Last year, Waynesburg University offered a new scholarship to incoming freshmen: The Christian Life Scholarship.
According to the University’s website, the scholarship annually awards $1,000 to four incoming “students that have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and are involved in a local church.”
Once accepted, the scholarship awardees will be provided several opportunities to grow in their faith at Waynesburg University.
Over the last year, Chaplin Joshua Sumpter and Vice President of Enrollment Dr. Shari Payne, met to create a program reflecting the University’s mission of faith. Starting this past August, the four freshmen recipients’ mentorship journeys began.
The four recipients are Katelynn Britenbaugh, Nolan Currad, James Davis and Lana Jordan. Each meets with a university mentor, and are encouraged to participate in Bible studies, Upper Room and other activities.
“We really wanted something that was going to show off the mission of the University,” Dr. Payne said. “We really are putting our money where our mouth is.”
Dr. Payne emphasized the idea of faith with the program’s foundation.
“Faith, learning and service. You get Christian Leadership, Stover and Bonner. That’s really the three pillars of our mission,” she said.
In an email interview, Chaplin Sumpter described the vision of the scholarship.
“Our hope is that all students that receive this scholarship will build their life foundation on the truth and good news of Jesus Christ,” he said. “This goes hand-in-hand with the Christian mission of the University.”
Last Spring, both Chaplin Sumpter and Dr. Payne worked alongside the Admission’s Office to review the scholarship.
“It was a joy to review the applications that came in alongside our Admission’s Office. We had 55 applicants and the scholarship was only online for application for two months,” Chaplin Sumpter said. “It was a great first-year and I am looking forward to seeing the wonderful prospective students that apply in 2022.”
Payne also enjoyed the application process and noted the difficulties of choosing between so many talented applicants.
“And I can tell you, it’s not easy,” Dr. Payne said. “It feels that everyone is deserving.”
While the program is new and its structure is still in the works, each of the four recipients have met weekly or biweekly with their mentors. Each mentor is either a staff, faculty member or alumnus.
“Mentorship looks different for each mentor and each student,” Chaplin Sumpter said. “But the ultimate hope is that students are encouraged to grow in their Christian faith and they know they have someone in their corner that is praying for them.”
Chaplin Sumpter explained how students plan what they want their mentorship to look like.
He said, “Some students meet with their mentor for lunch or dinner, some via ZOOM or in the quad–some read scripture together and others talk about goals, prayer requests and challenges of being a first-year college student.”
Currad, a nursing major from Ellwood City, Pa., reflects on the idea of mentorship.
“Mentorship was really the focal point for me,” He said. “I think it’s amazing that one of the first things is, you know you have that mentor, and you don’t really know each other, but you know that person is praying for you, and they really care about you, and I think that’s an amazing opportunity to have.”
Currad runs for Waynesburg’s cross-country team and participates in the ROTC program. His mentor is Juan Gallo, the former youth pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesburg.
Curran said he applied for the scholarship because, “It piqued my interest not really just because of the money, but also because it talked about having a Christian mentor on campus.” He added, “It’s a different atmosphere because, you know, we’re both committed Christians so we can really open up fast, what’s meaningful in life … he really gets it too which is nice.”
James Davis, an exercise science major from St. Mary’s, Pa., also pointed out the importance of mentorship.
“I was surprised with the mentorship,” Davis said. “I didn’t realize it was going to be as substantial.”
Davis’s mentor is Gordon Truesdale, the resident director of Martin Hall. They have met twice so far this semester and Davis has enjoyed his meetings, along with his experience on campus.
“It’s been pretty good so far,” Davis said. “All the different Bible studies they offer, chapel, Upper Room. It’s wonderful.”
Lana Jordan, a forensic investigations major from Reading, Pa., has Elizabeth Garren, the Graduate Assistant for the Center of Campus Ministry, as her mentor.
“You definitely get that older mentor,” Jordan said. “They’re giving you advice.”
Jordan plays guitar for the Chapel Team and has enjoyed her semester so far. Every Wednesday, she has dinner with Garren and looks forward to their meals.
“Every time I’ve done it, we’ll stay for like two hours and look at our phones and are like, ‘Oh my gosh,’” she said. “It’s nice to have someone in the faith to talk to and pray for you.”
Chaplin and Dr. Payne are hopeful that this program can be expanded in the future.
“I do think there will be opportunities for expansion,” Dr. Payne said. “Chaplin Sumpter works really hard to develop relationships with the donors who are supportive of our mission. He will leave no stone unturned in finding opportunities for our students. I do think that is his wish.”
Dr. Payne and Chaplin Sumpter explained the importance of reflecting the University’s mission of faith with this program.
“Our hope is that all students that receive this scholarship will build their life foundation on the truth and good news of Jesus Christ,” Chaplin Sumpter said. “This goes hand-in-hand with the Christian mission of the University.”
Dr. Payne believes this will benefit the University.
“What better way and what mission-centered type of program would there to be is to have a Christian-centered program,” She said. “It’s not just financial incentives to attend the university, but to have Christian community and mentorship and fellowship.”
For Chaplin Sumpter, the vision of mentorship and growing in faith go beyond just the Christian Life program.
“The opportunity to have a mentor that prays for you, cares for you and journeys with you doesn’t just impact one’s faith, but can deeply impact the whole student experience at Waynesburg University,” Chaplin Sumpter said. “Whether a scholarship recipient or not, I hope that all Waynesburg University students can find an on-campus mentor or can identify an off-campus mentor through a local church. One does not need a scholarship to seek out mentorship on-campus and I hope that all will consider this as they seek to grow in faith while at Waynesburg University.”