July 2, 2009
DSPT on Local TV
On June 21, 2009, Fr. Michael Sweeney, OP, President of the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology (DSPT), and Sr. Marianne Farina, CSC, assistant professor at DSPT, were interviewed on the MOSAIC television program of CBS affiliate KPIX-TV. MOSAIC is a community service news program devoted to discussing events and programs of faith communities in the Bay Area. Read more at DSPTOnline...
A Sabbatical Experience: Fr. Michael Dodds, OP
Fr. Michael Dodds, OP, is completing a sabbatical year, which included visits to the Dominicans at Blessed Sacrament Priory in Seattle; Blackfriars Hall in Oxford, England; the Albertinum in Fribourg, Switzerland, and San Esteban Priory in Salamanca, Spain. Read more at DSPTOnline...
Joan Underwood Anthenien (1927 – 2009)
by Fr. Richard Schenk, OP
One of the most esteemed members of DSPT’s community of scholars died on June 5 at her home in Orinda after a long illness. Joan Underwood Anthenien had worked in various administrative capacities during decisive years of the transformation and development of the DSPT’s presence in Berkeley. In 1992 she was awarded the degree of Doctor honoris causa in humane letters from DSPT in recognition of her many and profound contributions to the academic life of the school. Read more at DSPTOnline...
Fabian (Stan) Parmisano, O.P., M.Div., M.A., S.T.Lec., Ph.D. (Cantab.)
(11 June 1926 – 18 June 2009)
by Fr. Chris Renz, O.P.
As a full obituary is available in S.F. Chronicle, my goal here is to highlight some of his more prominent contributions to academic scholarship and the DSPT. Read more...
Sponsorship Opportunities: 2nd Annual DSPT Golf Tournament – Tee It Up For Truth
Each one of our students has a unique vocation - a life-long work they are called to - and it is our mission to provide them with a solid academic foundation so they can fulfill that work. Support our mission today by sponsoring the 2nd Annual Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology (DSPT) Golf Tournament on Monday, September 21 at the Oakland Metropolitan Links. Sponsor the event or gather your friends for 18 holes, a great meal and the fellowship of a community that makes a difference for our future.
Read more at DSPTOnline...
New Program Survey: Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
The Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology is looking for people to participate in a survey intended to evaluate the current demand for a possible new graduate program – Master of Theological Studies (MTS).
Read more at DSPTOnline...
New at DSPT: On Facebook? So is DSPT!
The Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology has a new presence on the social networking site Facebook (www.facebook.com). You can now “become a fan” of DSPT’s page, making it easier for you to be updated about exciting news and events at DSPT.
Read more at DSPTOnline...
July 2009: Faculty and Alumni News
From May 26 - 28, Fr. Richard Schenk, OP, professor of philosophy and theology at DSPT, attended the annual meeting of the Academy of Catholic Theology in Washington, D.C. Read more at DSPTOnline...
Fr. Bryan Kromholtz, OP, assistant professor of theology at DSPT, is assisting with preaching and sacramental ministry at Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage from June 12 to July 10. Read more at DSPTOnline...
From June 22 to 25, Fr. Albert Paretsky, OP, adjunct professor of theology at DSPT, offered a series of seven talks titled “The Voice from the Whirlwind” at the Vallombrosa Retreat Center in Menlo Park, California. Read more at DSPTOnline...
Fr. Hilary Martin, OP, emeritus professor at DSPT, has returned to Melbourne in Australia for the following semester. Read more at DSPTOnline...
Alumni Profile: Fr. Bernhard Blankenhorn, OP, M.A. in Philosophy (2002), M.Div. (2006)
After two years of full-time parish ministry and one year of doctoral studies at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, I have come to a deeper appreciation for my intellectual formation at DSPT. Two aspects of that education stand out as unique to DSPT. Read more at DSPTOnline...
