LTSS Alumni and Friends Make Their Mark

Seminary alumni pay it forward

Thursday, Feb. 17, marked the second annual Day of Giving for Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir-Rhyne University and the seminary’s annual Alumni Day.

Alumni Day is an opportunity for graduates to return to campus, visit with faculty, classmates and friends and participate in activities throughout the day. More than 70 alumni and friends were in attendance on campus, with another 20 attending events via Zoom. This year, Dr. Susan Wilds McArver MAR’80 was the Yost Lecturer and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Quick M.Div’14 offered a workshop on using social media as a tool for ministry. In addition, the Rev. Leroy Cannon ’89, who leads Christ Mission Lutheran Church in Columbia, South Carolina, received the J. Benjamin Bedenbaugh Award. The award is presented to an ordained minister who has demonstrated leadership and exemplary service.

This year’s Day of Giving was launched with a goal for 100 donors to make a gift to the seminary in honor of this day. Anonymous donors stepped up to inspire support by offering $25,000 in matching funds and an additional $40,000 in challenge support to meet the 100-donor goal. Alumni and friends rose to the occasion, with 138 donors giving a total of $140,745.

“It was wonderful to see people on campus and to know others were joining us online for Alumni Day,” said the Rev. Dr. Mary Hinkle Shore, LTSS rector and dean. “At worship, alumni of all different generations joined current students in prayer, in song and at the table. People across the church made their mark for the seminary’s ministry throughout the LTSS Day of Giving, too. I am filled with joy and gratitude.”

Next year’s Alumni Day and Day of Giving will be Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.