Bicentennial
1826 - 2026

About  the Bicentennial

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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.

More About United Lutheran Seminary

United Lutheran Seminary (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.

Bicentennial Planning Committee

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