July 2009: A Culture of Philanthropy
2008-2009 Annual Fund Recap
The 2008-2009 fiscal year has come to a close, and it is with heartfelt gratitude that we acknowledge our benefactors, alumni, students, faculty, staff, families, friends, Dominican communities and parishes, and long time DSPT supporters who have made contributions through the 2008 Annual Fund, Sunday in Spain Auction, Golf Tournament, and the Alemany Dinner. As of June 30, 2009, through the fundraising efforts this year and the support from the Western Dominican Province, the school brought in a total of $617,121.76 in unrestricted and restricted gifts. Read more at DSPTOnline...
June 3, 2009
DSPT Summer Session: Still Time to Enroll!
There is still time to enroll in summer courses at DSPT! Read more at DSPTOnline…
DSPT’s College of Fellows and the “Catholic Imagination”
On Thursday, May 21, the DSPT hosted a series of presentations by members of the school’s College of Fellows. The broad theme of the afternoon was “the Catholic imagination,” with four Fellows offering brief remarks on how their Catholic faith shapes and informs their professional work. Read more at DSPTOnline…
DSPT’s 77th Annual Commencement Events
This year we were honored to welcome His Eminence James Francis Cardinal Stafford from Rome as the commencement speaker. Cardinal Stafford is the Major Penitentiary of the Catholic Church and has served as the President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity. Visit http://dspt.edu/docs/news/events/Graduation.asp to watch the Cardinal’s speech and other videos from the graduation ceremonies.
A Jesuit-Influenced Perspective on the Qualities of a Dominican Education
by Elissa McCormack
Elissa McCormack gave the student speech at this year’s graduation on May 22, 2009. The following is the text of her speech. Read more at DSPTOnline…
DSPT Graduate Ordained as Capuchin Franciscan Priest
Fr. Joseph Seraphin Dederick, OFM Cap. (M.Div. 2009) was ordained this past March in the Diocese of Sacramento at his home parish. He reports the beautiful, spiritual feeling of that day, like his vocation is really beginning to flower, by now including both religious life and priestly life. He says, “I have been called to be a Capuchin Franciscan priest and therefore something has always seemed to be lacking for my religious calling. Now I know better what that was – my ordination. This is the path God has called me on. May I be faithful to his calling.” Read more at DSPTOnline…
New Organization to the Master of Arts (Philosophy) Program
After careful consideration of the needs of our students and the mission of the School, the Faculty have decided to discontinue the B.A. (Philosophy) program. In its place, the School will now offer an expanded MA (Philosophy) program. Read more at DSPTOnline…
Save the Date: 2nd Annual DSPT Golf Tournament – Tee It Up For Truth
Please save the date to Tee It Up For Truth on September 21, for a day filled with sportsmanship, laughter and hope for the future. The 2nd annual DSPT Tee It Up For Truth golf tournament is an endeavor to help fund our School so that we can continue to fulfill its important mission - to prepare priests, religious and lay men and women to meet the pastoral needs of communities all over the world. Read more at DSPTOnline…
New at DSPT: New Program Survey: Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
The Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology is looking for people to participate in a survey intended to evaluate the current demand for a possible new graduate program – Master of Theological Studies (MTS). Read more at DSPTOnline…
June 2009: Faculty and Alumni News
Several DSPT professors have published articles in the most recent issue of the Angelicum (86). Read more at DSPTOnline…
Fr. Hilary Martin, OP, Emeritus Professor, brought his work with Australian Aboriginals to DSPT this semester as part of the Faith in Human Rights symposium. Read more at DSPTOnline…
DSPT alum, Ed Hopfner, is now coordinating the Marriage and Family Life programs for the Diocese of Oakland. Read more at DSPTOnline…
Alumni Profile: Sarah Ball, B.A. in Philosophy (2009)
I came to the Dominican School, as the only (and the last) undergraduate student, with little experience in the field of philosophy. I had a little knowledge in the subject matter itself, and absolutely none in the method (writing research papers, reading journal articles, and such). Read more at DSPTOnline…
June 2009: A Culture of Philanthropy
Annual Fund: Help Us Meet Our Goal!
