2022 Fall DSR Newsletter

Message from the Acting Chair

Welcome to our Fall 2022 Department for the Study of Religion Newsletter. As Acting Chair, I’d like to take this opportunity to applaud students, staff and faculty for their ongoing accomplishments. 

I continue to act for Professor Pamela Klassen, whose leadership of our department has overseen major changes in the undergraduate program, with increased enrolments and diversification of our faculty. Our graduate students are also flourishing, publishing papers and lending their voices to various media channels, including podcasts. You will see several new books authored by our distinguished department members, as well as other research that addresses vital questions for religion in our time.

The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over yet but the department is experiencing a sense of renewal with the return of in-person activities, including our fall convocation reception where we celebrated student achievements after they crossed the stage at Convocation Hall. We’re also excited to resume the in-person version of our popular Colloquia Series and kick off “Fab Fridays” — a drop-in social with treats and conversation. 

The last few years have shown us all the importance of engaging with our community — past, present and future. As research and teaching continue to thrive in our department, we would also like to include alumni news in our next issue, so please reach out — we’d love to hear from you!

Robert Gibbs
Professor & Acting Chair, Department for the Study of Religion

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