New students signed 157-year-old Matriculation Book
September 2026 – New Drew Theological School students were celebrated during the biannual Matriculation Service amid music and community.
The ceremony’s roots trace back to the very first day of the Drew Seminary on October 16, 1867. The tradition continues at the opening of each semester at Drew 157 years later as students are welcomed to sign their names in the same matriculation book as the school’s first students.
Seminary Hall’s Craig Chapel filled with supportive community members, friends, and families, to observe the rite of passage.
The new class of Theological School students are a representative group, coming to Drew from 12 states across the country, and from 17 countries, including South Korea, Democratic Republic of Congo, China, Argentina, and Brazil.
The new class of students are pursuing a wide scope of theological degrees and concentrations—11 in all—including both master’s to doctoral degrees.
The event marked the first Drew Theological School ceremony officially under Associate Dean of Theological and Professional Education and Executive Leader of Drew Theological School Rev. Dr. Meredith Hoxie Schol’s leadership of the school.
In her remarks, Hoxie Schol welcomed new students to “a new year of learning and stretching and growth.”
Hoxie Schol added, “I welcome you and greet you today to a ritual and tradition that is unique to Drew Theological School, as it will mark the beginning of your journey while also reminding you of the great cloud of witnesses that have journeyed here before you. I greet you as we gather around a book that reminds us of the importance of this place and our past…so that you will carry into your futures as you are filled with thoughtful reflection, prophetic inspiration, and dance.”
President Hilary L. Link, PhD, spoke of the importance of Drew’s model of teaching and learning that harkens back to Renaissance thinkers, noting “the complex, intersectional, and multi-lens thinking we all must do today, no matter what our educational path, in order to address the ever-increasing complexity of our world’s problems.”
Following readings and uplifting music, each new student heard their name called and stepped to the Matriculation Book to add their name to the 157-year history of theological learners at Drew.
The service concluded with a community meal and gathering.
