Jacqueline Rider, M.Div. ’83
What do you do?
I’m the Digital Archivist at the Princeton Theological Seminary library. I process and provide access to the physical and electronic records of people and organizations that were and are part of the history of the Seminary and the Reformed tradition in America. I help researchers and the general public discover a wealth of resources and hidden materials documenting faith at work in the world.
What do you like best about what you do?
It is most rewarding to witness the revelation of previously untold stories about remarkable people when someone digs into primary source materials that had been hidden for many years. I also love the fact that Princeton Seminary faculty includes several Union alums. It’s a blessing to be connected to two outstanding institutions preparing all kinds of people to serve.
How did Union prepare you for this?
I was privileged to work with and learn from outstanding faculty such as Beverly Harrison ’56, ’75, Roger Shinn ’41, ’51, Tom Driver ’53, Cornel West and others, brilliant, warm, and available scholars who love their subject areas and love to teach.
How do you stay connected to Union?
David Rider ’80, ’01, and I have “cycled” in and out of the Upper West Side of Manhattan several times over the last 35 years. We attend alumni/ae events when we can, as well as talks given by Union scholars. Gary Dorrien ’78 comes to Princeton Seminary next month!
What would you say to someone considering going to Union?
Be bold and open to rigorous work, new ways of seeing and engaging the world, and one of the most stimulating and challenging communities of learning and praxis. It never stops, and that’s the best part.