Drew University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Drew University, situated on a wooded 186-acre campus in Madison, New Jersey, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1867 as a Methodist seminary. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive private university comprising the College of Liberal Arts, the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, and the Drew Theological School. This evolution has fostered a diverse and accomplished alumni community, making significant contributions across various fields.

From Seminary to University: A Historical Overview

Originally established as the Drew Theological Seminary, the institution maintained its affiliation with the United Methodist Church. The Theological School continues to grant advanced degrees, including the Doctor of Ministry, Master of Divinity, and Master of Sacred Theology. In 1928, a generous gift facilitated the creation of the College of Liberal Arts, initially a small college for men. It transitioned to co-education in the 1940s and experienced considerable growth in the 1960s. The Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, dedicated to advanced study in the humanities, opened in 1955 and was later named after the Caspersen family.

Academic Innovation and Unique Programs

Drew University has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic innovation. In 2019, the university launched "Launch," a new undergraduate degree path integrating career development with academics and community service. The Charles A. Dana Research Institute for Scientists Emeriti, home to 2015 Nobel Prize winner William Campbell, offers research opportunities. Drew also provides credit-bearing New York City semesters focusing on various fields, including Wall Street, the United Nations, Contemporary Art, Theatre, Social Entrepreneurship, and Communications and Media, along with international semester programs.

Centers and Collections

Beyond its academic departments, Drew University houses several notable centers and collections. These include the Center on Religion, Culture & Conflict, the Center for Holocaust/Genocide Study, and the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ, an independent professional theater. The university also hosts the United Methodist Archives and History Center and a collection of archival materials on Willa Cather.

Notable Alumni: A Tapestry of Achievement

Drew University boasts a diverse array of accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. These individuals exemplify the university's commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, leadership, and service to society.

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Arts and Entertainment

Soon-Yi Previn: Enrolled in Drew University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. She is the adopted daughter of actress Mia Farrow and musician André Previn and is married to filmmaker Woody Allen.
James Van Der Beek: An American actor known for his role as Dawson Leery on Dawson's Creek.
Aileen Quinn: Best known for her role as the title character in the 1982 film Annie.
Ed Ferrara: Professional wrestler, writer, and agent for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
Charlie Zeleny: An American session drummer, music director, and solo artist.

Religion and Theology

William Barber II: An American Protestant minister, social activist, professor, and founding director of the Center for Public Theology & Public Policy at Yale Divinity School.
Peter Deunov: A Bulgarian philosopher and spiritual teacher who developed a form of Esoteric Christianity known as the Universal White Brotherhood.
Jeff Smith: Minister, cookbook author, and host of The Frugal Gourmet.
Henry Appenzeller: An American Methodist missionary who introduced Protestant Christianity to Korea.
Karen Oliveto: An American bishop and the first openly lesbian bishop elected in the United Methodist Church.

Science and Medicine

William C. Campbell: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 for his work in discovering a novel therapy against infections caused by roundworms.
Dianne Hale: Earned her PhD with a National Institute of Health fellowship. She was promoted to Professor of Pediatrics at the UNC Medical School.

Politics and Public Service

Thomas H. Kean Sr.: Former Governor of New Jersey and served as president of Drew University from 1990 to 2005.
Clint Bolick: A justice of the Arizona Supreme Court.
Deedee Corradini: Served as the 32nd mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah, from 1992 to 2000.
Arturo Valenzuela: The United States Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs from 2009 to 2011.
Channing E. Phillips: An American minister, civil rights leader, and social activist.
Nathaniel Raymond: An American human rights investigator specializing in the investigation of war crimes.
Richard L. Walker: An American scholar, author, and former ambassador to South Korea.
Holly Bakke: An attorney who served as New Jersey Commissioner of Banking and Insurance (2002-2005).
Peter Verniero: A former New Jersey Attorney General and New Jersey Supreme Court justice.
Cathy Zbyszynski Brennan: Serves as New Jersey’s Deputy State Treasurer in the Administration of Governor Phil Murphy.
Benjamin D. Davol: Studied political science at Drew and pursued a career in political consulting.

Literature and Journalism

John T. Cunningham: Historian and journalist.
Dale Peck: An American novelist, literary critic, and columnist.
Robert M. Price: An American New Testament scholar who argues in favor of the Christ myth theory.

Athletics

Chad Bridges: Holds a BA in Political Science from Drew University and an MSEd from the University of Pennsylvania. He was a dual-sport captain who helped lead the men’s soccer and basketball teams to conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances.
Shamila Kohestani: An Afghan footballer and the former captain of the Afghanistan women's national football team.
Ryan Strother: Drew Baseball Team member, Principal, Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners, New York, NY.

Business and Finance

Jeffrey B. Noss: Launched a distinguished forty-three-year career on Wall Street.

Academia

James E. Cheek: President of Howard University from 1968 to 1989.
George Selgin: An American economist. He is Senior Fellow and Director Emeritus of the Cato Institute's Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives
Craig Stanford: A biology and anthropology professor and director of the Jane Goodall Research Center at the University of Southern California.

Community and Service

Albert Jerome Saunders, Sr.: A man whose journey defied the conventional narrative of retirement, serves as a model of resilience and dedication.

Alumni Awards and Recognition

Drew University recognizes its accomplished alumni through various awards, including the Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award, the Alumni Award for Achievement in the Liberal Arts, and the Frances B. Sellers Award. These awards honor alumni who have made significant contributions in their fields and to society.

Jeffrey B. Noss C’75: The 2025 recipient of the Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.
Michele E. Fabrizio C’73: The 2023 recipient of the Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award.
Chad Bridges: The 2025 recipient of the Alumni Award for Achievement in the Liberal Arts.
Clint Bolick C’79: The 2024 recipient of the Alumni Award for Achievement in Liberal Arts.
Janet Marie Gorn C’73: The 2023 recipient of the Alumni Achievement in the Liberal Arts Award.

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