What if learning—that is, discerning, debating, reaching to make sense of ourselves, our communities, our cosmos and our Creator, and then considering and ordering our relationships and our responsibilities to all of these things—what if such learning is the very essence of our personhood, of life in community, of our worship of God?
Cynthia Lindner, 2023 Distinguished Alumna Address
Welcome to Heidi Haverkamp, who joined DDH's staff as Program Director, Writer-in-Residence, and Assistant Administrator on July 8. An author, spiritual director, retreat leader, and Episcopal priest, Heidi is a 2006 MDiv graduate of the Divinity School who has published five books and is an award-winning contributor to the Christian Century. Learn more.
Thank you, Jack. Jack Veatch has served as DDH's Director of Student and Alum Relations for the past year and a half. He has been named the next Director of Church Relations at Chapman University, beginning July 15.This is an exceptional opportunity for Jack--and a bittersweet but proud moment for DDH. A farewell celebration is planned for his last day, June 21. Read more.
Bethany Fellows has called Aneesah Ettress Veatch as Director/Pastor. A member of the Alumni/ae Council and, recently, the Academic Engagement Coordinator for the Feitler Center at the University's Smart Museum of Art, Aneesah has enriched DDH and wider Disciples and University communities with her warmth, insight, and leadership.
Into the archives. House Scholar Tristan Spangler-Dunning will do a deep dive into Disciples History this summer through a ten-week internship with the Disciples of Christ Historical Society. He will benefit from the mentorship of Joel Brown, DCHS President, and focus on archival work. DDH is assisting with costs of housing and travel for the summer internship.
Convocation. Alexis Vaughan gave the address at the DDH Convocation on Friday, May 31. An alumna and trustee, Alexis serves as Managing Director of Domestic Operations for Week of Compassion, the Disciples' relief, refugee, and development mission fund. The event also marked the conclusion of DDH's 129th year. It concluded with toasts on the backyard patio.
Award-winning. In May, the Associated Church Press honored Ross Allen's interview for the Christian Century with David Bentley Hart with the highest award for long-form interviews in 2023. Ross's piece was also the most read article on the Christian Century's website for 2023.