For graduating MTS student Ellie Ashby, the study of religion is inseparable from storytelling—tracing how faith is practiced, embodied, and understood in everyday life.
Tess Dufrechou, MDiv ’25, and Kat Woodard, MDiv ’25, have received the 2025 Frederick Buechner Prize, an award given annually to two graduating MDiv students whose senior papers best embody the vision of the late writer-theologian Frederick Buechner.
“The space where I grew the most was through interacting with my friends and classmates. From them, I learned the meaning of loyalty, the power of grace and kindness, and how better to hold life's complex realities.”
“Each person I've encountered has pushed me deeper towards truth while offering community that feels like home.”
“Peace has been the guiding principle of my life—shaping my actions, relationships, and calling...I hope people see in me a heart committed to reconciliation, compassion, and the transformative power of faith.”
“Rev. Dr. Monica Sanford & Dr. Giovanna Parmigiani...gave me nudges in the right direction throughout my time at HDS. They are both responsible for helping me to step into my authentic self and reminded me that I can actually do the academia thing.”
"In the fall, I plan to start a job as a case manager, helping people who are getting out of prison secure employment."
“I leave with a more open mind toward beliefs that are different from my own, and a more open heart in how I engage with them.”
"I was really not looking forward to taking a nonprofit leadership/administration course, but the way Dr. Crowley presented the material and engaged with us in our own contexts helped deepen my call to ministry and affirmed in my abilities."
"l'm grateful that HDS showed me that a community like this, amidst all the crazy circumstances we live in, is very much real and still possible and I hope to continue to cultivate similar communities post-HDS!"