Scholarships Make Graduates - THE LEGACY OF YOUR GIFT CROSSES THE STAGE AND HEADS OUT TO CHANGE THE WORLD
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
L E G A C Y
Abilene Christian University • Summer 2021
Scholarships
Make Graduates
THE LEGACY OF YOUR
GIFT CROSSES THE STAGE
AND HEADS OUT TO
CHANGE THE WORLD
A MESSAGE
FROM JIM ORR
Abilene Christian University is
coming off a year like no other. From
shepherding more than 5,000 students
through a global pandemic to dealing
with a historic winter storm that
dumped nearly a foot of snow on our
campus and caused electricity and
water outages across Texas – the 2020-21 academic year
brought some incredibly unique challenges.
Throughout those hurdles, I am so proud that ACU
still found a way to live out our mission to educate
students for Christian service and leadership throughout
the world every single day. In May, we were blessed to
see the culmination of that mission in the lives of 1,206
undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students who
received their degrees at Commencement.
Each of these students has been uniquely created by
our Lord to go out and do great things for the Kingdom.
Our job at ACU is to prepare them, to educate them
and then to commission them to take on a world that
desperately needs leaders and servants just like them.
On Commencement days I like to remind our staff,
“You know what we are doing today, everyone? What
we were designed to do – we are conferring degrees!”
I still remember crossing the stage in 1986 and receiving
my ACU degree, or watching my kids get their diplomas
in 2016 and 2019. It is an incredibly important memory
and mile-marker not only for these graduates and their
families, but also for this university. We have been
entrusted to do our best to pour into these students,
and now as graduates, they are about to go out and
make the world a better place.
We could not have made it through this year or
awarded these diplomas without you. Your prayers
and your financial support have blessed ACU in
immeasurable ways. This issue of Legacy is designed
to celebrate the Class of 2021 and how your gifts
of scholarships impacted real graduates. They are
representative of their classmates, and now ready
to fulfill our mission, and we couldn’t be more
proud of them.
I hope their stories bless you, and I also hope you
will consider further supporting our scholarship funds.
Every dollar makes a real difference in real students.
Gratefully,
James M. Orr, J.D.
Vice President for Advancement
Physically distanced ACU graduates attend
one of three Commencement ceremonies on
Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium in May 2021.
Legacy is published twice a year by The ACU Foundation Graphic Designer: Holly Harrell
at Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas. Contributing Writers: Brad Benham, J.D. (’05)
For address changes: ACU Box 29132, Contributing Photographers: Scott Delony (’06),
Abilene, Texas 79699-9132, 325-674-2620 Jeremy Enlow, Paul White (’68)
Engineering major graduate
from El Salvador
• Hope for the Future Scholarships
SERGIO CARRANZA
A sk Sergio Carranza to name the greatest
place in the world and he will without
hesitation shout the name of his native
El Salvador. So, what would lead a smart kid
from that Central American republic to travel
As an engineering major and student
researcher, Sergio and his classmates have been
an integral part of ACU’s NEXT Lab project.
The Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing
Laboratory is experimenting using molten salts,
2,000 miles north to Abilene, Texas? rather than water, as a coolant with the goal of
“Opportunity. I wanted the chance to learn designing and building the first university-based
and to grow as a person. I knew ACU could do molten salt research reactor. The results could
that,” he said. “And now, as I graduate, I realize address needs in the areas of medicine, clean
that I was right. I have gained so much from my water and renewable energy.
four years here.” Students such as Sergio are gaining
As a high school member of Rotary real-world experience as they work with ACU
International, Sergio had been exposed to many faculty to help solve some of the world’s biggest
different cultures, speakers and perspectives. and most complex problems.
So when it came time to choose a college, he “International students do not always
wanted to pick a place that would continue to qualify for the same financial aid as American
push him socially, spiritually and academically. students, so I was very thankful for the
“I was convinced ACU would help me university scholarships that I received,”
pursue my dream of being an engineer,” he he said. “I am excited to stay on with
said. “What I didn’t know is that because I came NEXT as a graduate researcher.”
here, I would have the opportunity to work on Scholarships become graduates. And ACU
groundbreaking nuclear research alongside my graduates are commissioned for Christian
professors. I am confident my friends at other service and leadership throughout the world.
universities did not get this same opportunity.” Sergio Carranza is ready.
Psychology major graduate
with a minor in child and family
services from El Paso, Texas
• Laura Sowell Endowed Scholarship
“C oaches and mentors have poured into me,
and I want to find a way to do that for the
next generation,” said one of ACU’s
newest graduates.
opportunity to serve this past year during
the pandemic. To help pay for school, Alan
worked as a pharmacy assistant at Walgreens
and became certified as a vaccine administrator.
