Grand View Receives $550,000 Pledge from the 1521 Foundation to Establish Endowed Faculty Position

October 14, 2022

Grand View University has received a $550,000 pledge to establish the Gerhard O. Forde Professor in Church History and Theology at Grand View University. Forde was a Lutheran theologian, widely known for his approach to the preaching and pastoral practice of the church’s public proclaimers. 

“Grand View is incredibly grateful to the 1521 Foundation for their generous gift, which will enable the university to further advance Forde’s transformational ideas,” says Dr. Rachelle Keck, President of Grand View. 

The initial holder of the Gerhard O. Forde Professor in Church History and Theology will be the Rev. Dr. Ken Sundet Jones. Jones teaches courses about faith, meaning, purpose, and their role in the world. This professorship encourages and promotes such learning for interested Grand View students.

Upon receiving news of this appointment, Jones said, “From the first time I sat at Gerhard’s feet three-and-a-half decades ago, his teaching, scholarly work and preaching have been my theological and pastoral North Star. There’s no greater honor for me than being appointed to this position under his name.” 

The 1521 Foundation LLC, a Wyoming non-profit corporation based in Corona del Mar, California, is committed to the Lutheran Reformation. They seek to deepen and enrich the lives of American Christians by promoting gospel freedom and serving the neighbor, largely through initiatives that enhance and promote the gospel as taught in the Scriptures and the published writings of Martin Luther and Gerhard O. Forde.