Thank you for the support you gave to the faculty and students of DSPT during the past year. Your participation helped greatly in advancing the School to a higher level of commitment. Despite current challenges, benefactors, friends, alumni, and the community at large are setting a new record of giving to the 2008-2009 DSPT Annual Fund. Thanks to you, we are on our way to meeting our goal this year. W e invite you to further enhance the lives of our students and faculty by making your 2008-2009 Annual Fund gift before our fiscal year ends on June 30. Read more at DSPTOnline…
May 6, 2009
The College of Fellows of the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology
To preach and teach effectively in contemporary culture, our graduates must be conversant not only with the traditional disciplines of philosophy and theology but also with contemporary issues in secular society in disciplines outside the compass of the School's curriculum, such as the political and judicial process, economics, business, the sciences, bio-medical research, technology, media and the arts. To address this need, in 2006 DSPT established the College of Fellows. Read more at DSPTOnline…
Congratulations to the 2009 Graduates! Read more at DSPTOnline…
Solemn Vows: What do you seek? “God’s mercy and yours.”
On May 23 two of our Dominican brothers, Mark Francis Manzano, OP and Boniface Willard, OP, will take part in the Rite of Solemn Profession. For the Brother it is a moment of profound humility, vulnerability and trust. For the Dominican Order it is a promise of support and accompaniment. Read more at DSPTOnline…
Ordination to the Priesthood
“Accept from the holy people of God these gifts to be offered to him. Know what you are doing, imitate the mystery you celebrate: model your life on the mystery of the Lord’s cross.”
On May 30, two of the Dominican brothers, Rev. Br. Raphael Mary Salzillo, OP and Rev. Br. Peter Hoang Do, OP, will be ordained to the priesthood in the Rite of Presbyteral Ordination. Read more at DSPTOnline…
Three Dominican Priests Honored at the 2009 Archbishop Joseph Alemany Award for Christian Service
Every year, DSPT hosts an award ceremony to honor women and men who have distinguished themselves by exemplary service to the Church. Over the years, religious order and lay people alike have been recipients of the Archbishop Joseph Alemany Award for bringing their Catholic faith to bear on the concerns of today. Read more at DSPTOnline…
New at DSPT: New Summer Classes
It is summer time again and we enthusiastically invite you to attend our summer session here at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology. For the first time this summer we are offering Evangelizing Education I & II (courses in pedagogy – the only such courses at the GTU), Lay Preaching, Youth Ministry Spirituality, and an intensive course in ecclesiastical Latin. Read more at DSPTOnline…
DSPT Graduates Continue Their Studies
DSPT is proud to report on several of our graduates who will be continuing their studies in Master’s and Doctoral programs across the country, many of whom received generous offers of financial support from their departments! Read more at DSPTOnline…
May 2009: Faculty and Alumni News
Sr. Marianne Farina, CSC participated in a two day conference on April 3-4, 2009 exploring interfaith dialogue and study which was held at the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO. Read more at DSPTOnline…
Elissa McCormack, DSPT alumna, participated in the conference organized by the Western Commission for the Study of Religion (WECSOR) at Santa Clara University on March 22-23. Read more at DSPTOnline…
A new book by Fr. Christopher Renz, OP, In This Light Which Gives Light – A History of the College of St. Albert the Great , will be available soon. Read more at DSPTOnline…
DSPT alumna Sophia Stone has an article appearing this spring in the book Stephen Colbert and Philosophy: I Am Philosophy (And So Can You!). Read more at DSPTOnline…
Alumni Profile: Maria Vickroy-Peralta, M.A. in Theology (2008)
Since completing my MBA at the University of California in Berkeley, one of my goals had been to study theology. In September 2004, I resigned from my position as managing director at a major international bank to pursue my MA in Theology at DSPT, and it has turned out to be one of the best decisions that I have ever made. Read more at DSPTOnline…
May 2009: A Culture of Philanthropy
How to Cultivate a Culture of Philanthropy Throughout Your Community
A culture of philanthropy emerges when people share a common belief and come together to support it. At DSPT our supporters give time, resources, ideas, money, prayers and much more. Read more at DSPTOnline…
April 7, 2009
DSPT at the LA Religious Education Congress
Fr. Michael Sweeney, OP, President of the Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology (DSPT), was invited to give two workshops at the annual Los Angeles Religious Education Congress on February 27 and 28. The largest event of its kind in the world, the Congress is held at the Anaheim Convention Center and draws crowds in the tens of thousands. Read more at DSPTOnline…
The Message Stick
by Fr. J. Hilary Martin, O.P.
