Written by: Diane Riggs May 5, 2022

The JoJos: Building a Life of Faith and Connection

The JoJos from left to right: Karen Larson (’12), LuAnn Sulimann (’11), Zoe Kuester (’11),
Ruth C. MacKenzie (’11) and Jackie Falk (’12)

How does the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities foster community? The JoJos—five women who attended the seminary more than a decade ago—are a perfect example. Each came to the seminary heeding a call to service that could not be denied. At United they found their purpose and each other.

LuAnn Sulimann (’11, MDiv) grew up in Iowa within a Roman Catholic family. After getting married, moving to Minnesota, and raising her children in a Lutheran church, LuAnn began to question her beliefs. A pastor suggested she attend United to investigate her faith more fully.

Originally a singer and songwriter, Ruth C. MacKenzie (’11, MDiv) was drawn to United’s focus on theology and the arts. She didn’t intend to become ordained, but as she says, “the more I studied and the more I was part of classwork, the more it began to shape me and I decided to pursue my master of divinity.”

Jackie Falk (’12, MDiv) graduated from college in 1970. After raising a family and working as a paralegal in Duluth, she “hit that midlife bump” and began to question what was next. She decided to attend seminary and since she had been a longstanding member of a UCC church, Jackie explains, “United was our best bet.” It also didn’t hurt that United’s professor emerita, Rev. Dr. Carolyn Pressler, told Jackie that she was “a natural theologian” during a Bible study session.

Like Ruth, Zoe Kuester (’11, MDiv) is very creative. She was a performer and director in professional theater until she realized she wanted to serve a greater purpose. After taking family social science courses at the University of Minnesota, Zoe came to United to explore the tie between spirituality and psychology.

Karen Larson (’12, MDiv) grew up on a dairy farm in southern Minnesota, earned a bachelor of science in agricultural journalism at the University of Minnesota, and worked for more than two decades as an advertising copywriter. When her father was dying, Karen took Fridays off to learn more about his life. Their conversations inspired Karen to think more deeply about her own future. Her pastor suggested she attended United to explore theology.

The Origin of the JoJos

In one of her classes, Ruth remembers, a teacher emphasized how important it was to leave seminary with trusted colleagues. With that thought in mind, she decided to ask a few fellow students to meet outside of class. Initially, the idea was to study the book of John (thus the JoJos), but as the women kept meeting, it was clear the focus was growing much broader and deeper. As Ruth explains, “Pretty quickly we realized we were more than a study group. We wanted to be a group for support, accountability, and helping one another be better ministers.”

And they needed each other’s support. LuAnn relates that she found herself overwhelmed at being back in school, sitting in the hall crying and wondering what she had gotten herself into after her first class. Karen had questions about her call to ministry. “The JoJos,” Karen shares, “were key to helping me understand my call and they continued to help me through crises, big moves, and life transitions.” Jackie and Zoe enjoyed the deep discussions and freedom, as Zoe puts it, “to be true to yourself and your whole honest authentic self.”

It helped that all five women came to the seminary well into adulthood, at a turning point in their lives. Jackie relates a story about Ruth and her conversation with a Unitarian Universalist elder: Ruth had mentioned that she was going to be a pastor, and he replied, “Well, you better get moving because you are no spring chicken!” Chickens became the group’s personal symbol after that. Jackie admits that they even have chicken dish towels and tiny plastic chickens.

A more enduring item they share is a special necklace—a rich cream-colored round into which is laid a spiral design. Ruth gave the necklace to all of the women and they began to wear them every time the JoJos got together. Wearing the necklace, notes Jackie, helps them “remember the JoJo mojo; when we take a risk and do hard things, we are not going alone.”

Ongoing Support

When they started the JoJos at United, the women met every month. Since leaving and going their separate ways, the women have kept up that monthly meeting schedule. During COVID, the meetings became even more frequent and important.

What kept the group going? “Truly being friends to one another,” answers Ruth.

Jackie puts it this way, “I think it is the soul comfort we find. We don’t judge one another and give feedback. Most of all we speak the truth and love one another.”

“Funny thing to say,” adds Zoe, “but it is so therapeutic and refreshing to be able to talk at length about something you are concerned about and to have wise and attentive friends.…It is like a clearing circle.”

