FROM THE PRESIDENT
You're invited to something special
In a time that calls for people to step forward for the good of the planet, MTSO has become a beacon. This school attracts – and sends forth – leaders who are committed to the stewardship of the earth. I’m happy today to offer you a unique opportunity to be part of helping that beacon to shine even brighter.
Step back for a moment and imagine that you’re learning for the first time about a theological school that has emerged as a leader in its community and among its peers in the area of ecotheology. Picture a seminary whose curriculum integrates justice and sustainability ; a school that employs new, green technology to heat, cool and power its facilities; a campus with an organic farm that offers good food, education and inspiration to its broader community.
Is that a place that might be worthy of a special investment on your part?
MTSO is that place. To celebrate what we’ve achieved and to help us build on this work in the future, we’ve planned a special fundraising event for Wednesday, July 19, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. We’re calling it An Evening on the Farm, and it will be unlike anything this school has hosted before.
Come enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres featuring fresh food from Seminary Hill Farm and other local sources. Take a tour led by our farmers. As live music plays in the background, talk with people who came to MTSO specifically to engage ecotheology as part of their teaching and learning. And be among the first to learn about our next steps in this important work.
Find out more about An Evening on the Farm and to register to be a part of it.
Many of you have seen – and tasted – for yourselves the things that are setting MTSO apart. Now I hope you’ll come and share in the satisfaction of contributing to something special. Reserve your place today. See you on July 19.
– Jay Rundell
Valerie Bridgeman, associate professor of homiletics and Hebrew Bible at MTSO. In addition to her work at MTSO, Dr. Bridgeman is the founding president and CEO of WomanPreach! Inc. She is in demand as a speaker and preacher throughout the country.
Yvonne Zimmerman, associate professor of Christian ethics at MTSO. Her areas of expertise include feminist theory; gender and sexuality studies; social theory; U.S. human trafficking policy; and liberationist ethics. She is the author of Other Dreams of Freedom: Religion, Sex and Human Trafficking.
Jaha Zainabu, a literary poet, spoken word artist, storyteller, visual artist and motivational speaker from Long Beach, California. She has been featured in venues throughout the country, including the Getty Museum, the World Stage and the Nuyorcian Cafe. 
Forty-three graduate degrees were awarded at MTSO's 55th commencement May 20. Rev. Traci Blackmon, senior pastor of Christ the King United Church of Christ in Florissant, Missouri, and acting executive minister of justice and witness ministries for the UCC, addressed graduates.
At our commencement ceremony in May, graduating senior Joel Wildermuth presented Board of Trustees Chair Sandra Lutz with a new kind of senior class gift: He and his classmates invested directly in the mission of the school. Individual seniors chose to give to the Seminary Scholarship Fund, Methesco's Greatest Needs or Seminary Hill Farm. In addition, many of those who gave signed up for recurring gifts that will continue to support the school's mission into the future.
If you or someone you know is considering graduate theological education, MTSO's Summer Admissions Open House promises a useful, efficient and invigorating use of five hours. The event is free and open to any prospective graduate theological student.