Leonard F. Ashford

PHILADELPHIA (September 2002)--The Rev. Leonard F. Ashford, Jr. was recently appointed planned giving specialist at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP). Ashford, a 1968 graduate of the seminary, will be working with the school on its new capital campaign. The capital campaign is the major resource for LTSP’s campus renewal program, which includes plans for a new technologically equipped Learning Center and renovations to the Krauth Memorial Library and the Lutheran Archives Center.

"As an alum from the class of 1968, I am really truly looking forward to assisting the seminary with this very important and timely capital campaign," Ashford says. "Giving alumni and friends the opportunity to participate through placing the seminary in their will or making a planned, life-income gift holds more value for the seminary than many realize. If, for example, someone is able to give over-and-above their regular giving and be a part of an endowed gift to assist students or support the faculty, this can make a great impact upon the life of the seminary and our students. This also encourages the seminary community as we look to our future."

Ashford graduated from LTSP with the Master of Divinity degree and was ordained in 1968. He has served as a pastor in three Pennsylvania churches. Among other positions, Ashford has worked as vice president for development at Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey, director of special gifts for Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA, director of planned giving at Villanova University, and planned giving consultant for the Cooper Health System in Camden, NJ. He has been a member of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives since 1984.

"What I find so enjoyable in being a planned giving officer," Ashford says, "is that I meet alums that really care about theological education, not only for today but for the future. They tell me just how good it was for them to be a part of LTSP, and now they want to give something back in a substantial way. I also find that members of the many congregations who support the seminary believe that the quality of education the seminary provides will assure the Lutheran church of more faithful pastors for the future."

For more information on the seminary’s capital campaign or giving opportunities, contact the Rev. Leonard Ashford, Jr. at 215/248-7305.