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Convocation

Fall and Spring Convocation are annual events held by United. Fall Convocation formally opens the new academic year. Spring Convocation is an event of special interest for alums and the wider community. It is an opportunity for the community to gather, remember, celebrate, and explore topics of interest.

FALL CONVOCATION
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011, 11:35 AM
Bigelow Chapel

Speaker: Clyde Steckel, emeritus professor of theology
"What Were They Thinking? What Would They Think Now?"
View Fall Convocation 2011 on YouTube

Fall Convocation begian our landmark celebration of the 50th anniversary of the seminary! This year’s Fall Convocation included installation of the new dean, Susan K. Ebbers, and assistant dean, Sharon Tan.


SPRING CONVOCATION
APRIL 25-26, 2012

“A 50-YEAR ALL-SCHOOL REUNION”

Probing our past and exploring our present;
implications for the future of the church and ministry.

United’s Spring Convocation features an all-class reunion in recognition of the 50-year anniversary of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.

This year Convocation will weave together the past and present as we explore the landscape of theological education and the church in a changing world. Come to reconnect with classmates and experience the rich and vibrant learning environment that is found at United. The gathering will include worship, fellowship, and sessions led by current and retired faculty. New this year, a pre-event on Tuesday hosted by the Alum Council. Plan now to join us for the fun!

P.S. Come the night before for a special 'preview' event.

PREVIEW EVENT
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
CONVOCATION LEADERSHIP
ALUM EVENTS and COSTS
CONVOCATION PROGRAM COSTS
and REGISTRATION
ALUM ART EXHIBIT
LODGING INFORMATION

*   *   *

PREVIEW EVENT

TUESDAY, APRIL 24

     
4:00 PM Welcome and Class Sampler
5:00 PM Alum Art Exhibit Sneak Preview
6:00 PM   Convo Cabaret, emceed by Leslie Ball
8:00 PM   Depart

 

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25

     
8:30 AM Check In/Refreshments
9:15 AM Festival Worship and Opening Communion, Gloria Roach Thomas '98
10:15 AM   Break
10:50 AM   Welcome and Announcements
11:00 AM “Voices Across the Decades” - alum panel moderated by Art Merrill
12:00 PM Reunion Lunch
A la carte lunch is not available this year.
1:30 PM

Mini Classes, Session #1
A. Susan Ebbers and Doug Federhart - "Inclusivity: United's LGBT History"
B. Paul Capetz, Clyde Steckel, and Don White - "Intersections: Theology, Church, and Culture"
C. Eleazar Fernandez and Chris Smith - "Global Justice Trips: Shaping Global Citizens"
D. Lance Barker, Ed Martin, and Marilyn Salmon - "Ministry: Affirming Multiple Paths"
E. Gene Jaberg, Cindi Beth Johnson, and Wilson Yates - "Glimpses of God: From Drawing to Painting"

3:15 PM Opening of Alum Art Exhibit: "Thresholds of Transformation"
4:00 PM Sessions end
5:30 PM Anniversary Reception at Silverwood Park (off campus, by preregistration)
6:30 PM Anniversary Dinner at Silverwood Park (off campus, by preregistration)


THURSDAY, APRIL 26

     
8:00 AM   Annual Alum Breakfast (by preregistration)
9:00 AM Check In (if registered only for Thursday attendance)
9:30 AM  

Mini Classes, Session #2

11:00 AM  

Break

11:15 AM   Worship and Thanks Giving
12:15 PM   Depart or Stay for D.Min. Lunch Discussion in the Campbell Room

*   *   *

CONVOCATION LEADERSHIP

  • Lance Barker, emeritus professor of church and economic life, 1970-2001
  • Doug Federhart, Sacred Ground Center for Spirituality
  • Eleazar Fernandez, professor of constructive theology
  • Ed Martin, emeritus professor of contextual and historical studies, 1981-2001
  • Art Merrill, emeritus professor of the Old Testament, 1958-1995
  • Christie Neuger, founding director, Institute for the Support of Pastoral Ministries; distinguished senior scholar in pastoral care
  • Steve Newcom, founding director, Center for Public Ministry
  • Marilyn Salmon, professor of New Testament theology
  • Chris Smith, professor of preaching
  • Don White, emeritus professor of constructive theology, 1965-2002
  • Wilson Yates, former president of United; emeritus professor of religion, society and the arts, 1967-2005

