HGA Graduates
Designed to promote the education, knowledge and engagement of Scottish Rite, NMJ members, the challenging Hauts Grades Academy (HGA) curriculum provides members with an opportunity to delve deeper into the study of the Scottish Rite degrees.
Meet some of the HGA’s recent graduates below. Our scholars have shared in their own words what the program has meant to them. Scottish Rite, NMJ members can also read the HGA graduates’ full body of scholarly work, including reflective essays and research projects.
To read the graduates' research and essays, please log into the member center.
Recent Graduates
Ill. Piers A. Vaughan, 33°, MSA, HGA
Valley of New York, New York“The Hauts Grades Academy allows you to spend time really absorbing the lessons of the series of Grades we put on, and takes us beyond simply performing them. I particularly liked the way the experience started broadly with Multiple Choice questions on all the Grades, then homed in on a selection of Grades at a greater depth, finally leading to a paper in which you could demonstrate your knowledge in a particular field - not unlike the way a College degree works. It’s also rewarding to know that this Hauts Grades Academy is adding to the body of knowledge of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction."
Larry D. Horath, 32°, HGA
Valley of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania"The HGA program provided me the opportunity to increase my knowledge and understanding of the Scottish Rite degrees while further providing the opportunity to share my views and opinions on what these mean to me as a man and as a Mason. Further, HGA provided me the chance to develop a deeper meaning and understanding of Scottish Rite degrees and the entire experience of becoming a Scottish Rite Mason."
Michael S. Neuberger, 32°, HGA
Valley of Northern New Jersey, New Jersey"The HGA program was a wonderful experience. It allowed me to explore more deeply the beautiful messages of the Scottish Rite. All too often we spend time memorizing ritual, but we rarely take the time to study the ritual. I am glad to have been part of this worthwhile initiative."
Robert W. Reinhardt, III, 32°, HGA
Valley of Northern New Jersey, New Jersey"When we become Masons we are making an investment to the Masonic Fraternity and through Masonic Education/Masonic Light, we see the return on the investment we all made."
Seth C. Anthony, 32°, HGA
Valley of Reading, Pennsylvania"So often in Freemasonry members say that they want more Masonic education, or that they are 'seeking more light.' The Hauts Grades Academy is an example of an educational program that provides just that. As I progressed through the levels, I found a deeper meaning to my Masonic experience. While the final project was challenging, it was well worth the effort that I put into it, because I was able to expand my knowledge in an area of personal interest."
Arthur F. Hebbeler, III, 32°, HGA
Valley of Toledo, Ohio"Education and learning never end, and that applies even more to Masonic education. Having studied and written on Masonic topics since college, participating in HGA was a logical decision. It's a wonderful opportunity to read, reflect, and write on our important lessons and teachings."
David C. Hanna, 32°, HGA
Valley of Cleveland, Ohio"My experience in participating in the Hauts Grades Academy was both an exciting and rewarding one. As a scholar, the research aspect of my journey bore many exciting and challenging opportunities, both of which allowed me to grow as a student and as an aspiring writer. Perhaps my most rewarding experience came upon completion of my research paper - the knowledge that I, in some small measure, contributed towards the mission of Freemasonry, was humbling and, in my personal view, the raison d'etre of my desire to be a member of the Craft."
J. M. Stephens, 32°, HGA
Valley of Reading, Pennsylvania"The progress through HGA provided a much deeper understanding of the degrees. The ability to study them in a controlled and guided process really added value. Additionally, the review and mentoring of the writings allowed me an ability to grow and develop as a scholar. In short the HGA program not only allowed but also encouraged me to rise to the next level."
Kevin A. Wheeler, 32°, HGA
Valley of Chicago, Illinois"For me Masonic education is one of the greatest things to help us in learning about our craft and ourselves as human beings. When I discovered that the Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction had created an education program I was ecstatic. I immediately registered to take part in the Hauts Grades Academy. Participating in the HGA allowed me to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Scottish Rite NMJ. I was able to both learn more about our degree work, and the background behind them. It also allowed me to reflect and explain what and why certain things resonated with me personally, allowing me to become more informed, and a better man and Mason. I would highly recommend that all Scottish Rite Masons of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction take part in this glorious and worthwhile education program."
Murray A. Scott, Jr., 32°, HGA
Valley of Detroit, Michigan"I found the Hauts Grades Academy to be very beneficial. I was able to learn more from the degrees than just watching them. The research paper will be very beneficial to me, my family, friends and fraternity bothers."
Samuel F. Swicegood, 32°, HGA
Valley of Cincinnati, Ohio"The HGA provides an opportunity to not only examine the degrees in finer detail, but also to communicate with veterans of Scottish Rite to discover parallels in meaning and personal interpretations of our values that span decades of experience. I also got a chance to delve into the history of these degrees, answering the question of not only what we do, but why we do it. I got a better idea of how these degrees help us forge stronger bonds with our Brothers, and with God."
Michael L. Moran, 32°, HGA
Valley of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania"The HGA program greatly helped me to better understand the degrees and, especially, the core values. Through its progressive design, Brothers are encouraged to develop higher order thinking and writing skills. I encourage Brothers to participate in the program in order to more thoroughly understand the Scottish Rite."