Commissional Corner

Meet our Recent MAGL Graduates: Commissional Corner

Hear from five of our recent MAGL graduates: Anna Gaudencio, Cindy Lopez, Madison Houston, Isabel Álvarez, and Abraão Cifuentes.

Cross Country

DBU Lady Patriots Cross Country Team Finish 2020 Fall Season Undefeated

DBU's Cross Country teams are celebrating many broken records and victories this season.

Hoco 2020

Homecoming 2020 on the Hill

From November 16th through the 19th, Dallas Baptist University was alive with the excitement of Homecoming, and despite restrictions in place due to COVID-19, students, staff, and alumni were thrilled to celebrate the University together.

RHP Beckhams

Virtual Russell H. Perry Free Enterprise Award Celebration Honors C.T. “Sparkey” & Merrie Beckham

This year, DBU hosted its 33rd annual Russell H. Perry Free Enterprise Award Celebration virtually on the DBU website and on Facebook Live, partnering with WFAA Dallas and Shelly Slater Strategies to honor Dallas real estate investors C.T. “Sparkey” & Merrie Beckham.

luisa gonzalez

MSITM Student Luisa Gonzalez Selected as Microsoft Ambassador

Luisa Gonzalez, a native Colombian, discovered DBU's Master of Science in Information Technology and Management (MSITM) program and now serves as a selected student ambassador for Microsoft.

Veterans Day

A Life of Service: Honoring our Veterans

Hundreds of hand-held American flags lined the DBU lawn and sidewalks to honor all those who have served our nation and protected its freedoms. DBU hosted an “A Life of Service” luncheon featuring special guests Lieutenant Trevor Carpenter, Pastor Devinion B. Valentine, and Dr. Levi Price.

Amin and Luisa

Commissional Corner: MAGL Students Amin and Luisa

Amin and Luisa met at Baptist University of Americas, married, and now are students together in the Master of Arts in Global Leadership program answering a call to missions.

Masters Higher Ed Tish Hearne

DBU's M.Ed. in Higher Education Online Program Recognized

Dallas Baptist University was recently recognized among the top affordable Master’s in Higher Education online programs by Best Colleges Online. Mrs. Tish Hearne serves as the Program Director.

Haley Briggs Best Award

Master of Education Student Haley Briggs Receives B.E.S.T. Award

Haley Briggs, a current Dallas Baptist University Master’s student, was chosen by Texas Baptists as one of nine Baptist Educators Serving Texas, or B.E.S.T., Award recipients.

Prayer Unity Walk

Student Organizations Lead Prayer for Unity Walk

The Black Student Union and two other student organizations Chi Theta Alpha and Beta Beta joined together for any early morning prayer walk for unity over the DBU campus and the nation.

BSM Director Eric Bean

DBU's Baptist Student Ministry Director: Eric Bean

The pandemic has made Eric’s role as BSM Director unique and challenging, but it has not stopped his intent to actively engage students to become catalysts for changing the world.

Hispanic Student Union

DBU Establishes New Hispanic Student Union

The DBU Hispanic Student Union hosts special fellowship events and service opportunities to connect its growing population of Hispanic students while spreading appreciation for Hispanic culture and heritage throughout the DBU Family.

Chapel

Comfort in the Midst of Grief

It is a normal reaction to desire a “How to Grieve” handbook with all the steps listed out with crystal clarity. The truth is, there is no right way to grieve. Experiencing the loss of a student, friend, a classmate, a daughter, or a sister will produce a myriad of emotions, and sometimes the best thing to do is simply allow the waves of emotion to come.

Commissional Corner

MAGL Alumni Sara Estes and Sarah Hilkemann

Meet two graduates of DBU's Master of Arts in Global Leadership program who are serving the Lord faithfully in their callings.

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DBU Students Involved in Car Accident

Early this morning, the Dallas Police Department notified Dallas Baptist University administration of a two-car accident off campus involving five DBU students. There were two student fatalities, and three students who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

September IGE Webinars

Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) Virtual Webinars Feature Authors Justin Giboney and Dr. Shelette Stewart

In the month of September, the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) hosted informative webinars featuring two published thought leaders. First Justin Giboney, co-founder of The And Campaign, spoke on the topic of pursuing redemptive justice, and then internationally-sought after speaker Dr. Shelette Stewart, founder of Stewart Consulting, LLC, addressed the connection between one's calling and career.