Life after United

For Zoe, “Seminary was a giant exploration of spirit, ideas, and the nature of God.” Once she became a pastor, Zoe discovered that “there is not a lot of opportunity to fully explore some of the challenges that come up.” She served at several UCC churches in Minnesota and Wisconsin and is now pastor of Spirit of Peace, an interdenominational church in Minnetonka. Zoe relies on the JoJos to keep her centered. “Meeting with the JoJos,” she asserts, “is like therapy.”

Though she never intended to become ordained when she started seminary, Ruth became the full-time minister at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis upon leaving. Now Minister Emerita of First Universalist, she recently signed on to become a part-time pastor in residence in Dallas, Texas.

After graduating from seminary in 2012, Jackie served as the faith formation pastor at Peace United Church of Christ in Duluth. Then, in 2018, her ministry went in a different direction. She became the part-time spiritual resource and Christian chaplain at the St. Louis County Jail in Duluth. Many prisoners have experienced trauma and abuse. Jackie offered individual pastoral care, and since retiring, has been working to promote ways to help heal adults who have a history of trauma.

With the exception of Jackie, the JoJos were based in the Twin Cities right after seminary. Karen started as an interim associate pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, but then served a two-point parish in rural north central Nebraska for a few years. In 2017, she was called to Zwingli UCC in Berne (south of the Twin Cities) where she is pastor. Karen also serves on United’s Alum Council.

LuAnn, who attended seminary to learn more about scripture and theology, and to see if she could be a successful student, never felt the call to be a pastor. Instead, she has used the skills and knowledge gained at United to offer premarital counseling, officiate weddings, and help others walk through life. “I don’t know what I’d be like if I never discovered anything about progressive religion,” she confesses. “I have profound gratitude for the person I am today that I owe to United and the JoJos.”

Giving Back

As alums, the JoJos continue to support United as well. Recently they all contributed to the new Carolyn Pressler Scholarship for Women. Created in honor of the beloved Rev. Dr. Carolyn Pressler, professor emerita of biblical interpretation, the scholarship will support United students starting Fall 2022.

Why did they all support the Pressler Scholarship? LuAnn explains: “All of us feel a particular bond with Carolyn Pressler. She taught my very first class at United when I was still questioning my decision to enroll. If not for that first positive experience with Carolyn and the Old Testament, I may not have continued my seminary education.”

Several other JoJos, who served as teaching assistants for Rev. Dr. Pressler, found in her a friend and mentor. In turn, Carolyn’s love of teaching, the Hebrew Bible, and her students helped the JoJos become transformational leaders who are serving, changing, and healing the world today.

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July 16, 2026

Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall to Retire in 2027 Following Six Exemplary Years as President