What Aboriginal people refer to as a Message Stick was significant for travelers in the ancient Outback. Australia is a big country with miles and miles of countryside to walk through and to investigate. Read more at DSPTOnline…
Transfer of the Remains of Archbishop Joseph Sadoc Alemany, O.P.: A Curious Story
by Fr. Chris Renz, O.P.
The celebration of the annual Alemany Award Dinner for the Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology (DSPT) affords an opportunity to share a curious and fascinating detail about Joseph Sadoc Alemany, O.P. Read more…
New at DSPT: Ad Gentes
DSPT has a new academic newsletter, titled Ad Gentes, which will be published twice a year. Each newsletter will include an article related to the mission statement of DSPT, especially in terms of our engagement with contemporary scholarship and culture using the tradition of classical philosophy and Catholic theology. Read more at DSPTOnline…
New at DSPT: DSPT Alumni Save the Date for an Alumni Meeting During DSPT’s Graduation Week!
Thursday, May 21
2:00 p.m. – DSPT Fellows Lecture
4:00 p.m. – Wine & Cheese Reception with DSPT Fellows and Alumni
5:00 p.m. – Alumni Meeting
Friday, May 22
10:00 a.m. – Baccalaureate Mass
3:00 p.m. – DSPT Commencement
4:00 p.m. - Reception
Dear DSPT Alumni,
At DSPT, differing voices come together with a common goal – discovering truth and speaking it with courage. The voice of our Alumni is critical to the success of our mission as a school, so we invite you to join us in an on-going dialogue concerning faith and contemporary culture. Read more at DSPTOnline…
Autobiographical Essay
by Fr. J. Hilary Martin, O.P.
Editor’s Note: Fr. Hilary recently celebrated his 80th birthday at DSPT.
For quite a while, there was a picture of me on the DSPT website dressed in a blue sweater and jeans and holding an Aboriginal bark painting that was made and given to me by Aboriginal artist William Parmbuk, a friend of mine from the Northwest Territories. This story serves as a window of how much the world of academia has changed, and how much I have changed since I first set out teaching 40 years ago. Read more at DSPTOnline…
April 2009: Faculty and Alumni News
On March 22nd, Fr. Albert Paretsky, OP gave a conference at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Seattle on “Lent: Journey to a New Creation.” Read more at DSPTOnline…
Current DSPT student, Debra Nichols’s work on the new St. Vincent de Paul Free Dining Room in San Rafael has been recognized with an award by the Society of Environmental Graphic Designers (SEGD) for excellence in design. Read more at DSPTOnline…
Alumni Profile: Erin Zion, M.A. in Theology, Art and Religion emphasis (2008)
I was drawn to attend DSPT because of their commitment to the field of art and religion. For me, this field embodies everything that makes me Catholic. The beauty of the world reflects the majesty and goodness of God, and contemplation of the beautiful draws us deeper into the mystery of the Incarnation. Read more at DSPTOnline…
April 2009: A Culture of Philanthropy
Embracing a Culture of Philanthropy at DSPT: Why it Matters
Fundraising is ultimately about relationships. More than anything, a culture of philanthropy is an attitude that embraces relationship building. Once a community of believers is built, the financial support will follow. Read more at DSPTOnline…
March 4, 2009
In Memoriam: Dr. Peer M. Portner
Dr. Peer M. Portner, Fellow of the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, died on February 9, after a long and heroic struggle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, who serves as a Trustee of the School, and by his daughters Catherine and Karen and their families. Read more at DSPTOnline...
