Class of ’75 Conversations

“Friendships Forged at Duke: A 50-Year Journey” Four Duke Divinity School classmates, originally five before one’s passing a few years ago, have maintained their friendship for over half a century. The group - Mike Safley, Ray Gooch, Bob Redmond, and Phil Motley, discussed their diverse career paths across North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky, serving in roles ranging from pastoral ministry to c...

“From Retail to Ministry: Molly Levin Beck’s 50-Year Journey of Faith and Service” Molly Levin Beck graduated from Duke Divinity School in 1975 but initially worked in retail for 38 years, including positions at various stores and eventually Cokesbury Christian Bookstore, before responding to a call to ministry. After Cokesbury closed in 2013, she began serving part-time as minister of congregatio...

 "Telling the Story: A Life in Ministry, Community, and Communications" Dr. Art McClanahan reflects on his journey, remembering the sense of community at the Duke Divinity School, the influence of faculty, including Dean Thomas Langford, Dr. Stuart Henry, and Dr. Robert Cushman. Field education positions included as a middler serving in the first Divinity School student intern cohort at Duke Chape...

"Breaking New Ground: Mary Hurmence on Being Among the First Women in Duke's M.Div. Program" In this episode of Class of '75 Conversations, Dr. Art McClanahan talks with Mary Hurmence. She was one of four who arrived at Duke Divinity School from Minnesota.  In their conversation, Mary and Art reflect on their formative years at Duke Divinity School, emphasizing the strong academic foundation, supp...

"From Pulpit to People - Harry Quiett’s 50-Year Journey in Ministry and Social Service” In this episode of Class of '75 Conversations, host Dr. Art McClanahan talks with fellow 1975 Duke Divinity School graduate Harry Quiett about his diverse 50-year career spanning parish ministry, nonprofit leadership, and social advocacy.  Harry’s journey took him from Methodist churches in North Carolina to wo...

"Faith, Resilience, and Ripple Effects: Wayne Evans on a Lifetime of Ministry" In this episode of Class of ‘75 Conversations, Dr. Art McClanahan speaks with classmate Rev. Dr. Wayne Evans about his decades-long ministry shaped by faith, resilience, and deep community ties.  Wayne shares the joys and struggles of early pastoral life in Louisiana, including the inspiring ministry of his first wife,...

"Curiosity as Calling: Betty Wolfe on Learning, Leadership, and Life's Surprises" In this episode of Class of ‘75 Conversations, Dr. Art McClanahan talks with Betty Wolfe.   Betty Wolfe shares her vocational and personal journey beginning with her time at Duke Divinity School, which she entered without a clear sense of calling but with a deep curiosity and love of learning. Her Divinity School exp...

"Pastoral Care Everywhere: Juanice Edwards on Ministry Beyond the Pulpit" In this episode of Class of '75 Conversations, Dr. Art McClanahan talks with Juanice (Dunbar) Edwards. She shares her journey since graduating from Duke Divinity School, including her varied career as a Methodist pastor, chaplain, government worker, and oil company employee. Throughout these roles, she always found ways to p...

"From Small Congregations to Big Impact: Bishop Paul Leeland's Journey Through Ministry and Mentorship" In this episode of Class of ‘75 Conversations, host Dr. Art McClanahan talks with Bishop Paul Leeland about what drew him to the Divinity School and his journey of balancing pastoral work with theological education while serving small congregations. Bishop Leeland reflects on the profound impact...