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HOW TO LOVE A CITYThe Installation of David M. Mellott, Ph.D.Seventh President of Christian Theological Seminary Sunday, September 19, 2021
Cover and inside art details, “The Anchor,” a commissioned work by Nathan Alexander FoxtonCHRISTIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Our mission is to form disciples of Jesus Christ for church and community leadership to serve God’s transforming of the world.
Reverend Dr. David M. Mellott is the son of Francis and Joyce Mellott and was raised in Shadyside, Ohio. Theologian, teacher, administrator, and spiritual director, he is committed to supporting and nurturing Christians and Christian communities as they seek to love God, neighbor, and themselves more deeply. Reimagining theological education and spiritual formation have been the focus of his teaching and writing. He is the author of two books: I Was and I Am Dust: Penitente Practices as a Way of Knowing and Finding Your Way in Seminary: What to Expect, How to Thrive. He is currently completing a grant from the Henry Luce Foundation, “Current and Future Directions in Theological Education.”Rev. Dr. Mellott began his service as President of Christian Theological Seminary on July 1, 2019. Rev. Dr. Mellott holds a Ph.D. from Emory University, an M.A. in Religious Studies and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, and a B.A. in English Literature and Latin American Studies from the Pontifical College Josephinum. From 2011 to 2019, he served as Vice President of Academic Aairs and Dean of Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he was also Professor of Theological Formation and Director of Ministerial Formation. Rev. Dr. Mellott is an Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ. He and his husband, Rev. Lance F. Mullins, reside in Indianapolis, Indiana.HOW TO LOVE A CITY
4Christian Theological Seminary traces its history to 1855 with the founding of North Western Christian University. A “non-sectarian” liberal arts college associated with the Disciples of Christ, the school was committed to the abolition of slavery. In 1879, the school’s name changed to Butler University to honor Indiana lawyer, abolitionist, and generous benefactor, Ovid Butler (1801-1881). The university maintained formal ties to the Disciples of Christ until the mid-1970s. Following several short-lived attempts to oer graduate theological education for ministry at Butler University, the School of Religion was founded in 1924. Consistent with the Disciples commitment to ecumenism, the school was “open to students of all religious faiths on equal terms,” including those of dierent Protestant denominations, people of color, and women. By design, Butler School of Religion was virtually independent of the university, with its own charter, board of trustees, faculty, and endowment. After struggling through the Great Depression and World War II, the Butler School of Religion experienced BRIEF HISTORY OF CTSseemingly irrepressible growth during the Revival of the 1950s. The school separated from the university and re-incorporated in 1959 to become the free-standing Christian Theological Seminary (CTS). The seminary committed itself to the progressive theological and social vision of the emerging Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). CTS moved to its present campus in 1966, which continued to expand over the next twenty years. Designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes (1915-2004), its main building—especially Sweeney Chapel—is an award-winning example of mid-century modern design. Since becoming a free-standing institution, CTS has become increasingly ecumenical and inclusive. Initially a seminary of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), since the mid-1980s it has identified as an ecumenical seminary related to the denomination. For decades, CTS has welcomed representatives of more than thirty religious groups in its teaching and learning community.