Two Chunks

Two Chunks & a Hunk, LLC: DBU Alumni Host Rising Movie Review Podcast

It's a fun and wholesome podcast that provides independent movie reviews of must-sees as well as just-skips in the world of cinema.

Justin Giboney

Justin Giboney Speaks on Redemptive Justice

As co-founder and president of The AND Campaign, Justin Giboney seeks to educate and organize Christians for civic and cultural engagement that results in better representation, more just and compassionate policies, and a healthier political culture. Watch the recap video above for our discussion on Christian civics and community engagement.

Crisis Classes

Special Topics Courses Equip Students to Lead in Crises

The words crises, pandemic, shutdowns, frustration, unemployment, and more have been at the top of world-wide news. In response, DBU provided a series of special topics courses that empowered students to develop a biblically informed approach towards COVID-19 and other crises leaders may face.

Commissional Corner

The Commissional Corner: Ministry Reimagined

This year we experienced the reality of virtual ministry. Although there are still a few kinks to work out, we are thankful for all of the good that God has done in the midst of COVID-19. We asked MAGL professor Dr. Mark Alexander how this particular season has impacted ministry inside and outside of his classroom.

Basketball

No, They Should Not Shut Up and Just Play Basketball: Athletes, Entertainers, Activists and the Quest for Social Change

The actions taken last week in protest of the police shooting of Jacob Blake by players of the National Basketball Association (and subsequently the Women’s National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, and the Women’s Tennis Association) are historic on many levels, yet they have also been seen before in another context and in another place in time. History can be a great teacher.

Commencement Box

DBU Honors Its 172 Summer Graduates with "Graduation-in-a-box" and Facebook Ceremony

This year's August commencement was unique in so many ways, but a pandemic could not stop DBU from making sure its graduates felt valued and honored for all their accomplishments.

Jim Hutchinson

Painting an Unbidden Narrative

Jim Hutchinson's career in art has included illustrating maps for Abeka books as a college student to refining his art in New York to now serving at DBU.

Bob Brooks

Dr. Bob Brooks: Glorifying Christ through the Musical Arts

The church's musical influence was what planted the seeds of an incredible and unexpected artistic career for Dr. Brooks.

Trisha Gracy

Shining Christ's Light through the World of Business

Gracy shares about an opportunity she had to put her dream into practice after landing an internship with the Human Resources team at a large corporation in DFW during the summer.

Dr. Wright Helps Students Move In

Welcoming New and Returning Students to the DBU Campus

Fall classes have begun on University Hill in what is sure to be an extraordinary semester in the school's history. The largest incoming class moved into their new residence halls, attended small group discipleship sessions, participated in service projects, and enjoyed some safe fun in preparation for the return of all the students for the first week of classes and Chapel services.

DBU Undergraduate Website

New DBU Undergraduate Website Guides Users from Online Exploration to Move-In Day

In response to the digital communication needs of today’s current college-seekers, DBU recently completed a design makeover of its Undergraduate Admissions webpages to provide for users a more navigable, holistic, and visually appealing connection with a personalized touch.

DBU Career Services

Center for Career and Professional Development Adapts its Services for DBU Patriots

Organizations have had to be adaptive and creative in these difficult times to continue providing their much needed services. It has been the distinct mission of DBU's Center for Career & Professional Development to help students find and fulfill God's calling for their life through, and the center continues to do so as they look towards the coming semester.

Prayer Statue

Model of Prayer: Sculptor Remembers Creating Mahler Prayer Statue

Next to the Mahler Student Center on the DBU campus, a bronze sculpture depicts a man kneeling at a chair, bent over an open Bible, his head cradled in his hand as he fervently petitions God. Be it a prayer for guidance, for peace, or for healing; whichever his petitions may be, the man in the sculpture inspires the viewer with a sacred moment captured by Texas-based artist Bridgette Mongeon.

