Women’s Ministerial Alliance, Black Ministerial Caucus, and African Students Community lead year-end ceremonies
June 2025 – Drew Theological School’s student-led organizations honored the accomplishments of graduating students with a series of celebrations.
AM Commencement Ceremony, 5-17-25, Theological School and Caspersen School
The Black Ministerial Caucus (BMC) and the Women’s Ministerial Alliance (WoMA) co-hosted a powerful Rite of Passage ceremony, recognizing students who identify as female and/or as members of the African Diaspora. The event celebrated not only academic milestones but also the personal and spiritual journeys of the graduates.
Two-time Drew alum Rutendo Mahachi T’24,’25 delivered an inspiring keynote address. “We are here to celebrate pastors in the making, scholars in formation, justice-seekers by conviction,” she said. “Many of you are immigrants by identity, those who have dared to study, to hope, to resist, and to believe in a God who still holds people for such a time as this.”
Later in the week, Drew’s African Students Community at Drew (AfriSCaD) student caucus celebrated their graduating student members during their third annual Rite of Passage ceremony.
AfriSCaD offers students the opportunity to form relationships, connections, and a sense of community while transitioning from Africa to the U.S. The caucus is a resource for African students in need of support navigating the differences within the foreign community and the ability to remain present to the African identity, cultures, and integrity.
Words of encouragement and congratulations were offered by Dean Edwin David Aponte, Assistant Professor of the History of Christianities Gladson Jathana, Assistant Professor of New Testament Althea Spencer-Miller, and Associate Director, International Student & Scholar Services Stephanie Bias.
“Today, I look at you, the graduates of 2025, my African siblings, and I see a new story unfold,” said Jathana. “You have not just studied here at Drew, you have inscribed yourselves here. Your stories are etched into these walls, into our hearts and bodies, into the very air we breathe.”
“As you step into the world, I dare you to carry your stories like fire,” continued Jathana. “Speak them boldly, write them fiercely, live them unapologetically—because your stories are what the world needs today.”
Each graduating student was individually blessed surrounded by their loved ones.
