WASHINGTON – The Howard University School of Divinity is proud to celebrate its 150^th anniversary this year, utilizing the theme, “The Gift of Black Theological Education: History, Legacy, Advocacy.” This sesquicentennial will consist of a series of events throughout the year in honor of the institution, faculty, students and alumni.

“We are proud to celebrate this milestone in Howard University’s School of Divinity history with our faculty, students, alumni and the community,” says Yolanda Pierce, Ph.D., dean of the Howard University School of Divinity. “The community is who we serve, and as an integral part of our institution, we welcome everyone to join us in celebration of our sesquicentennial.”

The kick-off event featuring special guest speaker Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr., pastor of the New Psalmist Baptist Church of Baltimore, will be held on Thursday, February 27 at 7 p.m. at Dunbarton Chapel, 2900 Van Ness St NW, Washington, DC 20008. Titled, “Celebrating Our Spiritual Legacy,” the community is welcome to attend this free, “come as you are” style worship event.

HUSD will host additional events throughout the year, including an academic symposium on the main campus on April 3; an arts festival on September 26; and a closing reception on November 7.

The Howard University School of Divinity (HUSD) was chartered in 1870, three years after Howard University was established. The divinity school became fully accredited in 1940 by the Association of Theological Schools under the leadership of former Dean, Benjamin Elijah Mays (1934-1940).  Howard University School of Divinity remains to be one of the oldest fully accredited theological institutions in the United States and is the only historically black Theological institution connected to a comprehensive category-one research institution. Throughout history, its has gained an enviable reputation for its distinguished faculty and graduates who have made an indelible impact on the nation and the world.  

For more information, visit divinity.howard.edu

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(Headshot of Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr., courtesy of New Psalmist Baptist Church Baltimore, Maryland)

About Howard University School of Divinity

Howard University School of Divinity enrolls students from diverse backgrounds and religious traditions who are pursuing a Master of Arts in Religious Studies, Master of Divinity, Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration, Master of Divinity/Master of Social Work, and Doctor of Ministry degrees. HUSD offers an unparalleled educational experience that not only reflects the African-American cultural and religious tradition, but also the foundations of excellence promoted throughout Howard University's history and the unique opportunity afforded by its location within the nation's capital. For more info, visit divinity.howard.edu.

About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 70 Fulbright Scholars. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu

Media Contact: Imani Pope-Johns, Imani.popejohns@howard.edu