Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute periodically offers scholarships to promising students and researchers in the fields of ecumenical and interreligious studies.
The program began in 2022, in collaboration with the Ecclesiological Investigations International Research Network, by sponsoring their participation in the 14th international Ecclesiological Investigations conference (in San Juan, Puerto Rico).
2025 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Nicholas Brotherton is an MDiv student in Buddhism and Interreligious Engagement at Union Theological Seminary.
After discovering theology as a passion and practice, Nicholas has since endeavored to find more opportunities to worship with words. He has recently held a public seminar for critical theology and Biblical studies at his home church in North Carolina. He is excited to develop more programs for co-operative education and community organization as his studies continue.
Matthew Brown is a doctoral candidate in Theology at Fordham University writing on Deification and Atonement.
He is a priest in the Orthodox Church and serves at Saint Mary Magdalen in Manhattan. Matthew is the Editor-in-Chief for Jacob’s Well, a magazine of the Diocese of New York & New Jersey (OCA) and he lives with his wife and three children in New Jersey.
Pantelis Levakos is a PhD researcher at the Faculty of Theology in Athens.
The title of his thesis is “The Use and the Perception of the Synodikon of Orthodoxy during the Middle and the Late Byzantine Period.” At the same time, he is doing his Master’s Studies at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies of KU Leuven in the field of Liturgical Theology, preparing a thesis under the title “A Reading of the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.”
Casey Smith is a PhD candidate in North American religious history at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Her dissertation focuses on ecumenical Protestants and family planning, examining how the National Council of Churches navigated issues around birth control in the twentieth century. Other interests include gender and sexuality within American Protestantism and the significance of the ecumenical movement in shaping Christian identity and witness.
Rebekah Mui is a PhD Candidate in Virginia Tech's Alliance of Social, Political, Ethical, and Cultural Thought Program.
We recognize with honorary inclusion in this year’s Graymoor Scholars cohort Rebekah Mui, who is not able to attend this year’s international conference but whose proposed work meets every expectation of the scholarship committee.
PAST SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
David de la Fuente is the Associate Director for Ignatian Young Adult Ministries
David de la Fuente is the Associate Director for Ignatian Young Adult Ministries in the Office of Ignatian Spirituality of the USA East Province of Jesuits. He is also on the adjunct faculty at Fordham and is a lay ecclesial minister at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle in New York City. He holds a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Fordham University. His recently defended dissertation, titled A Catholic Reception of Azusa Street’s Pentecostal Fire, brought together his interests in pneumatology, ecclesiology, theologies of racial justice, and the Pentecostal movement to explore the deeper significance of the Azusa Street Revival of 1906 for theological reflection and ecclesial praxis today. Dave has contributed to academic journals and edited volumes on pneumatology and medicine, scripture and racial justice, and theological aesthetics. Dave is married to Adrienne, a professional ballet and contemporary dancer with Exit12 Dance Company; their mission is to bring healing to those touched by war.
Noël Grisanti is a Masters of Divinity student at Harvard Divinity School.
Her work centers broadly on social justice ministry through the lens of ecclesiology. In particular, she is interested in exploring the church’s role at the intersection of economic, racial, and climate justice. She is currently pursuing ordination in the United Church of Christ.
Tom McLean is a doctoral candidate in the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at KU Leuven (Belgium).
He is preparing a thesis on the sacramental theology of Edward Schillebeeckx. His research interests also include liturgical history and theology, critical and ritual theories, ecumenism, and the work of Marie-Dominique Chenu. He has published articles in Louvain Studies, Studia Liturgica and Theology.
Sam Zhai was born and raised in China.
He then came to the United States in 2010 for undergraduate studies at University of Southern California and earned a bachelor’s degree in physics/computer science. He then attended Boston College School of Theology and Ministry and earned two master’s degrees before joining Boston College Theology Department’s doctoral studies program, with a particular focus on Comparative Theology and Christian-Jewish Relations. He is currently working on his dissertation, which delves into Jewish and Catholic understandings of the concept of Covenant through the lens of important figures such as Joseph Soloveitchik and David Tracy.
QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM?
We’re happy to answer them! Please get in touch and we’ll respond as soon as possible.