Please click here to download
the 2012-13 HTI Annual Brochure
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FROM THE DIRECTOR
In November 2011, I had the honor of celebrating the Hispanic Theological Initiative’s (HTI) fifteen-year anniversary, Quinceañeara/o, at the annual meetings of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature in San Francisco, California. As I reflect on my thirteen years with HTI, a vital nationwide higher education program for Latina/o scholars, I am in awe of our accomplishments and the progress that continues to be made.
The event in San Francisco was titled Quinceañera/o because it was a celebration of the43 master’s and 75 Ph.D. Latina/o students that earned degrees in theological and religious education. Now, they are prepared to contribute to the academy, religious communities, and the world. I continually find myself telling friends and colleagues, “It is one thing to graduate a student, but it is so much more gratifying to see them thriving in their vocations and using their creative energy to make meaningful contributions.”
Teaching, writing, and sharing ideas outside of the classroom is a key accomplishment of our graduates. This year’s brochure highlights all 62 HTI and Hispanic Theological Initiative Consortium (HTIC) scholars, who have published more than 100 books. Having supported and educated an excellent cohort of Latina/o scholars and ministers, we are confident that we are on the right path to make essential contributions to academia, the church, and the world. Therefore, the theme “Living the Legacy” is a fitting way to describe our academic year.
Receiving the 2010 Examples of Excelencia Award for best graduate program has given HTI a new impetus by showcasing the consortium in the larger landscape of education. Like Dr. Margarita Benitez, independent consultant for Excelencia in Education, reminded us, “HTI needs to go from being the ‘best kept secret’ to being recognized as a ‘best practice’ graduate program.”
We are indeed living in exciting times. Although we do have some challenges, HTI continues to forge ahead with growing the HTIC. Each year it continues to support twenty-plus Ph.D. Latina/o students by offering mentoring and networking opportunities, and by steadily expanding its partners. We are delighted to announce Luther Seminary as our newest member. With these partners, HTIC will continue to support new generations of Latina/o Ph.D. scholars and create
ways to expand their contributions locally and across the globe.
Blessings,
The Reverend Joanne Rodríguez
Director
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