Global Community Forum

DBU's Global Community Virtual Forum Supports 26 Partnering Schools Around the World

On July 15-17, 2020, DBU hosted its inaugural three-day Forum Broadcast with 26 Global Community school partners in lieu of the canceled on-campus conference. In 2019, DBU established the Global Community to serve as an international consortium that strengthens partnerships around the world with educational entities who are striving to produce the next generation of leaders.

Anna Catherine

Anna Catherine Bradley: A Life Lived with an Open Heart

Anna Catherine’s story can be defined as one of passion and devotion to finding her calling in life. As she moved to DBU, she was expectant of what God would do throughout her college years, not knowing that God would exceed all her expectations.

Micaela Lamb

The Road Ahead: Serving God’s Kingdom as an Accountant

Recruited by DBU to run for the cross country and track and field teams, Micaela Lamb has now crossed the finish line with her awarded degree but her race to continue growing in her relationship with God goes on in her new job starting this fall working for one of the four largest public accounting firms in the world.

Girl with DBU Mascot

DBU Welcomes Incoming Class of 2024

This year, the office of Undergraduate Admissions hosted 545 incoming Freshmen and Transfer Students throughout the first five sessions of New Patriot Orientation, which took place from May 28 - June 12.

ServantU

ServantU Gives Prospective Students a Glimpse of Life on the Hill

This summer, DBU Undergraduate Admissions hosted 45 high school students for ServantU. While the circumstances required social distancing, students were still able to experience life on University Hill during this annual event.

Dr. William E. "Bill" Thorn 1923-2020

DBU Honors the Life of President Emeritus, Dr. William E. "Bill" Thorn

Dr. William E. “Bill” Thorn, President Emeritus of Dallas Baptist University, recently passed away on June 22 at the age of 97. Bill served as the third president of Dallas Baptist College from 1975-79. He was appointed President Emeritus after the school attained university status and later served on the Board of Trustees.

Category

A Model of Leadership in Ministry

When it came time to choose his dissertation research in DBU's doctoral program, Dr. Bryan Price considered the challenges of his own pastoral context and was inspired to study the leadership of the late Civil Rights activist and pastor Gardner C. Taylor.

BridgeBuilders Resources on Ethnic Conciliation

BridgeBuilders Resources on Ethnic Conciliation

In moments of injustice, how do we respond? DBU Alumni recently addressed this question during a recent webinar hosted by BridgeBuilders. Their resources are helpful in informing an active pursuit of justice.

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A Story of Restoration and Service

Resident Director Wayne Briggs's story reflects the nature of intentionally seeking to serve others, after having been found, served and restored himself.

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DBU Alum Dr. Cheryl Goodwin: Leading Relationship Workers in the Fourth Industrial Age

DBU Alum Dr. Cheryl Goodwin hopes that her research on leading relationship workers will contribute to a much larger conversation on leadership challenges and opportunities in a society steadily moving toward greater automation and machine learning.

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A Message from DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright

There has yet to be a time in my life where I have been filled with such sadness and grief of witnessing what seems to be unfolding all around me. DBU has always been a refuge for me, but as I have learned in recent days, the place that is a safe space for me, has at times been the opposite for others, especially our students of color. This grieves me.

Prayer Challenge

A Recap of DBU's Inaugural Prayer Challenge

During a week that signaled a series of innovative firsts in the shadow of COVID-19, Dallas Baptist University lit a small candle of spiritual realignment that turned into a wildfire on its social media on May 14: the first-ever 12-Hour Prayer Challenge.

DBU Responds

DBU Responds with Blood Drive Campaign

In response to the diminishing blood supply nationwide, Student Government and the Center for Mentoring at Dallas Baptist University launched a campaign in order to help counter the effects of COVID-19 in healthcare.

DBU Opens Campus Summer/Fall Classes, Activities

DBU Opens Campus for Summer and Fall Classes, Activities

After careful planning and consideration, the DBU Administration has announced plans to proceed with Fall activities and classes as scheduled. These plans include in-classroom teaching, as well as on-campus student activities and various other events.

The chapel at DBU

DBU Ranked Top Tier School Amidst COVID Response

During the COVID-19 crisis, universities across the country experienced massive shifts in campus operations and worked to deliver a continuity of a college experience. In response to this work, Educate to Career, a non-profit organization based in California, examined the responses of institutions throughout the U. S. and ranked DBU in the top-tier for its ability to adapt to the crisis.