Her Vision and Leadership Have Transformed United Following six historic and transformative years as President of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall will retire on June 30, 2027, upon completion of the seminary’s 65th academic year. President Marshall secured United’s financial standing, advanced institutional objectives toward long-term sustainability, and catalyzed historic growth in institutional fundraising and student enrollment. Rev. Dr. Marshall assumed her role as Interim President in March 2021 following thorough vetting by a search committee and the Board of Trustees’ unanimous vote. Having served in theological education for more than 40 years, her reputation preceded her. She made headlines as the first woman appointed to the School of Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention. Ordained as a Southern Baptist, she later received the privilege of call by the American Baptist Church. In 1997, she joined the faculty of Central Baptist Theological Seminary as professor of Theology and Spiritual Formation, thereafter stabilizing and revitalizing the school as President from 2004 to 2020, becoming the first woman ever to lead a Baptist seminary or divinity school. President Marshall’s respect and renown culminated in her executive report on effective seminary leadership, written for The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) before she arrived at United. Her experiences as a congregational minister, feminist theologian, prodigious academician, and her achievements as an administrator in theological education augured well for the seminary’s future in her care. Less than a year later, her position was made permanent, formally making her United’s tenth president, and, desiring to honor United's legacy, she pursued and received clergy standing with the MN United Church of Christ. United trustees outlined a set of priorities at the beginning of President Marshall’s tenure, on which she began immediate work. She invested much of her first several months in office in forming connections with alums, donors, and faculty. She concentrated her relational acumen on Advancement, and donors responded enthusiastically. In September 2021, United announced the Johnson-Fry Chair in World Religions and Intercultural Studies, endowed by Rev. Dr. Andrea Johnson (’17, ’23) and David Fry. Cultivating “respect for the lived religion of others,” as President Marshall often asserts, is a pillar of her scholarship and the seminary’s academic ethos. The Sophia Chair in Religious and Theological Studies, funded by a generous gift from Dr. Mary Farrell Bednarowski—Professor Emerita of Religious Studies (1976–2004)—and her husband and former trustee, Keith Bednarowski, followed in 2024. Finally, in 2025, a cadre of friends, alums, and former faculty established the Wilson Yates Chair in Theology and the Arts. These chairs, paired with substantial growth in endowed scholarships, feature prominently in President Marshall’s legacy and will endure as a witness to her faithful stewardship of alum and donor relations. Rev. Dr. Cindi Beth Johnson, Vice President for Advancement, reflects, “President Marshall’s enthusiasm, attention, and engagement with our donors have been important components of her leadership. She has honored our alums and delighted in our students. Molly has valued United’s history even as she has led us into new ways of being. She has built a culture that reflects her dedication, vision, and generosity. She has been a bright light in the broader community, embodying her passion for and dedication to United. Molly arrived with both expertise and heart, and she has shared them generously. She leaves a lasting imprint, and we are better for that. On a personal note, it has been a great gift to be her colleague.” Historic enrollment has been a fixture of President Marshall’s tenure. Between fall 2020 and fall 2025, degree-seeking student enrollment grew 57 percent, with the seminary welcoming its largest incoming class of degree-seeking students ever in fall 2025. In a climate where many theological schools have experienced stable or declining enrollment, United has surged. The Association of Theological Schools (ATS), one of the seminary’s two accrediting bodies, named United in its 2023 Holiday Colloquy Online issue as one of only 18 ATS-accredited seminaries to have demonstrated “steady year-over-year growth during the past five years.” President Marshall has positioned United as a leader in progressive theological education and a model for historically Mainline Christian schools. Commenting on what makes the seminary unique, President Marshall astutely noted United’s “desirable curriculum that emphasizes social transformation, theology and the arts, interreligious engagement, and public theology” and the intentional welcome of “students with myriad religious, spiritual, and theological leanings.” She sharpened and raised the seminary’s prophetic voice, believing that progressive theological education exists to serve the common good. From considerable growth in the Interreligious Chaplaincy program to the establishment of the Sims Scholars Initiative, she has expanded the student body’s depth and breadth. Under President Marshall’s fastidious leadership, United completed a Five-Year Strategic Plan in 2026. David S. Anderson, former Chair of the Board of Trustees (2020–2026), witnessed firsthand President Marshall’s effective management of United’s revitalization and her manifold accomplishments in office. On his close friend and colleague, David writes, “In her writings, President Marshall, Molly to me, once observed, ‘. . . following the Spirit will require of all of us faith—all the guidance we usually get is enough to take the next uncertain step.’ United, in late 2020, was indeed in a state of uncertainty, and President Marshall’s emergence as its next president must be seen as a revelation of the Spirit. She has led United to a platform of stability from which it will move forward with confidence, heeding the Spirit toward an uncertain, as human endeavors are, but bright and sustainable future.” Dr. Kyle Roberts, Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, shared the news of President Marshall’s retirement with students this morning. With profound gratitude for her enrichment of the seminary’s faculty and scholarship, he remarked, “President Marshall has been just the leader this seminary needed to reclaim its vision, its vibrancy, and its voice in theological education. She has led a process of internal healing and of increasing external influence. She has been a champion of rigorous but applied theological education for spiritual leadership, supporting and encouraging the faculty in their teaching and the staff in their work. United,” he affirmed, “will always be indebted to her years of service and to her passion and care in moving the seminary to its next stage. United is, once again, a leading voice in progressive seminary education in large part because of President Marshall.” Rev. Dr. Dianne Oliver, Chair of the Board of Trustees, celebrates President Marshall’s transformative tenure and looks toward a bright future ahead. She affirms, “President Marshall’s impact on United is really extraordinary, and she will leave a profound legacy at the institution. Clearly, she has been successful in the ways often highlighted for an outstanding President—record enrollment, expanded academic programs, and financial stability, building a strong foundation for the next steps on United’s journey. Add to these leadership successes Molly’s theological acumen and prophetic voice in challenging times, and it is easy to see the scope of her leadership. Just as importantly, though, Molly has helped create a deep sense of community among the faculty, staff, students, trustees, and the broader community who support the work of United. Her leadership and accomplishments ensure United will keep living into the fullness of its mission and vision as the context for theological education continues to evolve.” Reflecting on her service to the seminary, President Marshall writes, “Serving as United’s President has been a joyful pursuit over these past several years as I have lived into the storied history of this good seminary. I have been invited into a theologically expansive landscape where courageous learning and creative ministries have renewed my own vocation in theological education.” She continues, “Faculty, staff, students, board members, donors, and friends have welcomed me to help craft this chapter of our shared mission. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to serve as United’s tenth president. (Don’t say goodbye to me yet; there’s still work to be done!)” A Presidential Search Committee, comprised of trustees and representatives from the student body, alums, faculty, and staff, has been engaged in faithful preparation ahead of the public search for President Marshall’s successor. The seminary will share details about this process in the days ahead. Friends and colleagues from throughout President Marshall’s career were invited to submit reflections in her honor. These have been published on our announcement page. United eagerly anticipates celebrating President Marshall and her myriad contributions to the life of the seminary community during special events in spring 2027. Details will be made available in the months ahead. Strengthened and invigorated by President Marshall’s faithful leadership over these six years, United enters its 65th year of progressive theological education, steadfast in its mission: preparing innovative and compassionate leaders for the equipping of churches, other faith communities, and society toward justice and peace. Honoring President Marshall In celebration of President Marshall's tenure, a webpage featuring images, reflections by friends and colleagues, and opportunities to honor her achievements is now available. Visit the link below to learn more. Learn More About United Founded by the United Church of Christ (UCC) as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the creative edge of progressive theological thought and leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to educate leaders who, through the eyes of faith, engage in the dismantling of systems of oppression, exploring multi-faith spirituality, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Media Contact Nathanial Green (he/him) Director of Marketing and Communications press@unitedseminary.edu • 651.255.6138

