Donor Stories
The call to give is compelling. Those who support Luther Seminary with their gifts of time and money can tell you what this stewardship role means to them:
John and Eleanor Yackel
Circle Pines, Minnesota
Because of our respect for this institution based on the blessings we have derived from its "product" ... we have decided to invest some of our hopes, prayers, and resources at this seminary.
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John and Eleanor Yackel
Circle Pines, Minnesota
As life-long Lutherans we have an appreciation of Lutheran theology and its emphasis on God's grace, manifested in the life and work of Jesus. That message has been clear, but less clear is the call to follow Christ's example to answer the cry of those in need. As we have developed an understanding of social issues, we have wondered, "how well are Lutherans addressing these concerns; how urgent to our church is God's prophetic call for justice and peace for all of Creation?" Because of our respect for this institution based on the blessings we have derived from its "product" -- many pastors that we know, some of whom have served our congregation -- we have decided to invest some of our hopes, prayers, and resources at this seminary.
Our support, then has been motivated by a desire to strengthen the commitment of Luther Seminary to prepare leaders who are willing to stand and speak on behalf of the oppressed, who teach and bear out a prophetic understanding of justice, in which humans live in a holistic relation with God, each other, and with all of Creation.
Dr. E. Duane and Mrs. Marlene Engstrom
We wanted to make sure that some of our present assets were set aside to benefit those attending the seminary in the future.
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Dr. E. Duane and Mrs. Marlene Engstrom
Duane and Marlene Engstrom”s relationship with Luther Seminary began in the 1950s when some of Duane”s classmates from St. Olaf College enrolled at the seminary. Today, they both actively support the seminary”s mission through their contributions and leadership. They appreciate Dr. Tiede”s vision and leadership and the key role the seminary plays in developing lay and ordained leadership. Marlene added that “the mission statement uniquely capsulizes, perhaps for the entire ELCA Church, the focus on Christian communities as the places where clergy and laity grow and serve together.”
When asked why they chose to support the seminary through a series of deferred payment charitable gift annuities, they responded by saying that “for us, over the past several years, our five deferred gift annuities are a win-win situation. First, we wanted to make sure that some of our present assets were set aside to benefit those attending the seminary in the future. Secondly, we benefited from tax deductions needed during our working years, and now from the income that we receive during our retirement years.”
Norman and Eunice Jones
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Both of our families were centered in the Christian life. Giving and serving seemed very natural. That was where the heart was.
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Norman and Eunice Jones
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Both of our families were centered in the Christian life. Giving and serving seemed very natural. That was where the heart was.
We know our calling is to preach the gospel. Some can do it personally by being pastors and missionaries, and some can support those who do it. We thought we could use our talent to raise money in support of theological education.
Charles Olson
Charles Olson has served as a Luther Seminary volunteer for almost 20 years. His service is fueled by his love for the church. "I love the church and think there is no greater way to serve the church than to serve the seminary, because the seminary is the future of our church," he said.
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Charles Olson
Charles Olson has served as a Luther Seminary volunteer for almost 20 years. His service is fueled by his love for the church. "I love the church and think there is no greater way to serve the church than to serve the seminary, because the seminary is the future of our church," he said.
Olson is a past member of the board of directors and a charter member of the seminary's board of trustees. He currently chairs Luther Seminary's investment committee. He sees his service as a calling and an opportunity to partner with the seminary to empower people to spread the gospel. "When the Lord asks you to be part of something so important to the future of the church, I think it is God's calling to contribute," he said. "There is no greater good than the cause of the seminary – empowering people to spread the gospel of Christ," he said.
Olson's hope for the church and its ministry is that the simple message from John 3:16 be brought to all people of the world, especially to children and youth. "We live in a troubled world," he said. "[It is very important] for children and future generations to know Jesus brings hope, peace, faith, love, forgiveness and understanding." Olson's hope for spreading the gospel is "that we can someday satisfy the need for effective ministry to children, youth and families in the church, to bring those to church who belong but are not in the pews, and for those who don't know our Lord, to find him through leaders educated at Luther Seminary."
