Joshua Society members are special friends who have provided the seminary with outstanding financial leadership, contributed cumulative gifts totaling $50,000 or more, and supported the mission of the seminary. Each year all Joshua Society members are honored along with new Joshua members who are presented with a replica statuette of “Joshua.” The original “Joshua” was presented to United in 1966 in memory of Karl J. Ernst, professor of Hebrew and exegetical theology at Mission House Seminary from 1926-1954.

New Joshua Society members Sharon and Robert Ryan were recognized at the Joshua Luncheon on May 6, 2009. Bruce Robbins, pastor at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church and United trustee, was the guest speaker.

The Bossard-Ward Society

The Bossard-Ward Society honors alums whose cumulative giving in all categories totals $10,000 or more. The society was created to pay tribute to Jacob Bossard, a faculty member and president of Mission House Seminary 1875 to 1885, and Joseph Ward, who was instrumental in founding Yankton College and Yankton School of Theology. These founders demonstrated the vision for providing theological education for new conditions and needs. We honor and thank alums who sustain that vision today through their generous financial support of the work of United.

The Barnabas Heritage Society recognizes friends of United who have included the seminary in their estate plans or made other deferred gifts. Many have included United in their wills, while others have invested in a life income gift or insurance policy designating the seminary as the beneficiary. We greatly appreciate the vision and commitment of Barnabas Heritage Society members.

The President’s Circle honors donors who have supported the seminary with gifts of $1,000 or more. As a member of this circle, you will be invited to join other circle members for dinner with the president.

The Disciples Circle honors donors who have supported the seminary with gifts of $2,500 or more. As a member of this circle, you will be invited to join other circle members for dinner with the president, and you’ll receive a memento from the seminary.

The Prophets Circle honors donors who have supported the seminary with gifts of $5,000 or more. As a member of this circle, you will receive all of the benefits of The Disciples Circle and four complimentary tickets to Bigelow Chapel events for the following year.

21st Century Society recognizes United alums from the classes of 2000 and beyond who have made a gift of $21.00 or more to the Annual Fund.