Boston University School of Theology: Honoring History and Fostering Academic Growth
The Boston University School of Theology (STH) continues to blend solemn remembrance with academic achievement and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity. From poignant community commemorations on Marsh Plaza to the recognition of outstanding student fellowships, the school remains a hub of spiritual and intellectual development.
Commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the community gathered on Marsh Plaza to observe Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah). The event focused on honoring the memory of the 6 million victims of the Holocaust through a powerful reading of names. Participants, including STH Acting Registrar Francisca Ireland-Verwoerd, took part in 10-minute shifts to read the names of the victims, ensuring a personal and reflective tribute to those lost.
Celebrating Student Excellence and Achievement
The School of Theology is currently celebrating significant milestones for its student body, highlighting the intersection of faith, social impact, and creativity.
The 2026 Enlight Fellowship
Joshua Bonney (STH’28), a Master of Divinity student, was selected from a pool of 250 applicants for the 2026 Enlight Fellowship. This competitive 10-week summer program, offered by Innovate@BU, provides fellows with a $10,000 stipend from the Enlight Foundation. Bonney will divide his time between a social impact internship and the development of a social venture.
Global Recognition in Photography
Inyeop Choi (’26), a third-year Master of Divinity student, has been named a finalist in the Boston University Global Programs 2026 Photo Contest, showcasing the artistic talents within the STH community.
Opportunities for Visiting Researchers
The School of Theology actively invites outside faculty, scholars, and researchers to join its academic community as visiting researchers. These appointments are managed through the office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Rady Roldán-Figueroa.
Application Requirements and Fees
Prospective researchers must contact Dean Roldán-Figueroa directly. A formal application requires:
- A current CV.
- Requested dates of visit.
- A rationale for the appointment at the School of Theology.
- An acknowledgement of University regulations and fees.
Fee Structure:
- Academic Year: $1,000
- Semester (or part thereof): $500
Researcher Benefits and Limitations
Visiting researchers gain access to the BU internet and the BU library system, though inter-library loans are excluded. With permission from the instructor and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, visitors may audit classes specifically within the School of Theology. The university does not provide financial aid, stipends, housing, or offices for visiting scholars. Most visitors secure funding through sabbatical leave or home-country sources.
A Culture of Diversity and Inclusion
As a United Methodist seminary and the founding school of the university, the School of Theology maintains a rigorous commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The school’s mission focuses on upholding the dignity of individual and communal differences, including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith tradition, and immigration status.
By prioritizing the intersectionality of global origin and physical ability, STH seeks to nurture a learning community where educational excellence is paired with a culture of inclusive diversity.
Key Takeaways for Prospective Visiting Researchers
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Contact | Associate Dean Rady Roldán-Figueroa |
| Annual Fee | $1,000 |
| Visa Classification | Typically J1 Scholar for international visitors |
| Library Access | Included (excluding inter-library loans) |