numerous roles at Congregation B'nai Israel in Bridgeport where she has been active for more than twenty-five years. A graduate of the Lev Shomea Spiritual Direction Program, she has served as a spiritual director for several years with individuals and groups and at YDS. Bari holds a doctorate from the University of Massachusetts and works as an Educational Consultant in Organization Development concentrating in the areas of team building, conflict resolution, diversity awareness and strategic planning. She recently retired from the faculty of the University of Connecticut and works part time as a Hospice Chaplain. Bari is passionate about social action issues, interfaith study and involvement, learning from the natural world, traveling and "walking" with others on their spiritual journey.



Dawn Stegelmann is an Episcopal priest who was ordained in February 2009. She is the curate at Trinity Church, Southport, CT. She graduated from YDS/BDS in 2008. A grateful beneficiary of the Annand Program, she has a special interest in spiritual direction, pastoral care and healing ministries. She has spent years as a facilitator of small groups for men and women. Topics have included spiritual formation, parenting, bereavement, marriage, life-threatening illnesses, suicide and aging. A 20-year resident of Darien, CT, Dawn is a wife and mother of three sons. She loves the outdoors, international travel, reading and writing.


Jane Stickney was ordained for ministry by the UCC in 1977. An Episcopal priest since 1987, she has served in large and small parishes. She received an STM in Spiritual Direction in 1987 from the Center for Christian Spirituality at General Theological Seminary, and served on the GTS Summers staff as a small group supervisor between 1991 and 1997. Jane has served as an Annand Mentor since 1994 and became the coordinator of the program in 2005. Her husband is a UCC pastor and interim ministry specialist. Jane is a weaver and has taught in the Graduate Liberal Studies Program at Wesleyan University: Psychology, Spirituality, and Celtic Art. She is interested in the value of creativity in a healthy spiritual life.


Judy Stone is a 1970 graduate of Yale Divinity School. She has been an active lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. Judy continues to be a member of a Spirituality Group that has met weekly for 25 years, reading classics of Christian and other religious traditions. She has been part of a church choir for a number of years and preaches occasionally. Judy recently retired from her career in social work, working with children and families. Midway in her career she earned a master’s in Social Work from UCONN in 1993 with a focus on casework and group work. She is intrigued with the connection between some of the therapeutic approaches from her training and traditional spiritual exercises. She finds groups especially helpful personally and professionally, and enjoys hiking, travel, cooking and art work.


Susan Fowler: “When I was seventeen, I sat on this rock and committed my life to God. I had no idea what that meant, nor even how I would live it out, but my desire was deep, and helped me intuit those paths that were “right” for me as life presented its challenges and choices. Looking back now over a 30 year body of richly fulfilling ministries as diverse as educator in college and community settings, ordained parish pastor, community leader and social justice advocate and spiritual director, I see that my unformed yet faithful YES to God awakened me to myself, to others and to the universe in ways that articulated my identity and cultivated an ever-deepening sense of transcendent meaning and purpose. Now, as a college professor and spiritual mentor, I am blessed to companion others as they awaken and embrace God’s invitation to live their own lives in authentic and life-giving ways.”

Village on a Hill: Introductions: Jeremy Hultin

Village on a Hill: Introductions: Jeremy Hultin
Good morning all. Yesterday I had the chance to play soccer for the first time since Hebrew took over my life the first half of the summer. It reminded me of an interview I did with one of the professors who plays soccer and basketball with us, Dr. Jeremy Hultin. He's been referenced a few times on this blog, so I thought it would be a good idea to share his thoughts, not just those of others. So below, an excerpt from my interview with Assistant Professor of New Testament, Dr. Jeremy Hultin.

Q: First and foremost on everyone's mind (I'm sure): would you say that you attended Ohio State University, or THE Ohio State University?
A: I think it’s THE Ohio State University, but that has only changed recently, and to be honest I’m not into that.

Q: Well, I’m not sure if that’s good to hear or not. Now, the first place that people usually turn to find out about professors is the website. Your profile says that your interests include a “current project” about the early Christian views of obscene speech. How did you find yourself studying that?
A: Well, I really need to get that updated. I think that profile is about seven years old at this point. As for the project on obscene speech: it’s already been turned into a book. The long story is that it’s hard to find a dissertation topic in NT because nearly everything has been covered. My interest was piqued when a friend at seminary asked why I dropped the f-bomb so much. I wondered why it bothered him so much: what did the Bible say? What would obscenity mean in the ancient world? Yet when I looked in the scholarship…nothing.