DSPT Honors Three Extraordinary Dominican Priests at the Annual Archbishop Joseph Alemany Awards Dinner
Each year the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology presents the Archbishop Joseph Alemany Award to honor men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the Church in the Western Dominican Province. At this year’s Alemany Award Dinner, we will be honoring three Dominican priests who served as educators, chaplains, spiritual directors, and friends to many: Fr. Tommy Hayes, OP, Fr. Vincent Lopez, OP, and Fr. Martin Walsh, OP. For more information about the Alemany Awards Dinner on April 18, contact advancement@dspt.edu. Read more at DSPTOnline...
Faith in Human Rights Symposium Update
The Faith in Human Rights Symposium has been off to a great start with workshops, lectures, and films. Upcoming events include the West Coast premiere of the film Where the Water Meets the Sky and a lecture at DSPT by Dr. Jean Porter of the University of Notre Dame. Read more at DSPTOnline...
Fr. Michael Morris, OP’s Collection on Display at MOBIA in New York City
Fr. Michael Morris’s collection of vintage movie posters is currently on display as part of the exhibition Reel Religion: A Century of the Bible and Film at the Museum of Biblical Art (MOBIA) in New York City. Read more at DSPTOnline...
New at DSPT: Fr. Jorge Santiago, SDB
Fr. Jorge was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was ordained a Salesian priest on August 13, 1994, after completing studies in philosophy and education in the Dominican Republic and theology in Guadalajara, Mexico. Read more at DSPTOnline...
March 2009: Faculty and Alumni News
On February 19, 2009, Fr. Richard Schenk, OP took part as the only theologian in a conference with and on the philosopher Martha Nussbaum (U. of Chicago), regarding her recent work, Liberty of Conscience: In Defense of America’s Tradition of Religious Equality (2008). Read more at DSPTOnline...
Dr. Marga Vega lectured about theory of art on January 28 and February 4 to the Social Ontology Group in Berkeley. Read more at DSPTOnline...
Fr. Michael Dodds, OP, is on sabbatical this semester in Oxford. Read more at DSPTOnline...
Fr. Albert Paretsky, OP, preached a Lenten retreat for the Dominican laity from February 27 through March 1 on “Encountering the Eternal Word in Time.” Read more at DSPTOnline...
Fr. Andrew Younan, DSPT alum, has recently published his thesis, The Mesopotamian School & Theodore of Mopsuestia.
Alumni Profile: Fr. Dismas Sayre, OP, B.A. in Philosophy (2003), M.Div. (2008)
“Truth in Charity”
As a fairly new parish priest, the best part for me about DSPT was that the philosophy and divinity programs both taught me how to look at and understand new ideas, be they traditional, radically new, or simply coming from a different world-view. The question was always, “What truth abides within?” Read more at DSPTOnline...
March 2009: A Culture of Philanthropy
The Gift of a Lifetime: Building a Lasting Legacy at DSPT
As a center for preparing young men and women for religious leadership, since 1932 DSPT has been making a positive difference in countless lives around the world, through the leadership and service of our graduates. Through our Planned Giving options, there are several ways you too can make a difference and leave a lasting legacy at DSPT. Read more at DSPTOnline...