5Aggressive goals to diversify the community in terms of race, ethnicity and gender were set in 1988 and achieved by 2003. Since 2012, CTS has been “open and arming,” welcoming persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities. CTS has been recognized widely as a leader among free-standing seminaries for its eorts in building a community of faith committed to equity, justice, and inclusion. In 2017, CTS sold its building and most of its grounds to Butler University, establishing an innovative partnership similar to its founding. The seminary is now well-positioned to deploy its significant resources in ways more consistent with its mission in these times: “to form disciples of Jesus Christ for church and community leadership to serve God’s transforming of the world.” With the inauguration of Rev. Dr. David Mellott as its seventh president, CTS looks forward to building on this rich legacy of theologically progressive, ecumenical, and justice-oriented education for ministry. Presidents of Christian Theological Seminary Orman Leroy Shelton 1958-1959 Beauford Norris 1959-1974 Thomas Jackson Liggett 1974-1986 Richard D. N. Dickinson 1986-1997 Edward L. Wheeler 1997-2011 Matthew Myer Boulton 2011-2017 David M. Mellott 2019-
6of DAVID M. MELLOTT as Seventh President of Christian Theological Seminary 2 p.m., Sunday, September 19, 2021 ORDER OF WORSHIP PreludeAve Maria ..............................................................Franz Schubert (1797-1828)Adagio for Strings ................................................. Samuel Barber (1910-1981)Rise Up................................ Andra Day (Cassandra Batie), Jennifer Decilveo© 2015 Warner Bros. GATHERING MUSIC For the Beauty of the Earth ............. Words: Folliott S. Pierpoint (1835-1917)Music: William C. Dix (1837-1898) Song Leaders will sing the first, second and fifth verses. All are invited to sing the following verses, as directed: Verse 3 For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child, Friends on earth and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild, Lord of all to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise. Verse 4 For the church that evermore lifteth holy hands above, Oering up on every shore her pure sacrifice of love: Lord of all to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise. INSTALLATION SERVICE* you are invited to rise as you are able/comfortable
7Trusty and True ............................................ Words and music: Damien Rice; © 2014, Damien Rice Music Song leaders will lead this selection. All are invited to sing the following lines as directed:And if all that you are is not all you desire… then come…*As liturgical dancers lead worship leaders into the assembly, all are invited to rise as you are able. LEADERS OF THE SERVICE *Invocation/Prayer ............................................ Rev. Dr. Kimberly D. Russaw Welcome and Introductions .................................................. Ted Waggoner MUSIC This Little Light of Mine .......................................Leslie Jordan arrangement A soloist will begin the selection. All are invited to sing as directed: This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine! Hide it under a bushel (no!) I’m gonna let it shine! Hide it under a bushel (no!) I’m gonna let it shine! Hide it under a bushel (no!) I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine! This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! Every day, gonna let my little light shine! Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!
8POETRY READING How to Love A City .................................................................. Jenny Froehle (Inspired by Jeremiah 29:4-7) SCRIPTURE READINGSActs 8:26-40 .....................................................Rev. Dr. Amy Lindeman AllenMark 6:6b-13 .......................................................................Rev. Lance Mullins After each reading...One: Hear what God is saying to the people. All: Thanks be to God!ADDRESSIntroduction of the Speaker .................................. Dr. Leah Gunning Francis Installation Address ....................................... Rev. Dr. Willie James Jennings Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Africana Studies Yale Divinity SchoolPRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE If It Be Your Will ........................... Words and Music: Leonard Cohen © 1984
9PRESENTATION OF THE PRESIDENTDavid M. Mellott as Seventh President of CTS .................... Don Knebel and Elizabeth H. Klimes CHARGE TO THE PRESIDENT Trustees ..............................................................................Rev. Jerey Bower David Mellott, you have been called to lead this seminary into the next generation of our mission to form disciples of Jesus Christ to serve God’s transforming of the world. The responsibilities with which you will now be charged are at the same time weighty and exhilarating. And so, we have gathered together to give you this charge both to symbolize the breadth of your call and to remind you that you will never fill it alone. As a representative of the CTS Board of Trustees, it is therefore my privi-lege to charge you with upholding CTS’ vision. Will you lead this institution to be an academic learning community that gives witness to God’s libera-tive, restorative and life-arming message? Church....................................................................Rev. Christopher