Q: So you turned it into your dissertation, and what did you find?
A: This topic was a hole in the scholarship, so it was a perfect topic. It was even more perfect for me because there are a lot of interesting stories about foul language in the Ancient World. Some groups were certainly opposed to obscenity, which was defined differently in different groups. But it also went the other way: some Christian groups insisted on using foul language because they saw it as something that was more natural.

Q: So why are you find yourself here at YDS?
A: I like the challenge of teaching at a Div school. I like to think about it how to use the resources from early Christianity in an intellectually responsible way that addresses the needs of the church today. I’m proud of the project the Div school has in terms of how to prep people to engage the world, to come up with resources in scripture for the various challenges the world faces. It’s stretched me, and I hope I can help stretch students. It would be easy simply to say ‘Paul said this, this is what he meant, and let’s leave it at that whether it’s a good idea or not.’ It is more challenging to say ‘Paul said this and how on earth can we use it constructively in 21st century America?’ Those issues, those ways of approaching work is what makes being here great.

Q: You have been on Sabbatical all year. What are your feelings going into the new academic year?
A: I’m excited about teaching again. The other day some student engaged me on the Quad for about half an hour. And I was reminded of the joy of teaching bright students about these topics. I am teaching a class in the fall on Jude and 2nd Peter--which is what I’ve been working on this Sabbatical. I am really hopeful for that class. I hope to turn the classroom into a collaborative environment. It’s going to be great: bright students working with me. We’ll jam, take the work, divide and conquer. I’m looking forward to that.

Q: And can anyone take this class?
A: Anyone can do it, so long as they are strong readers of Greek. Those who took the Summer Intensive and did well can do well in this, or those who have a lot of preparation before coming here.

Q: What else turns your crank at Div school?
A: First, I’m very impressed with the range of experiences students have when they come. People working in really profound jobs all over the world come here and interact in the same classroom. And when a class is at its best this makes discussion so exciting. Someone who just came from three years working in Ghana, sitting next to a retired nun, sitting next to a guy who was a NYC attorney, all looking at 2nd Corinthians. The range of ideas and applications can be really invigorating.

I also really appreciate the times in chapel where people come together, where it really gels as a community.

I think that I’ve been most proud of students/felt luckiest when I’m teaching a class, and feel that I would be blessed to have these people as my pastor: smart, intellectual, insightful, godly. How blessed these people will be for others. If I can help people sort out some part of the Bible on the way to that vocation, it feels like a pretty neat thing to be a part of.


Q: I was surprised when I got here at the number of young professors here. I don’t know what I expected, but it seems like many of the great professors here are all really just beginning to engage their careers. As one of those professors, what do you think about it? Am I wrong about that impression?
A: You’re not wrong. I’ve been here seven years, and since then there have been a number of great hires of young professors: Chloe, Willis, Scott, David, Joel, and more. Personally, I like it, because I feel like it’s really cool when the people you work with are also the people you ride bikes with and do picnics with and live life with. It contributes to the concept of community, and makes it easier to be with the people about your age who you really enjoy being with.

(At right, a picture of Dr. Hultin with Dean of Yale Divinity School, Dr. Attridge.)

Q: Is there something about YDS that students don’t always take advantage of?
A: When I went to seminary I was excited, but my seminary had an unreasonable workload, so sometimes I wish I had had an academic mentor. Someone to give tips on what to read, to tell me when I’m running down a rabbit hole.

I think people don’t always take advantage of their advisors. While it’s opaque to me sometimes as to how advisors are chosen for students, in my limited experience students can underutilize their advisor. They should feel free to get advice beyond just ‘what class should I take’. It should be an opportunity for a relationship. The advisor-advisee relationship can be a place where one can get advice or find an open ear, some institutional memory of where to turn. Take the opportunity to find the resources needed you need. I ache when I hear someone say at the end of a year, or God forbid two or three years, that they felt alienated by something someone said or did. But rather than seeking that person out, or looking for understanding, they simply withdrew and let their feelings simmer.

