Our valued donor partners who have given in significant and consistent ways, over a lifetime or in the form of a legacy, are acknowledged through recognition programs.
If you’d like more information, contact Rev. Dr. Cindi Beth Johnson at 651.255.6137.
The President’s Circle honors individuals who have made an annual gift of $1,000 or more. The physical and spiritual essence of United is sustained by the generosity of these friends and alums who invest in United’s vital mission.
Joshua Society members are special friends and alums who have given cumulative gifts of $50,000 or more. Members are recognized at an annual luncheon, where new members receive a cast bronze, quarter-size replica of Herman Schwagereit’s “Joshua” sculpture. The original “Joshua” was presented to United in 1966 in memory of Karl J. Ernst, professor of Hebrew and exegetical theology (1926–1954) at Mission House Seminary, a forerunner of United. Joshua members will always be honored for the lasting impact their gifts had on the seminary.
The Bossard-Ward Society honors alums whose cumulative giving in all categories totaling $10,000 or more. This alum society commemorates Jacob Bossard—a founder, faculty member and president of Mission House Seminary from 1875 to 1885, and Joseph Ward—an instrumental individual in founding Yankton College and Yankton School of Theology, a forerunner of United. New Bossard-Ward recipients are honored each spring during United Days.
The Barnabas Heritage Society honors and recognizes individuals who have included United in their estate plans or made other qualifying gift arrangements, such as income-return gifts and beneficiary designations, that express their philanthropic values while providing long-term stability for United’s vital mission. If you would like to leave a lasting legacy, please find a form here.
The Lydia Society recognizes friends and alums of United who, as recurring donors, give a minimum monthly gift of $50. Much like Lydia who was a first century business entrepreneur, church planter, and chief philanthropist of the Philippian congregation, recurring donors provide ongoing sustaining gifts that support United in living out its mission to educate leaders for transformation.