Todd

Prepared to Answer Faith's Hardest Questions

Along his vocational path, Dr. von Helms has encountered honest but common questions posed to the Christian faith by culture and recognized that young believers from evangelical backgrounds, much like he was, are not often prepared to handle them.

Bulin Family

Andrew and Aubra Bulin: DBU Alumni Called to Japan

On March 11, 2011, a magnitude-9 earthquake devastated northeastern Japan and unleashed a savage tsunami whose effects reverberated throughout the world. The impact of that earthquake was also felt in the hearts of people far away, including DBU alumni Andrew and Aubra Bulin, for whom the crisis served as God’s clear calling to send them to Japan.

BBHH

Brother Bill's Helping Hand

In the wake of disruption, many organizations have been forced to adapt their approach so as to continue providing much-needed services while protecting the health of their staff and the people they serve. Among these are local non-profit ministries like Brother Bill's Helping Hand, which has been serving the West Dallas and Oak Cliff communities for many years.

Zeta Chi

Service Through Sisterhood

Through their Coffeehouse fundraiser in February, featuring recording artist Chris Renzema, DBU's Zeta Chi sorority was able to raise $9,000 to donate to several non-profits.

DBU May Commencement Parade

Celebrating Graduates through Commencement Parade

While schools around the country wrestle with commencement plans, Dallas Baptist University mapped the route – in every sense – for a creative DBU Commencement Parade on May 15.

Library

The DBU Library is Here to Help

Library Director Scott Jeffries shares how the Library has been helping DBU Patriots during this time of online classes.

Stuart

A DBU Graduate's Call to Law

A native of McKinney, Texas, Stuart Foister's calling to the field of law began to develop before he ever set foot on University Hill.

Dr. Jared Brandt

Dr. Jared Brandt Shares his Outlook on Faith and Education

We had a chance to chat with Dr. Brandt about his philosophy of education, the way he integrates faith into his academic discipline, and what he loves about being called by God to teach and mentor students at DBU.

Sastry

The Commissional Corner from a Master's to a Doctorate

Meet Dr. Sastry Meesala, a DBU graduate from the Masters in Global Leadership program who now holds a Ph.D. in Missions and Islamic Studies.

Theology

Theology: Christ as Our Anchor

Dr. Jim Lemons, Director of the Master of Arts in Theological Studies program at DBU, encourages Patriots with truth from Hebrews 6: Christ is our anchor.

Mackenzie

DBU Patriette Reflects on God's Faithfulness

DBU Senior Mackenzie Lohnes shares how God's faithfulness has been a common theme throughout her time on the Hill and as part of the Patriettes dance team.

Dr. Matos

Trust: Key to Dealing with a Life Interrupted

Dr. Joseph Matos, professor of Biblical Studies at DBU, encourages Patriots to their trust in God, who is always present and continues to show himself faithful.

Dr. Daehnert

Spiritual Formation and Christian Ministry

Dr. Jan Daehnert has many years of experience ministering in and working for local churches. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Ministry and as Director of Ministry Guidance in the College of Christian Faith at DBU. Recently, we had a chance to ask Dr. Daehnert about a popular course he teaches every semester to undergrads entitled “Spiritual Formation and Christian Ministry.”

Church

Pandemics and the Church: What does History Teach us?

Plagues, disease, famines, wars, and natural disasters. These are hard realities of living in a fallen world we read about everywhere in the pages of Scripture, but a widespread pandemic is not unknown throughout the history of Christianity. Christians of the past and present inspire us with demonstrations of resilient faith and compassion in the midst of crisis.

Jordan Davis

Helping Students from a Standpoint of Truth

On first glance, it’s a nondescript office suite tucked in the back of the Vance Memorial Library. But the Counseling Center at DBU actually represents a sliver of progress in the pervasive national issue of college students’ mental health, which Dr. Jordan Davis has seen first-hand breaking through in both academic circles and Christian circles.

A True Patriot

A True Patriot: Wounded Warrior Finishes What He Started at DBU 20 Years Ago

Within just three semesters of beginning his college degree and playing soccer at Dallas Baptist University in 1998, Corsicana native Jay Fondren enlisted to serve in the U.S. military. Twenty years later, he crossed the stage and received his bachelor's degree.

