Reunion 2024 highlights
The Edwin H. Rian Alumni Lecture
Blair Bertrand and Andy Root* will present the 2024 Rian Lecture, drawing from their recent book, When Church Stops Working.
“There are many books written about the state of the church, and they fall into every literary genre: true crime, romance, science fiction, fantasy, and horror. And if they have the word ‘crisis’ or ‘decline,’ they can tip into being self-help, business management, and even home improvement. What I value about this book is that it is theology–as it seeks to address where we are by reminding us of who God is and who we are. Because it puts God in the center, it is a profoundly hope-giving book, engaging us all by diagnosing the real crisis of faith and encouraging us to live alertly and expectantly within that. The church needs teachers like this.”
– The Most Rev. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
*Blair will present in person with Andy via Zoom.
The Edwin H. Rian Alumni Lecture is made possible by gifts to the Edwin H. Rian Alumni Lecture Fund. The lecture is given annually at Alumni Reunion. Edwin H. Rian, BD ‘27, served as assistant to Princeton Theological Seminary’s President, James McCord, from 1967 – 1979. Rian’s earlier career included serving as assistant pastor of New Jersey’s Westfield Presbyterian Church and in higher education administration at institutions such as Westminster Theological Seminary, Christian University Association, Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, Beaver College in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, Jamestown College in Jamestown, ND, Biblical Seminary, and the Institute for Educational Planning.
Meet President Walton
The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Lee Walton, Princeton Theological Seminary’s 8th President, will offer a keynote address with time for Q & A as well as host a reception and present the alumni awards at the Reunion Luncheon.
Alumni Awards
Princeton Theological Seminary honors and celebrates the accomplishments of our alumni at Reunion with the presentation of The Distinguished Alumni Award and the Alumni Council Service Award.
At the Reunion Luncheon on Tuesday, President Walton will present the 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Award to The Rev. Dr. M. Craig Barnes and the 2024 Alumni Council Service Award to The Rev. Khristi Adams, MDiv ‘08.
Additional Reunion highlights include:
- Spotlight Sessions and Seminars: Reunion attendees will engage with faculty and program staff at the Faculty Spotlight and Seminary Spotlight plenary sessions and seminars.
- Worship Together: Reunion attendees will enjoy daily worship in the Seminary Chapel and are invited to take part in the Reunion choir under the leadership of Martin Tel. The Rev. Dr. Kimberly Wagner, assistant professor of preaching at Princeton Seminary, will preach for opening worship and The Rev. Yedea Walker, Associate Dean of Student Life at Princeton Seminary, will preach for the closing service of worship.
- Alumni Reception at Springdale: President Jonathan and Mrs. Cecily Walton look forward to welcoming you to their home, Springdale, for a reception on Monday afternoon. Meet the Waltons and enjoy greeting fellow alumni who have traveled to Princeton for Reunion.
- Reunion Dinner: All attendees are welcome to the Reunion Celebration Dinner at the Nassau Club on Monday, May 13th. Anniversary Classes, those ending in 4 or 9, will be seated by class. Alums from non-anniversary classes will be seated together or with a class they overlapped with while in seminary.
- Wine and the Bible: Join Dr. Nate Stucky and Dr. Eric Barreto, for this seminar that includes a tour of the Farminary, a lecture and discussion of the significance of wine and wine making in scripture, with wine tasting. Light appetizers will be served. A shuttle to and from the Farminary will be provided. There is an additional cost of $15 for this experience and pre-registration is required. Sign up when you register for Reunion to ensure a spot. Space is limited.
- Dual Degree, MDiv/MACEF Dinner
In 1999 Princeton Theological Seminary awarded the first Dual MDiv/MACEF degrees. Alums who earned the Dual degree beginning in 1999 are invited to gather at the home of Kenda and Kevin Dean for dinner on Tuesday evening, May 14th at 6:30 p.m. - Engle Organ Concert: The Annual Engle Organ Concert which is open to the public will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14th in the Seminary Chapel. Reunion attendees are encouraged to attend.
- All Campus Picnic Lunch on the Quad: Reunion will conclude with an all-campus lunch on the Quad. Enjoy a meal with alumni, staff, current students, and faculty.
