In a celebration of legacy and learning, the UC Santa Barbara Department of Religious Studies recently hosted a panel featuring renowned scholars of religion who were once graduate students of the late Walter Capps. The current chair of the department, Juan Campos, moderated the panel, which highlighted Capps’ enduring influence on the academic community and his profound impact on religious studies.

Walter Capps was honored not only for his academic contributions but also for his role as a mentor and friend. One of the panelists, Professor Koppell, shared personal reflections on Capps’ life and career, emphasizing the deep impact Capps had on his own academic journey. He spoke about Capps’ commitment to acknowledging the indigenous land on which UCSB is located, paying respect to the Chumash people and their enduring cultural heritage.

Juan Campos also highlighted the department’s significant growth and evolution since its founding. From its humble beginnings with just two faculty members, the department now boasts 21 tenured professors, six lecturers, and more professorships on the horizon. Reflecting on the department’s historical context, he noted the social changes of the 1960s and the role of religious studies in understanding and addressing these challenges. Walter Capps’ vision for the department was deeply influenced by these dynamics, and his work continues to resonate in today’s complex and turbulent times.

As the department approaches its 60th anniversary, Capps’ influence remains a guiding light, inspiring future generations of scholars to explore the rich and complex tapestry of religious studies with passion, curiosity, and a commitment to social justice.

Watch Walter Capps and the Study of Religion Part 1 and Walter Capps and the Study of Religion Part 2.