Q: Any final advice do you have for students?
A: I think I would challenge students to really try to get to know and understand students and faculty whose outlook might seem different from their own. We’re dealing with issues that matter a lot to people, that can be hard to be subject to criticism. It can be a tendency for some to look at a potentially difficult situation, and move away from it, go find people who agree with them, and just ignore those they don’t agree with. It’s easy to do that, to not engage the issues. There is a missed opportunity for learning—which is the main purpose of this institution—when this happens. I would advise people to try and find out why people see things different. No matter a student’s future vocation, they will be working in the world in some form. They are bound to meet people who are of different sensibilities, and if someone has not become comfortable working through this before coming here, it’s an important skill set to learn at YDS.

Village on a Hill: Introductions: Doreen Generoso

Hello all! The heat wave has passed finally. It hovered around 100 degrees for a few days here, and I have to admit I was antsy. It took me a few days to understand it, but here's the best way to describe it to you. New Haven/Northeast people have no idea how to act in heat. It reminds me of the one time it snowed in San Antonio during my undergrad experience: everyone acted like it was no big deal, they puffed out their chests and put on a good face. But there was a great deal of strain in people's eyes--they were just on edge more than usual. It was the same here. Snow, ice, sleet are no problems up here, but the thought of a marginally hot day was something they couldn't handle.

Needless to say, I'm glad it's over. So pleased, in fact, that I'm going to post another interview (sorry, I really struggled to find a segue into this post after that random rant, and this is all I could do). This week's interviewee is Doreen Generoso, our Financial Aid Assistant.

NOTE: She did everything she could to make sure I didn't get a photo of her, even to the point of claiming that the website "might not" have a picture. But it most certainly does! In partial deference to her, I will not put up a photo on the blog, but GO HERE to put a face to the name.

Q: Doreen, why are you here? Not in the metaphorical sense, but practically why have you made YDS your home?
A: I got here because about 30 years ago I started working in financial aid for the Graduate School. It has been part of my blood for 30 years. I stayed home and had kids, but when I came back to work I started here and this is what I know and that’s how I got here, and why I’ve been here for 13 years.

Q: So tell me a bit about you family, your kids…
A: I have three children, one son and two daughters. My son is a recent grad of SCSU. One daughter is in her last semester at SCSU, majoring in History, and she hopes to teach. My last daughter is in her 3rd year at SCSU, and she will be going to Heidelburg as part of a Study Abroad program in the fall.

Q: Good lord, with all those connections, why are you not at SCSU?
A: Well, my grandfather retired as Yale’s chief of police, and I have two sisters working at Yale, so Yale has been my whole life.
Q: So the family blood contains a lot of enforcement: law enforcement as well as financial enforcement?
A: (Chuckles) I suppose it does.

Q: What is the biggest joy of your work?
A: Knowing that I’m able to help students afford and get through this program. Without financial assistance students aren’t able to be here. If I’m the tool, the conduit that allows them to be able to get through the program, that’s why I’m here.

Q: What is the most trying thing about your work?
A: Not having enough money to go around (smile).

Q: What is your favorite place on the Quad?
A: My favorite place on the quad… Marquand Chapel because everyone is in there for one common reason and it’s joyful, soothing, and community comes together there.

Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: Gone with the Wind.

Q: Josh has posted the pros and cons of the two nearby movie theaters on the blog. What would you choose?
A: The Criterion. It’s smaller and closer.

Q: What is the most common question you get asked?
A: It depends on the time of the year. For back to school, it’s ‘how quickly can I get my refund’. The answer is: students should make sure they’re set up for direct deposit on the SIS website. Second, when the loan is applied to the student’s account roughly 3 days before classes start, they need to go back and request the refund on the website. This will usually come in the first week of classes.

Q: To end on some fluffy questions: What can you just not get enough of?
A: Friends and family.

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve:
A: My biggest pet peeve for students is that they are in a centralized location in New Haven, and they don’t take advantage of their location: 2 hours from skiing, NY, Boston. With so much to see and do in the Northeast, it bugs me when a student comes here and sees nothing else.

Q: What advice do you have for new students?
A: Pay attention to email. Open your snail mail and actually read it (laughs), and be sure to check your student mailbox.