ALLEN TORRES
Alan Torres believes the calling on his life Over the past six months, he helped administer
is clear. From his time in high school color more than 200 COVID-19 vaccinations
guard to his four-year participation with the to Abilene residents and at nearby
Big Purple marching band, he has experienced assisted-living facilities.
firsthand the impact mentors and an intentional Now as a graduate, Alan is looking for a
community can make in a young person’s life. way to pay it forward, helping other students
“They gave me people to connect with, a find the same community and purpose that he
common purpose,” he said. “And it put leaders found while here at ACU.
in place who were looking out for me and “Whether it is as a school counselor or
invested in my success.” working toward my teaching certificate, I want
Scholarships were instrumental in getting to find a way to work in public schools,” he said.
Alan to ACU, and they helped assist him with “I want to be like the teachers, counselors and
the financial security needed to be an active coaches who helped make me into the person
student. From the Big Purple and color guard, I am today.”
to Lynay and Frater Sodalis fraternity – he Scholarships become graduates. And ACU
found ways to connect and give back to the graduates are commissioned for Christian
Abilene community while completing his service and leadership throughout the world.
undergraduate education. Alan Torres is ready.
His heart for others was given an additional
ABILENE CHRISTIA
Octobe
We’ve been dreaming ...
... about this moment for a while now, and it’s finally here! We’re calling all
Wildcats to gather together again and celebrate Homecoming!
Visit acu.edu/homecoming for more information and a full event schedule.
AN UNIVERSITY
er 15-17
FRIDAY, OCT. 15 SATURDAY, OCT. 16 Tailgating
South end of Wildcat Stadium, 1 p.m.
Carnival Parade
Lawn in front of the Hardin Beginning at East North 16th Street, Wildcat football game kickoff
Administration Building steps, 10 a.m. ACU vs. Lamar, Anthony Field at
5-8 p.m. Wildcat Stadium, 3 p.m.
Homecoming Chapel
Candlelight Devo Ad Building steps, 11:15 a.m. Concert
Ad Building steps, 8:15-8:45 p.m. Backroads, featuring lead singer
Reunion lunches Stephen Bailey (’92). Enjoy s’mores
For class years ending in 0, 1, 5 and and desserts while listening to
6, various locations, noon great music. Siggie Pavilion Park,
8-10 p.m.
Sculpture major graduate from Colleyville, Texas
• Margaret L. Bruce Endowed Scholarship for Art
M any paths lead students to ACU, but I loved it so much and was so passionate about
JUSTINE GARCIA
one common thread distinguishes it, I barely wanted to go to my other classes.”
their journies – the need for Garcia threw herself into art and design
scholarships. For Justine Garcia, scholarships courses, and eventually settled on a major in
weren’t just an added blessing at ACU, they are sculpture. “It was hard, because I love painting
what got her to campus in the first place. too, but I did not want to do a double major,”
“Coming into college, I didn’t really know she said.
where I wanted to go or what I wanted to She applied to and was admitted to the
major in – which can make choosing the right prestigious Marchutz School of Fine Arts in
school pretty hard,” she said. “And honestly, Aix-en-Provence, France, and moved there this
I chose ACU because they gave me so many summer to begin graduate school. “It feels like a
great scholarships. It was really incredible how movie,” she said. “I am so excited!”
generous this school was. ACU’s scholarships Justine is filled with gratitude. “Thank you to
got me here, and I am so happy they did.” everyone who helped support my scholarships.
Once Justine made her way to campus, Thank you to my professors who inspired
it was time to start looking for a degree plan, and taught me,” she said. “And thank you to
and hopefully, discover her calling. everyone who has been so supportive of me
“As a freshman, I took my core classes during my time in Abilene.”
and tried to find the right major for me,” Scholarships become graduates. And ACU
Justine remembers. “Business didn’t feel right, graduates are commissioned for Christian
environmental science wasn’t really a fit, and service and leadership throughout the world.
then I randomly took a three-dimensional Justine Garcia is ready.
design class and it was like a light bulb went off.
Master in Athletic Training
graduate from Chantilly, Virginia
• Barbara Packer Scholarship
D
DERRAN STRYDOM
erran Strydom never set out to be a here, you work hard and graduate, and we will
t trailblazer. But as one of ACU’s first help with a scholarship.’ And that is exactly
graduates with a Master of Athletic what I did, and what the Packer family did for
Training (M.A.T.) degree, he is set to be just that. my family.”
In the beginning of his collegiate journey, Derran again found his home as one of ACU’s
all Derran knew was that he wanted to attend first M.A.T. students. This new, cutting-edge
a Christian university and explore life outside “3+2 accelerated” program allows students
Virginia for a few years. He began looking to complete the bulk of their undergraduate
around and visiting universities: ‘This one work in just three years and then immediately
was too small … this one was a little too close transition into graduate-level work for their
to home … I can’t imagine living here for four final two years.
years,” he thought. His degree plan has allowed him to gain
And then he came to ACU. He had heard hands-on experience as a student trainer with
of Abilene Christian, but never visited before. the Wildcat football and the Hardin-Simmons
And even to this day, he is not sure what it was – University women’s soccer teams.
but he just knew that he was home. “I now know how I can help people and
“And now here I am, four years later and impact their lives for the better,” he said. “I have
halfway through my M.A.T. degree,” he said. been fortunate enough to meet Mrs. Packer over
“I know God had a hand in guiding me here.” the years to thank her in person. I couldn’t have
But knowing he was in the right place did done this without their help.”
not make the finances magically work. “That Scholarships become graduates. And ACU
is where the Packer family came in,” he said. graduates are commissioned for Christian
“They had set up a new scholarship and made a service and leadership throughout the world.
commitment to a group of freshmen. ‘You come Derran Strydom is ready.
