Laura Jean Torgerson (2002) has written "I Did Learn that in Seminary" for Fidelia's Sisters, a publication of the Young Clergy Women Project. Writing from Nicaragua where she is developing a program of popular education in theology for ministers and leaders of the church, Laura Jean reflects how her experience there "makes me appreciate even more the gift of theological education I have received."

House Scholar Santiago Piñón has been named to a tenure-track position in the Department of Religion at Texas Christian University, beginning in July. He anticipates completion of his PhD dissertation later this year. Congratulations!

Matt Rosen (2003) became Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at The Arc of DC on April 18. The organization is celebrating its 60th year of working with and for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Congratulations to Michael Swartzentruber (2007) who was called as Associate Minister, First Christian Church, Richmond, Kentucky. He began ministry there in April 2011. Michael and Rebecca Swartzentruber were in Chicago the first weekend in April so that she could take her optometry board examinations; she hopes to practice in Richmond.

Sandhya Jha (2001) gave the keynote for the 7th Annual Divinity School Ministry Conference, "Ministry: Left, Right, and In-Between," on April 15. She is the author of Room at the Table: The Struggle for Dignity and Unity in Disciples History (Chalice Press, 2009), pastor of First Christian Church of Oakland, California, and the Missional and Reconciliation Minister of the Christian Church of Northern California-Nevada. James Hoke (Head Resident) and Michael Le Chevallier (former resident) were co-chairs of the Ministry Conference. 

Joe Blosser (2005) is author of "Christian Freedom in Political Economy: The Legacy of John Calvin in the Thought of Adam Smith," a chapter in a new book, Adam Smith as Theologian, published in February by Routledge. Joe, who is a Visiting Assistant Professor at DePaul University, will receive his PhD in Religious Ethics from the Divinity School in June 2011. Congratulations!

Bernie Lyon (1976), the Lois and Dale Bright Professor Christian Ministries and Professor of Practical Theology and Pastoral Care at Christian Theological Seminary, is serving a two-year term as Vice President and Interim Co-Academic Dean at CTS. Also, he is leading Clergy Ethics seminars for the Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin in April and September.

Marshall Dunn (1965), Board Member of Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM), recently agreed to chair the Strategic Planning Committee to look five years into HELM'S future. Clark Gilpin (1970) and JoAnne Kagiwada (trustee) will serve on the committee. Marshall is also still directing Young Adult Conference and is chaplain for senior high church camp for the Capital Area. He started his camp counseling career with Bill Crowl (1962) while at DDH nearly fifty years ago and is still going strong!

Marshall Dunn (1965), Board Member of Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM), recently agreed to chair the Strategic Planning Committee to look five years into HELM'S future. Clark Gilpin (1970) and JoAnne Kagiwada (trustee) will serve on the committee. Marshall is also still directing Young Adult Conference and is chaplain for senior high church camp for the Capital Area. He started his camp counseling career with Bill Crowl (1962) while at DDH nearly fifty years ago and is still going strong!

Frank Burch Brown (1974) is teaching "Aesthetics of Forgiveness: Imagining Forgiveness Artistically" at the Divinity School during spring quarter 2011. The course "examines artistic works in which aesthetic and ethical tension, and any sense of possible resolution, involves questions or confusions regarding exactly who is needing to extend forgiveness, or why, or to whom." It is the third of a series of courses he has taught as the Alexander Campbell Visiting Professor.