"Village on a Hill: Introductions: Micah Luce"

Well, the last full week of Hebrew is complete. My last quiz has been taken, my last test as well (except the Final Exam of course…that’s on Tuesday/Start of My Summer). But in the meantime, Ghana just lost a heartbreaker, so the joyful me has turned despondent. To make myself feel better... I get to post my interview with the great man Micah Luce.

Micah Luce. Also known as “The Funny Man”. 250 points if you can name the movie with a character by that name before the link appears later in this post. He is the manager of the Student Book Supply, the YDS bookstore. Micah is one of the first lines of defense whenever there is a perceived laughter deficiency in the halls. He hails from Memphis, Tennessee, where he went to Rhodes, one of my alma mater's rival schools. A graduate of the Divinity School, he is still very much invested in the life of the Div School outside of the hallways. Below: an excerpt from an interview with the Funny Man himself:

Q: Micah, you’re the manager of the Student Book Supply. How did you get to be where you are?

A: I stumbled into this job as a surprise. I completed an MDiv at a school down South and only headed to New Haven after a 2 year detour in Brooklyn. Believing that I came to YDS to further strengthen my work towards a PhD somewhere, I freed myself from that ball and chain by having the MAR and STM degrees here convince me to do otherwise. Upon graduating in 2008 with the STM, I wasn't quite ready to leave New Haven in search of my true love: cinema management and ownership. While looking for a job in the area, a former YDS employee gently reminded me that the Student Book Supply manager position was going to be vacated by Lisa Huck as she would be taking over the position of registrar. Having appreciated her amazing 20 years of service as the SBS Manager, I hoped to give back to YDS in the same way (Lisa is an MDiv graduate of YDS). Being a generally social creature, I figured the Student Book Supply would be a place that I could learn business and management skills while having the joy of being around such a great group of students day in and day out.

Q: So what is the Student Book Supply?

A: The Student Book Supply is the last student co-op bookstore in the Ivy Leagues. Located right inside the Divinity School doors, we carry textbooks for classes as well as books by Yale profs, Div School merchandise, and thousands of titles on religious and non-religious topics.

One of the greatest things is the membership discount. Students who join the co-op for a yearly $25 fee receive 15% off of all purchases (except clearance items which are already discounted way beyond 15%).

Q: Back to you personally. MDiv, MAR, and STM. That leaves you in a unique position to give thoughts on the three degrees. What did you like best, or how would you rank them?

A: I would say each degree came at a perfect time in life for me and fulfilled different purposes along the way. While each focused on different aspects of Christianity, they were so very different. My MDiv was at a smaller, much more conservative school just outside of Memphis, TN when I was quite a bit younger and thinking I wanted to pursue a life in ministry. I was able to understand the serious giftings, calling, and devotion that must accompany such a life. The MAR was my final crack at strengthening my PhD applications and preparation, but after a year and a half of that degree, I also realized that a life of academics would require the same 3 qualities as a life of ministry. Both of these degrees effectively convinced me that I wasn't ready for either ministry or academics as a lifestyle. Finally, my STM degree allowed me to calm down a bit, think about interests closest to my heart (religion and cinema), and focus on some serious academic work without the pressure of wondering if it was going to be 'good enough' to get me into this school or that school for PhD work. It was a sort of culmination of what I had thought about up to that point, and it continues to be my fondest memories of reading, writing, studying, and conversing in classrooms. The STM was perhaps my favorite, but this couldn't have come without first knowing what I did NOT want. I guess the MDiv and MAR degrees were apophatic education for me. It's also worth noting that the MAR and STM were also strongly influenced by the two years I spent completely apart from academics after finishing my MDiv. Working for a magazine in New York and resting my head in Brooklyn among brilliant and thoughtful friends was an education every bit as important and formative as any time I spent in the classroom.

Q: What a great politician's answer: something nice about everything. What is it like having been a student and now a staff member? Are the two worlds exclusive?

