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William C. Imes, ninth president of Bangor Theological Seminary, announces retirement in 2008.
The following letter was sent to members of the wider Seminary community:
June, 2007
Dear
Friend,
I am writing to let you officially know that I will be retiring as President of Bangor Theological Seminary next year (July 1, 2008). I have submitted my resignation effective that date to the Trustees so that they may begin the search for the next President.
It has been an honor, privilege and challenge to serve as President of this historic school. The most basic challenge has been to find ways to afford ourselves. The changes we have made over the past two years have enabled us to adopt a budget with a 6.4% draw on our endowment which should drop to less than 5.5% in our 2008/2009 fiscal years.
This stronger financial base will enable a new president to lead this school in addressing the issues which confront us in the churches and in the world. Change is a constant in our life as a school. Since 1992 we have experienced a dramatic decline in our Bangor Plan enrollment while also experiencing a dramatic increase in our part-time commuting population, in the number of women students, in the breadth of our denominational and interfaith connections and in our Portland enrollment.
Our work is set in the context of the decline in mainline Protestant denominations and the worldwide growth of churches of the spirit.
We face both an increase in secularity and in interest in spirituality and in the study of religion, our next President will need to help this Seminary be creative and faithful in addressing the nature of theological education in this century.
I am grateful to the Trustees, staff, faculty, and friends who have supported, encouraged and challenged me in leading this school. Each of you makes a vital contribution to the present and future well-being of the school.
May God bless Bangor Theological Seminary and all who make it the fine school it is. Shalom,
William C. Imes
The Board of Trustees of Bangor Theological Seminary has formed a Presidential Search Committee. More information regarding the search process and information for prospective candidates may be found on the Search Page.
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