Allison Delcalzo-Berens ’06
Posted in: Alumni Profiles
Allison Delcalzo-Berens 2006 – Major: Religious Studies; Minors: English; Women’s Studies M.A., in Religion, Drew University Theological School
HIV Counselor and Tester, Morristown Medical Center
What led you to study Religion at 鶹ý?
I started my college career at American University in Washington, DC as a Political Science major. But I quickly discovered that poli-sci and I were not a good match. So, I started taking a variety of courses to determine my next steps. One was a religious thought course, which highlighted numinous experiences and different types of mysticism. I was hooked.
I then transferred to 鶹ý and started taking more Religion courses – everything from Dr. Kogan’s texts classes to Dr. Eller’s course on Wicca and Neopaganism. Of course, I took as many of Dr. Johnson’s sociology of religion-themed courses as possible.
How has your study of Religion helped you in your “life after 鶹ý”?
Studying religion has increased my level of cultural competence and has given me a larger insight into the sociological, economic, and political systems in the world. The progressive and pluralistic environ- ment of the 鶹ý Religious Studies program prepared me well for my graduate work at the Drew University Theological School. These experiences have shaped my own theological perspective through gaining a greater respect for the cosmos. My graduate studies at Drew focused mainly on faith- based social change and sociology of religion.
Ok, here’s the Big Question: What are you doing now?
After nearly four years at a faith-based non-profit organization managing several social programs, I have begun the next step in my career. I am now a counselor in the Atlantic Health System, working with the HIV-positive and at-risk populations where I focus both on grassroots action and on larger public health planning issues. The work I’ve done in these settings – focusing on both the micro and the macro levels, demonstrating compassion for my patients, and coordinating with stakeholders – is a direct result of my liberal arts education.