Illuminate 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
The Alumni Learning Collective
Illuminate 51³Ô¹ÏÍø: The Alumni Learning Collective is a new lifelong learning program designed to keep 51³Ô¹ÏÍø alumni connected, curious, and inspired. Through short, engaging learning opportunities led by expert alumni and 51³Ô¹ÏÍø faculty, Illuminate 51³Ô¹ÏÍø invites alumni to explore timely topics, deepen personal and professional knowledge, and reconnect with the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø community.
Programs will be offered in a variety of formats — in person, virtual, and hybrid — making it easy for alumni near and far to participate. Sessions will be open to all alumni, with select opportunities designed especially for seminary alumni, young alumni, Golden Greyhounds, and the broader alumni community.
Whether you are looking to learn something new, engage in meaningful conversation, or reconnect with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s spirit of inquiry, Illuminate 51³Ô¹ÏÍø offers a welcoming space to continue learning for life.
Upcoming Sessions
Seminary Alumni | Virtual Session
Know Your Narrative with Rev. Drew Willard L’88
Thursday, September 17 | 7 p.m. EST
Rev. Drew Willard L’88 will lead an online workshop featuring a demonstration of Biblical storytelling and a discussion of its practical applications for ministry today. Understanding our own stories helps us listen with patience, engage with others thoughtfully, and remain connected. Through storytelling, prayer, and fellowship, we can continue Christ’s work of overcoming fear and division while bringing healing and hope to others.
All Alumni | Virtual Session
Beyond Our Grasp: The Ethics of AI with Rev. John P. Jackman ’79, S’82
Tuesday, September 22 | 7 p.m. EST
Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, learn, communicate, create, and make decisions—but its greatest challenges are ethical. The Rev. John P. Jackman ’79, S’82 will explore the most urgent questions surrounding AI: bias, privacy, accountability, misinformation, human dignity, employment, and the danger of surrendering creativity and moral judgment to machines. Who decides what values AI should reflect? Who is responsible when it causes harm? And how do we preserve distinctly human qualities in an increasingly automated world? This virtual session will include time for questions and discussion.
Golden Greyhound Alumni | On-Campus Lunch & Learn
Understanding AI and Its Use in Higher Education with Dr. Jenifer Norton
Wednesday, October 7 | 11:30 a.m.
Location: Haupert Union Building, room 210 | Lunch will be served during the session
Artificial intelligence is transforming how students learn and how faculty teach, yet much of the public conversation around it remains either overstated or alarmist. Jenifer Norton, PhD, MSW, who leads 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's work on emerging technology, will present a clear, accessible overview of how AI works and how it is being integrated into the university's academic mission. The session will include a live demonstration and time for audience questions.
Seminary Alumni | Virtual Session
The Use of AI in Churches with Rev. John P. Jackman ’79, S’82
Tuesday, November 10 | 12 p.m. EST
Artificial intelligence is a part of everyday life whether we want it or not. How can AI be used beneficially and ethically in the church setting? The Rev. John P. Jackman ’79, S’82 will examine practical uses of AI in the pastor’s study and church office, a process for training an AI environment that will reflect your views, voice, and thinking. But we will also take a serious look at the impact of such uses, both ethically and spiritually. This virtual session will include time for questions and discussion.
Young Alumni | Virtual Professional Development
The Financial Playbook for Young Professionals with Jill Seyfried Frack PMP, CSPM ’05, G’08
Tuesday, November 24 | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. EST
Class years 2017–2026
Join Jill Seyfried Frack, PMP, CSPM ’05, G’08, for a practical session featuring simple financial strategies to help young professionals build lasting financial resilience.