February 3, 2009
Saying Goodbye to Fr. Thomas Kraft, O.P. (17 Dec. 1953 – 22 Jan. 2009)
Join us in praying for the repose of the soul of DSPT alum, Fr. Tom Kraft, O.P. Fr. Tom was born and raised in Spokane, WA and after graduating from college, he worked in a volunteer program in the archdiocese of Seattle. He lived close to Blessed Sacrament, the Dominican parish there. Read more at DSPTonline...
St. Albert Priory Chapel Welcomes the Sounds of Dave Brubeck
During the month of January, St. Albert Priory played host to the Pacific Mozart Ensemble, for their recording of some of the sacred music written by composer Dave Brubeck. The project is being funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts as part of a series on the choral music of Brubeck. Read more at DSPTonline...
New at DSPT: Faith in Human Rights Symposium
This semester DSPT will be collaborating with other universities, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faith centers, interfaith coalitions and Bay Area social justice organizations to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The symposium, Faith in Human Rights: Promoting Human Dignity, Working for Justice, Building Peace, has already begun and will run through 12 May 2009. Read more at DSPTonline...
February 2009: Faculty and Alumni News
On January 25, Sr. Marianne Farina, CSC gave the Aquinas Lecture for the Catherine of Sienna Newman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was also recently appointed to the Editorial Board of the Journal of Inter-Religious Dialogue. Read more at DSPTOnline…
Our very own Fr. Michael Morris, O.P. has been invited to give talks in three different cities in three consecutive weeks starting in the middle of February. Read more at DSPTOnline…
Last month, Fr. Albert Paretsky, O.P., Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies at DSPT, preached the annual retreat for the clergy of the Archdiocese of Seattle. Read more at DSPTOnline…
Alumni Profile: Sophia Stone, M.A. in Philosophy (2005)
“ Doing Grown-Up Philosophy”
Before I came to DSPT I thought I had a pretty good handle on philosophy. I came from U.C. Berkeley, after all. Read more at DSPTOnline…
February 2009: A Culture of Philanthropy
Annual Fund Update We’d like to extend our thanks to all the members of the DSPT community who have already donated to the Annual Fund. Contributions continue to flow in and so far our total is almost $380,850. Read more at DSPTOnline…
January 8, 2009
Dominican Students to be Ordained to the Diaconate in January: Read How They Came to Answer God's Call
Five Dominican friar students of the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology will be ordained to the diaconate on January 31, 2009 by the Most Reverend Allen Vigneron, Bishop of Oakland, at the new Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California. Brothers Michael Augustine Amabisco, John Marie Bingham, Christopher Fadok, Stephen Maria Lopez, and Tap Vu will enter into the apostolic ministry of deacons by their reception of the sacrament of Holy Orders, through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church.
Read more at DSPTonline...
Reflections on DSPT’s First Offering at St. Dominic’s in San Francisco
In the Fall 2008 semester, Fr. Michael Sweeney offered a course, “Theology of the Laity: the Role of the Lay Person in the Catholic Church,” at St. Dominic’s Parish in San Francisco. Joseph Ratzinger, while still a cardinal, remarked that we likely should speak of a sort of “world office” of the lay person in the Church; in other words, along with the clergy, the laity have an office in the Church. In this course Fr. Sweeney suggested that we should, indeed, speak of a lay office in the Church, which is ordered to the Church’s secular mission.
Read more at DSPTonline...
DSPT Galleria: Picturing Paradise: Cuadros by the Peruvian Women on the Pamplona Alta as Visions of Hope
Picturing Paradise is an exhibition featuring embroidered and appliquéd fabric pictures called Cuadros, created by women of Compacto Humano and Manos Ancashinas, two art cooperatives located in Pamplona Alta, a shantytown situated on the outskirts of Lima, Peru. The exhibition places emphasis on the women as artists and the way their art reflects a profound sense of resilience, spirituality, and hope despite the harsh conditions of their lives. Read more at DSPTonline...
New at DSPT: On Facebook?
So are we! Join the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology group to stay in touch with the DSPT community!
Read more at DSPTonline...
