Archives for March 2025

Please join me in congratulating Alison Roberts, philanthropic advisor, on her new role as Director of Individual Giving at the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. Alison’s last day with Luther Seminary will be Friday, March 14. Since joining the Seminary Relations team in December 2019, Alison has demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience, particularly in navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic during her early days with us. Through her steadfast efforts, she has built the foundation for many meaningful and lasting donor relationships, raising an impressive $3M over the past five years. Additionally, she secured and documented 8 new planned gifts for the seminary—investments that will continue to benefit our mission for decades to come. Alison’s contributions have made a lasting impact, and her work will support the Seminary’s mission for generations. We invite you to join us in expressing our gratitude and wishing Alison all the best as she embarks on her next vocational chapter. Please stop by the Seminary Relations team’s gathering on Wednesday, March 12 from 2:30-4:00 p.m. in BH116 to celebrate her incredible work and to bid her farewell as she transitions to this exciting new role.

You’re invited! All candidates for certificates and degrees, their families, guests, faculty, and staff are welcome to join us in celebrating Luther Seminary graduates during baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies. Both events will be livestreamed and recordings made available.

Baccalaureate Service with Holy Communion
Saturday, May 31, 2024, 2 p.m. Central
Luther Seminary, Chapel of the Incarnation
Olson Campus Center, 1490 Fulham St., St. Paul
Preacher. Lois Malcolm, Olin and Amanda Fjelstad Registad Chair for Systematic Theology
Presider. Steven Thomason, Associate Professor of Spiritual Formation and Dean of the Chapel

Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, June 1 2025, 3 p.m. Central
Central Lutheran Church, 333 S. 12th St., Minneapolis
Faculty Speaker. Mark Tranvik, Professor of Reformation History and Theology
Student Speaker. Vincent Jabbie Momoh, M.A. Candidate

Based on the responses of the recent Pocket Survey regarding Writing Support, we will be offering a series of drop-in Zoom sessions designed to give you even greater opportunity to have your questions answered in real time. We also remind everyone that they can get answers to their writing- and research-based questions via the following:

• Email writingcenter@luthersem.edu
• Call 651-641-3465
• Stop by the library (2nd floor, Gullixson Hall)
• Make an appointment by emailing writingcenter@luthersem.edu or psusag001@luthersem.edu.

The inaugural Writing Support Zoom Hang Out open house will be on Wednesday, March 12 at 12:00 p.m. CT (link in email) and will focus on final papers and formatting of thesis drafts. But feel free to come with any other questions . Subsequent meetings will be held monthly at different times to accommodate our global community. Watch the campus announcements or email writingcenter@luthersem.edu or psusag001@luthersem.edu for more information.

Thanks to all who were able to join the in-person Salary & Benefits Negotiation Workshop on campus during spring RFS. One of the key resources we talked about is this Compensation Guidelines spreadsheet, which includes compensation guidelines from all ELCA synods who have them available as well as salary information for other ministry/non-profit roles. For those who weren’t able to join us in person, check out the recording from last year’s workshop. Later on this term, we hope to have an online module available with mini videos and resources that walks step-by-step through the content. Want to have a conversation about salary and benefits negotiation? Or want a second set of eyes as you look over your compensation package? Find a time to talk with Grace Pomroy, Director of the Stewardship Leaders Program.

In this devotion, James L. Boyce ’71 M.Div., reminds us that the heart’s fears need to be taught. Read today’s God Pause.

Boris Estraykh has decided to accept another position and will be leaving Luther Seminary. His last day will be Friday, March 14. Boris has been a valued member of the shared services IT team, and we’ve been blessed to have his expertise, dedication, and joyful attitude as part of our team. Please join us as we wish Boris all the best on his new adventure!