AUTHOR: J.R. FEHR
One of the most exciting scholarships for the TWU Alumni Association is the Alumni Legacy Scholarship Award, as it provides an opportunity for alumni to give back to the next generation. When alumni donate to this scholarship, they get to help children of other alumni families send their kids to Trinity Western and to continue the legacy.
Every year, this scholarship provides a Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior student with four thousand dollars each.
If you want to give in American dollars, please click here.
If you want to give in Canadian dollars, please click here.
There’s always a lot of applicants for this award, but after much discussion among the TWU Alumni board, four students were selected. The following is a little about each of them.
Malia Scholz—Senior Class Recipient
Malia Scholtz says her love of Trinity Western was cultivated at a young age. Her parents, Rhonda Scholz (Butterley, ‘94) and Steve Scholz (’90) met and fell in love at Trinity Western, and her dad continued to work on campus for many years after graduation as the Assistant Athletic Director.
“During my dad’s time on staff at TWU, I spent lots of time on campus,” says Malia. “Weekend nights were spent watching Spartan games in the old gym and on the soccer field. His office in the HKIN department was one of my favorite places, ironically as now I spend most of my days in the same building. My parent’s closest friends are fellow TWU alumni and I’ve watched those relationships continue to grow and be a blessing.”
Malia planned to pursue varsity volleyball, but suffered a career-ending injury in grade 12.
“In retrospect, it was the biggest blessing!” says Malia. “I vividly remember the moment when I finally opened my hands and let go of my personal desires regarding the future and said ‘Lord, lead me’. I felt peace as God whispered that Trinity Western University is it.”
For Malia, winning this scholarship has proven to be just another one of the many ways she’s experienced the Lord provide for her needs.
“It is amazing to witness His will be played out as I work hard with what I have, and trust as God provides the rest. He is always faithful and always will be,” says Malia.
After completing her Kinesiology degree, with a minor in psychology, Malia plans to continue her education in the area of Occupational Therapy.
“My dream is to use the platform of a healthcare worker to empower marginalized and developing communities to value all members of society—even those with special needs or physical disabilities,” says Malia.
Though her time at Trinity Western is nearing an end, Malia says she is so thankful for the community that she’s built and for the many ways she’s experienced God’s blessings.
“Every year I see how richly I am blessed by pursuing an education in a community that invests in me as a student and also as a disciple, a daughter of Christ, and a leader,” says Malia.
Alexa Huebner—Junior Class Recipient
Alexa is so aware that her family has been dramatically shaped by Trinity Western that she decided to name her application essay, “How TWU Shaped Our Story.”
Her father, Gregory Huebner (’98) was the first graduate of the Psychology program. Although this program had just begun, and many people thought it was foolish for him to attend, her father had faith that this school had what he needed to truly thrive. Indeed, what he found was a genuine community and powerful influencers that shaped the course of his entire life. Alexa feels she has found the exact same thing.
“I came to TWU seeking the mentorship of leaders with Christ-centered values and established intellectual perspectives. Just as my father found admirable influences here, I also have found professors, mentors, and friends that profoundly impact my personal, academic, and spiritual life,” says Alexa. “I chose TWU in hopes of finding people that would inspire and equip me to serve as an eternal member of God’s kingdom; after being here for two years, I can now confirm having found exactly this.”
Alexa says that receiving the Alumni Legacy Scholarship Award is humbling.
“I dream of someday making my own legacy as a nurse and servant leader among alumni like my father,” says Alexa. “This scholarship has been an answer to prayer for making my academic dreams financially feasible, but it has also been a great encouragement. It serves as a reminder to my family of God’s promise to provide when we trust Him amidst uncertainty.”
After graduating and becoming a Registered Nurse, Alexa plans to partner with others in order to help them achieve their health goals.
“Honoring the intrinsic worth of each person through genuine care has always been a passion of mine. I hope to one day provide and advocate for the best quality care of elderly people in long-term care,” says Alexa. “Additionally, I am interested in making justice accessible to vulnerable clients and families as a Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) or Nurse Attorney.”
