May 2013

SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 13, 2013 — A noted professor of Old Testament studies and expert in biblical literature will be the commencement speaker at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University (JST) May 25 at 3 p.m. 

Sister Dianne Bergant, CSA, the Carroll Stuhlmueller, CP Distinguished  Professor of Old Testament Studies.at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, will address the 2013 class of more than 40 graduating students and their family and friends, at a ceremony taking place at 3 p.m. at  Zaytuna College, 2401 Leconte Ave., Berkeley, Calif. 

“We are delighted to welcome Sr. Bergant as our commencement speaker this year,” said Thomas Massaro, S.J., dean of the Jesuit School of Theology. “Her impeccable scholarship on the Old Testament and her wonderful skills at communicating her insights on scripture to wide audiences will be a true gift for our graduating students.”

Sr. Bergant for three years wrote “The Word” column in America magazine. Also, for more than 15 years, she was the Old Testament book reviewer of The Bible Today magazine, where she was a member of the editorial board  for 25 years, five of them as general editor.

"I am honored to speak to the graduates of the Jesuit School of Theology,” said Bergant. “This opportunity fits perfectly within the ministry I have been privileged to be a part of most of my life, namely, the formation of future ministers of the church.”

She received her M.A. and Ph.D. in Biblical languages and literature from St. Louis University. She also holds a B.S. in elementary education from Marian College, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. 

She is the former president of the Catholic Biblical Association of America and the Society of Biblical Literature. 

For the past 20 years, she has been an active member of the Chicago Catholic/Jewish Scholars Dialogue and serves on the editorial board of Biblical Theology Bulletin, and Chicago Studies.  She is currently working in the areas of biblical interpretation and biblical theology, particularly issues of peace, ecology, and feminism.

 She has written numerous articles and chapters in books, as well as more than a dozen volumes on topics including the Old Testament, scripture and liturgy, ecology and worship, and Hebrew narrative and poetry. 

The students graduating from JST will be receiving advanced degrees including Master of Divinity (M.Div.); Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.); Master of Arts (M.A.); Master of Theology (Th.M.); Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.); Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) and Doctor of Sacred Theology (S.T.D.).

During the commencement event, Sr. Bergant will receive an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from JST.