A: They can be as exclusive as one wants them to be. I know that's not what I desire, however, and I'm grateful that school-wide events such as community dinners or daily chapel in Marquand are focused on providing situations where the tenured professor, fourth year staff member, or first year student are all involved in worship, discussion, or eating together. Isn't that more in line with the Christian concept of equality? Neither male nor female, Jew nor Greek? It may be frustrating at times to live as though the 'walls of division' have been broken down among us, but the hard work of inclusivity can really have moments of gorgeous payoff. Hopefully, the two worlds of 'student' or 'staff' are likewise equalized at such moments. One other equalizing force for me may sound banal, but it's actually quite meaningful: the Divinity School Paracleat soccer team. Once we're all out on the field (or 'pitch' for you soccer hipsters), there's a real sense of purpose, fun, and energy. Having played on the team for 9 seasons now, this is a really great part of my experience at YDS. We definitely look forward to defending our championship this Fall.

I find that as the students with whom I shared classroom space are almost all graduated now, these worlds become more apparent for me. Thus I find myself adjusting in relationships among different peoples at YDS, but I would in no way say that this change makes the experiences 'exclusive.'

Q: What advice do you have for new students?

A: You are going to be overwhelmed both at the offerings YDS, Yale, and New Haven have to offer. Take your time and don't let this discourage you. One of the things I find most freeing as I grow is learning to say 'no.' It makes my 'yes' much more powerful. Don't just serve on committees or take classes on a whim. Be patient and thoughtful about how you are involved. But, by all means, get involved! It took me a year and a half to realize that "Cinema at the Whitney" with Yale's film studies program downtown was my absolute favorite thing about all of New Haven (though budget cuts last year brought it to a hopeful temporary end). Take some courses downtown. While life on the hill at YDS can potentially become isolating, you have a chance to get downtown and meet a hundred different people in art, history, science, politics, law, or business programs who are every bit as interested in being ministers as we are at the div school.


Q: Do you have any fashion tips for the new student in search of proper attire? Are man-pris on the comeback?

A: I have no idea why I would be asked about fashion. I find this a bit ridiculous, as my first year and a half at YDS were in full, sloppy revolt of having to dress up for work every day in New York. I also get made fun of for my blue pants, tie clips, and man-pris here at YDS. I guess my advice is 'don't dress like I do.' However, maybe that leads to the best fashion advice, which is dress like you do. I think you should probably save this question for the likes of Jeremy Hultin, Tom Troeger, or Andrea Hart, who all have far superior sense of fashion than I do.

Q: Tell us more about the Student Book Supply, especially if anything new is coming up.

A: One of my favorite things about the job is the freedom that Dean Attridge and Sandy Lynch give me. I have been able to have a really good time giving the SBS a flavor that is somewhat reflective of my own personality while also being able to build on the amazing success that Lisa Huck had during her time as Manager here. We've changed a bit of the look of the place in the last year, but we've also had new offerings (including free popcorn on Fridays, sidewalk sales, and updated clothing styles). I have a few plans in the works this year to also improve our used book selection, a textbook buyback program that will kick off this year, and a few other long-term improvements that are in the works (read: surprises). While I'm always open to suggestions, improvements, and applications, our staff for next year is pretty much established with the fantastic additions of Terry Archambeault (left), Willie Barnes, and Stephen Scarff to the already-brilliant Bebe Dwyer. Each of these students working at the SBS will be a fantastic part of our staff ready to help you the moment you walk into the bookstore, unless, of course, we happen to be having a little too much fun of our own.

p.s. Answer to where "Funny Man" is from: this movie of course!

"Village on a Hill": Introductions: Patricia Ojeda



It’s the end of the week. For you, that could mean many things. For me, it means the end of week four of my Hebrew Intensive class. I am pleased to report that I am alive, and—despite some claims—actually capable of smiling still. Being Presbyterian, Hebrew and Greek are required for ordination. Some claim it’s to encourage lifelong personal education of the Bible. Some claim it’s just so Presbyterians have one more reason to feel superior to others. All I know is that one of my classmates is in the class b/c as a UCC member, he doesn’t like the thought that a Presbyterian would “one-up”/know more than him. While I am still very excited to learn Hebrew, at times I do find myself thinking about some simple solutions that would allow me to be more rested this summer. Usually this involves dropping Hebrew, changing denominations, and taking up tree-hugging. Then I remember that Hebrew used to be required for all Yale freshmen, my Puritan guilt comes into play (which Google must feel that I learned reading this book), I feel that I’m not living up to the standards of the school, and back to Hebrew I go.

