When Calvin Seminary students receive their scholarship awards in September, they will be getting more than dollars toward their tuition.
Many of them will also be getting a story—and a relationship—as the seminary begins its 141st academic year.
That’s because families have created various legacy scholarships in memory of a previous generation of ministers, chaplains, missionaries, and church leaders.
Calvin Seminary offers more than 200 scholarships and awards every year.
“The legacy of the church that is represented in our scholarships is astounding,” said Jen Settergren, director of financial aid. “So many servants of the church who have already invested their time and talents for the sake of the gospel are now sharing their treasure with the next generation of gospel leaders.”
Matching a student with a fitting scholarship takes time, Settergren said, “but seeing the relationships that are built during the course of a student’s program is very rewarding. It is a blessing to watch donors come alongside students and support them, not only with scholarship gifts but with prayer and other encouragements as well.”
These legacy scholarships also inspire the next generation of stewardship to support theological education.
For example, the great-grandson of missionaries to China needed help with his own college education. His grandparents gave him much-needed financial support that he hasn't forgotten.
Now a successful professional, he makes a donation every month to the family scholarship his grandparents established to support students from China called to ministry in their home country.
Calvin Seminary will award $1.3 million in scholarships to its students this year. This financial support is essential and appreciated by the students, but it’s the stories of why a scholarship was created in the first place that especially inspire students.
About the Author
Jinny De Jong, Calvin Theological Seminary
