Major Gifts
Contact: Tim Forbess
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United Theological Seminary Receives Newest Title:
The O’Brien Library
United Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the naming of the Memorial Library on campus in honor of its long-time librarians, Elmer J. and Betty A. O’Brien. The O’Briens have launched the naming opportunity with a $500,000 gift commitment and an additional $100,000 to be raised. President Wendy Deichmann stated: “In this naming of the library in their honor, we want to recognize their generosity to the seminary over many years as well as their current commitment. They have honored the United community with decades of faithful service, warm friendship and heartfelt financial support.” The naming ceremony will take place during the Fall Convocation on September 8, 2010.
The Reverend Elmer J. O’Brien began his work at United Seminary in 1969 and retired in 1996. Mrs. Betty A. O’Brien joined the United staff in 1986 after the closing of St. Leonard College where she was the librarian. Elmer was a mentor for students, taught academic research courses, and worked closely with the faculty to obtain materials and resources for their work in the classrooms. Betty kept reference materials ordered and assisted in the “difficult-to-find” articles and references. She also served as research assistant to President Leonard I. Sweet during his tenure as president at United and to this date. The O’Briens’ vision for the library, its systems of acquisitions and focus on the collections are still felt in the day-to-day operations of the seminary.
The O’Briens live in Boulder, Colorado, where they continue to be active in their church and community and enjoy attending concerts. They continue to maintain their friendships from their years at United Seminary by frequent return visits.
If you would like to donate to the O’Brien Library, donate online or send your pledge or check to the address below.
Development Office
United Theological Seminary
4501 Denlinger Road
Dayton, OH 45426.
United Theological Seminary Announces a Gift of $1.35M from the Estate of Gable and Rae Arnold
United Theological Seminary is pleased to announce a gift of $1.35 million from the estate of Gable and Rae Arnold of York County, PA, to be used at the discretion of seminary. The Arnolds, who owned a building supply business in Red Lion, PA, cared deeply for the church and believed supporting the seminary was a way of strengthening the church of the future. “This gift will help United continue its tradition of preparing men and women for ministry,” said Dr. Wendy Deichmann Edwards, President. “We will identify specific uses for the funds to keep the Arnold’s commitment as an ongoing part of our community’s life.”
The Arnolds became involved at United when Mr. Horace Smith, Attorney at Law who had his own law firm in Red Lion, was Chair of the Board of Trustees at United. Mr. Smith shared the work of United and its importance to the church with the Arnolds. Former United President Dr. Leonard I. Sweet, along with other members of the United community, worked with the Arnolds in establishing the gift,. “These gifts come because of relationships that are transforming for the donor and ultimately transforming for the seminary,” Edwards said. “We are blessed with good friendship with the Arnolds for three decades and now, with this gift, will continue to be blessed by them for generations to come.”