All that goes to say that I’ve been busy of late, and so am only now starting another part of “Village on a Hill”. When I was a prospective/incoming student, the YDS website was helpful for finding pictures of various smiling professors and staff members. Very professional. But they pages didn’t tell me about the people as much as I would have liked. Take Jeremy Hultin for instance. He’s interested in “discourse” and is working on “obscene speech”. He went to Ohio State, the site says (which is INSANE because everyone knows it’s The Ohio State University. But what about his passions outside of the classroom? I didn’t know that he was an avid sportsman, loves to bike (and has a bike so great that even someone with no knowledge of bikes can see it’s pretty stellar) and all-around swell guy until I got here. Yale, take note: I think that’s important stuff to know!

So I’m on my one-person crusade to let you meet these people as people, not just as Deans, professors, custodial staff, IT specialists, etc. The first person I’m introducing you to is the one and only Patricia Ojeda. If you have been lost at YDS, chances are you’ve sought her services. She is the smiling, bubbly, ever-so-slightly-snarky-when-she-arches-her-eyebrow-because-you-did-something-silly woman at the front desk. Her actual title is “Office Assistant/Receptionist/Mailroom Director”. Really, she knows it all. So, below, a few extracts from an interview with THE Patricia Ojeda…


Q: How did you get to YDS, and why are you still here?
A: As part of a program from New Haven—which is now expired—called New Haven Resident Training Program. I graduated with a 2-year degree from Gateway. This (YDS) was one of the first places to pick from the program and I’m still here. I got here five years ago, and I love it. I love this environment, I love working directly with the students.

Q: Many people see your face first when they come to YDS. Does this make you the “Face of YDS”?
A: Am I the face of YDS? I feel I’m the first face, I have that connection of face-to-face. I’m not a teacher or dean so students can feel free and talk. Students will ask for help getting somewhere—getting ANYWHERE—and the staff is always here to help…even asking people where their shoes are*. So I’m not the “Face of YDS” but I am here to help and be a friendly face.

*remember the arched eyebrow look I mentioned? I hadn’t been wearing shoes for a few weeks, and so I earned the look. If you ever get the look, just remember that it comes from love.



Q: What advice do you have for students coming to YDS?
A: This is like a family. A big community, but a small family, and we help each other. Even though this is a work place for many of us, we’re still part of the family. Does the family always get along? Huh, no, you kidding me! There are some characters out there. But we’re still a family. Also, my favorite yogurt is Yoplait Light Orange Crème, and I recommend it.
Q: Following that up, what specific fashion advice would you give the incoming student who needs wardrobe assistance?
A: If you want to fit in, just be yourself. We like fashion statements. Wear a bright yellow mid-winter. Be you. Please don’t use shorts in the winter, or sandals in the middle of the winter. It’s cold.

Q: What should people call you during BTFO?
A: The Lady (laughs), or Pat or Patricia.

Q: What is the most pressing thing people need to know from you?
A: I am in charge of the mailroom and the lockers in the Commuter Lounge. Every student will get a mail box, and keys will be given out during BTFO. Keys are returned each summer, and there is a $25 fee for lost keys. For lockers, we have a limited number available, so priority is given to commuter students for lockers. We provide a padlock for them, and the lockers will be ready for pick the week of BTFO.

Q: Do you know everything?
A: Yes, and if I don’t then I find out. I got some connections…I always find the answer. Or if not, I can direct you.

Q: It seems that people come to you for assistance of any kind. What does your job NOT entail?
A: Checking final papers. People have asked, and I’m like ‘no, thank you’ and direct them to Micah Luce (of the Student Book Supply) instead. I’m more than happy to help you with The Spanish, though. Spanish is good. If you need help, people kinda practice their skills with me. The people who went to El Salvador, I had them on target. If they want to practice with me, or if not, I am here to help.
How good is your Spanish Alex?

Q: Muy mal. So what is the most odd question you have ever been asked?
A: Someone recently asked me where to get girls’ clothes for a guy.



Q: Can you tell us a bit more about yourself? What makes you you?
A: I have been married 11 years as of June 2, I have two sons- David and Dylan (4 and 5). David is the “I got things to do” kid and Dylan will be a heartbreaker. I was born in Puerto Rico, am ½ Cuban and Puertaricana, and have been here in New Haven 11 years.

