Graduate Profile: Sam Reeve, MDiv '25

How I've Changed

Many HDS teachers have modeled charitable reading, critique, and contextualization of various analyses. Thanks to them and my classmates, I am a much sharper thinker and writer. I hope more humble in my approach to the work and thought of others. I'm aware I know a lot more—and because of that—there is a lot more I don't know. My vision is definitely worse after all the reading. I am also much more hopeful about multireligious community, and I am more committed to the work of actualizing that community, more aware that it is not passively created.

Memorable Moment

The HDS Library Pray-In and being banned after. Hosting HDS trivia nights. Dean Teddy Hickman-Maynard and Frank Barrett playing Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life." Innumerable laughs with fellow students, staff, and faculty. The evening dance on the HDS Green in the fall of 2022. I do not remember the occasion, but I remember so many people dancing: Diane Moore, Dean Hempton and Louanne, Professors Gyatso and Hallisey. I knew this was a place balancing levity and gravitas.

Favorite Class or Professor

Beatrice Chrystall’s Pāli language course; the brilliant TF Mafaz Al-Suwaidan, who helped me believe in my writing; Diane Moore, Cynthia Wilson, Álvaro Huerta; the ever-encouraging Hussein Rashid; tireless Burns Stanfield; Dean Teddy Hickman-Maynard and Ali Jablonsky; the brilliant and bold Ahmad Greene-Hayes; the patient advising wisdom and gift of analytical toolkits from Mayra Rivera; the humility, enthusiasm, and expert facilitation of David Holland; the humor and equanimity of David Hempton; the brilliance, support, and fire of HLG and Brandon Terry.

Message of Thanks

My dearest friends and classmates who relentlessly seek to bend this place and the world further towards liberation; Katie, Tim, and Lauren in the Office of Student Life, and the countless staff who care so deeply for this community; the custodial (Sammi, Wilfredo, Freddie) and security (Eddie) teams who keep this place going with great humor. My greatest love and appreciation for my parents, siblings, and forebears who have always rooted me on amidst frequent "Divinity School" questioning.

What I Hope to Be Remembered By

I hope I have recognized the “somebodyness” of everyone and deepened the community here. I hope I have been honest, inviting, interruptible, and learning from my mistakes. I hope I remained awake amidst the tumult.

Future Plans

I hope to get some rest this summer, cook a lot more, perhaps go fishing, and apply for law school this coming cycle as I research on campus. I am also looking forward to returning to HDS trivia as a participant!