January 2009: Faculty and Alumni News
Fr. Richard Schenk, DSPT Professor of Philosophy and Theology, published quite a few articles in 2008 that are now available! Read more at DSPTonline...
Fr. Michael Sweeney’s recent article, “In the Eucharist is found the evidence and renewal of hope,” appeared in the December 15 issue of The Catholic Voice (vol. 46, no. 21) and is also available online.
A recent work of historical fiction, Mindful, by Sr. Barbara Green is now available on Amazon.com. Read more at DSPTonline...
Alumni Profile: Larry King, M.A. in Theology (2008)
My appreciation for the curriculum at DSPT has increased even more since I began doctoral studies at the Catholic University of America. Read more at DSPTonline...
January 2009: A Culture of Philanthropy
Breaking News: Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 and Planned Giving
Congress has authorized the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 which extends the law that allows donors to make charitable gifts from their IRA accounts during tax years 2008 and 2009 without incurring income tax on the withdrawal. What is the secret to making a gift that will provide the greatest meaning to you? Read more at DSPTonline...
December 3, 2008
Faith in Human Rights: An Interfaith Project
The Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in collaboration with other universities, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faith centers, interfaith coalitions and Bay Area social justice organizations, will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with an interfaith program of study, dialogue, and action entitled, Faith in Human Rights: Promoting Human Dignity, Working for Justice, Building Peace. Read more at DSPTonline...
Inception of Fr. Augustine Thompson, O.P. as Master of Sacred Theology
This year’s feast of St. Albert the Great, November 15, was the occasion of Fr. Augustine Thompson’s official “inception” as Master of Sacred Theology (Sacrae Theologiae Magister, or S.T.M.). Fr. Augustine is a member of the Western Dominican Province and a DSPT alum. He received his doctorate in medieval history from the University of California, Berkeley and is currently a professor of religious studies and history at the University of Virginia. His specialty is lay and religious spirituality in thirteenth-century Italy. Read more at DSPTonline...
December 2008: In the News…
On November 12, faculty member Dr. Marga Vega presented “The Ontology of Art: An Anthropological Perspective” as this year’s Aquinas Lecture. Read more at DSPTonline...
The Second Edition of The Unchanging God of Love by Fr. Michael Dodds, OP is now available from the Catholic University of America Press. Read more at DSPTonline...
Alumni Profile: Colleen Knutsen, M.A. in Theology (2005)
As I sit and reflect on how my time at DSPT shaped the person that I have become, I cannot help but think that many of the lessons I learned were outside of the classroom. That is not to say that the lessons were not connected to the classes I took, but it was often in the discussions outside of class that I was most challenged. The search for Truth that drew many of us to the DSPT often impassioned our discussions and led us to challenge one another to live these truths beyond the classroom; we were forced to consider the practical application that studying philosophy and theology had in our daily existence as part of a much bigger reality than the confines of North Berkeley. Read more at DSPTonline...
December 2008: A Culture of Philanthropy
What is the Annual Fund? You may have received our Annual Fund brochure in the mail recently or perhaps one of our students called you to talk about our Annual Appeal. Every year we turn to our supporters to help carry out the mission of our school. Read more at DSPTonline...
Use Giving Cart This Holiday Season Did you know that you can support DSPT through your online purchases of holiday gifts or travel?
Read more at DSPTonline...
November 3, 2008
Sunday in Spain: a Smashing Success!
On Sunday, October 19, over 120 guests enjoyed paella, tapas, sangria and beautiful sunny fall weather while celebrating the heritage of St. Dominic with our DSPT fundraiser, Sunday in Spain. Our annual auction, in the new venue of our own beautiful campus garden, was a great success, raising funds for the school through a silent auction, live auction and a special fund-a-need appeal for equipment to assist the DSPT distance learning program. This year’s event exceeded our goals on all counts.
Read more at DSPTonline...
