News | Lenoir-Rhyne University

Students walk across a bridge on a sunny day

Katherine Gerlaugh, Ph.D., explores the current culture of Hickory, how it's changed over time and been affected by local economics and politics.

Legacy Bear

Following in her father's footsteps, Amaya Saunders '24 is leaving her mark on LR.

Students arrive in PE Monroe auditorium for the Student Life Awards

Celebrating the best of LR

The revamped 2024 Student Life Awards gave students "A Night to Remember" with recognition and celebration of the joys of being a Bear.

Rocky Boy’s Reservation located in north central Montana. Photo courtesy of USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service.

An exploration of land and church history

Susan McArver, Ph.D., took a deep dive into the role of the church behind the history of colonization and domination over Indigenous peoples in the Americas during her fall Explore Course, “The Land and its Inhabitants.”

From the seminary to Senegal

In November 2022, a routine email check put Josh Kenst, MTS ’23, on a path that led him to a year long global mission program in Senegal.

Demmi Ramos presents research at North Carolina Academy of Science

An April to remember

Demmi Ramos '25 started April with the distinction of being the first Goldwater Scholarship recipient in LR history -- and it only got more interesting from there.

Lillian Okoronkwo sits in a church pew amongst other congregation members.

The bridge between medicine and theology

Drawn to a career in healthcare chaplaincy, Lillian Okoronkwo, M.Div. ’25, believes in a holistic approach to medicine.

Tyler Stark holding conducting baton while sitting on a park bench

Lenoir-Rhyne announces new director of bands

In fall 2024 LR will welcome Tyler Stark as the new director of bands -- including the beloved Spirit of LR marching band.

LTSS professors and alumni smiling and laughing around tables during an event.

Record attendance for LTSS Alumni Day

At the 2024 Alumni Day and Day of Giving, almost 200 graduates returned to remember the past, support the future and show their love for Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.

Alumni awards celebrate success and service

The Alumni Association recognized five LR graduates for their extraordinary service to their communities and the world around them at an April 12 ceremony.

Building a home away from home

Lai Hnin, MACM '25, moved from Myanmar to South Carolina to attend seminary. While he hopes to return to his home country to serve God and his people, he's making a home at LTSS in the meantime.

A spirit of belonging

Seminary is a time of great change. In the LTSS community, Rachael Theisen, M.Div. '24, found the same support and belonging she plans to share as a pastor.