Illustrations by Lucinda Rogers

The joining of three theological schools in Chicago last fall is a tale of the times in theological education, a story of courage and creativity brought to bear on storied institutions facing challenging enrollment and financial issues.

McCormick Theological Seminary and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) opened the 2023-24 academic year on the campus of Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in The Rev. Donald P. Senior, C.P., Academic Center (shown above). This united the three institutions, all with long histories in Chicago, in the Hyde Park area on one distinctive ecumenical campus, said Sister Barbara Reid, O.P., CTU’s seventh president.

“As Catholics, this collaboration demonstrates a responsible use of resources based not only the vision of CTU’s founders, but also a direct response to Pope Francis’ urging in Laudato si’ for Catholics to be good stewards (of the earth), creating effective uses of our resources,” Reid said.

McCormick President David Crawford characterized the move as historic and impactful, extending far beyond the boundaries of the campus. “The move is a tangible demonstration of hope and unity in a city, country, and world desperately in need of both,” he said.

LSTC President Dr. James Nieman added that his school’s relocation represented a pivotal opportunity for the institution’s financial stability, enabling greater investment in strategic areas of educational innovation and access.

Although the schools co-exist on a shared property (a single building, actually), the three presidents emphasize that the collaboration is not a merger. Each school retains its separate offerings and individual identity, mission, vision, and governance structure.

Shared Traditions

Reid views the transition as an obvious progression in the schools’ notable ecumenical journeys. Nieman and Crawford agreed, commending her tireless efforts to accommodate their schools and make the CTU campus welcoming and workable.

“In many ways, the one reason that this relationship works and will continue to work is because we have worked together so well and so closely for so long,” Crawford said. “We have a history of collaboration, of trust and engagement with each other, which spans decades.

“That’s true of our faculties as well. As a consequence, our relationships and mutual respect help overcome our denominational differences.”

Cross-registration of students had been in place for years among the three schools, Crawford said. “Students were generally comfortable and welcomed the move, because they have taken classes and know the amenities and hospitality of CTU.”

History and opportunity were not the only motivations behind the effort. CTU’s declining enrollment led to a surplus of unused space. And LSTC and McCormick sold their joint campus to the nearby University of Chicago in March 2023 after several years of negotiations.

“Timing is always critical in creating opportunities and relationships,” Crawford said. The presidents recognize that co-location was not merely financially driven; it represented the natural progression of an already intentional relationship, a way to enhance and deepen their existing partnership.

The Right Space, the Right Stuff

The reshaping of the physical infrastructure prioritized sustainability and accessibility, while retaining CTU’s campus name. Signage prominently displays the schools’ logos and names. CTU is on the first three floors, LSTC is on the fourth floor, and McCormick is on the fifth floor. The fifth floor also houses the Paul Bechtold Library, while a spacious atrium serves as the campus’ gathering area.

“The great advantage of this was we could build upon the many strengths already in place in the facility,” Nieman said. “We paid a lot of attention to what CTU had in its classrooms, not just to mimic it, but to see what works for us.”

Both LSTC and McCormick repurposed resources such as office furniture from their former locations, and brought cherished artifacts to the new campus. Among LSTC’s treasured pieces are its stained-glass windows, which are now situated in its chapel and hallway of the building. A large collection of rare books is now displayed in a climate-controlled room on the fourth floor.

Sharing resources, such as technology rooms and the Writing and Resource Center, was important for all schools. The presidents believe these shared resources strengthen connections across the schools’ students and faculty.

The schools’ leaders know that partnerships are challenging and are sensitive to the need to respect the traditions of the different student populations. So far, they have been encouraged by the lively interaction of faculty, students, and staff. Following an initial “meet and greet” gathering of the school communities at the beginning of the academic year, faculty, staff and students have collaborated in planning events, prayer services, and socials, most recently an ecumenical prom planned by the students. “To see our communities come together in this way is exciting for all of us,” Crawford said.

The presidents are energized, and agree this is just the beginning. Enhancing the library system, refining courses, and implementing joint faculty appointments are future projects under consideration.

“I’m not only grateful that the opportunity was there, but also, as leaders, to have the will of steel to be able to see what this could be and have the determination to see it through – it is inspiring,” Reid said. “It’s been such a gift for us. The campus is alive again.”

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