In 1982, during the ministry's 40th anniversary celebration, Wierwille installed L. Craig Martindale as president and accepted the title "Founding President". Martindale became involved with The Way in 1971 while a University of Kansas student and Fellowship of Christian Athletes member. He served as Director of the Way Corps from 1974 to 2000 retaining the position after becoming president. An elaborate, public ceremony signified Martindale's installation as president which included a symbolic 'passing of a mantle' representing the authority transferring from Wierwille to Martindale.