#  Graduate Profile: Stephanie Hollenberg, MDiv '24 

 





May 13, 2024

 

 

     ![Stephanie Hollenberg, MDiv'24](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/hds2/files/stephaniehollenberg-900x600.jpg?itok=d0ea4oOq) 

Stephanie Hollenberg, MDiv'24 / Courtesy photo

 



 

## How I've Changed 

My desire upon arriving at HDS was to integrate my then-separate loves for spirituality and music, and having made a significant step forward on this journey, I leave with a happy heart. This weaving together has yielded both personal and professional growth, as I found healing and clarity around my relationship to music and discerned a call to pursue chaplaincy. I leave HDS with greater confidence and skillfulness, and emboldened to think creatively about how to bring spiritual care into spaces that need it.

## Memorable Moment 

Creating my thesis (an original one-act chamber musical entitled “At Love’s Hearth,” weaving together music and spiritual care) was an absolute labor of love and learning. Writing the piece, collaborating with one of my favorite contemporary composers, gathering 25 incredible musicians to perform it, and offering it in Williams Chapel for an audience of over 100 people…the journey was full of joy, fear, and magic, and was utterly transformative for me.

## Message of Thanks 

I’m grateful to Professor Stephanie Paulsell for the beautiful way she holds space in her classroom and facilitates meaningful discussion. I’m also grateful to professors Chris Hossfeld, Chris Berlin and Dan McKanan for playing a significant part in allowing me space to dream and unfurl my vision for music and spiritual care at HDS. I carry immense gratitude for Dean Teddy’s musical ministry at HDS; his offerings moved and inspired me in profound ways. Thanks, too, to my incredible peers for inspiring me with your gifts and energies. (Wow, you all!) I have learned \*so\* very much in walking this road with you! Finally, thanks to all the unseen bees behind the scenes who keep HDS running and making honey! Administrators, techies, security (hey, Eddie!), librarians, custodians, cafe staff, and, and, and…. Thank you, thank you for supporting the life of this special community.

## What I Hope to Be Remembered By 

Regardless of my hopes, I suspect I may be remembered for giving a sermon about faeries for the Billings Preaching Competition.

## Future Plans 

My husband and I are making a home on Abenaki land in Vermont and will live in our yurt while we build a home. I will seek work as a chaplain and continue to discern how to use my music. I look forward to a slower pace, living closer to the land and weaving sweet community. Come by for a cuppa!



 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ Student Activities and Interviews ](/discover-stories-about/student-activities-and-interviews)
- [ Commencement ](/topic-tags/commencement)
- [ Commencement 2024 ](/topic-tags/commencement-2024)