MTS graduate Sister Nia Joy Waterhouse and MDiv graduate Hunter Steinmetz at Candler’s Graduate Recognition Ceremony on May 9.
Emory University celebrated its 181st Commencement Exercises in ceremonies spanning from May 7 to May 11, including a university Commencement ceremony at Gas South Arena. In all, Emory awarded 5,364 degrees to graduates from 54 U.S. states and territories and 62 countries.
Candler’s Class of 2026 celebrated with family, friends, faculty and staff at the school’s Graduate Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 9 in Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on Emory’s campus. Candler conferred 133 degrees, including 77 Master of Divinity, nine Master of Theology, 14 Master of Theological Studies, three Master of Arts in Religion and Leadership, two Master of Religion and Public Life, 26 Doctor of Ministry, one Master of Divinity/Master of Social Work, and one Master of Divinity/Master of Public Health. Watch the ceremony recording here.
Tara Stevens, a member of the first class of graduates in the MDiv hybrid program, crosses the stage.
In his opening remarks, Mary Lee Hardin Willard Dean Jonathan Strom announced Associate Professor of American Religious History Alison Collis Greene as the Candler honoree for the Provost’s Distinguished Teaching Award for Excellence in Graduate and Professional Education, which recognizes outstanding scholars who excel as teachers within formal and informal educational settings.
In addition, Professor in the Practice of Old Testament and Executive Director of The Candler Foundry Ryan Bonfiglio was awarded Emory’s 2026 Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award, a faculty honor supported by the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Three Candler professors are leaving the faculty this year: Associate Professor of Early Christianity and Anglican Studies Gabrielle Thomas departs to join Yale’s Berkeley Divinity School as dean; Associate Professor of Historical Theology and Christian Worship L. Edward Phillips 79T retires after 18 years on the Candler faculty; and Assistant Professor in the Practice of Music Ministry David B. Daniel, director of chapel music, retires after 15 years at Candler.
Candler Alumni Board Chair Chris Rapko 11T, interim associate pastor of Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur, welcomed the graduates to their new status as alumni.
Newly hooded DMin graduate Sione Finau poses with his family after the ceremony.
In his formal address, Strom hailed this year’s graduates as “pioneers” navigating new degree programs, curricula, and modalities. He acknowledged the graduating inaugural cohorts of Candler’s hybrid Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Religion and Leadership degree programs, as well as the first La Mesa Academy for Theological Studies cohort to complete the program’s certificate.
“You are a remarkable group and I have learned so much from you. Your brilliance and engagement give me hope for the church and the next generation,” Strom said. “I’m so impressed with the grace and generosity with which students, faculty and staff have constructed new and exciting paths, programs, and communities to serve the church and the world better.”
With the May 7 announcement of Terrence L. Johnson as Candler’s incoming dean, Strom also expressed bittersweet emotions as he finishes his two years in the role before rejoining the full-time faculty. He said it has been an extraordinary honor to lead Candler.
“Getting to know the school in all its strengths and challenges has made me appreciate Candler all the more,” Strom said. “There is an extraordinary sense of mission as a community that does not allow us to rest on our laurels, but drives us forward to discover new paths as we respond to the challenges that God’s world sets before us.”
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Photos: Cindy Brown 09T, C. Brown Photos