Planting Seeds of Justice: The Do Justice Fund at 10

MAY 14, 2025

Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow and his wife Robin now (above) and back when they initiated the fund in 2015 (below)

Imagine a ripple effect, starting with a single act of generosity. Ten years ago, Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow's anniversary gift set in motion the Do Justice Fund at McCormick Theological Seminary—a dynamic force empowering future faith leaders to not just understand justice, but to do it. Rooted in his unwavering commitment, this fund directly tackles the pressing social, economic, and political challenges of our era, equipping students with the skills and opportunities to become true agents of change.

A distinguished friend of McCormick, Rev. Reyes-Chow's journey—from pastoring vibrant California congregations to becoming the youngest elected Moderator of the Presbyterian Church USA—underscores his lifelong dedication to impactful leadership. His influential digital platform, The Amalgamation, alongside six insightful books and recent work in leadership coaching, activism, culture, race, and technology, showcases a profound desire to mentor the next generation.

The Do Justice Fund serves as a tangible extension of this mentorship, providing McCormick students with transformative opportunities to participate in crucial trainings, workshops, conferences, and campaigns. By removing financial barriers, the fund empowers students to hone their skills and amplify their passions, enabling them to become more effective agents of change within an evolving faith landscape. Rev. Reyes-Chow's vision—that faith leaders must actively engage the world, championing justice and speaking truth to power—is brought to life through the tangible resources the fund provides.

For McCormick's President Handy, the Do Justice Fund embodies the seminary's commitment to a forward-thinking, hands-on educational experience. "The impact of the Do Justice Fund is evident in the confident and capable graduates who are stepping into complex realities," shares Dr. Handy. "Thanks to the generosity of donors, spearheaded by Rev. Reyes-Chow, students gain access to invaluable experiences—courses, seminars, and conferences—that bridge deep theological understanding with practical application. It has supported student anti racism training, public facing programs like the Artist Forum, the Trauma Healing Initiative and the Solidarity Building initiative. It has been a real lifeline at times of need and support."

The Do Justice Fund has been instrumental in shaping impactful leaders for the past decade. As we look to the future and the ongoing need for courageous voices for justice, your support is more critical than ever. Celebrate the fund's 10th anniversary and empower the next generation by scanning the QR code and helping us continue to fuel this important fund through your contribution. Your gift will directly remove barriers for McCormick students, allowing more passionate individuals to participate in transformative trainings and initiatives, ultimately multiplying their capacity to create meaningful change in the world. Join us in amplifying the impact – scan and give today.

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Welcoming Dr. Kurt Peterson as Vice President for Institutional Advancement