A former president and CEO of the Jennie-O Turkey Store, Olson retired from the company to become a private investor, the work he continues today. He and his wife, Sharon, have been married for more than 40 years. Sharon currently serves as the visitor coordinator at her church. She also serves on the board of directors for Green Lake Bible Camp, Spicer, Minn.
The Olsons have three living children, two daughters, a son and one daughter-in-law and one grandchild. One of their daughters died of cancer at 33. Charles and Sharon endowed the Carrie Olson Baalson Chair in Children, Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary in memory of their daughter Carrie.
David and Andrea Hayes
David Hayes and his wife, Andrea, recently contributed $25,000 to refurbish a pipe organ acquired by the seminary from St. Olaf College. The organ, valued at nearly $100,000, will serve as a much needed practice instrument for students in the seminary's master of sacred music program. The seminary's need for an additional practice organ is the result of an increasing number of students interested in studying organ performance.
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David and Andrea Hayes
David Hayes and his wife, Andrea, recently contributed $25,000 to refurbish a pipe organ acquired by the seminary from St. Olaf College. The organ, valued at nearly $100,000, will serve as a much needed practice instrument for students in the seminary's master of sacred music program. The seminary's need for an additional practice organ is the result of an increasing number of students interested in studying organ performance.
Supported by the Called & Sent campaign, Luther Seminary's master of sacred music program is nationally recognized and prepares individuals to serve in the church as professional, theologically educated, pastoral musicians. The program is offered through the seminary's unique partnership with the music department at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.
The Hayeses' gift was made in honor of David's high school organ teacher, Madeline Henshaw, who has had as great an impact on his life as just about any other single individual. "Like Luther Seminary, she taught organ in a religious context. She emphasized playing hymns well – leading a congregation in singing the rich history of hymnody for the glory of God," said David.
David describes Henshaw as a gifted teacher far beyond her circumstances. She lived in small town Amarillo, Texas, and, in addition to teaching organ, served as a church organist. "She was one of those hundreds of unsung teachers who have quietly taught students in excellent ways and influenced their lives without public recognition ... Andrea and I felt that funding the restoration of the seminary's organ not only honors Madeline, but recognizes other quiet, gifted teachers around the country who teach with passion and change lives as a result."
Church music has had a great impact on David's life. A trained musician, David studied organ for 10 years, starting in junior high. In high school, he served as a substitute organist for two years. "Music is a gift from God," he said. "Singing hymns is also a gift from God and can be a religious experience in itself. There is nothing more thrilling for a trained church organist than to lead a congregation of voices in a vigorous hymn of faith or praise."
Whether it is by music or preaching of God's Word, the Hayeses have a strong passion for getting the word out about the gospel. "With all the issues the church faces from time to time that are controversial, and as modern times bring ever new pressures from a secular society into our lives, we sometimes get caught up in the issues of the day and lose sight of the cross," said David. "We must remain focused on getting the good news of Jesus Christ out into the world."
The Hayeses have financially supported Luther Seminary for eight years. David is an intellectual property lawyer at a large firm in northern California's Silicon Valley. Andrea is a business professional who specializes in efficient and effective business operations. They live in Half Moon Bay, Calif., with their Toy Fox Terrier, Limerick.
Al and Mary Ann Solmonson
Ask Mary Ann Solmonson how she thinks of stewardship and she'll tell you it's: "Everything I am and everything I do after I say what I believe."
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Al and Mary Ann Solmonson
Ask Mary Ann Solmonson how she thinks of stewardship and she'll tell you it's: "Everything I am and everything I do after I say what I believe." She's lived this out loud and clear as a Luther Seminary volunteer. She has been a volunteer for more than 10 years and has served on the seminary's board of directors, and been a member of the Called and Sent campaign partnership gifts committee. She has also assisted with various development initiatives and leadership programming in the Southwestern Washington Synod.
