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“Reforming & Renewing” to highlight 200 years of forming leaders in Gettysburg and Philadelphia
United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) will mark its 200th anniversary with a year-long series of events throughout 2026 on its Gettysburg and Philadelphia campuses, local regions, 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 United Lutheran Seminary, ULS has shaped generations of leaders for the 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 stranger alike. 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.”
Bicentennial events will be celebrated in May 2026 on the Gettysburg campus and September 2026 on the Philadelphia campus and at histori Glen Foerd.
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
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
United Lutheran Seminary (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.
Additional bicentennial events will be added throughout the year.
Visit our calendar of events for details
May 2026 Events on the ULS Gettysburg campus
61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, PA 17325
May 23 - Commencement
Unless indicated otherwise, September 2026 Events take place on the ULS Philadelphia campus
7301 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119
September 15
11:45AM - Urban Theological Institute Fall Lecture - Benbow Hall, Brossman Center. Livestreamed.
6:45PM - Urban Theological Institute Worship - Chapel. Livestreamed.
September 16
9:30AM – Fellowship with light refreshments – Lull Lounge
10:30AM – LTSP & ULS: Historical Reflections and Musings – Benbow Hall B&C, Brossman Center
11:45AM - Bicentennial Worship with Holy Communion – Chapel
1:00PM - Alumni & Community Lunch - Benbow Hall A, Brossman Center
2:00PM - 4:00PM Class Reunions – Brossman Center various rooms
4:15PM - TULSAA meeting – 309 Brossman Center
5:30PM – 7:30PM - ULS/Community Happy Hour – Benbow Hall A, Brossman Center
September 17
9:30AM – Fellowship and Coffee – Lull Lounge and outside Benbow Hall
10:00AM - 11:30AM - Fall Convocation Session 1- Benbow Hall, Brossman Center and Livestreamed
11:30AM - 12:00PM – Worship - Benbow Hall, Brossman Center and Livestreamed
12:00PM – Community lunch - Benbow Hall, Brossman Center
1:00PM - 2:30PM – Fall Convocation Session 2 - Benbow Hall, Brossman Center and Livestreamed
2:45PM – 3:30PM – Keynote Comments and Facilitated Discussion
5:00PM – VIP Reception at Keneseth Israel
6:00PM – Bicentennial Gala at Keneseth Israel
