Unification Theological Seminary’s Virtual Open House
Due to the current pandemic restrictions, the Unification Theological Seminary (UTS) hosted its very first Virtual Open House on Saturday, June 13, 2020. More than 70 attendees participated with the intention to discover what UTS offers. In the comfort of everyone’s homes, UTS staff and faculty, alumni, current and prospective students gathered online for a new experience that engaged people from all across the nation and world.
At the UTS Virtual Open House, Ms. Joy Theriot, Senior Admissions Counselor greeted all the virtual online attendees and introduced the emcees, Ms. Christina Lange, Assistant to the President and Director of Special Projects and Pastor Naokimi Ushiroda, President of Youth and Students for Peace, Assistant Pastor of the Clifton Church in New Jersey and CEO of Wiser Coaching.
Dr. Thomas Ward, President of UTS and Professor of Peace and Development presented on the programs offered at UTS, stating that they are all doable, affordable, valuable and enjoyable. Dr. Ward stated that UTS can help students in their career development in ministry, peacebuilding, public service, education, and NGO leadership as well as nurture their spiritual development.
Dr. Franco Famularo, President of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), Canada and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for UTS holds both a masters and doctorate degree from UTS. Dr. Famularo, having been impressed by fellow friends knowledgeable in theology, church history and religion, started his journey to UTS and shared that it’s never too late to get started.
Rev. Henry Clay, a community leader, pastor and a recent UTS graduate stated that UTS is a unique and God-ordained institute of higher theological learning that really does place at its foundation a strong emphasis on interfaith learning. Rev. Clay also shared that studying at UTS has helped him enhance his passion to make a difference in this world for God.
Ms. Youngsoon Quinn, Administrative Assistant for American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) and former UTS graduate stated that studying at UTS has allowed her to focus on God and her spiritual development and mentioned her appreciation of the opportunities she received through the foundation of studying at UTS.
Dr. Michael Balcomb, Group Chair for FFWPU Europe and Middle East, being the first graduate of the doctorate of ministry program at UTS, shared that the education he received from UTS has been very important to him in all of his leadership roles and responsibilities. Dr. Balcomb concluded his testimony by stating that a UTS education will make you a better and more effective leader.
Pastor Naokimi Ushiroda, President of Youth and Students for Peace, Assistant Pastor of the Clifton Church in New Jersey and CEO of Wiser Coaching is a current student at UTS and a member of the cohort of the new accelerated master’s program. Pastor Ushiroda stated that the classes were flexible and doable as a student as well as a working professional with a busy schedule.
The UTS alumni and current students all gratefully shared their experience and education at UTS. The UTS Virtual Open House continued with panel discussions and breakout sessions that addressed questions regarding the programs offered at UTS.
Participants were invited to attend an upcoming forum on Wednesday, July 1 entitled “The Mother of Peace: Lessons in Leadership and Gratitude,” as well as the next Virtual Open House event to take place on Saturday, July 11. More information about both of these programs will be made available on the UTS website in the coming week.
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