March 24, 2025
On March 24th, Andover Newton Seminary at YDS welcomed admitted students to campus. Founding Dean, Sarah Drummond, facilitated one panel on the different professional avenues through which graduates pursue a life of ministry. She participated in another one on the YDS Partners on the Quad: Berkeley Divinity School, the Institute of Sacred Music, and of course, Andover Newton at YDS. Associate Dean of Community Development & Spiritual Formation, JaQuan Beachem, and Mark Heim, Samuel Abbot Professor of Christian Theology, joined her and a group of those interested in Andover Newton for lunch and conversation specifically about the Andover Newton Diploma program.
“We had a record number of applicants this year,” said Dean Drummond. “That means that not only are admitted students gifted in many ways, but it also means that they are likely to have options for their theological education. Andover Newton’s presence at YDS is both a special selling point, and a difficult one to describe in sound bites. Therefore, these visits are essential so students can come to understand what is special about being part of a seminary for ministry formation within a divinity school that provides theological foundations. We have the best of both worlds to offer them.”