The start of Fall Semester is always a special time at MTSO, with new students joining those who already are making their mark on the school.

Our newest students come from around the world and across the country. They represent 19 states, from New York to California, as well as Kenya and Tanzania.

With the addition of the incoming class, MTSO’s student body includes members of 20 denominations, and 25 of the United Methodist Church’s 54 annual conferences in the U.S. are represented.

At orientation Aug. 18, President Jay Rundell encouraged those in the incoming class to embrace the diversity of perspectives and backgrounds they will encounter in class together. It’s clear there will be ample opportunity for that.

The chapel service at MTSO’s 2023 Alumni Day will be led by two new members of MTSO’s faculty. Professor of Worship, Music and Spirituality Lisa Allen-McLaurin will serve as worship leader, and Assistant Professor of Homiletics Eugene L. Gibson Jr. will preach.

The 10:45 a.m. service will be followed by a luncheon honoring recipients of the 2023 John and Ruth Mount Alumni Awards for Distinguished Service. This year’s honorees are:

• Judy Alston (M.Div. ’16), chair, Department of Educational Leadership, Miami University.
• Barbara Fant (MTS ’12), poet, voice-over talent, host, and corporate and nonprofit storyteller.
• Colleen Ogle (MTS ’85, M.Div. ’87), lead pastor, Bexley United Methodist Church.

Those who wish are invited to take a guided campus tour after lunch.

All MTSO alumni, students, faculty and staff – as well as former Methesco employees – are invited to join us Thursday, Oct. 26, and take advantage of this opportunity to reconnect.

There is no cost to attend Alumni Day. We simply ask that all who plan to participate complete the free registration here.

MTSO alumni benefit not only those they serve but those who observe and are inspired by the lives of consequence they lead. They are examples to all of us, from the start of their careers through the contributions they make to their communities in retirement.

The “Alum news” feature in The Story Magazine and Annual Report celebrates news and milestones in alumni lives. If you’re an alum and haven’t shared your latest news, there’s still time to be included in the upcoming issue. From professional transitions to personal milestones, we invite you to share your news by completing this form.

Thank you for keeping your MTSO friends informed.

MTSO will welcome prospective students to an in-person Fall Admissions Open House Tuesday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. New students may begin classes at thte start of Spring Semester, beginning in late January, or Fall Semester, beginning in late August.

Open House will include a tour of our 80-acre campus and facilities, conversations with faculty and current students, a chapel service, and lunch featuring food grown on MTSO’s Seminary Hill Farm. Prospective students will learn about MTSO’s five degree programs and exceptionally generous scholarships, up to full tuition.

Free overnight accommodations are available.

Register for the Admissions Open House here.