Skip to main content

Alumnus Spotlight – Dr. Franco Famularo

HJI Alumnus, Doctorate of Ministry 2020, Master’s in Divinity 1994 | Montreal, Canada

What inspired you to apply to HJI and your program? What do you most appreciate about being a student at HJI?

I have wanted to attend since the early days of joining the Unification Movement. My main inspiration was when Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon directly asked me to attend in 1991 and both he and his wife Dr. Hak Ja Han encouraged me over the course of several days to attend. I was very willing to attend because I had seen that the educational experience would better equip me for the mission I was involved in.

The HJI experience has broadened my perspective, helped me to dialogue more effectively with religious, political and civil society leaders as well as with people from all walks of life.

What are some skills you gained at HJI that have served you well through your career?

Research skills. They helped provide a more balanced view of a multitude of topics. The courses I took provided me with a broader understanding of religion that in turn helped to enhance sensitivity toward individuals or groups of Christian or other faiths. Also, the HJI experience helped me not only in my religious mission but also in my business career, as what I learned is applicable in all areas of life.

What advice would you give to current students?

  1. Make the most of your time with HJI.
  2. Challenge yourself to learn in areas that you may not be familiar with and invest yourself 100%.

If applicable, share about the benefits of your online learning experience

I graduated from HJI just as the pandemic became a fact in 2020 and only did the defense of my dissertation online. I believe the fact that it is now possible to do the entire program online is very beneficial to students who cannot easily travel or live in the USA. The online experience opens many doors.

Is there any other highlight or aspect of your study at HJI that you would like to share?

I developed a global network of friends and colleagues that were classmates at HJI. A very important benefit of the HJI experience.

What do you enjoy in your free time?

Reading, writing, golf, visiting museums, and traveling.