Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, has exceeded by more than $3 million the $77 million goal set in 2005 for its “How Will They Hear?” campaign.
As of the campaign’s end on June 30, the five-year effort has received $80,010,613 in contributions and pledges.
“God has been especially good to the seminary through congregations, organizations and individual donors including alumni, faculty and staff,” said Concordia Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer. “Given some of the challenges faced during the campaign, such as the economic downturn, the results are significant indeed. We are so grateful for the very strong support we have seen for the important work being done here and the optimism regarding the efforts the seminary has planned for the future.”
Meyer said the need for support “continues to be great and we pray many throughout the Synod will continue to remember the seminary with their gifts.”
The campaign was the first conducted by the seminary since the capital campaign to fund construction of its Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus in the late 1980s. As a comprehensive campaign that includes all facets of the seminary’s mission, “How Will They Hear?” was the first campaign of its type in the school’s 171-year history.
The campaign includes three components:
- “Pastors” — which raised $49.5 million — provides financial aid to students and funding for the ongoing operation of the seminary.
- “Place” — with more than $11.1 million — is being used for capital improvements to the seminary campus. The total includes a $4 million matching grant from the Charles E. Benidt Foundation.
- “Promise” — with some $19.4 million — is designated for endowments.
More than 200,000 gifts and pledges were received from congregations, alumni and 100 percent of the seminary’s faculty.
“So many have been so supportive,” said campaign Director Sheryl Ray. “I can’t thank our board, faculty, staff, alumni and donors enough.”
Leading the campaign was the National Steering Committee, comprised of individuals from around the country who worked with seminary staff, volunteered time and effort, and provided support in a variety of ways.
“Reaching the goal seemed to be an uphill challenge, but this was God’s project, not ours,” said Dan Clark, who co-chaired the committee along with his wife, Sandy.
“We can’t rest now that the campaign is over,” Clark said. “We encourage our fellow Christians to support the work of the seminary as a regular part of their giving to our loving Lord.”
Earlier this year, Concordia Seminary was selected to receive a top award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), recognizing the exemplary support of donors and friends of the seminary. The annual awards are made independently by CASE; schools do not apply for the awards.
Of the 253 colleges, universities and seminaries considered as finalists, Concordia Seminary was one of the 20 honored for “Overall Performance” in 2009. It was the only U.S. seminary to receive the award.
“The award and the wonderful results of the campaign are testimonials to God’s blessings through all those who join the seminary in providing pastors, church leaders and resources to nurture Christians and proclaim Jesus Christ to the world,” said Dr. Paul Devantier, senior vice president for advancement, whose division led the campaign. “May this award, the campaign results, and all that the seminary and its supporters do always be to His glory.”
Posted Sept. 22, 2010