*   *   *


CONVOCATION ALUM EVENTS

PREVIEW EVENT (OPEN TO ALL)
Tuesday, April 24, 4:00-8:00 PM

a
Sampler: 4:00 – Sample a class (45 mins) with Christie Neuger, “New Directions in Grief Care; Steve Newcom, “Advancing the Art of Social Justice Ministry; or Martha Postlethwaite, “Spiritual Pilgrimage”
a
Alum Art Exhibit: 5:00 PM – Preview the Alum Art Exhibit, comments by Mary Farrell Bednarowski; connect with classmates.
a

Convo Cabaret: 6:00-8:00 PM – United at play with music, poetry, comedy, pizza, beer, and wine. Emceed by Leslie Ball.

Sampler: $10.00
Pizza Dinner: $9.00
Registrations must be made in advance as seating is limited.

 

REUNION LUNCH FOR ANNIVERSARY CLASSES, ALUMS, & FRIENDS
Wednesday, April 25, 12:00-1:15 PM

Context Café

a
Open to everyone! Join classmates, faculty, and friends for reminiscences and camaraderie. Designated tables for anniversary classes: 1942, 1947, 1952, 1962, 1972, 1982, 1987, 1992, and 2002. Advance reservations are required.

Fee: $11.00
Registrations must be made in advance as seating is limited.

 

ANNIVERSARY RECEPTION AND DINNER FOR ALUMS & FRIENDS
Wednesday, April 25, 5:30-8:00 PM
Silverwood Park*
(new location!)
a
Reception: 5:30 PM – Celebrate the past at a reception honoring our dedicated retired staff and faculty.
Dinner: 6:30 PM – Enjoy an evening featuring fond memories, alum recognitions, and alum and student entertainment.

Fee: $30.00
Registrations must be made in advance.

 

ANNUAL ALUM BREAKFAST
Thursday, April 26, 8:00 AM

Context Café
a

Hosted by the Alum Council, this ‘early bird’ breakfast with friends will include updates on United and a brief annual meeting of the Alum Association. Advance reservations are required.

Fee: $10.00
Registrations must be made in advance.

*Silverwood Park is nestled in a pristine prairie setting and is 5 minutes from United. The park is handicapped accessible.

*   *   *

ALUM ART EXHIBIT

Calling All Alums! Submit a work of art (poetry, music, visual art, etc.) for the anniversary exhibition. The show, “Thresholds of Transformation,” will be on display April-May. Alums are asked to create new works that depict moments of transformation in their lives or the lives of others, now or while they were at seminary. MORE . . . including entry form with March 22 deadline

*   *   *


CONVOCATION PROGRAM COSTS

Both Days Before March 30 $95
  After March 30 $110
  Retired $55
  Student $45
     
Single Day April 25 $65
  April 26 $65
  Retired $55
  Student $45


REGISTRATION

Our online registration is temporarily unavailable. To register for Convocation, please use this paper registration form. You may also contact Renee Flesner at 651.255.6138.

*   *   *

LODGING INFORMATION

Hotel accommodations with special rates for United's Convocation registrants:

  1. Marriott Fairfield Inn
    3045 Centre Pointe Dr N
    Roseville MN
    888.236.2427 or 651.636.7869
    Ask for special rates for United.
  2. Holiday Inn Express
    2715 Long Lake Rd
    Roseville MN
    888.465.4329
    Use code EG2. Ask for special rates for United.

Download a list of other area lodging



Community Programming
Contact Information

Cindi Beth Johnson
651.255.6137

Spring Convocation

Our online registration is temporarily unavailable.

Paper Registration

(Or call 651.255.6138.)


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