St. Mark’s UCC Gifts an Endowed Scholarship to United

United graduates have an impact on United in countless ways. President Molly T. Marshall notes that they are, in fact, our letters of recommendation. They embody the educational experience they had at United in the work they pursue, in how they live out their faith traditions, and in the impact they have in the world. We see this in myriad ways. There is the alum who is a recurring donor and the alum who creates a legacy gift to support future students. There is the alum who introduces President Marshall to a new donor. And there is the alum who sees another person’s interest in theological education and encourages them to pursue a degree at United. Recently, we have seen up close the impact of the work of Rev. Jennifer Jaimez (’98). Jennifer’s first call was to St. Mark’s UCC in Bloomington, Minnesota, which was founded in 1954. Jennifer served at St. Mark’s for 28 years and, like other pastors, she had a significant influence on members and the broader community. St. Mark’s also had an impact on United. During Jennifer’s ministry, eight students from United completed nine-month internships at St. Mark’s. As interns, these students were part of a learning community that helped them hone skills in teaching, preaching, counseling, and administration. The congregation, along with Jennifer, mentored and encouraged them. They have all gone on to do a multitude of things: serving in nonprofits, rural churches, city churches, and more. St. Mark’s investment in United students had a significant impact. As for many congregations, the pandemic was difficult for St. Mark’s. Three years ago, they made the painful decision to complete their ministry and intentionally repurpose their assets while it was still their choice. In addition to supporting the Minnesota Conference UCC and the Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority, they made a significant gift to United. A relationship that began with mentoring interns grew into a newly endowed UCC scholarship. The St. Mark’s endowed scholarship will provide financial support for UCC students who wish to attend seminary. This gift creates an enduring legacy for St. Mark’s and will provide support for future students. As the gift was announced, their moderator, Cindy Russell, said, “This gift will defray the cost of seminary education. Support for future leaders of the church remains important as the church continues to evolve into new ways of being the church.” This spring, we have been blessed to establish several new endowed scholarships in addition to the one from St. Mark’s. Estate gifts from Joanne* (’82) and Thomas* Rohrict, and Elden* (Yankon, ’55) and Norma* Zuern have created a lasting legacy and investment in United. A recent gift from George (Mission House, ’55) and Joyce Schowalter will allow them to see, while they are living, the impact of scholarship support. Currently, 57 percent of scholarships are covered by generous gifts and endowed scholarships. The other 43 percent is paid out of United’s annual budget. Each scholarship gift, each new endowed scholarship, or gift to an already endowed scholarship, helps us expand offerings to our students. We don’t want financial limitations to become a barrier for students who feel called to attend United. Your scholarship gifts supported Jennifer while she was a student. Her experience at United, along with the skills she has learned along the way, helped her shepherd St. Mark’s for more than two decades and through the difficult decision to complete their ministry. Your gifts to United continue to make this happen. We give thanks for the lasting legacies created by these and many other faithful donors. __________________________ * Deceased