Looking back on her life and connection with Luther Seminary, she sees the blessings that were made possible by the generosity of many stewards who have supported Luther Seminary.
A young bride in 1965, she entered the Lutheran community when her late husband, Rick Halvorson, began his studies at Luther Seminary. "I grew up in a very small town in South Dakota and belonged to an Episcopalian church. My experiences with the Lutheran tradition were so few," she said. "I didn't know what to expect and was very nervous." But the people she met at Luther demonstrated how 'to witness to salvation through Jesus Christ and to serve in God's world.'
Over the next 27 years after Rick's graduation and ordination, Solmonson leaped into ministry with him, serving various roles in the congregation and community. In 1991 Rick was diagnosed with cancer and died nine months later. "My life was changed that day," she said.
Not long after Rick's death, the opportunity to serve on the seminary's board was presented to her through her bishop. "I felt like a brick was lifted off my heart. I wanted to be active in the life of the local congregation but found that it was just too difficult," she said. "Because the seminary had done so much to mold me into the person I was, I felt a calling to share my gifts with the seminary."
Solmonson's service is fueled by her desire to be a faithful steward of what she's been given. "I bring to my service at Luther Seminary the perspective of a pastor's wife and a layperson who sits in the pew every Sunday," she said.
She also takes the Luther Seminary story to local congregations. "I have a deep commitment to share the seminary's story and its mission with local congregations," she said. "I also want students at the seminary and those considering ministry of some sort to feel encouraged in their calls and excited to do ministry."
Today, Solmonson continues to serve her calling to stewardship with her husband Al, sharing Luther Seminary's story with families in the Northwest and Alaska. In addition to serving the seminary and her congregation, Solmonson is part-time registered nurse at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Wash. Al is a retired pastor and does some supply preaching. "We are trying to be faithful stewards of the seminary's mission statement, stewards of our finances by sharing with others, and stewards in the vineyard of our congregation by looking for prospective students and encouraging their calls."
The Solmonsons, who live in Olympia, have five adult children and five grandchildren.
Mike Diemer
Ready and willing, Mike Diemer has supported Luther Seminary as a volunteer in many ways for 15 years. One of the primary ways he serves the seminary is by introducing it to potential major donors who have a deep love for the church.
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Mike Diemer
Ready and willing, Mike Diemer has supported Luther Seminary as a volunteer in many ways for 15 years. One of the primary ways he serves the seminary is by introducing it to potential major donors who have a deep love for the church. He has also served on the Called & Sent campaign committee, participates in the seminary”s Heritage Society and serves as an outside consultant to the Office of Seminary Relations.
“Seminaries are the future of the church. They are major players in setting the standard for church leadership,” he said. “I believe in [Luther Seminary]. I plug in my talents to places wherever they may fit and where they are welcome.”
A preacher”s kid from Oconto Falls, Wis., Diemer has known about Luther Seminary all of his life but he became more aware of the seminary when he moved to the Twin Cities area in 1988.
Diemer is familiar with the joys and challenges common to most pastors. His understanding of finances and ministry has enabled him to help support some of the seminary”s needs very well.
“It takes a lot to be a pastor -- they experience enormous challenges. This is why I”m involved with the seminary. I want to help make things easier financially at the seminary level for individuals answering God”s call. Being a good pastor is a hard job; the students should focus on the outstanding preparation that the seminary provides rather than how to make the next tuition payment.” In May 2001, his daughter Sarah graduated with a master of divinity degree from Luther Seminary. She is the 31st pastor from the family and the family”s first female pastor.
Diemer”s desire for Christian ministry and the church is summed up by the Great Commission -- to go to all the world with the gospel. “I support Luther Seminary because it produces leaders who are true to the Commission and well trained to do ministry,” he said. “And, those leaders spread the Gospel and empower others to do the same.”