Zackary

Redeeming the "Extra" Time

While for many of us school and work continue virtually, we still have an intimidating amount of time on our hands. Resident Director of Spence, Lauren Zackary, shares with Patriots how this time can be redeemed.

Combat to Campus

From Combat to Campus

Most veteran-students are between the ages of 24 and 40 and are juggling jobs and families in addition to being full-time students. Their intense experiences in active duty make it even harder to join in socially with traditional students, often leading to isolation. However, DBU provides them a supportive Christian environment where they can heal and grow.

Alexanders

The Commissional Corner: Meet our Faculty

Drs. Mark and Karen Alexander are full-time faculty members here at DBU. They have both taught classes for our MAGL program. This semester alone, Dr. Mark Alexander is teaching Introduction to Missiology, Chronological Bible Storying and CT: Urban Church Planting. Dr. Karen Alexander is teaching Literature of East Asia.

CS Lewis

Wisdom for Disruptive Times from the Letters of C.S. Lewis

At a recent Friday Symposium on March 6, Dr. Mark Cook addressed the importance renowned scholar and author C.S. Lewis gave to interpersonal connectedness and encouragement through letter-writing. Now, as DBU shifts gears into going fully online and social distancing, Lewis’ kernels of wisdom shared by Dr. Cook seem all the more relevant during a time of disruption.

Category

A Peace that Passes Understanding

Over the past week our campus community has shifted significantly in response to the threat of COVID-19. It is very normal to experience anxiety about the future during such an unprecedented season. Here, Dr. Jordan Davis encourages the DBU family, reminding Patriots that God is our source of peace.

Theology

Theology: Recognizing the Program and Rewarding Students

DBU's Master of Arts in Theological Studies program was named one of the top 35 theology programs in the nation for 2020! Interested in the program? Read more to find out how you can be a part.

Dyer Symposium

Dr. John Dyer Speaks on the Advancement of Technology

Dr. Dyer visited DBU to give a symposium speech, titled "Theological Ethics for the Age of Artificial Intelligence." He challenged students, asking whether they saw the implications of advancing technology as good, bad, or neutral.

Shane Pruitt

Jesus is Truly Better

DBU Patriots welcomed Shane Pruitt as a guest speaker at Chapel. For students, he brought one simple message: Jesus is better.

KayLyn Hopper Category

Becoming a Cross Cultural Witness

Through each course, she teaches and each speaking engagement she is a part of, Professor Kaylyn Hopper is able to demonstrate how Christians can share their faith cross-culturally and preach the gospel to all nations.

Elona Prroj

Elona Prroj Shares Incredible Story of Forgiveness in Chapel

Elona Prroj stood before DBU students in a recent chapel service still wearing the dust from her own valley 10 years after the murder of her husband in Albania. Her encouragement to the DBU students gathered in chapel that day, listening to her story, was to understand what forgiveness is and what it isn't. Forgiveness, Elona discovered, is a decision rather than just a feeling. And it’s not a one-time event like revenge.

Christy

The Commissional Corner: February Issue

Christy Cornelius, one of DBU's MAGL students, explored the beautiful country of Israel with 24 other students from the Graduate School of Ministry.

Andy Pettite Interviewed by Reagan Ratcliff

Legend Keynotes Annual Patriot Baseball Banquet

DBU honored Dr. Herb and Barbara Pedersen and heard from five-time World Series Champion and Yankee pitcher Andy Pettitte at the annual DBU Patriot Baseball Champions for Christ event hosted on the DBU campus on January 31.

Israel

Exploring the Holy Land over the Holidays

Embarking on a 10-day trip that included visits to the renown Western Wall, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Jordan River, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Beatitudes, and numerous other locations that have biblical significance, DBU students marveled as the Bible came to life before their eyes.

Three New Academic Programs to be Offered in Fall 2020

Three New Academic Programs to be Offered in Fall 2020

Coming this Fall 2020, DBU is rolling out several new degree opportunities in currently growing and always changing fields of church media, finance, and healthcare. “We are so pleased that these new programs provide innovative, career-focused education for students who are interested in these opportunities,” says Dr. Norma Hedin, Provost.

