The fellowship honors the work and legacy of the beloved 1962 graduate of PTS
by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary | Special to Presbyterian News Service
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary President the Rev. Dr. Asa J. Lee and Saint Vincent College President the Rev. Dr. Paul R. Taylor gather in the Fred Rogers Family Room of the PTS Barbour Library. (Contributed photo)
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the Fred Rogers Institute at Saint Vincent College have partnered to offer a one-year post-doctoral fellowship in theology and ministry beginning in summer 2024.
This fellowship honors the work and legacy of “Mister” Fred Rogers, who graduated in 1962 from the Seminary and whose work is recognized at the Institute. The Fellowship integrates, for the first time, the theological and educational areas of Fred Rogers’ legacy providing tools for parents, caregivers, congregations, and nonprofit organizations.
This exceptional opportunity provides a two-semester appointment for an academic post-doctoral scholar to pursue research within the Fred Rogers Archive and teach at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. To align with the Fred Rogers Institute and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s areas of focus, preference will be given to researchers emphasizing youth and children’s ministry. The Fellowship will lead to the creation of educational and/or ministry programs or curriculum regarding course subjects or strategies for children and youth consistent with the work of the Fred Rogers Institute, the mission of its sponsoring organization, Saint Vincent College, and the mission of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
“Upon being ordained by the United Presbyterian Church, Fred Rogers believed that what he did through ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’ was an important ministry,” said the Rev. Dr. Asa J. Lee, president and professor of theological formation for ministry at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. “He knew that ministry didn’t have to be solely through a parish church or through ordination. He was quoted as saying, ‘I think we can all minister to others in this world by being compassionate and caring.’”
Emma Lee, associate director at Fred Rogers Institute, said: “Fred Rogers had a profoundly unique commission as an ordained minister: to serve children and families through public media. Fred lived his faith deeply and served fully for his entire career and life. The Fred Rogers Institute at Saint Vincent College is thrilled to further Fred’s legacy and example through a partnership with Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and through the research and work of our joint Fellow.”
Learn more about the Theology and Ministry Fellowship here.
About Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Rooted in the Reformed tradition and in relationship with Christ-followers from other traditions, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary forms and equips people for ministries familiar and yet to unfold and communities present and yet to be gathered. Pittsburgh Seminary forms culturally competent and contextually agile Christian leaders for church and society.
About Fred Rogers Institute at Saint Vincent College
The Fred Rogers Institute advances the legacy of Fred Rogers by investing in the strengths of families and caring adults to support the healthy development of children. He found a home for his archive and this vision at Saint Vincent College in his childhood hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Since 2003 their work has grown and deepened in the small town Fred called home, in the Western Pennsylvania region, and across the United States and world.
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