Alumni/ae Association

“The Alumni/ae of Saint John’s School of Theology•Seminary work to support one another and the mission of Saint John’s to create collaborative, sustainable and prophetic models of ministry for the church.”

February 12, 2008

Dear Saint John’s School of Theology·Seminary Alums,

Warmest greetings from Saint John’s School of Theology·Seminary!  As we begin this new year, it is my great pleasure to share with you some changes that have happened here at the School of Theology·Seminary.  Since July of 2007 we have hired four new staff people:  Barbara Sutton, Director of Ministerial Formation and Field Education;  Rose Beauclair, Director of Marketing and Communication; Grace Ellens, Director of Development; and myself, Bernadette Dunn, Director of Events and Special Programs and Coordinator of the Alumni/ae Association.

It is in the capacity as Coordinator of the Alumni/ae Association that I am writing to you.  Over the past five years, we have been trying to establish a School of Theology·Seminary Alumni/ae Association focused on addressing the needs of our alums.  To that end, we are continuing to build and update our data base in order that we might better serve you. 

From an alumni/ae survey completed in 2004, compiled by the Alumni/ae Association Planning Committee, we established several goals aimed at meeting the needs expressed in the survey.

Some of those goals are:

     1.  To create a monthly e-mail newsletter with updates on happenings here at Saint John’s along with exciting information about where our alums are and what they are doing.

     2.  To create a “Listserv” that would give our alums a venue for sharing ministry information.  Many of you are in areas where few theological resources are available.  We foresee the listserv as a “well of theological wisdom” from which each of you can draw at any time.  It is an opportunity to share the experiences and learned wisdom for life-giving ministry.

     3.  To provide an affordable means for our graduate alums to continue their education, primarily through discounted web courses and other not-for credit offerings. 

     4.  To offer a sacred space for our graduate alums to rejuvenate their spirit, by providing cost free overnight lodging and meals (on a space available basis).

We realize these are very lofty goals but, we also believe they address the needs expressed by our alums.  However, if we are to move forward with these goals, we need to do several things:

     1.  Establish an updated mailing and e-mail address listing that will enable us to communicate with you in the most timely and cost effective way.   

     2.  Get your permission to include you on the “Well of Wisdom” listserv, enabling us to tap into that vast pool of learned experiences and success stories that describe our alums.  

     3.  Receive recommendations on web offerings that you would find helpful for your current ministry and continuing formation.

     4.  Receive recommendations of candidates for both the S. Mary Anthony Wagner Award and the Ezekiel Prophet of Hope Award.

     5.  Brainstorm ways we can better integrate the diversity of our past and recent alum community of clergy, religious and lay and create an identity that honors the past, the present, and the already but not yet ministers of the Church.     

     6.  Expand our planning committee membership to reflect the diversity of our community, e.g., clergy, religious and lay.

To assist us in meeting these goals, there are four things I am asking of you.  It would be most helpful if you would respond to the following items either via e-mail to bdunn@csbsju.edu, or by phone at 320-363-2839 or by using the enclosed envelope.

     1.  Current e-mail address, postal address and phone number.

     2.  Yes or No if you would like to be included on or know more about the “Well of Wisdom” listserv.

     3.  Yes or No if you would like more information about joining the planning committee.

     4.  Comments, suggestions and/or recommendations about forming an alumni/ae association.

As an alum, I look forward with excitement to hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to work with you as you continue your journey in service to God’s people. 

Sincerely,

Bernadette S. Dunn, ‘95

Coordinator Alumni/ae Association,