The annual Homecoming celebration at Eastern University, encompassing both Eastern University and Palmer Theological Seminary, is a significant event that fosters community and recognizes profound contributions to service and ministry. Specifically, Wednesday, October 7th, 2026, is poised to be a pivotal day for Palmer Theological Seminary, featuring the #EUnited Homecoming Chapel at 3:00 p.m. and the Waymaker Award Dinner featuring honoring “Four under Forty” at 5:00 p.m. These events are designed to honor individuals who embody the seminary's motto – "the whole gospel for the whole world through whole persons.”
October 7th, 3 p.m: Waymaker Chapel Service
3:00 PM – Chapel
The Homecoming Chapel, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at the McInnis Auditorium, serves as a cornerstone for the #EUnited Homecoming weekend. This complimentary event invites alumni, students, faculty, staff, family, and friends of Eastern University, and Palmer Theological Seminary to unite in worship featuring, Harven Auguste, MDiv (‘24); Casey Bien-Aime, MDiv (’12), DMin (‘25); Daniel Garrison-Edwards, BA (‘11), MDiv (‘18); and Jocelyn Moore (MTS ‘25) as the 2026 “Four Under Forty” Waymakers. It is a moment for the entire "EUnited community" to gather, reflect, and share in fellowship, with light refreshments available afterward.
United under the theme of “Waymakers,” these leaders embody Palmer’s emphasis on whole-person formation across diverse fields of ministry and professional life.
Harven Auguste (MDiv ’24) Harven Auguste is a faith-driven leader whose vocation bridges faith, finances, and human flourishing. He serves as a Vice President and Product Manager at JPMorgan Chase, leading execution across the credit card business to develop products that serve millions of customers. Harven earned his Master of Divinity in Adaptive Leadership from Palmer Theological Seminary and a Master of Business Administration in Organization Management from Eastern University. Alongside his corporate vocation, he is deeply committed to Christian ministry, teaching, and developing leaders, while actively engaging in community organizations focused on youth development, education, and neighborhood revitalization.
In his words: "To me, being a Waymaker means recognizing that God is placing me in spaces where I can help create pathways that may not yet exist for others. In my day-to-day work, ministry, and community leadership, I seek to use whatever influence, opportunity, and resources God has entrusted to me to open doors, remove barriers, and help others live life on purpose."
Casey Bien-Aime (MDiv ’12, DMin ’25) Casey Bien-Aime serves as Senior Manager of Spiritual Care for Main Line Health and holds the Endowed Chair of Pastoral Care at Lankenau Medical Center. She earned a bachelor's degree in Biology and Religious Studies from Drew University and a Master of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary in 2012. Following eleven units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, she reinvigorated Lankenau Medical Center's chaplaincy program in June 2015. She graduated with distinction in 2025 with a Doctor of Ministry in Contextual Theology from Palmer, where her research examined how post-pandemic spiritual care resources impact nurse resilience. In February 2025, she assumed system-wide leadership of Spiritual Care across Main Line Health, supporting chaplaincy at four acute care hospitals and the Rehab Hospital, while expanding consultation for ambulatory locations, community initiatives, and the Mirmont Treatment Center. Dr. Bien-Aime has partnered with interdisciplinary teams to integrate Spiritual Care into the Critical Incident Response Team and created CALM debriefing sessions to reduce burnout. A frequent educator, she is deeply involved in Clinical Pastoral Education, volunteer programs, and system-wide consultations on cultural, spiritual, and religious accommodations. She also remains actively engaged in local interfaith organizations and community ministry.
In her words: "In a world that often feels uncertain, painful, and divided, I seek to be a waymaker by helping others find a path forward rooted in compassion and connection. It means using my voice, strength, and influence to walk alongside those who feel overwhelmed or weary, clearing barriers that divide us and creating space for love, hope, and healing while learning to get out of the way and let Love lead."
Daniel Garrison-Edwards (BA ’11, MDiv ’18) Daniel Garrison-Edwards is a deacon in the Episcopal Church who currently serves as Curate at St. Mark’s Church in Philadelphia. There, he serves at Sunday liturgies and primarily facilitates ministry to children and families. Prior to his ordination as a deacon, Dan served in campus ministry with the CCO from 2018 to 2026 at Eastern University and West Chester University, where he was frequently recognized for handing out free donuts and chatting with students. Deeply shaped by his pastoral education at Palmer, he is scheduled, Lord willing and the people consenting, to be ordained as a priest in early 2027.
In his words: "I believe being a waymaker is imitating the Waymaker. Christ made a way through death and suffering into resurrection, and I believe we are all called to be agents of resurrection in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. On my best days, I ask ‘what is Christ calling me to let die today, so He may raise up something new.’”
Jocelyn Moore (MTS ’25) Min. Jocelyn Moore serves as the Youth Ministry Director at New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church under her father, Rev. William Moore, Jr., and as the Youth Minister for Monumental Baptist Church. She holds a B.S. in Organizational and Community Leadership, a Master’s in Management and Organizational Behavior, and a Master of Theological Studies from Palmer Theological Seminary. In her professional career, she works in diversity and inclusion as the Managing Director of People, Culture & Strategy at Teach For America Greater Philadelphia. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Jocelyn has partnered with justice organizations like the International Justice Mission, the SunGate Foundation, Avanzar Women’s Center, Color of Change, and Faith in Action New Jersey to support equity initiatives.
In her words: "To me, being a Waymaker means emulating the radical love of Christ: a love that tangibly cares and boldly advocates for the overlooked, the under-resourced, the marginalized and the forgotten. To be a Waymaker is to put feet to our faith."
October 7th, 5 p.m: Four Under Forty Awards Dinner: Honoring Exemplary Service
5:00–6:30 PM, Warner Library Atrium
Fellowship, food, and a special surprise for EVERY alumna/us in the room!
Following the chapel, the Homecoming 2026 Waymakers Award Dinner will commence at 5:00 p.m. in the Warner Library Atrium. This dinner is a distinguished occasion to honor and celebrate the 2026 “Four Under Forty” Palmer Waymakers. The "Waymaker" award acknowledges an alumna or alumnus for their life of service and ministry that reflects the reign of God in the world, vitalizing a spirit of innovative pursuit and living out the seminary's core values. It recognizes those who demonstrate how theological education can extend beyond the traditional confines of the pulpit and church walls, impacting various spheres of society.
The dinner and awards ceremony begin promptly at 5 pm in the Warner Library Atrium. Tickets are free for students and Eastern employees and $20 for guests. RSVP Online Now!