“As an LNC or nurse attorney,” Alexa adds, “I hope to be a connection between the health care authorities, legal systems, and vulnerable individuals.”
Faith Stanley—Sophomore Class Recipient
Faith has a close connection to Trinity Western, as her mother, Rebecca Stanley (’08), and aunt Elizabeth Gray (’98) both studied there while her grandfather Phil Jenion was working in Student Life organizing chapels.
“Choosing to study at TWU came so easily to me,” says Faith. “For some reason, I never questioned that it was the place that I wanted to go to school, despite its hefty cost and seemingly odd choice to my friends and family.”
She was very attracted to the nursing program and its holistic approach to health. Additionally, she felt the smaller class sizes would be beneficial in helping a “shy person” like herself fit in.
“I can’t explain it, but coming to this school just felt right, as if God placed a longing in my heart for this place that I could not ignore,” says Faith. “Following that yearning was simple and inescapable, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. Getting this scholarship just helped to solidify that this is where I am meant to be right now. It was definitely God who brought me here for this season, because this school has been the perfect environment for me to grow in all areas of my life. Regardless of any trials that come up, I feel very blessed to be here, and I can’t wait for everything that is to come.”
Faith says she has a very busy year ahead of her, and this scholarship will allow her to focus on being a positive force at the school and in the community, rather than getting caught up in the stress of trying to sort out her finances.
When Faith graduates, she wants to move into the Community Health Sector of nursing.
“This is an area in the medical field that not many people know about directly, but it has a major impact on society’s wellbeing,” says Faith. “Instead of focusing on a specific aspect of health, such as a disease or injury, community health takes a Primary Care, or preventative, approach to health that targets all four areas of health: biological (or medical), behavioural, environmental, and socioeconomic. It’s a form of health care that most often works with marginalized people groups, which is where I believe God has called me to work. I could go on and on about community health nursing, because it holds such an important role in society. I’m very passionate about nursing in general, and I’m so excited to pursue this calling.”
Rolande Taylor—Freshmen Class Recipient
Rolande Taylor first heard of Trinity Western University from her father, Jamie Taylor (‘96), and her uncle, Ted Taylor (’92).
“My father and uncle attended Trinity and have so many beautiful memories at this university and I want to carry the legacy by attending Trinity in the fall,” says Rolande. “Financially this scholarship will really help out because I don’t have the means to pay for university on my own so this money will go a long way.”
Rolande’s parents run a charity called Faith and Love Children’s Ministry, which sponsors 85 orphaned children in Jacmel, Hati, and another 500 children in a school they built in the mountains. This school is built in Marbial, the place where Rolande was born.
As a child of adoption herself, Rolande understands the complications that can often accompany this. In November of 2016, she acted as a youth facilitator at Adoption Attachment Seminars, something her parents started.
Realizing that she wanted to do more, Rolande founded Faith and Love Kids’ Club, a community support group of adopted children and youth.
“My mission is to provide a safe place for adopted youth to connect. I want them to understand that the issues they are facing will not last forever and provide them with a support group to lean on.”
Once Rolande graduates from Trinity Western, she hopes to expand her knowledge in Psychology by earning a master’s degree, with a focus on Early Childhood Education and effect of childhood trauma on brain development.
When asked why she chose to study at Trinity Western, Rolande says it’s because she wants to become stronger in her faith. She believes the Christian liberal arts education will be valuable and help her connect with people on a more personal level. Additionally, she looks forward to being coached by Cheryl Jean-Paul on the woman’s basketball team.
“I want to help youth that are struggling through adolescence or adoption. I plan to expand Faith and Love Kid’s club and incorporate a support group for adopted Trinity students that desire to connect and share their story. I am forever grateful for the people in my life that guided me get to where I am today. I want to be that guiding light that helps others in their walk with God.”