I began attending SCSC nearly 30 years ago as a graduate student. I was welcomed as a colleague from the very beginning. Senior scholars asked about my research and encouraged me. Over the years, I have tested out chapters from three books at SCSC. My scholarship is stronger and more thoughtful because of my colleagues here. Edited and co-edited volumes have been born at SCSC. Simply put, I would not be the scholar I am today without SCSC.

SCSC was a place for me to be welcomed as and not in spite of being a young scholar. Scholars I had read and idolized would talk to me and help me! Now, SCSC is increasingly a place for me to meet with colleagues and friends, all in an effort to continue to grow the quality and scope of Reformation studies and early modern history.

I attended SCSC for the first time as a second-year English graduate student; indeed, it was my first in-person conference as a presenter. SCSC and its attending members provided a wonderfully warm and engaging introduction to the society and the field. Members welcomed graduate students and early career faculty with open arms. The conference itself was extremely well-organized and easy to navigate, stimulating without being overwhelming.