This winter has been unusually cold, even for the Twin Cities—but things at Luther Seminary are heating up! In January, residential and distributed learners came together for intensive courses and to deepen community. And now spring semester is underway, and the energy on campus is upbeat and vibrant.
But it’s more than just the start of a new semester that’s cause for celebration. Luther Seminary is entering a historic period of strength, sustainability, and vibrancy. Allow me to share just some of what’s happening:
- We’re listening deeply to the church. In 2018 we embarked on an adventure: we sent teams of faculty and staff two-by-two across the country to listen to synods and congregations about their challenges, successes, hopes, and fears. We asked this important question: What do leaders need to know, or know how to do, to be faithful and effective in a rapidly changing world? The answers we got back were eye-opening and will fuel the work we’re doing long into the future. Read more about what we learned.
- We’re designing the campus of the future to allow us to be nimble, flexible, and connected. We continue to make progress on our plan to focus the seminary’s footprint on the upper campus (Gullixson, Olson Campus Center, and Bockman Hall), and vacate the lower campus (Northwestern and Stub Halls). We’ve entered negotiations with a promising developer to help us with this important transition. Ultimately, our beautiful campus will feature flexible classrooms, learning laboratories, spaces for faculty and staff collaboration, student housing, community spaces for gathering, sustainable landscaping, and spaces for worship and reflection. Read more in our latest issue of Story Magazine!
- Our financial position is stronger than ever. In Fiscal Year 2018, our endowment topped $100 million for the first time. We’re projecting budget surpluses for the next five years. Most importantly, we have made the adjustments to our stewardship practices that will ensure our sustainability long-term. After several years of financial setbacks, the future looks bright.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support of Luther Seminary—and God’s blessings to you in all your faithful endeavors!
Peace,
Robin J. Steinke, President
Luther Seminary