Q: I have noticed that this summer you always have a bowl of Jolly Ranchers available. Usually, our Dean Peterson tries to have a lot of candy in his for people who need a pick-me-up. His is called The Candy Bowl (thus the name of this blog). But his has been empty of late. Are you a better bearer of the candy?
A: I will always try to have my candy bowl filled. I don’t want to be seen as competition for Dale’s Candy Bowl.
Q: But your bowl is filled and his is not, correct?
A: It’s that time of year, budgets start to get crunched.
Q: So are you saying you have better candy-budgeting skills than our Dean Peterson?
A: (an arched eyebrow and) You’d be surprised. I still got Jolly Ranchers.

Introductions: Alex

Hello everyone! Josh was correct in his introduction that he does speak for both of us, but I'll also speak again for both of us: welcome and congrats! YDS has been a spectacular new aspect of my life, and I hope that at this time next year you will be saying the same thing.

My name is Alex Peterson, which--along with Josh Rodriguez--may be one of the more nondescript names in existence. Like Josh, I make up for the boring name by being a totally rad dude (has that vernacular become 'retro' and 'cool' again yet? If not, it just means I'm part of the vanguard bringing it back...gnarly).

I was born and raised outside of Roseland, Nebraska, population about 200. I argue that I lived life as close to the "Old Yeller" experience as is possible anymore: lived in the country, raised working on a farm, rode horse as primary means of transportation as a youth, dog as best friend, etc. I am blonde and blue, and bleed Nebraska Cornhusker red. So I truly appreciate Josh's affinity for his Rangers. Although, unlike Josh, I am not delusional. The Rangers will not make the playoffs unless Thespus comes and wreaks havoc with the acting that the Rangers claim is actual baseball, such that they mistakenly win a few games.

I went to undergrad at Trinity University in San Antonio, and am currently in one of the phases of denial about the Spurs' bow-out in the playoffs (I regress back to denial pretty regularly). I double-majored in Political Science and Religion, then joined the Peace Corps and went to Ghana. Spent 2 years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bimbagu, Northern Ghana, then extended my stay a third year to coordinate Peace Corps' national HIV/AIDS and Gender and Youth Development programs from Kumasi. Back to Nebraska managing a non-profit for youth substance abuse prevention, and then to this glorious place. I am Presbyterian, seeking ordination but not necessarily parish ministry. I am also working on a certificate in Development Studies through the International Relations department as well as a Reformed Studies Certificate, and hope perhaps to work overseas...that's as much of a concrete job plan as I have.

I enjoy candlelight dinners, the stars, and walks on the beach (all of which are true statements, although it's been a long time since I walked on any beach). I used to be a vegetarian, am decent at killing and butchering meat animals, find the Divine in sports more often than in established church, and in singing more often than in either of those. Most of all, I'm really excited to try and make BTFO a successful week, so you have only 25,000 questions leading into school instead of 47,000. Enjoy the summer, and perhaps this blog! See you in August.

Alex

Introductions: Josh

I know I speak for both Alex and myself when I say, “Welcome and congratulations.” You are a few months away from starting a new, exciting, and a little bit (okay, some days it seems very) scary chapter of your life. Take some time to pat yourself on the back; you’ve earned it. We look forward to welcoming you to YDS in person in the very near future.

I’m Josh Rodriguez, a first year M.Div. student from Lubbock, Texas. I’m an Episcopal student affiliated with Berkeley Divinity School, and I am discerning ordination in the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas. I’m currently attending YDS to fulfill the academic requirements for board certification as a health care chaplain.

I attended undergrad at Lubbock Christian University, a small (okay, tiny) liberal arts college in Texas, where I majored in Biblical Languages. After undergrad, I took some time off to do a year-long residency in Clinical Pastoral Education.

I’m a huge baseball fan, and I eternally harbor hopes that the Texas Rangers are going to make the play-offs. Other than that, I enjoy learning new languages, trips to NYC, music (I’m currently on a Vampire Weekend trip, even though I do care deeply about Oxford commas), good books, and good food.

I’m also living proof that southerners can survive New England winters.

Have a wonderful summer. Alex and I will be waiting for you when you arrive here for BTFO.

Peace,

Josh