Alum Rev. Todd Lippert (’03): Living a Public Ministry

As Rev. Todd Lippert was growing up, his life was dominated by two constants: music and church. Both of his parents were music teachers. His dad was the high school choir director, and his mom was the elementary school music teacher. Though his family had been Baptist for generations, they ended up attending a United Church of Christ (UCC) church where his mom was hired to play the organ. It was also much closer to home than the nearest Baptist church. “I always took Christian faith very seriously,” Todd asserts. “The church was a sacred and holy place to me.” In seventh grade, Todd remembers talking to his father. “I was at the bottom of the stairs talking to my dad at the top of the stairs. And that was when I said for the first time, ‘I wonder if I might want to be a pastor someday.’” But, Todd adds, “the idea was really terrifying to me,” so he put it out of his mind. At the University of Iowa, he pursued a music degree. During a philosophy class toward the end of college, a professed atheist professor began asking some of the same questions about faith that Todd was confronting. “I was wrestling with whether I was a Christian or not.” Deciding on Seminary The turning point came one Sunday morning after graduation when Todd and his wife were at church. At the time, he was selling Yellow Pages ads and contemplating an MBA. “I hated it,” Todd confesses. “I was miserable.” Watching the preacher at First United Methodist Church in Iowa City, he thought, “Maybe I could do that, and maybe I need to pay attention to this call to ministry that keeps bubbling up.” United was the first UCC seminary that came up on the computer, and when Todd visited, “it felt like home for me as soon as I arrived.” Since his wife was doing graduate work at the University of Minnesota, they moved to the Twin Cities. “At United,” Todd recalls, “I had the space to figure out how Christianity was meaningful and how this faith fit together for me.” Professors who welcomed and encouraged his questions were key to his faith formation, and the “liberation theology that moved through the curriculum, with its focus on justice, was extremely appealing to me.” Todd was also inspired by his classmates. “I saw the student body deeply engaged in the political and social questions of the day.” At United from 2000 to 2003, Todd experienced the Bush v. Gore lawsuit, 9/11 terror attacks, Minnesota senator Paul Wellstone’s tragic death, and the Iraq war launch as he was earning his MDiv. Public Theology Justice-seeking activism, Todd asserts, “really cemented my understanding that the body of Christ is about bringing the realm of God into being wherever it is. And that was something that would have to make my life better and make my community better.” Since graduating, Todd has worked as a UCC pastor, a Minnesota state legislator (2018–2022), a community organizer with ISAIAH, and a community minister with Creekside Church. The clergy organizing work during Operation Metro Surge was especially impactful and reconnected him with United. Todd went through “nonviolent direct action training with Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock, one of the authors I read.” He also worked with Rev. Dr. Carolyn Pressler, his former Hebrew scripture professor. United, notes Todd, equipped him “to be able to understand what is going on in our world, and in our communities, and I had the tools to get better and better at that, reading the present through a biblical and theological lens.” He is extraordinarily proud of the way the church showed up in Minnesota and grateful for United. “I really want,” Todd concludes, “the love-your-neighbor values of the church to be a force in our public life, not an afterthought. I want it to be a force in our political life.”