News and Features

Ruth Leaman joins advancement staff

On August 25 Lancaster Mennonite School welcomed Ruth Leaman, New Holland, as an executive advancement associate whose assignment will include fundraising and recruitment. Leaman most recently served as director of development at Hinkletown Mennonite School. She majored in accounting at Goshen College, Goshen, Indiana, and University of Illinois at Chicago, and has a professional background in public accounting.

Leaman first learned about Lancaster Mennonite School while a freshman at Goshen College. Through several friends who were alums, she heard stories about the school and hoped her own children might someday have the benefit of such a school. Today her son, Jacob, is a sophomore at Lancaster Mennonite. She says:

"Great things in life are definitely worth the wait and our family has experienced this school to be everything we had hoped for: an engaging and dynamic community of learners; a place of significant opportunity; and a place where students are inspired and challenged to grow in their understanding of how to be the community of faith in the world around them. The Lancaster community is incredibly blessed to have such an outstanding educational institution—right here, accessible and affordable for families and students."

Leaman brings a lot of enthusiasm for the Mennonite church and Mennonite education to her new role. She says she is excited about getting out into the community and sharing what is happening at Lancaster Mennonite.

"I believe these LMS stories will have the same impact on others that they had on me all those years ago," she said. "They will inspire and invite people into the blessing of becoming involved in this special school and its mission: ‘Centered in Christ, transforming lives and changing our world.’"

Leaman, husband Phil (1981 LMH graduate), and their four children attend East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church where Leaman serves as a youth advisor.