Lowell Flory to retire from Bethany Seminary

Lowell Flory, executive director of institutional advancement and gift planning at Bethany Theological Seminary, will retire on March 31, 2015. Flory has served in this capacity at Bethany since July 2004, overseeing fund-raising, donor relations, planned giving, communications, and alumni/ae relations. He previously served as Bethany’s director of gift planning, beginning in July 2000.

As of January 1, 2015, Flory will move to half-time in his current position as part of a transitional period. He will focus on administrative duties, relinquishing most travel responsibilities.

During his tenure, Flory gave leadership to two major fundraising campaigns, both well surpassing the original goals. The completion of Inspired by the Spirit-Educating for Ministry coordinated with the celebration of the seminary’s centennial in 2005-06, to which Flory also gave direction. The Reimagining Ministries campaign concluded this past June. He also expanded the seminary’s advancement staff, contributed to the launch of the seminary’s current “Wonder and Word” magazine, taught seminary courses on leadership, and co-led the Advanced Foundations in Church Leadership program, a continuing education track offered through the Brethren Academy’s Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program from 2003-2013.

Flory began his association with Bethany on its board of trustees in 1986, then served as board chair from 1992-1996. It was during these four years that Bethany closed its Oak Brook, Ill., campus, relocated to Richmond, Ind., in a cooperative venture with Earlham School of Religion, and constructed a new facility on the Earlham College campus. While on the board, Flory was able to welcome the first students to Bethany’s new location; his retirement comes as the seminary recognizes 20 years in Richmond.

“In Lowell’s long-standing relationship with the seminary as a member of the board and the administration, he has displayed a strong commitment to having Bethany be a place where those of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can live, study, and worship together,” said Jeff Carter, president of Bethany. “Via extensive travel and bridge-building, Lowell has invested his time deepening relationships with alumni/ae and supporters to make Bethany a first thought in theological education and a resource for the Church of the Brethren. We give thanks for his many years of service and wish him well in his retirement.”

-- Jenny Williams is director of communications and alumni/ae relations at Bethany Theological Seminary.

Source: 9/26/2014 Newsline