A. HenryAs Senior Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, I celebrate our partnership in CTS’ seminary-church relationships and charge you with continuing and growing this mission through a commitment to reimagined relationships and public service. We charge you to lead this institution in its mission of serving the public through its service to the church.Interfaith Colleague .......................................................Rabbi Brett Krichiver As a representative of Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, I celebrate our partnership as a part of CTS’ interfaith collaboration and charge you with continuing and growing this mission. We charge you to lead this institution in its embrace of diversity, keeping central its stated belief in the God-given human dignity of all persons. INSTALLATION SERVICE
10Faculty ...........................................................................Dr. Felicity Kelcourse On behalf of our faculty, I celebrate our shared work of theological education, reigniting our historically anti-racist witness through dedication to the scholarship, formation, and healing vocations of all our students, grounded in Christian faith and life. We charge you to lead this institution in its quest for racial equity, environmental sustainability, and justice for all, in the spirit of rigor, empathy and honesty we bring to intellectual inquiry, interpersonal witness, and spiritual growth. Students ............................................................ Elizabeth Valencia-Gutierrez As a representative of the student body, I celebrate the attention to students as people and learners that is a trademark of CTS. We charge you to lead this institution in continuing to prepare students for ministry in ways that are intellectually rigorous and spiritually formative in preparation for a diverse world. Alumni ............................................................................... Benjamin J. Tapper As a representative of a long line of alumni at CTS, I celebrate the history of this institution, especially its armation across generations that all peo-ple are created just as they are in the beautiful image of God. We charge you to lead this institution in the next chapter of this story, arming God’s presence in each one of us, and growing the institution’s capacity to pre-pare clergy and counselors who do the same. Sta ................................................................................................. Scott Sims As a representative of the sta at CTS, I celebrate our partnership in pro-moting the Realm of God in all the work we do in this space. We charge you to lead this institution in promoting healing and wholeness of all cre-ation across our teaching and administrative ministries, even as we lean into the technological possibilities before us. INSTALLATION SERVICE
11AFFIRMATIONArmation of Commitment ....................................................Ted Waggoner Do you arm the covenants made at baptism and ordination, which have guided your life of faith and ministry? R: I do. Do you pledge to strengthen your faith through scholarly endeavors, communal worship, intentional engagement with people of living faith, and working for justice and equity? R: I do, and I ask God to help me.Do you accept continued leadership within Christian Theological Seminary, and do you promise to honor its tradition and supporters, respect col-leagues on the Board of Trustees, Faculty, and Sta, and care for students? R: I do, and I ask God to help me.Are you committed to assisting Christian Theological Seminary fulfill its mission and to strengthening its relationships with the church, partner organizations, and other communities of faith? R: I am, and I ask God to help me.Will you strive to fulfill the oce of President of Christian Theological Seminary with courage, faith, imagination, and joy?R: I will, and I ask God to help me.
12Anointing and Prayer of Consecration ............... Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins Veni Sancte Spiritus All rights reserved. Reprinted under Onelicense.net License #A-703834 Taize Prayer Service Good evening. Before we start our service, we would like to invite the Holy Spirit to be with each one of us. So we ask you to help us in singing the refrain to Veni Sancte Spiritus, Come Holy Spirit. Presidential Remarks .............................................. Rev. Dr. David M. Mellott *Benediction ............................................................ Rev. Dr. David M. Mellott
13*RECESSIONAL Christ the Body Rises Up ............................... Text: Nancy Berneking ©1998; Tune: EASTER HYMN Christ the body rises up, Alleluia Eats the bread and drinks the cup, Alleluia Comforts those in pain and fear, Alleluia Works for justice far and near, Alleluia Energy bursts forth as light, Alleluia Helping us to see the right, Alleluia To protect the small and weak, Alleluia Rays of hope when all is bleak, Alleluia Love survives when death renews, Alleluia Circling through the cosmic blues, Alleluia Called by Sacred Mystery, Alleluia To create one family, Alleluia As we seek the Holy Heart, Alleluia Each of us will play a part, Alleluia Spreading joy and sowing peace, Alleluia Showing Christ’s Love cannot cease, Alleluia. Peeling of the Bells in Irwin TowerINSTALLATION SERVICE* you are invited to rise as you are able/comfortable
