Recap: Union Theological Seminary’s 190th Convocation

Recap: Union Theological Seminary’s 190th Convocation

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On September 2, 2026, Union Theological Seminary gathered to celebrate its 190th Convocation, marking the beginning of a new academic year with prayer, music, and words of welcome. The ceremony honored the long tradition that has shaped Union for nearly two centuries while opening our doors to the students, faculty, and staff who will help write its next chapter. Whether you were with us in James Chapel, joined online, or are catching up now, we invite you to explore the photo gallery below and watch the full livestream to experience the day’s moments of reflection and joy. To all who are new to the Union community: welcome. We are so glad you are here.

A diverse group of faculty in academic regalia stands on a staircase, posing for a formal group photo inside a historic building with stone walls and plaques.
A woman in academic regalia speaks at a podium during a ceremony at Union Theological Seminary, with audience members seated and listening attentively.
A woman in academic robes stands at a podium in a church, smiling as a diverse audience gives her a standing ovation. Red and white drapes hang overhead, and people are clapping and holding papers.
A person in academic regalia speaks at a podium with “Union” and “utsnyc.edu” banners in the background. Plants and audience members are visible in the foreground.
A woman in academic robes speaks at a podium during a ceremony, with people seated behind her. The backdrop displays the words “UNION” and “utsnyc.edu” repeatedly.
A person in red academic robes and a red hat speaks passionately at a podium during a graduation ceremony, with arms outstretched. A “Union” banner is visible in the background.
A diverse audience sits in rows inside a church with tall columns, listening to a choir in front of a pipe organ. Red and white drapes hang from the ceiling, creating a festive atmosphere.
A woman in a red academic gown speaks at a podium in a large church with seated audience and organ pipes behind, red and white drapes overhead.
A group of people stands on a stage in front of a large pipe organ, holding music folders. Red and white fabric drapes hang from the ceiling. The setting appears to be a church or concert hall.
A man in a gray blazer speaks at a podium during a formal event. People in academic robes sit and listen. The backdrop displays the Union logo and utsnyc.edu. Audience members are visible in the foreground.
A woman sings and plays piano on stage in front of a seated audience. People sit behind her, including someone in a colorful robe and mask. The audience holds papers, and the setting appears to be a community or church event.
A diverse group of people sit attentively in rows at an indoor event, holding papers. Some are focused forward while others look down or sideways. The setting is warmly lit and the background shows a wooden wall and an exit sign.
A group of five people, some holding papers, stand and read aloud at an indoor event. An audience listens attentively. One person speaks into a microphone while others look at documents. A banner with “UNION” is visible.
A person in academic regalia speaks at a podium during a ceremony in a hall, with an audience seated and two others in similar regalia seated onstage. A banner behind the podium reads “UNION” repeatedly.

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