Making history: our first BIE doctoral students!
Join us in rejoicing in Venerables Xian'ai and Xian'an, both MDiv BIE graduates and current STM students, who have been accepted into Union's prestigious Ph.D. program, starting in Fall of 2023.
Celebrating our Graduates, at last, in person.
On May 20th 2022, we celebrated the graduation of MA, MDiv and STM Buddhist and BIE students. As this was the first in person graduation in two years, we also welcomed back graduates of 2020 and 2021.
BIE Students Recognized!
This year’s graduation saw several BIE students return to the stage to receive various academic awards. Let’s be clear: getting through any degree program is worthy of recognition, especially in these times of pandemic and global upheaval! Having said this, it was a delight to see such a strong showing of the BIE community among those granted particular recognition.
What is it to Go Forth in 2022?
On May 19th of 2022, our Buddhist Collective and the Department leaders of the BIE program hosted a special ritual of Going Forth for our Buddhist grads. This was a more intimate and contemplative ritual than the thunderously joyful ceremony that would follow. Read out account of this joyful and tender moment.
Dr. Rima Vesely-Flad ’02 Joins Union
Union Theological Seminary makes an important announcement, which the Buddhist Collective of Students and Alumni joyously celebrate. A new chapter in the history of the Buddhist and Interreligious Engagement program and all things Buddhist at Union is about to begin, as Dr. Vesely-Flad joins the faculty team. Student and Alumni of the BIE community warmly welcome Dr. Vesely-Flad back to Union!
Dharma Talk in Honor of Thay.
On March 9th 2022, the Buddhist Community of Union Theological Seminary held a memorial services in honor of the recently passed Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh. Rev. Kosen Greg Snyder offered a Dharma talk on this special occasion. He kindly accepted to share his talk here.