14MAYORAL GREETING September 19, 2021 1000 W 42nd St Indianapolis, IN 46208 Greetings! On behalf of the City of Indianapolis, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the installation of Dr. David M. Mellott as the seventh president of the Christian Theological Seminary. The City of Indianapolis embraces the installation of Dr. Mellott. His leadership, vision, and ideals exemplify our community’s overall goal of promoting culture, diversity, and inclusivity in our foremost institutions. The history of the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis is a unique one. Its origins trace back to just over thirty years after our city’s founding, 1855. Like our city, it has grown and transformed over the course of many decades—decades of hard work, dedication, and faith. Having grown up over a similar time and in a similar location, it is not surprising that Indianapolis and the Christian Theological Seminary have been intertwined in unique ways. That tradition continues up to today. In fact, I myself am an alumnus of the Seminary. Dr. Mellott steps into his new role at a pivotal moment for Indianapolis. Emerging from the pandemic, we aspire to become a more just and equitable city. I can think of no one better than Dr. Mellott to meet this moment. His vision and leadership will serve the Seminary and City well by creating leaders who propel their peers forward to make a better world. Under the leadership of Dr. Mellott, the Christian Theological Seminary will continue to be a beacon in the city of Indianapolis—a center for critical thought, faithful teaching and refuge for those who wish to serve God and spread his word. Congratulations to Dr. Mellott and to the Christian Theological Seminary. I look forward to working with both during this critical time. Sincerely, Joseph H. Hogsett Mayor | City of Indianapolis September 19, 2021 1000 W 42nd St Indianapolis, IN 46208 Greetings! On behalf of the City of Indianapolis, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the installation of Dr. David M. Mellott as the seventh president of the Christian Theological Seminary. The City of Indianapolis embraces the installation of Dr. Mellott. His leadership, vision, and ideals exemplify our community’s overall goal of promoting culture, diversity, and inclusivity in our foremost institutions. The history of the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis is a unique one. Its origins trace back to just over thirty years after our city’s founding, 1855. Like our city, it has grown and transformed over the course of many decades—decades of hard work, dedication, and faith. Having grown up over a similar time and in a similar location, it is not surprising that Indianapolis and the Christian Theological Seminary have been intertwined in unique ways. That tradition continues up to today. In fact, I myself am an alumnus of the Seminary. Dr. Mellott steps into his new role at a pivotal moment for Indianapolis. Emerging from the pandemic, we aspire to become a more just and equitable city. I can think of no one better than Dr. Mellott to meet this moment. His vision and leadership will serve the Seminary and City well by creating leaders who propel their peers forward to make a better world. Under the leadership of Dr. Mellott, the Christian Theological Seminary will continue to be a beacon in the city of Indianapolis—a center for critical thought, faithful teaching and refuge for those who wish to serve God and spread his word. Congratulations to Dr. Mellott and to the Christian Theological Seminary. I look forward to working with both during this critical time. Sincerely, Joseph H. Hogsett Mayor | City of Indianapolis
15CTS BOARD OF TRUSTEES2021 -2022Jerey Bower Rodney Byrnes Eric Dozier Tyrone Eugene Fisher Merillat Flowers Fred Green Philip Gulley Richard Gunderman Richard Hamm Elizabeth Klimes Donald Knebel Richard Kraege Lynn Martin Patty Martin Andrea McGordon Holiday Hart McKiernan David Mellott Saundra Michael-Bowers David Miner Nick Orange Kate Penney Howard Richard Reynolds Jerry Roberts Myra Selby Secretary Dana Sherwood Treasurer Mike Smith Richard Spleth Jo Taylor Vice Chair Ted Waggoner ChairSharon WatkinsJohn WilliamsTRUSTEES
16FACULTY & FACULTY MARSHALSDavid M. Mellott President and Professor of Theological Education Leah Gunning Francis Vice President for Academic Aairs and Dean of the Faculty Associate Professor of Christian Education and Practical Theology Amy Lindeman Allen Assistant Professor of New Testament Matthias Beier* Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Mental Health Counseling Jacqueline M. Braeger Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy Courtney Buggs,* Assistant Professor of Homiletics; Assistant Director of the PhD in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric Program Suzanne M. Coyle Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Marriage and Family Therapy; Director of Marriage and Family Therapy Program Christina Jones Davis Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Marriage and Family Therapy Felicity Brock Kelcourse Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Psychology of Religion William B. Kincaid Herald B. Monroe Professor of Leadership and Ministry Studies Nicole Z. Robertson Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Director of Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Kimberly D. Russaw Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible Helene T. Russell Associate Professor of Theology; Director of the Master of Theological Studies ProgramFACULTY & LEADERSHIP*Marshals for 2021-2022
