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“Reforming &Renewing” to highlight 200 years of forming leaders in Gettysburg and Philadelphia
Ƶ (ULS) will mark its 200thanniversary with a year-long series of events throughout 2026 on its Gettysburg and Philadelphia campuses and at historic Glen Foerd on the Delaware River. Under the theme “Reforming & Renewing,” the bicentennial will celebrate two centuries of theological education while looking toward the future of ministry and public witness.
Founded in 1826 (Gettysburg) and 1864 (Philadelphia) and combined in 2017 as Ƶ, ULS has shaped generations of leaders forthe church and world. Today, ULS offers graduate degrees and certificates, serving residential students and those enrolled in the distributed-learning community. A robust continuing education initiative, Kindling Faith, offers numerous in-person and online learning opportunities for pastors, deacons and lay leaders who are seeking deeper engagement.
“The weight and wonder of this legacy is always present,” said the Rev. Dr. R. Guy Erwin, President and Ministerium of Pennsylvania Chair and Professor of Reformation Studies. “For nearly two hundred years, the church has entrusted this seminary with forming leaders who proclaim the gospel, serve with courage, and stand with neighbor and strangeralike. We remain rooted in that history even as we rise to meet the new challenges of ministry in our time. As our 200th anniversary draws close, we are laying the groundwork for the next century.”
May — Gettysburg campus & region
- Historical lectures during Spring Convocation
- Seminary Ridge Museum tours, including cupola access
- Alumni gatherings and community partnerships with Gettysburg National Miitary Park and local venues
- Music, Gettysburg! bicentennial concert featuring organist Felix Hell
- 2026 Commencement with conferral of four honorary degrees
September - Philadelphia campus and & region
- Matriculation Day service with Conferral of Service Awards
- Celebration of local Black churches with lectures and worship
- Fall Convocation lectures and campus events
- Tours of Krauth Memorial Library with rare books and art exhibits
- Gala reception and dinner at historic Glen Foerd on the Delaware River (ticketed event)
Unless noted, events are are free, with complimentary campus parking.
Ƶ (ULS) builds and sustains an affirming, diverse learning community of faithful, well-educated leaders skilled at guiding grace-filled encounters. Deeply rooted in Lutheran tradition and engaged in public life, ULS advances spiritual leadership, public advocacy, impactful worship, and care of neighbor. ULS offers the Master of Arts(Academic and Professional tracks), Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and Ph.D. in Public Theology and Witness. Through the Seminary’s robust financial aid program, nearly every degree-seeking student qualifies for a full-tuition scholarship, ensuring that a theological education remains financially accessible to all who are called to serve. The seminary also offers certificates through the Urban Theological Institute, and sponsors the Asian Theological Institute mentoring program for PhD/ThD students of Asian heritage. Learn more at uls.edu.
In early 2024, President R. Guy Erwin formed a planning committee and three subcommittees - tasked with developing historical timelines and events on both campuses throughout 2026. The historical timeline will be a living web platform, with content added throughout the year.
ULS Bicentennial Planning Committee
The Rev. Dr. R. Guy Erwin, President - Honorary Chair
Mr. Conor Brooks - Chair
Ms. Linda Fiore - Secretary
The Rev. Dr. Philip Krey
The Rev. Dr. Michael Cooper-White
The Rev. Dr. Maria Erling
Dr. Jon Pahl
The Rev. Dr. Katie Day
The Rev. Dr. Mark Oldenburg
Pastor Kelley Ketcham
Dr. Addie Butler
Ms. Andrea Oslikova
Mx. Victoria Jesswein
Dr. Dianne Faust
Ƶ (ULS) was formed in 2017, when the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (1826) and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia joined as one. With two physical campuses and a robust Distributed Learning cohort, ULS builds and sustains an affirming and diverse learning community of faithful, well-educated leaders skilled at guiding grace-filled encounters.
ULS sets the standard in developing well prepared Christ-centered leaders, formed by Lutheran and ecumenical theological commitments. ULS graduates are trained to engage the contexts in which they serve by living into the Gospel and guided by the Holy Spirit. They practice grace, demonstrate love, and enable others to live the love of Jesus.
Read more about the history of ULS.
Additional bicentennial events will be added throughout the year.
May ULS offers a Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in a professional or academic track, Master of Sacred Theology, Doctor of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy, along with five certificate