Advent Wreath and Pie Fundraiser
Christmas might seem a long way off, but you can begin to celebrate the season by supporting DSPT’s first Advent Wreath and Pie Fundraiser! DSPT will be offering fresh, handcrafted balsam fir wreaths and homemade pecan and apple pies baked by one of our very own DSPT students, Jamie Roberts.
Read more at DSPTonline...
New at DSPT: Heidi McKenna, Director of Communications
DSPT is proud to welcome Heidi McKenna as a part-time Director of Communications. She has 12 years of experience in Marketing and Communications, including product packaging, print production, audio and video production, web content management, on-location photography and more. Read more at DSPTonline...
November 2008: Faculty and Alumni News
November promises to be a busy month as many of our faculty members attend the annual meetings of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature. This year, our very own Barbara Green, OP will be delivering two papers at the Society of Biblical Literature meeting in Boston. Read more at DSPTonline...
Last month, Fr. Anselm Ramelow, OP gave a talk titled, “When Reason Seeks Understanding,” at a symposium on “Faith and Reason in Christianity and Islam” at the University of Washington in Seattle. Read more at DSPTonline...
Fr. Bryan Kromholtz, OP, who joined our Theology faculty this fall, just returned from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, where he successfully defended his doctoral dissertation, titled On the Last Day: The Time of the Resurrection of the Dead According to Thomas Aquinas. Read more at DSPTonline...
DSPT alumna, Elissa McCormack, recently published an article titled “Inclusivism in the Fiction of C.S. Lewis: The Case of Emeth” in the Fall 2008 issue of Logos: A Journal of Catholic Thought and Culture. Read more at DSPTonline...
Alumni Profile: Eiyad al-Kutubi
Recent DSPT graduate, Eiyad al-Kutubi (who goes by David) was a physician who found his real passion in philosophy. He is an active member of the Fatimyah Islamic Center in Hayward and frequently gives talks there for their Thursday night community gatherings. He came to DSPT because it gave him the opportunity to put Muslim and Christian philosophers in dialogue. Read more at DSPTonline...
November 2008: A Culture of Philanthropy
The Advantages of Making a Gift through your Will
A simple, effective, and flexible way to make a substantial gift to DSPT is to leave a bequest in your will. A bequest offers tax benefits for your estate and provides the satisfaction of knowing that you have invested in an institution you believe in. Read more at DSPTonline...
Giving Cart
Did you know that you can support DSPT through your online purchases? Read more at DSPTonline...
October 1, 2008
Report on the Apostolic Visit to DSPT
In 2006, The Holy See ordered a visitation of all Roman Catholic seminaries in the United States. DSPT was among those institutions that were visited. The visitation team had a chance to review the School’s documentation beforehand and interview students, faculty, staff and recent alumni during their on-site visit. Read more at DSPTonline...
September 1, 2008
2007-2008 Annual Report
DSPT's 2007-2008 Annual Report is now available and can be read online.
New GTU Lounge!
We now have a new lounge on the first floor of the 2465 Le Conte Avenue GTU Building (i.e., the old bookstore building). The lounge is open to ALL students, faculty, and staff across the consortium, currently Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Read more at DSPTonline...
August 1, 2008
Dominican Brother Sings at World Youth Day Papal Mass
Our Australian brother Mannes Tellis, who did his novitiate here in the Bay Area, sang the gospel at the WYD papal mass. To see, please click here.
Update (December 1, 2008): Although the video linked above is no longer available, you can read Br. Mannes reflections on his WYD experience here.
GTU Course Books at Cal Bookstore
The Graduate Theological Union is pleased to announce that its campus bookstore has moved to a new location. The new store will become part of the University of California at Berkeley bookstore and is located in the Student Union building on the UC campus. Read more at DSPTonline..
For previous news items, see our News Archive.
See also the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology Events Calendar and Academic Calendar.
Details about the wide range of events happening across the GTU consortium are available at the GTU website.
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