Our gift isn’t just an investment in CTS—it’s an investment in the church, its leadership and its mission of peace, justice and mercy.

Don Clark, Chair of the CTS Board of Trustees and Nationwide Special Counsel for the United Church of Christ

New Building Initiative

Erma Croom, D.Min.

 

 

 

 

What is the New Building Initiative?

As Chicago Theological Seminary transitions to our new, state-of-the-art building, we aim to build upon the legacy of our past while responding to emerging trends pointing toward God’s future. Our new home will allow us to carry forward our honored commitments while developing new teaching and learning techniques, engaging new constituencies and partners, expanding new means of access and shaping new forms of worship to prepare leaders to serve the ever-changing needs of church and society.

The New Building Initiative is a special campaign to celebrate our new home and to position the Seminary for a bold and transformative role at the forefront of theological education.  We continue to need your support, both today and beyond our move in January 2012.

What does the New Building Initiative support?

Gifts given to Chicago Theological Seminary’s New Building Initiative support:

-Religious leadership. Your gift supports the education of courageous, visionary and compassionate religious leaders who will seed hope, challenge hypocrisy, and transform the world toward greater justice and mercy. CTS is proud that our alumni/ae are local church pastors and faith leaders, chaplains and UCC Conference ministers, scholars and activists, and leaders of social organizations, among many other paths.

-Leading edge scholarship. Your gift supports an outstanding faculty, five CTS Centers, and ongoing lecture series, lectionary workshops and continuing education programs that encourage cutting edge Biblical, ethical, pastoral, liturgical and theological scholarship interpreting the church’s traditions for relevance in today’s world.

-Responsive, innovative curriculum. This year, CTS added a new degree program, the Master of Arts in Religious Leadership, as well aggressively expanded its online courses offerings. Your gift supports programs that meet the needs of tomorrow’s religious leaders and reach out to communities that lack educational opportunities.

-Progressive Christianity. Since its founding, CTS has helped expand the scope and widen the embrace of progressive Christianity. Our ecumenical community continues to cross disciplines, boundaries and borders, including, in this past year, inaugurating the Rabbi Herman E. Schaalman Chair of Jewish Studies, co-sponsoring "Bridges to Community: The Immigrant Experience in Chicago" and leading a two-week study tour to Israel and Palestine. Learn more about our seminary history.

How can I support the New Building Initiative?

Thank you for supporting the New Building Initiative!  You can make a gift in several ways:

  • Online – Using our online donation form. Donations are processed through PayPal, but it is not necessary to have a PayPal account.
  • By Mail or Fax – Print and complete this donation form and return it with your gift to:
    Chicago Theological Seminary
    Development Office
    1407 E. 60th St.
    Chicago, Illinois 60637
  • Call Us – Contact the Development staff at CTS by calling 773.896.2430 to discuss a gift.

What naming and recognition opportunities are available in the new building?

There are naming and recognition opportunities in the new building available to donors at multiple levels. We offer these opportunities so that all those who pass through our doors may bear witness and draw strength from your faith and support. Remember, all gifts matter and are appreciated. Please give as you are able.

Naming Opportunities are also available for rooms and areas throughout the new building.

Naming and Recognition Opportunities Gift Level
Bench in Garden Area $       7,500
Painting/Artwork Space $     10,000
Third Floor Small Living Room (near kitchen) $     25,000
Meditation Area on Second Floor $     25,000
Small Second Floor Reading Room $     25,000
Large Third Floor Reading Room* $     50,000
Seminar Room Space $     50,000
Major Wall Space $     50,000
Medium Classroom Space $     75,000
Third Floor Study Area (with scenic view) $   120,000
Green Roof Garden South $   120,000
Green Roof Garden North $   120,000
Large Classroom Space $   100,000
Third Floor Learning Commons (scenic view) $   150,000
East Garden $   500,000
First Floor North Lobby* $   500,000
Fourth Floor Dining Area $   500,000
First Floor Chapel* $1,000,000
Fourth Floor Chapel $1,500,000

*Tentatively committed

For more information about naming opportunities, contact the Office of Development and Marketing at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or
773.896.2430.

What is the Clark gift?

In February 2011, Don and Ellen Clark committed an unrestricted cash gift of $1 million to the Seminary—the largest in our history—as an investment in theological education and to inspire others to give. This lead gift kicked off the New Building Initiative. Read more about the Clark gift.

How can I learn more and inform others about CTS and the New Building Initiative?

Included here are a number of resources that will help to inform you and others about Chicago Theological Seminary and the New Building Initiative.

To request additional materials, please contact the Office of Development and Marketing at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 773.896.2430.