Better Together: LSTC, CTU, and MTS Kick Off the School Year with Fun, Food, and Fellowship!

The sun was shining, the BBQ was sizzling, and the sense of community was palpable as the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Catholic Theological Union, and McCormick Theological Seminary came together Thursday, September 5 for their first-ever “Better Together” School Year Kickoff event. Held in the shared parking lot of their Hyde Park campuses, the exclusive event welcomed students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the start of the 2024 academic year—and it was one for the books!

The afternoon was filled with laughter, games, and a delicious BBQ spread, but the real star of the day was the spirit of collaboration. For the first time, these three prestigious institutions—each with its own unique faith traditions—joined forces to celebrate not just a new school year, but their growing partnership.

With music playing and the smell of grilled burgers in the air, the event felt more like a family reunion than a formal kickoff. The fun-filled day wasn’t just about games and food. It was a chance for students and staff to meet, mingle, and forge new friendships across the three schools. 

The “Better Together” event also reflects the growing collaboration between these seminaries, which have co-located in Hyde Park to share resources and foster a spirit of ecumenism. As the sun began to set, attendees were already talking about making this a new tradition. And if the event was any indication, this school year is sure to be one filled with unity, cooperation, and plenty more reasons to celebrate being “Better Together”!