Divinity School to hold opening convocation

President Thomas K. Hearn, Jr.

President Thomas K. Hearn, Jr. will deliver the Divinity School’s opening convocation.

The Wake Forest University Divinity School officially starts its sixth academic year at 11 a.m. Aug. 31 in Wait Chapel with an opening convocation address from university President Thomas K. Hearn Jr. This is the first time Hearn has delivered the address during the Divinity School’s opening convocation.

The free, public event marks a new year for the Divinity School and its 96 students. The school, which opened in 1999 and graduated its first class in 2002, will welcome 32 first-year students this year. The new students come to Wake Forest from 13 different states and represent nine religious denominations.

The Divinity School offers the three-year master of divinity degree in an ecumenical, full-time program. Since its opening, the Divinity School has graduated three classes. Its 55 graduates have gone on to serve in a variety of fields including the ministry and in the nonprofit sector.

The divinity program at Wake Forest offers a curriculum that includes instruction in traditional seminary subjects like biblical studies, church history, theology, homiletics (the art of preaching), spirituality and pastoral care taught by full-time Divinity School faculty.

Hearn is entering his last academic year as president of Wake Forest. He has announced he will retire in June 2005.

Categories: Events, School of Divinity