(August 18, 2017) Maitripa College Master of Divinity students were celebrated this week for their accomplishments in completing rigorous Clinical Pastoral Education programs. 

Julie Dreyer graduated from a one-year CPE residency at Providence Portland Medical Center. During the Service of Farewell and Blessing on August 16, 2017, Julie played the harmonium and led the assembly in singing “Amazing Grace” to which she has added her own arrangement of the Buddhist mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum. Julie’s Clinical Partner, Rev. Jon Andres, spoke of Julie’s “ministry of song” and the positive energy she brings to her work. He delighted in her remarkable feat of initiating “singing Friday” with the nurses and care team on her unit, who usually gather for quiet prayerful morning reflections. On Fridays now all participate in singing together! Rev. Andes quoted some of the Leonard Cohen verses Julie has led for them. In response, Julie offered her gratitude for all who have furthered her learning process and spiritual formation, including overcoming the wish that change and growth could be done without pain. Julie also joined her cohort in a humorous and joyful song they wrote for the occasion. 

Julie will return to Maitripa College for the 2017-2018 academic year to complete her MDiv degree. She has accepted part-time positions as an Associate Chaplain at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, where she completed a on-unit summer CPE internship in 2016, and as an on-call Chaplain at Providence Portland Medical Center.

Maitripa College Director of Academic Programs, Leigh Miller, who is serving as the Chair of the PPMC CPE Professional Advisory Group in 2017, spoke about the graduates’ inspiring capacity for lovingly paying close attention – to their own hearts and minds, to their peers and colleagues, and to their patients and their families – as a foundation for transforming adversity and for their ongoing spiritual and professional growth. 

On August 18, 2017, David Reeb finished one unit of CPE in the summer internship at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. Associate Chaplain and Maitripa College alum, Kristen Mullen, MDiv read a poem in the ceremony. David has also been working as a Chaplain for Seasons Home Hospice Care, which he will continue part time as he completes his MDiv degree at Maitripa this year. David has been supervised at Seasons by Maitripa College adjunct instructor Rev. Vitalia Brooks, MDiv, who joined Maitripa students, staff, and alumni in celebrating with David.

From your Maitripa family, we rejoice in your accomplishments with much love and our best wishes!

Carl Jensen, MDiv, Julie Dreyer, Rev. Jill Rowland, Legacy Emanuel Medical Center CPE Supervisor, David Reeb, Jyoshin Clay, Rev. Vitalia Brooks, Leigh Miller celebrate the successful conclusion of David’s summer CPE internship at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center.

Julie Dreyer leads “Amazing Grace/ Om Mani Padme Hum” at the Portland Providence Medical Center CPE residency graduation.

Leigh Miller speaks at the  Portland Providence Medical Center CPE residency graduation.