The First United Methodist Church Foundation is thrilled to announce this year’s recipients of the Robert E. Straszheim Scholarship and Patterson Award, reflecting our dedication to education and the potential for greatness that resides within each one of us. Congratulations to Yoonie Lee, Ella Robynne, and Joel Will! Special acknowledgement to Didyme Mutumbo, recipient of a FUMC Governance Board scholarship through the Missions Enhancement Activity (MEA) Fund.
Robert E. Straszheim Scholarship Fund: Yoonie Lee
Established by Robert’s family, this memorial scholarship supports students training for full-time Christian work, emphasizing positive attitudes, habits, citizenship, and clear potential. Yoonie Lee is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Drew University. She writes, “I aim to walk the path of a pastor, using my life to instill hope in someone and to be a beacon of light where it is needed.” What more can we ask for in a pastoral candidate? Congratulations, Yoonie! The Foundation wishes you the Lord’s blessings and the best of luck in your studies and future endeavors.
Patterson Award recipients: Ella Robynne and Joel Will
Prof. and Mrs. Patterson, dedicated members of First Church and the Chancel Choir, supported student involvement at FUMC and Wesley Foundation. The scholarship, created in their memory by family members, is for Purdue University students pursuing a four-year degree and actively engaged in FUMC and/or Wesley Foundation programs.
Joel Will, a final-year Purdue student in Natural Resources and Environmental Science student, aspires to contribute to a healthier planet. He writes, “As one person, I can’t fix our planet, but I can do my part to keep it healthy.” Previously active in FUMC youth programs, Joel now serves as president of the Wesley Foundation student leadership team and on the Board of Directors. The Foundation is proud to support Joel’s commitment to positive change through a well-deserved scholarship. Congratulations Joel!
Ella Robynne, a senior in Elementary Education at Purdue, is passionate about education and creating positive change. Her faith, nurtured at FUMC, was deepened through involvement in youth groups and music ministry. Ella has held several leadership positions in Wesley Foundation’s Winterization program and continues to serve in the FUMC music ministry. She writes, “My personal aim is to create a positive change within education. I want to make sure my students feel represented and heard.” In a time of declining interest in education careers, the Foundation is thrilled to support Ella through this funding. Congratulations Ella!
(L-R) Joel Will— Patterson Scholarship Recipient , Angie Delworth—FUMC Foundation Scholarship Committee Chair, Ella Robynne— Patterson Scholarship Recipient, and Carl Griffin—FUMC Foundation Board Chair
Missions Enhancement Activity (MEA) Fund: Didyme Mutumbo*
A citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Didyme Mutumbo is pursuing a ministry degree at Garrett Seminary in Chicago. Didyme’s faith grew from childhood as a member of the African UMC and later Africa University. Actively involved in the Wesley Foundation, Didyme has participated in and supported Wesley trips to the DRC. The Foundation, which supports the MEA Fund, is delighted that a portion of these funds has been directed to Didyme in the form of a scholarship to support his divinity studies.
In awarding these scholarships, the Foundation not only provides financial support but also expresses belief in the recipients’ potential and commitment to their futures. These scholarships embody our congregation’s values and the mission of our church. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients!
*No photo available.
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