DBU celebrates the 4th annual MLK Unity Walk - Category List Thumbnail

Remembering the Dream: The DBU Family Honors the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On January 20, in celebration of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., DBU students and staff along with Pastor Chris Simmons and Cornerstone Baptist Church began the special day of remembrance by volunteering in service to others during the MLK Day Parade in Dallas. Sponsored by the Dr. William B. Dean Center for Service-Learning, the DBU special day of service provides students an opportunity to begin the spring semester in service to others – an essential aspect of life on University Hill.

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DBU to Host A Congreso Experience on February 8 with Featured Speaker Marlon Ivan Rios

On February 8, Dallas Baptist University is proud to host A Congreso Experience, a full day's event encouraging Hispanic students in their education and spiritual walk through workshops, group activities, and a worship rally, all in preparation for the larger annual three-day event in the city of Waco later in April 9-11. Irene Reyes Gallegos, a DBU Alum, will be serving as a keynote speaker at the April event.

Christine Jones

Faithful in Every Footnote

Faithful in every footnote is the phrase that was scripted above Dr. Christine Jones's desk as a doctoral student. While she worked on her dissertation, those words would morph into her personal outlook on education.

Meredith Tompkins

Tuning into an Alumna's Passion for Music

"My greatest passion is to inspire, train, and encourage new generations of musicians; more than anything else, this has driven me to become a better performer and teacher," DBU Alumna Meredith Tompkins shared. Born and raised in Midland, Texas, Meredith grew up in a musical family and eventually gravitated to studying music herself.

Theology

Theology: Meet your MATS Program Director

We're hoping that this newsletter will help keep you better informed about what's happening in the program as well as our Graduate School of Ministry. To kick things off, meet your MATS Program Director.

Mentoring Category

Shaping the Next Generation: DBU's Center for Mentoring Continues to Grow and Impact the Lives of Students

Mentoring has always been a part of DBU's culture, but as a part of the University's strategic plan for the upcoming school year and its Quality Enhancement Program, the Center's initiative is to increase faculty and student engagement in mentoring opportunities beyond the classroom.

Dr. Bertrain Bailey shares King's "I Have a Dream" speech at the 2020 DBU Unity Walk.

Our Common Humanity: Reflections on the Vision and Legacy of Dr. King

Dr. King’s call for racial equality and justice in America is far from fulfilled as we enter this new decade. That unfinished call goes beyond the starting point of awareness and a change of mind to move toward individual and collective accountable action, including participating in constructive dialogue, hiring without prejudice, conscientious engagement in civic life, and joining together to ensure a fair and impartial justice system, as well as ending cycles of poverty and educational disadvantages in underprivileged communities.

Commissional Corner

The Commissional Corner: Goodbye 2019, Hello 2020!

The start of a new year brings both reflection on the events of the previous year as well as thoughts of anticipation for the year to come. In this issue, we want to pay tribute to our December 2019 graduates as well as consider what MAGL students are anticipating for 2020.

(L-R) Peggy Horner, Beth Grace, and Patty Holcomb

2019 DBU Ruth Awards Honors Beth Grace, Patty Holcomb, and Peggy Horner

Dallas Baptist University honored Beth Grace, Patty Holcomb, and Peggy Horner at the 2019 Ruth Awards Luncheon on December 4. The event was hosted by DBU’s Women’s Auxiliary Board and took place at the Hillcrest Great Hall of the John G. Mahler Student Center.

Jesse Rincones speaks during Winter Commencement

DBU Awards Hispanic Baptist Leader Jesse Rincones with Honorary Doctorate during Winter Commencement

Dallas Baptist University awarded 449 degrees during its two Winter Commencement Services, held on the morning and afternoon of December 20 in the Patty and Bo Pilgrim Chapel on DBU’s campus. During the ceremonies, Jesse Rincones, Executive Director of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity.

Shirley and Joyce Porto

Two Sisters from Brazil Sharing One Heart for the Global Oppressed

For current DBU graduate students, Shirley and Joyce Porto, the religious freedoms enjoyed by some are an urgent call to speak out for others around the world without them. Together they are working on campus to inspire students to give voice to the voiceless and make the world a more just place for all.