17Robert Saler Associate Dean for Evaluation and Assessment; Research Professor of Religion and Culture; Executive Director of the Center for Pastoral Excellence; Director of the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal ProgramsScott D. Seay Associate Professor of the History of Christianity; Director of Library and Information Services; Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program Frank A. Thomas Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics; Director of the PhD in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric ProgramLEADERSHIP TEAMKristin Perks Champa Vice President for Advancement Leah Gunning Francis Vice President for Academic Aairs and Dean of the Faculty F. Ward Logan Interim Vice President for Finance and Operations Robert Saler Interim Dean for Academic AairsPLANNING COMMITTEEElizabeth H. Klimes Chair Ellen K. Annala Jerey Bower Donna Brugh Kristin Perks Champa Sarah Evans Amy Lindeman Allen Lynn Martin Lance Mullins Ed Norman Alilah Williams
18ACADEMIC 1784 New Brunswick Theological Seminary Rev. Dr. Micah L. McCreary, President 1843 Nashotah House Rev. Dr. James B. Lemler1855 Butler University Dr. James Danko, President1865 Lexington Theological Seminary Dr. Charisse Gillett, President 1869 Luther Seminary Rev. Dr. Robin J. Steinke, President1871 United Theological Seminary Dr. Kent Millard, President 1873 Brite Divinity School Dr. Michael Miller, Executive Vice President and Dean 1875 Vanderbilt University Divinity School, Eric Burton-Krieger, Executive Pastor, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church1882 Wesley Theological Seminary Dr. David McAllister-Wilson, President 1885 Chapman Seminary, Oakland City University Dr. Ron Dempsey, President 1897 Huntington University Dr. Luke Fetters, Vice President for Academic Aairs and Dean of the Faculty 1906 Phillips Theological Seminary Dr. Nancy C. Pittman, President1913 Northern Seminary Dr. William Shiell, President, Professor of Pastoral Theology and Preaching 1960 Earlham School of Religion Dr. James Higginbotham, Acting Dean and Professor of Pastoral Care1990 Louisville Institute Dr. Edwin D. Aponte, Executive Director 2009 Wesley Seminary Dr. Abson Joseph, DeanDELEGATESECCLESIASTICALChristian Church (Disciples of Christ) Rev. April G. Johnson, Minister of Reconciliation North American Pacific/Asian Disciples Rev. Chung Seong Kim, Executive PastorChristian Church (Disciples of Christ) Indiana Rev. Richard L. Spleth, Regional MinisterUnited Methodist Churches of Indiana Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright, Conference Superintendent – West District
19WORSHIP LEADERSDavid Duncan, Keyboard Artist, Indianapolis Symphonic Choir/ Organist, Resurrection Lutheran Church, Indianapolis Rickey McCray, Pastor, The Way Church, Indianapolis Ted Waggoner, Chairman, Board of Trustees; Partner, Peterson Waggoner & Perkins, LLP Kimberly D. Russaw, Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible Amy Lindeman Allen, Assistant Professor of New Testament Lance Mullins, Clergy, United Church of Christ Leah Gunning Francis, Vice President for Academic Aairs and Dean of the Faculty Don Knebel, Christian Theological Seminary Board of Trustees Elizabeth H. Klimes, Christian Theological Seminary Board of Trustees Jerey Bower, Christian Theological Seminary Board of Trustees; Associate Rector for Stewardship & Community Engagement, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Indianapolis Christopher Henry, Senior Pastor, Second Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis Brett Krichiver, Senior Rabbi, Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, Indianapolis Felicity Kelcourse, Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Psychology of Religion Elizabeth Valencia-Gutierrez, MDiv, MMFT Student Benjamin J. Tapper, MDiv, CTS Alumnus 2018 Scott Sims, Director of Finance Sharon E. Watkins, Retired General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Pastor, Bethany Memorial Church (Disciples of Christ) LITURGICAL DANCERS Ayanna Garrett, Associate Dean of Student Life DeNeen Collins, Director of Recruiting and Admissions Donald Stikeleather, CTS Student
20THE REVEREND DR. WILLIE JAMES JENNINGSGUEST SPEAKERDr. Willie James Jennings is currently Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Africana Studies at Yale University Divinity School. Dr. Jennings was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Jennings received his B.A. in Religion and Theological Studies from Calvin College (1984), his M.Div. (Master of Divinity degree) from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena California, and his Ph.D. degree from Duke University. Dr. Jennings who is a systematic theologian teaches in the areas of theology, black church and Africana studies, as well as post-colonial and race theory. Dr. Jennings is the author of The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race published by Yale University Press. It is one of the most important books in theology written in the last 25 years and is now a standard text read in colleges, seminaries, and universities. Dr. Jennings is also the recipient of the 2015 Grawemeyer Award in Religion for his groundbreaking work on race and Christianity. Dr. Jennings recently authored commentary on the Book of Acts won the Reference Book of the Year Award, from The Academy of Parish Clergy. He is also the author of After Whiteness: An Education in Belonging, which is the inaugural book in the much anticipated book series, Theological Education between the Times, and has already become an instant classic, winning the 2020 book of
