Department of Religious Studies

This award honors the legacy of two esteemed colleagues, Brother Mark Jarlath Hunt and Brother John Patrick Doyle, who have made lasting contributions to the mission of theological education and scholarship at Iona College.

These Christian Brothers distinguished themselves as exceptional teachers in the field of Religious Studies and embodied our mission in its multifaceted dimensions. Scholars, they were devoted to the intellectual life and to mastering the sacred sciences of theology and religious studies. Colleagues, they were committed to the mission of the department, fostering among us a spirit of collegiality and community. Extraordinary teachers, they informed and inspired generations of Ionians during their tenure.

Brother Mark Jarlath Hunt’s legacy invites us to celebrate the sources of the mystical and liturgical life of the Christian tradition by remembering the riches of biblical wisdom particularly the psalms. A contemplative theologian, Brother Hunt’s interests included medieval spirituality and creation theology. His devotion to the ongoing renewal of the work of worship and praise grounded in the wonders of nature move us to do the same.

Brother John Patrick Doyle’s expansive spirit brought him to explore the worlds of Judaism, Buddhism, Native American spirituality, and Islam. His practice of engaged scholarship and pedagogy oriented him towards a host of social and political concerns that articulated his commitment to orthopraxis in doing theology. His devotion to social justice and interfaith dialogue likewise inspire us to pursue the intellectual dimensions of these challenging concerns.

First, Mary Iarocci
Second, Daniel Regan
Third, Sarah Dayton

First, Elizabeth Soto, “The Status and Role of Women in the New Testament”

Second, John Eggleston, “Clarity and Catholicism in the Buddhist Light” and “A Universalized Charter for Global Spirituality”

Third, Courtney Austin, “Otsu’s Way of Religion”

First, Patricia Costa, “Justice William Rehnquist’s Criticisms of the Supreme Court’s Faulty Interpretation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments”