Graduation CapsCandler School of Theology at Emory University awarded 130 degrees Monday, May 9, in a diploma award ceremony celebrating the graduates’ achievements. For the 2010-2011 academic year, the school conferred 89 Master of Divinity, 25 Master of Theological Studies, two joint Master of Theological Studies/Juris Doctor, 13 Master of Theology degrees, and one Doctor of Theology degree.

Candler’s dean, Jan Love, presided over the ceremony, first recognizing retiring faculty members Brooks Holifield and Russ Richey, and then presenting Bandy Professor of Preaching Tom Long with the Emory Williams Teaching Award.

In her remarks to the graduates, Dean Love quoted Philippians 4:4-14 and pointed out two words in the passage that hold special meaning: think and learn. “Use what you’ve learned to transform the world,” she said. “Loving God with the full strength of your brainpower often helps you ask the right questions, offer appropriate assistance, and concretely imagine a world transformed with abundance for all.”

Candler School of Theology is an intellectually vital, internationally distinguished and intentionally diverse university-based school of theology. It is one of nine schools at Emory University and one of 13 seminaries of The United Methodist Church, with an enrollment of 500 students representing 50 denominations and more than 7,000 alumni worldwide. Its mission is to educate faithful and creative leaders for the church’s ministries in the world.