The gift of “Culture for Service”
Scholarship Donor Appreciation events bring together students and those who believe in them.
Throughout the year, Goshen College students met some very special people: individuals and families investing not only in their college studies, but in their potential and future. These Scholarship Donor Appreciation events were held to thank donors and family representatives of scholarships, and to introduce these generous benefactors to the student recipients of the scholarships. By establishing the connection between the two, both can see the living, enduring value of the gift of “Culture for Service” in Christian higher education.
Student musicians benefit from scholarship
From Left: Dana Troyer, Ally Uhey, Mildred Troyer, Sarah Rody, Elta Ehret, Melody Musser
Since the Walter E. and Matilda Yoder Music Scholarship was established in the 1970s, many students have received assistance. The scholarship provides crucial support to students who qualify musically and who are either music majors or minors.
The late Walter E. Yoder was one of the most innovative music educators of the Mennonite Church. He was respected for his leadership in the music department at Goshen College, serving as head of the department from 1931 until his retirement in 1957. He directed the A Cappella Chorus and the men’s and women’s choruses. He was a familiar figure to all students and faculty members as the leader of spirited hymn singing during the daily chapels.
Walter E. Yoder also left a legacy of vision and church-wide contributions to Mennonite hymnody. He not only directed the singing of hymns, but wrote and edited them. His most widely known hymn is “Teach Me Thy Truth.” He was a creative and dedicated leader who set a great vision for the music of the Mennonite Church and helped accomplish it.
Today, the Yoders’ daughters, Elta Ehret, Mildred Yoder Troyer and Mary Troyer continue to contribute to this endowed music scholarship. It was a pleasure for the student recipients to get acquainted with Elta, Mildred and Mildred’s husband Dana recently, over lunch, and hear a bit more about Walter E. Yoder and the legacy he left.
