Register by Aug. 5 for CWPA's

9th Annual Preaching Retreat

Dr. Luke Powery

REGISTER by Friday, August 5, for Dr. Luke Powery's "Preaching the Gospel of Mark for Today: Speaking into the Silence, Squabbles and Suffering."

Cost: $200 (for CEU's: 2.0)

United Alumni/ae: $150
Meals: $50

Link here for registration, event schedule and details or contact cwpa@united.edu  or 937.529.2279.

Dr. David Watson

Dr. David F. Watson III will be the featured speaker at United's  September 7 Opening Convocation, to be held at 11 a.m. at Precious Blood Catholic Church, 4961 Salem Ave. Dayton. The title of his lecture is "Reading for Renewal."

Watson, who was appointed as Academic Dean, effective July 1, will be installed during the service. He is also Associate Professor of New Testament and was formerly Associate Dean for Masters Studies. A native of Texas, he received a B.A. from Texas Tech University, an M.Div. from Perkins School of Theology, and a Ph.D. from Southern Methodist University.  David is also an ordained elder in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church and serves on the West Ohio Inclusive Body of Christ Ministry Team for People with Disabilities and the Miami Valley District Committee on Ordained Ministry. 

This Opening Convocation marks the beginning of United's 141st year.

Alumni/ae Awards Presented During

May 10 Banquet 

Rev. Dr. Zeiders and presenter Rev. Harold Stockman '67

 United's Alumni/ae Association honored Distinguished Alumnus Rev. Dr. G. Edwin Zeiders '73, and Effective Minister Rev. Dr. David F. Martin '72 at the Alumni/ae Banquet on May 10.  

Four members of the Class of '71 were inducted into the Eckels Society, and a special Honorary Alumna Award was presented to Mrs. Joan Zeiders for her volunteer work.  

Rev. Dr. Martin and presenter Rev. Dr. Gary Olin '67

For photos and more information, please visit Alumni/ae Awards . 

Beginning this fall, United is offering a "flexible," hybrid (part online, part in-residence) Master of Divinity degree designed especially for United Methodist students who are unable to relocate to another state or city for a theological degree. The FLEX UMC M.Div.  meets the latest (January 2011) residency requirements of the University Senate of The United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Higher Learning Commission.  For more information, please visit FLEX UMC M.Div.  

Also new this fall is the 45-hour Master of Arts in Christian Ministries, which can be completed in two years.  It is designed for those who are planning to serve in denominations that do not require a Master of Divinity and for those who are preparing for the work of Deacon in the UMC.  For information, please visit MACM .   

For admission information on either degree, contact our Admissions Office at admissions@united.edu or 800.322.5817.
 

2010-11 Alumni/ae Annual Fund Giving

Hits  a Five-Year High 

Phonathon 2010

United's Annual Fund giving by alumni/ae hit a five-year high for the 2010-11 fiscal year.

Volunteer co-chairs, Norma and Harold Stockman '67, succeeded in strengthening the level and percentage of giving by alumni/ae through an  extensive database "overhaul" and managing the many committed at-home and on-campus callers during the annual Phonathon between October 12-22, 2010. Total cash in hand receipts by June 30, 2011 reached nearly $148,000, which exceeded the Stockmans' goal of $140,000 in commemoration of United's 140th academic year.

 For the complete story and photos, please visit Annual Fund .    

Dr. Alicia Myers

Dr. Alicia Myers joined the faculty on July 1 as Assistant Professor of New Testament.  Dr. Myers recently earned her Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Baylor University.  She brings a specialization in studies in the Gospel of John, the subject of her dissertation, and in general fine competence in the field of early Church history.  She is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and Duke University.  She is an active member of a Baptist congregation, and also brings a family tradition rooted in the United Methodist Church. 

Dr. Peter Bellini

Dr. Peter Bellini joined us July 1 as Director of Urban and International Studies.  In this position he will serve as Director of the Center for Urban Ministry, teach part time in the Masters Program as a fully affiliated faculty member, serve as a mentor in the Doctoral Program, be responsible for general oversight of the Intercultural  trips and advisement of international students, and direct the Course of Study School of Ohio Hybrid Program.  Dr. Bellini is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and is a clergy member of the West Ohio Conference.   

Dr. Harold Hudson

Dr. Harold Hudson '03, was recently promoted to the position of President's Associate for Enrollment.  In addition to his current responsibilities as Associate Dean for Doctoral Studies and Assistant Professor in the Practice of Preaching, Dr. Hudson will assume oversight for student recruitment and admissions at United.  Dr. Hudson brings to this work extensive corporate management experience, a history of remarkable recruitment results for the Doctoral Studies program, and his deep love for United, Jesus, and the mission of the Church in the world.

Bishop George Bashore

Bishop George W. Bashore , '58, '76, 

was elected Chair of United's Board of Trustees effective July 1. Bishop Bashore was ordained in the former Evangelical United Brethren tradition, served as a pastor and district superintendent, and was elected to the episcopacy in 1980. As Bishop, he served the Boston Area from 1980 to 1988 and the Pittsburgh Area from 1988 to 2000. In retirement he serves as Bishop-in-Residence of Mt. Lebanon Church in Mt. Lebanon, PA.  

United's Seminary for Seniors to Launch This Fall! 

United's new Seminary for Seniors is an exciting new learning opportunity for adults 50 year and older. Courses focus on issues related to the intersection of faith and culture and are designed to stimulate students intellectually while building fruitful relationships. Each course is in session for a six-week term, and is taught by experts in the subject matter. Thematic concentrations include theology, cultural studies, literature and the arts, religious studies, science and philosophy. 

Classes begin this Fall on Tuesdays from Sept. 6 - Oct. 11 and are held  at Christ United Methodist, 3440 Shroyer Rd., Dayton. Dayton 45429. To find out more about how Seminary for Seniors can help you reach your lifelong learning goals, contact the registrar at 937.529.2256 or visit Seminary for Seniors .