Days of Celebration for TST
It has been a period of extended celebration at TST over two significant moments in our history: the official launch of Today for Tomorrow, a project supported by a $4.3-million USD grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. and designed to ensure TST remains a world leader in theological education, and a formal tribute to Trinity College Prof. Abrahim Khan, celebrating his remarkable 22 years as general editor of the Toronto Journal of Theology (TJT).
Several past TJT editors, as well as former executive directors of TST and other guests, attended a wine and cheese party held October 15, 2026, in Prof. Khan’s honour, where TST Executive Director Darren Dias, OP welcomed attendees, praised the guest of honour’s contributions, and presented him with a line drawing of TST member colleges created by TST alumnus Dr. Emmaus O’Hearlihy, OSB.
Incoming general editor Prof. Gerard Ryan, SJ of the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology acknowledged how daunting it feels to assume the editorship from someone with such an impressive legacy, and he thanked Prof. Khan for his ongoing support and assistance, as well as for landing over to him with a well-organized periodical that has a strong foundation.
Sandra Shaw, Director, Editorial, Design and Production at University of Toronto Press, which publishes the TJT, spoke of the great success of the journal, which is read around the world. She also noted that while Prof. Khan had served as general editor for 22 years his connection to the TJT goes back to the journal’s origins, with a book review he authored appearing in the very first edition in 1985.
Then Prof. Khan spoke movingly about his passion for the TJT, and his gratitude for the support of his colleagues and family. His touching words served to underline colleagues’ praise offered him as a man of wisdom, dedication and humility, and helped explain the outpouring of affection for him.
The party to honour Prof. Khan occurred a week after the Lilly grant launch, which took place on October 6, 2026, and saw faculty from across TST, long-time friends and representatives from the five member colleges participating in the program gather to learn more about the goals of the project.
At the heart of the ambitious plan is the creation of the Ministry and Pastoral Leadership hub, which Prof. Dias envisions as a “one-stop” support for pastoral programs across TST. The hub office will lend administrative assistance to participating colleges to help strengthen the preparation and long-term support for Christian pastoral leaders. With the hub taking on a variety of administrative support work, both staff and faculty will have more time to focus on what matters most: the students.
Today for Tomorrow also has the goal of building an endowment that will support the hub once the Lilly grant funding expires. Lilly has agreed to match funds raised by the participating colleges before November 1, 2027, at a rate of 2.5 to one, offering up to $120,000 USD to each participating college.
Noting that TST consistently ranks as the #1 theology school in the country and appears routinely in top-10 lists in North America, Prof. Dias spoke enthusiastically about how the project will help protect the long-term health of TST by ensuring the consortium runs efficiently while also enhancing supports and opportunities for students, all without raising costs. With creative thinking, he added, TST can attain several goals, including increasing enrolment while also increasing faculty output directed to teaching, formation and research.
Prof. Ernest van Eck, Principal of Knox College, spoke of TST’s service not only to its students but also to the broader community, offering the Church and the world wisdom and hope in the challenging times we live in.
After the brief remarks, guests mingled while reading profiles placed around the room of students from participating colleges, who offered their thoughts on why they chose TST and what TST has given them.
To learn more about the Lilly Grant initiative here.