Graduate student in speech pathology
from Sweetwater, Texas
• Dorothy and Lindsey Pruett Gerontology
Scholarship Endowment
A
ALAINA JENNINGS
laina (Andrews) Jennings was born with “ACU was the perfect place to further my
a heart for service. From an early age, education. It pushed me academically, but it
she was a special combination of tough, also made me want to be a better person and
gritty, caring and kind. As a fifth grader at find ways to impact my community,” she said.
Sweetwater (Texas) Intermediate School, she “I was led to the field of speech pathology.
noticed classmates packing leftover food in From the elderly to little kids, you get to work
their pockets to take home. with them and build a personal connection,
“I remember wondering how this was and I love that.”
possible. So many people I knew had She has had a lot to celebrate the past two
refrigerators and pantries overflowing with years. She married her college sweetheart,
food, and then here were some of my friends Zach Jennings (’19), earned her bachelor’s
who didn’t know where their meals were going degree, began clinical rotations and finished
to come from on weekends,” she said. “I told her master’s degree in speech pathology.
my parents we had to do something.” “I could not have done this without my
With the help of her parents and other family, my husband and those wonderful
friends, she launched a nonprofit she called people who helped support my education
Backpack Buddies. For the next seven school through scholarships,” she said. “I am so
years, the backpacks of more than 100 students excited to start my career and make an impact
each week were filled with extra food and other on the people of my community.”
basic necessities. Today the effort continues, Scholarships become graduates. And ACU
five years after her graduation from high school, graduates are commissioned for Christian
thanks to the teamwork of five local churches. service and leadership throughout the world.
When Alaina left Sweetwater for Abilene, Alaina Jennings is ready.
she knew she wanted to continue to serve.Spanish major graduate
with minors in Bible and
environmental science from
Del Rio, Texas
• Reuel and Imogene Lemmons Missions
Scholarship
• Ivan B. and Kathryn (Hough) Smart Scholarship
Endowment
• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Endowed Scholarship
• H.L. Schug and J.W. Treat Language Endowed Scholarship
C
CLARRISSA FLORES
larrissa Flores was not certain that college and earning several from ACU. She also worked
was in her future. In fact, she was initially part time while a student, putting away money
against the idea altogether. to cover tuition and other expenses.
As the oldest of four kids in a tight-knit “I couldn’t have made it here without my
family, she felt an obligation to stay home scholarships and the opportuinty to work for
and help raise her brothers. But her parents ACU,” Clarrissa added. “My four years here have
would not hear it – they insisted she create a been such an incredible experience, and I am so
new legacy for their family by being the first to thankful to the donors and to my supervisors for
attend and graduate from college. And she did making these opportunities possible for me.”
that in May 2021 when she earned her diploma From the International Students’ Association
with honors. to the Ethnos Culture show, to being one of
“My parents value education so much,” the Wildcats’ biggest fans – Clarrissa has been
Clarrissa said. “My dad used to joke, ‘If anyone one of the most active and engaged students
is going to be dumb in this family, it is going to on campus. And she will take that energy and
be me – the rest of you have to get an education.’ apply it to another educational experience as
He worked hard and pushed for my mom to get she pursues her master’s degree in Spanish at
her high school diploma, and they both insisted Florida State University this fall, when she will
that my brothers and I take that next step again work on campus as a graduate assistant.
for our family.” Scholarships become graduates. And ACU
But her parents’ hopes and encouragement graduates are commissioned for Christian
were not enough; she needed financial help to service and leadership throughout the world.
make college a reality. Clarrissa went to work, Clarrissa Flores is ready.
applying for every scholarship she could findNonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Abilene Christian
ACU Box 29200 University
Abilene, Texas 79699-9200
Building a scholarship that lasts BONUS:
Make a gift of
any size through
Endowed scholarships at ACU are designed to provide students the financial resources
your estate plan
needed to attend college, stay in college and graduate. Setting up an endowed scholarship
is easy, and it is a gift that will make an impact on generations of students. To find out more
about scholarships, please contact our team at The ACU Foundation at 800-979-1906 or
theacufoundation@acu.edu. Your gift will help create graduates who make a real difference
in the world.
1 2 3 4
Make a gift Gift is Annual Repeat this
to establish a invested distribution goes process
scholarship for growth to scholarship yearly
studentsYou can also read
