One River Zen abbot earns Emory theology scholarship

Sensei Michael Brunner of Ottawa, Illinois, has been admitted to Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and awarded a Master of Divinity Scholarship that covers tuition. He will begin graduate study in mid-August while continuing to lead One River Zen and its community programs in the Illinois Valley.

Why it matters: - The scholarship gives One River Zen Abbot Sensei Michael Brunner tuition coverage for advanced theological study at Emory University. - Brunner’s training is aimed at strengthening the community-focused ministry he leads in Ottawa, Illinois. - The move connects local service work in the Illinois Valley with interreligious and pastoral study at a major research university.

What happened: - Sensei Michael Brunner was selected for admission to Emory University’s Candler School of Theology Master of Divinity program. - Brunner also received Candler’s Master of Divinity Scholarship. - Brunner graduated from the University of Michigan in spring 2026. - He will begin graduate studies during Emory’s academic orientation in mid-August. - Brunner will remain based in Ottawa, Illinois, while continuing full-time work as a Buddhist priest, teacher, and community leader.

The details: - One River Zen is led by Abbot Sensei Michael Brunner in Ottawa. - Brunner said the work in Ottawa has focused on removing barriers between spiritual practice and community action. - Brunner said Emory will help deepen his interreligious engagement and pastoral leadership. - Brunner said those insights will be brought back to people and programs in the Illinois Valley. - One River Zen’s outreach efforts include Karuna Food Pantry, which addresses food insecurity in the region. - One River Zen also runs David’s Clubhouse, a support network for families raising neurodivergent children. - One River Zen’s Artist-in-Residence Program is developed with the Ottawa Center for the Arts. - The program is designed to foster local creativity and cultural expression. - Brunner’s studies at Emory will focus on comparative theology and interfaith cooperation. - The goal is to help local faith communities work together more effectively. - More information is available at One River Zen.

Between the lines: - The announcement positions Brunner’s academic path as an extension of his local ministry, not a departure from it. - The scholarship coverage lowers the financial barrier to graduate study and may help sustain his community work while he trains. - The emphasis on comparative theology suggests One River Zen is leaning into cross-faith collaboration as part of its public mission.

What's next: - Brunner is expected to start at Emory in mid-August. - One River Zen will continue operating its food, family support, and arts programs in Ottawa. - Brunner’s graduate work is expected to feed back into local ministry and interfaith outreach in the Illinois Valley.

The bottom line: - Sensei Michael Brunner is pairing a funded graduate path at Emory with an active leadership role in Ottawa, aiming to deepen the theology behind One River Zen’s community service model.