Davidson College Religious Studies Department

What are REL folks up to this summer? 😎 so many cool things: Barbara Lopez ’28, double REL & ART (art history) major, is interning at the Greenville (NC) Museum of Art this summer and currently helping install two upcoming exhibitions: “Rooted in Place: Works by Kathryn Keller” and “Embodied: The Power of Presence” by Suzanne Scott Constantine and Lynne Scott Constantine. Both shows open June 5–stop in and say hi to Barbara!👋🐾

We are so proud to send these two wonderful people out into the world. Congratulations to Brooke and Katherine—you’ve each added so much to our department over the past few years. We are grateful to you and your families!🐾❤️

Great turnout today for students at to show off their digital portfolios—they’ve worked all year to create written, visual, and even musical works that reflect our theme this year: Justice. If you happen to know a HUMster, search up their work and have a look! 🐾⚖️🧠

Dr. Patel’s spring writing class did much more than write! They reenacted Gandhi’s revolutionary Salt March of April 1930, which nonviolently protested British control of India’s salt production. Students also practiced spinning thread from cotton, another nonviolent action Gandhi and his followers adopted in protest of British tariffs on Indian textiles. Nice feature in about the class and connecting writing and nonviolent protest. Incoming Wildcats, look for this class again next year!🐾✍️🧠

At the end of each semester, Lula Bell’s has a limited supply of dining dollars to distribute. Students who are close to exhausting their meal plan options are able to request additional meals starting this week. To request additional meals, students will be able to complete a the request form that is linked on our WildcatSync page (link in bio!) 🔗

Students on the All-Access meal plan are not eligible for additional meals through Lula Bell’s. Please do not complete this form if you have the all-access meal plan. If you have questions or other concerns about your food access, please contact us at [email protected].

Students with more dining dollars than needed can also consider donating to a fellow student through Lula Bell’s! Donations support the future of the request form! More information coming soon on when and how you can donate. 💵

As always, please contact us if you are utilizing available resources and still struggling to have your dietary needs met: [email protected] (email only monitored by professional staff).

Happy Frolics! We’ve got to-go hydration bags to help keep you hydrated as we transport back to 2016 this weekend! 🎡

Already shopped this week? No worries! Just let our volunteer know. Swing by before 4:00 PM. 😎

Did you enjoy the Fall 2025 lecture by former US Ambassador to China, Amb. Nicholas Burns? Are you interested in a career in foreign service?

Come to a coffee chat ☕️💬 with Jonathan Fritz (P ’28). Fritz has enjoyed a 32-year career in the US Foreign Service. 

Among many distinguished positions, Fritz has served as vice consul in Guangzhou and Chengdu in China and Guayaquil in Ecuador as well as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Enjoy the chance for conversation about his experiences & your career path! 💼

Coffee provided by the Dean Rusk International Studies Program! 😋

📆When: Tuesday, April 28th @ Common Hour (11:05-12:05)

📍Where: Nummit

RSVP at the link in our bio!

We recently celebrated Doug Ottati on the occasion of his retirement from a distinguished career at Davidson. Folks from all corners of campus and beyond came to honor our colleague. Congratulations, Doug! 🐾

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Rachel Pang has been promoted to Professor of Religious Studies by a vote of the Board of Trustees. Congratulations, Dr. Pang! 🐾🎉

We are so proud of our major Lily Geiger ’27 who received the Charles Malone Richards Award at yesterday’s spring convocation. On behalf of the Dean Barker recognized Lily as a “cornerstone of religious and spiritual life on campus, promoting opportunities for her peers to express, explore, and practice their faith. Her commitment to the office’s mission is evidenced by her participation in the Chaplains’ Ambassadors program, as well as the Stapleton/Davidson Faith & Justice Internship and Congregational Leadership & Service Fellowship. Lily’s personal vocational journey is inspiring; she has discerned a steadfast call to ministry, with a vision to build a more just and inclusive church. As a leader for UKirk, she has fostered a vibrant community for PCUSA students, while her participation in the Taizé Pilgrimage, the Beloved Community trip to Atlanta, and the Spiritual Diversity Dinner Club demonstrates her capacity to engage deeply with both her own faith and the diverse perspectives of others.” Lily is studying in Greece this semester so we send our warmest congrats from afar! 🐾🧠❤️