T’70s
Rev. Dr. David E. Wiley, III T’75,’76 recently published the new book Why Mark? The Politics of Resurrection in the First Gospel, Revised Edition. This work is a revision and expansion of his first book of the same name, but this edition includes extensive footnotes (footnotes were not included in the first volume) along with some new material, as well as an appendix on the Priority of Mark. It began as a study as to why Mark failed to include resurrection appearances after the story of the empty tomb and grew into a study of the person of Mark—who he was and why he wrote. A central thesis of the book is that Mark wrote at the fall of Jerusalem to address specific issues facing the early church, including the delay of the return of the Son of Man and the continued persecution of the church, but especially the “crisis of succession” that occurred upon the death of James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, as Mark found himself at odds with both the disciples and the family of Jesus—precisely the groups that chose the successor to James. It is written in a style that will appeal to laity and new students of Biblical Studies, but with a depth that seasoned scholars will appreciate. Rev. Thomas V. Wolfe, PhD, and President Emeritus of Iliff School of Theology, wrote: “It is a wonderful resource. I find it satisfyingly scholarly and conversationally approachable. I see it as a real gift to the work of preaching. And you address some of the wonderful and lingering mysteries of this ‘Mark’ character. I am enjoying it.” Rev. Robert Williams, PhD, and former General Secretary of the Board of Archives and History, called it “…compelling….You offer new insights on the absence of resurrection appearances after the empty tomb….I was intrigued by how you located Mark in a possible outlier community of faith. You did an enormous amount of work, and the comparisons between the gospels were quite daunting….Great piece of work.” John Schol, former Bishop of the Greater NJ Annual Conference and now President of Centenary University, writing about the first volume, said: “Writing with the critical eye of faith, Dave offers an important and fresh look at the author of the first Gospel and challenges us to reexamine our understanding of the first followers of Jesus. Dave’s conversational style is engaging for seasoned pastoral scholars, research scholars, and lay persons who are seeking to better understand Mark’s gospel.” While at Drew, Wiley received the J. Newton Davies Greek New Testament Award, the Clarence Tucker Craig Award in Biblical Studies, and the Dorr F. Diefendorf Award for Excellence in Homiletics, among other honors. “I developed a love for biblical studies and especially the Gospel of Mark in my time at Drew,” said Wiley. “It is a passion I pursued throughout my years of ministry, as anyone reading the book will see. I appreciated the support and encouragement from the faculty I studied under and the base it gave me as I served in ministry.” Wiley served churches in New York and Northern New Jersey for 40 years before retiring, as well as serving as Conference Secretary in the former Northern NJ Annual Conference and later in the Greater NJ Annual Conference for a combined 17 years. He now splits his time between Allendale and Brigantine, New Jersey.
T’80s
Rev. Dr. Joseph W. Patterson, III T’80 shares, “After serving the church for 48 years in a number of different capacities, I retired effective January 2026. Along the way, I served five churches: one in Butler, NJ, while a student at Drew, and four in and around the Pittsburgh area. In 2011, I was appointed superintendent of the Erie-Meadville District in the Western PA Conference. In 2018, I joined the faculty of the West Virginia Extension of the Ohio Course of Study School and was named dean of the Foundation School of Leadership, a ministry of the United Methodist Foundation of Pennsylvania. In retirement, I hope to finish a book that I started about a year ago and also work with a business consultation firm on a project designed to strengthen congregational life.”
T’00s
Rev. Dr. Charles Alkula T’05 shares, “The Association of Professional Chaplains presented me with Board-Certified Chaplain recognition in April 2026. Currently, I am serving as the Director of Spiritual Care at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community in Albert Lea, MN, and as a volunteer pastor with the Glenville (MN) United Methodist Church.”
T’10s
Rev. Dr. Ryan Roberts T’11 shares, “I’m grateful to be a graduate of the Drew Doctor of Ministry program (Class of 2011), and I wanted to share a brief update about how God is using that formation. I recently published my first book—Nudgings: Gentle Whispers, Holy Reminders—and have been encouraged by where it’s landing in people’s lives. While Nudgings grew out of years of educational leadership and pastoral ministry, it was shaped by my time at Drew University—by the theological depth, reflective practice, and attentiveness to a lived faith that the program nurtured in me. I’m thankful to be a Drew graduate and carry that formation with me into my writing and ministry. I’d be glad to provide more information if it would be helpful.”
Rev. Dawrell Rich T’12,’24 shares, “I write to share a significant milestone that is deeply connected to the theological and scholarly formation I received at Drew. On April 9, 2026, I was inducted into the 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. College of Ministers and Laity’s Collegium of Scholars at Morehouse College. Held at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel in Atlanta, GA, this honor recognizes individuals whose work embodies a sustained commitment to justice, moral leadership, and service in the tradition of Dr. King. As a pastor, educator, and scholar, I am continually aware that my work is an extension of the intellectual and spiritual grounding cultivated during my time at Drew. My studies—both in the Master of Divinity program and in my doctoral work in Religion, Society, and Ecology—shaped my commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry, public theology, and the pursuit of justice in both ecclesial and civic spaces. This recognition is not mine alone, but reflects the investment of faculty, mentors, and colleagues who helped to form me as a scholar-practitioner committed to bridging the academy, the church, and the community. I remain deeply grateful to the Drew community.”
Shawn Lelion T’19 shares, “I graduated with my M.Div. from Drew Theological School, which has enabled me to become a hospice chaplain. It is a rewarding career to journey with people at such a sacred time in their lives. I am currently pursuing an MSW, and it is fascinating to exist at the intersectionality of mental health, social justice, and spirituality. I am a published author in a few queer-centered anthologies. My children were just babies and toddlers when I went to Drew, and now they are growing so fast. I am proud of where I am today, and I am excited to see where life will take me next.”