Diemer is president of North Point Advisors, Inc., a financial planning company he founded in 1996. The company has representatives nationwide. He has served as a volunteer in a variety of ways with a number of organizations, including Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, his community school board and in his congregation, St. Andrew”s Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi, Minn. He and his wife, Diane, have three adult children -- Sarah, a pastor in Columbus, Ohio; Ruth, who works for an investment banker in Boston; and Daniel, a computer consultant in Chicago.
Diemer
Robert Torkelson
I am a member of the Leadership Circle at Luther Seminary because I love the Church and want it to be here for future generations.
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Robert Torkelson
I am a member of the Leadership Circle at Luther Seminary because I love the Church and want it to be here for future generations. That”s why the seminary seemed the natural and best place for me to volunteer. It”s where our future pastors and lay leaders are educated. The Leadership Circle is the vehicle for concerned individuals to assist in maintaining and improving excellence at Luther Seminary. Simply put, the Leadership Circle is one of the keys to the future at Luther Seminary.
Lee and Louise Sundet
Pastors and teachers who effectively teach God's word can have a great impression on young people. Lee and Louise Sundet can witness to that.
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Lee and Louise Sundet
Pastors and teachers who effectively teach God's word can have a great impression on young people. Lee and Louise Sundet can witness to that. Lee is a member of Luther Seminary's foundation board of trustees. Raised in a small town Lutheran community in Spring Grove, Minn., the Sundets learned about Jesus and Christian community in their youth. What they learned has had a lasting influence.
"In our hometown, the church was the center of the community. Our first impression was that Jesus loves us and he gave his life so we can have eternal life. This is God's gift to us and we want others to have this same understanding and experience," said Lee.
Their experience and hope for the church influenced their support of the seminary and its youth and family ministry program. "We have a strong interest in Luther Seminary because we feel the future of the church is the seminary, the youth and the teachings of the Bible."
The Sundets support Luther Seminary financially with gifts totaling more than one million dollars. They also served on the team that developed the business plan for the seminary's youth and family ministry program. Their support continues each year as they, along with others, review the progress of the program and help set annual goals.
"It is our hope that the seminary knows how congregations feel," said Lee. "We hear so many positive things about Luther Seminary. The school listens to congregational members, staff, students and the church in order to serve its mission. This is how Luther Seminary learns what is needed to effectively train Christian leaders."
Since 1982, Lee has devoted most of his time to community work. Before retiring, he worked in the automotive manufacturing field. His extensive community service experience includes work with Tentmakers, Augsburg College, the Greater Minneapolis Association of Evangelicals and the National Muscular Dystrophy Association. Louise's service experience includes work with the Golden Valley College, the Vesterheim Museum in Decorah, Iowa and her sorority, Kappa Delta. She has also led women's ministry groups, prayer groups and Bible studies at her church.
Lee and Louise have two adult daughters, two adult sons and eight grandchildren. The family is very active in various businesses and at their respective churches.
Valborg Hallan
I have always admired the pastors and missionaries that I have known, and since it hasn't been possible for me to join them, I'm happy that the charitable gift annuities provide a means of helping ease the financial pressure of others who are preparing to answer God's call...
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Valborg Hallan
Valborg Hallan, a retired school teacher, is committed to life-long learning and believes that Luther Seminary is important to the future of her congregation. Ms. Hallan has been a long-time supporter of Luther Seminary and has expressed her commitment to this mission through a series of charitable gift annuity agreements –- a total of thirteen since 1995!
When asked why has she been so generous to Luther Seminary over the years, she responded by saying, "I have always admired the pastors and missionaries that I have known, and since it hasn't been possible for me to join them, I'm happy that the charitable gift annuities provide a means of helping ease the financial pressure of others who are preparing to answer God's call, while also providing a generous income to me for the rest of my life."