21the year award from Publishers Weekly. And now Dr. Jennings is hard at work on a book on the doctrine of creation, tentatively entitled, “Reframing the World.”In addition to being a frequent lecturer at colleges, universities, and seminaries, Dr. Jennings is also a regular workshop leader at pastor conferences. He is also a consultant for the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, and for the Association of Theological Schools. He served along with his wife, the Reverend Joanne L. Browne Jennings as associate ministers at the Mount Level Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina, and for many years, they served together as interim pastors for several Presbyterian and Baptist churches in North Carolina. They are the parents of two wonderful daughters, Njeri and Safiya Jennings.GRATITUDEChristian Theological Seminary extends a heartfelt thank you to the following individuals and organizations for their sponsorship of our installation events, which contributed to the celebration of this significant chapter in the history of CTS:Center for Interfaith Cooperation Dave Johnson and the Robert and Evelyn Johnson Legacy Funds Rabbis Dennis and Sandy Sasso Congregation Beth-El Zedeck Trinity Episcopal ChurchA special thank you to the those who have provided the inspiring music for today’s service.David Duncan, Organ Roger Roe, Oboe Douglas Smith, Keyboard and Vocals Our Installation Music Ensemble under the direction of Pastor Rickey McCrayAnd a special thank you to Ray Mills and Milton Keys for our livestream and sound production.
22The origins of academic dress in higher education institutions across the globe can be traced back to European universities in the Middle Ages. At the time, almost all faculty were members of the Christian clergy and regularly wore a “habit,” a black robe that reached to the ankles. The hood was the typical head covering worn during severe weather and draped over the shoulders at other times. When not wearing the hood, faculty usually wore a small cap to protect their heads in the dank cathedrals where students gathered for instruction. In the early days of higher education in the United States, colleges and universities agreed on standards of academic dress for faculty and students. By then, such dress was mostly ceremonial. The ankle-length black robe remains typical, though recently some institutions have begun using other colors. The velvet trim on the front panels of the robes are reminiscent of the fur lining of medieval gowns and are usually black or dark blue. Those who have completed terminal degrees in their fields wear robes that also have three velvet chevrons on each sleeve. ACADEMIC DRESSThe length of the hood signals the highest degree earned by the wearer: twelve inches for undergraduate degrees, twenty-four for Master’s degrees, and thirty-six for doctoral degrees. The velvet trim on academic hoods vary depending on the discipline of the earned degree. The most common colors seen in theological schools are: scarlet (theology), dark blue (philosophy and other disciplines of the humanities), light blue (education and counseling), and pink (music). The silk lining of the hood usually displays the ocial colors of the school granting the degree. Most often, caps are a black, flat mortarboard with tassel. However, some institutions of higher education opt for the soft, black, tam-style cap and tassel, usually with either four or eight points. In recent years especially, some faculty have begun embellishing their academic dress. Innovative designs sometimes signal racial/ethnic pride, professional achievement, denominational aliation, or other personal commitments. Emory University Catholic University of Leuven, BelgiumChristian Theological SeminaryINSTITUTIONAL COLORS
23JENNY FROEHLE is an Indiana writer and educator. Working in schools for thirty years, she has served as a teacher, principal, and district leader in MSD Pike Township and Zionsville Community Schools and as faculty for Butler University. In 2017, she started an educational consulting practice that works with schools across the state. She has volunteered with the Children’s Bureau, as a court-appointed special advocate, and with her dog Bailey as a certified animal therapy team. She and her husband Tom have two grown children. Jenny has published poetry and professional articles and is currently finishing her first novel.NATHAN ALEXANDER FOXTON is a painter who loves color, symbols, and space. Originally from Rochester, New York, he grew up speaking German. Raised in a pre-internet household, he drew his visual culture from library books, comics, some TV, and an active imagination in nature. Nathan has studied art across the eastern United States, most recently attaining his MFA from Indiana University, Bloomington. For many years he painted in Indianapolis and actively engaged in the city’s art scene through exhibiting, curating, teaching, writing, and judging. He now lives and works in San Francisco, California.POET & PAINTER