New York, NY — Union Theological Seminary announced two landmark additions to its campus: the Serene Jones Center for Religion and Democracy and the Hudson Refectory.
The Serene Jones Center for Religion and Democracy honors outgoing President Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, whose 18 years of leadership have significantly advanced Union’s impact in progressive theology and public life.
The Center reflects Rev. Jones’ long-held distinction as the Johnston Family Professor for Religion & Democracy. The position was created 15 years ago to support scholars whose work explores the crucial role religion plays in American politics and society. The late Michael and Mary Johnston – both steadfast Union supporters – provided the funding to support the position.
Throughout her presidency, Rev. Dr. Jones has been an unflinching defender of democratic values, consistently using her platform to speak out on behalf of the principles that sustain a just and free society. The Center bearing her name will carry that mission forward by being a space that advances rigorous scholarship, public engagement, and moral leadership at the intersection of religion, democracy, and public life.
“At a moment when our democracy faces threats unlike any we have seen in our lifetimes, it has never been more urgent to bring serious theological thinking to bear on public life,” said outgoing president Rev. Dr. Serene Jones.
The Center will be the first space at Union to be named in honor of a woman. It is expected to open in 2026.
The Hudson Refectory
For the Hudson family, the gift was personal. Clifford and Leslie Hudson envisioned a space where students, faculty, staff, and neighbors could come together over a shared meal, a simple but profound expression of community.
“We wanted a place where people could pull up a chair, share a meal, and really be together. Union is a place that changes people – and so much of that change happens not just in the classroom, but in the in-between moments: the conversations over food, the friendships that form when you least expect them. We hope the Refectory becomes that kind of place for generations of Union students to come,” said Clifford Hudson.
The space will feature a full catering kitchen and capacity for several hundred guests, when functionally integrated with the James Chapel. Construction is set to begin in summer 2026 and will be available for public utilization in 2027.
Both these spaces, being named, share the advantage of opening onto Union’s courtyard, thus bringing our connection to nature more directly into the daily life of our community.
###
About Union Theological Seminary
Union Theological Seminary (UTS), founded in 1836 in New York City, is a globally recognized seminary and graduate school of theology where religion and scholarship meet to reimagine the work of justice. A beacon for social justice and progressive change, Union Theological Seminary is led by a diverse group of theologians and activist leaders. Drawing on both Christian traditions and the insights of other religions, the institution is focused on educating leaders who can address critical issues like racial equity, criminal justice reform, income inequality, and protecting the environment. Union is led by Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, the 16th President and the first woman to head the 189-year-old seminary.