LTSS Move Update from the LR Hickory Campus

Transcript

Summary: Updates from the Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer on the LTSS move to the Lenoir-Rhyne University Hickory campus. Information on transition tables, accreditation reports, date for the Decommissioning Service and the new location for the seminary at the Russell House.

Greetings friends of LTSS,

Since our last video, we have been busy with many developments.

• This summer was full, but in the midst of it all, I made time to be present with groups across the ELCA, from churchwide units to Synod Councils, congregations, groups of alumni and friends of LTSS, sharing a word of hope from the Prophet Isaiah, when God says, “I am about to do a new thing... do you not perceive it?” 
• Well, we at LTSS have perceived the new thing in a few ways:
  • Firstly, we welcome a large class of 17 first year students, who had a fabulous first week here at the beginning of the semester. And we are receiving new applicants for the Spring semester, as we are hearing about growing interest in attending LTSS in Hickory with its vibrant student life.
     
  • Secondly, our Transition Tables are well underway – We have tables being led by alumni, LTSS Advisory and Alumni Board members, Hickory colleagues, LTSS faculty and students that focus on three areas: people (such as students and faculty support), processes (such as accreditation reports and aligning our various administrative processes), and property (including a vast inventory of artifacts that need to be accounted for in the move to Hickory, archives, or rehoming)
     
  • One such is the Legacy Story table. This is a table that is going to be reaching out to collect your stories of what LTSS means to you, and memories of your time at LTSS. This table is interesting because it will actually continue after the relocation, as we turn our eyes to our 200th anniversary in 2030 when we celebrate our legacy and the next 200 years of LTSS and the Lutheran tradition of higher education.
     
  • Another is the Worship Table. I want to make sure that you are aware of the Service of Decommissioning the Columbia Campus, which will be held on 20th November at 3:00, followed by a reception. LTSS Alum, Bishop Sue Briner will be presiding, and I will preach. You can RSVP online, and it will be streamed for those that are far.
     
  • We have also been finalizing preparations here on the Hickory campus.
    • The Dean of Students and facilities have been preparing to receive students in residence in graduate student housing
    • And the Seminary has its new home, here at the historic Russell House, in the center of campus. This will house faculty and administrative offices, a meeting and conference room as well as a student lounge for students, faculty and friends to gather, and a gret front porch, overlooking the center of campus. LTSS has a central location at the heart of the University, here on the quad between the auditorium, the chapel, the administrative and classroom buildings, and the student union with the cafeteria. LTSS could not have better exposure and embrace here on the Hickory campus.
    • And lastly, I have perceived the change in my hair...you may notice that I have it now. The students and faculty know that I have decided to not cut my hair until we make the move. And as I told them, growing your hair out may get weird before it gets better. And that is not a bad metaphor for this final stage of our pilgrimage.  But it’s solidarity, and a bit of a prophetic sign act that LTSS is growing, even while we are on the move.

Finally, I want to say a word in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Luckily LTSS in Columbia did not sustain to much damage on campus. We endured extended power and internet outages, and have had a week of online modality while we return. But all of our students and faculty from this area are safe. Across the University, even our colleagues in Asheville are accounted for and here in Hickory, things are returning to normal.

We are proud of our Lutheran family who is reaching far and wide to respond in the way that Lutherans always have...with Christ like compassion and care. And so we continue to be in solidarity with our friends in North Carolina, South Carolina, the Southeastern and Florida Bahamas Synod.

This is a sign of the family that exists among our LR community, and helps us embody what it means to be part of this community of faith and learning in the tradition of Lutheran Higher Education. 

So, as we take these final steps, please continue to check back for our next updates, and in the meantime, peace, friends.