From October 6-8th, Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School celebrated Alumni/ae Convocation and the Living Village Grand Opening. There were many highlights to recognize. We welcomed a total of 45 alumni/ae and friends to campus for the celebration, and Andover Newton’s impact as key partner at YDS was on full display.

The Living Village dedication and blessing on Monday, October 6th, featured our very own Associate Dean, Rev. JaQuan Beachem (MDiv, ’21) and former ANTS Board Chair, Dr. Nancy Taylor leading the blessing; current students Eliana Cañas Parra, Ardonna Hamilton, Mike Ryan, and Drake Smith participated in the ribbon cutting; and both current student Andrew Jamieson and Myles-Amir J. Riley (MDiv, ‘25) helped supply the music for the event.

The celebrations continued to Tuesday, October 7th, when Andover Newton’s Spirit of the Hill Award was presented at the YDS Alumni/ae Awards Luncheon alongside YDS’ honorees. It was such a joy to see Rev. Dr. Ned Allyn Parker (ANTS MDiv, ’10) presented the award by Advisory Council member Brad Bauer (ANTS DMin, ‘16), Alumni/ae Board Chair Laura Kirsthardt (MDiv, ‘20), Founding Dean Sarah B. Drummond, and YDS Dean Gregory E. Sterling.

Later in the afternoon, Professor Gregory Mobley led a meaningful workshop on “Hebrew Bible and Nature,” and immediately thereafter, Andover Newton hosted a very well-attended reception of over 50 guests in the Croll Family Entrance Hall. Finally, the festivities closed with Rev. Don Eng (ANTS MDiv, ’75) being recognized at the YDS and ANS 50th Anniversary Alumni/ae Dinner.

Thank you to all of the alumni/ae, family, and friends who joined us for Convocation 2025. We hope to see even more of you next year!