The Divinity School sponsors several lecture series that
bring distinguished speakers to Vanderbilt. The Cole Lectures, the oldest lecture series
at Vanderbilt University, brings theologians and church leaders on campus to speak
"in defense and advocacy of the Christian religion." The Antoinette Brown
Lecture, named for the first woman ordained to the Christian ministry in the United
States, is intended to bring to the school distinguished women theologians to speak on a
variety of concerns for women in ministry. Frequent Graduate Department of Religion
Colloquia, which feature lectures by visiting or resident scholars, are open to interested
graduate and Divinity students. In cooperation with other departments of the University,
the Divinity School is host to the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Series and the
Holocaust Lecture Series.
The student association provides students, through their
elected representatives, an active part in discussions about the life of the School,
including academic policy, curriculum development, community events, and faculty hiring
and promotion. The Association publishes an occasional journal and sponsors a wide range
of activities, including the Fall Picnic, holiday dinners, the Spring Gala, community
forums, and numerous other events. One of the most popular and well-attended events is
coffee hour, held each Friday morning in the Divinity School Common Room. With bagels,
doughnuts, and coffee as fuel, faculty and staff members join students to catch up on news
and announcements of community interest.
Organizations such as the Office of Women’s Concerns,
the Office Gay, Bisexual, Lesbian, and Transgendered Concerns (GABLE), and the local
chapter of Black Seminarians serve as groups for advocacy, education, and support.
