Arthur L. and Cordelia Sprunger
Who were Arthur L. and Cordelia R. Sprunger?
Arthur Sprunger (1897-1972) was a prominent Mennonite artist whose creative life extended for more than 50 years. Born in Berne, Indiana, he graduated from Goshen College in 1922, and he taught art at Goshen Junior and Senior High Schools for 41 years, retiring in 1963. He earned his MA at Columbia University in 1953 and did additional work at the Chicago Art Institute and the John Herron Art Institute at Winona Lake. Sprunger worked in a wide variety of media. He was an acclaimed painter and sculptor whose works, many with religious themes, were shown at art exhibitions across the country and won numerous prizes and awards.
In 1927 Sprunger contributed to the development of the new Goshen College program in art, begun the previous year by John F. Slabaugh, by creating eight art courses to be offered in alternate years. He taught these and other art courses on a part time basis at the College for the following 30 years.
Cordelia Riesen (1897-1992) was born in Berne, earned a teaching certificate at Indiana University in 1916, graduated from Goshen College in 1921, and married Arthur in 1925. As a married woman, Cordelia could not then teach in the public schools. She returned to teaching during World War II and continued to teach until her retirement in 1963. For most of that time she was the elementary art teacher in the Goshen schools, a position she held, beloved by her students, until her retirement in 1963.
Establishment of the fund.
John E. and Rebecca Sprunger Wetzel established this fund in 2010 as a memorial to her parents, Arthur Lehman and Cordelia Riesen Sprunger, to honor their contributions to Goshen College, the Goshen Community Schools, Eighth Street Mennonite Church and the entire Goshen community through their teaching, works of art, and community service.
Additional contributions to this fund are encouraged and welcomed.
Who may apply?
Any sophomore or junior declared art or graphic design major in good academic standing with the college who will be either a junior or senior the following fall term. A student may receive this scholarship for a maximum of two years but must go through a renewal application process for the second year.
How much is it?
It is expected that the fund will provide one or more $2500, $2000, or $1500 Art Scholarships each year.
What are the Selection Criteria?
Based on a review of the application materials and the following considerations, the art faculty will select Sprunger Scholars who fit the following criteria:
- A full time student with a declared major in the Art or Graphic Design Department
- Able to achieve junior or senior standing by the following fall term when the scholarship begins
- Consistently produces work with depth, sophistication, and the potential for further strong development
- Demonstrates strong creative ability
- Good written and oral communication skills
- A history of contributing to the Art Department and campus community
- Good academic standing
What is the application deadline?
This scholarship has a rolling deadline. Contact finaid@goshen.edu if you are interested in applying for this or any other art scholarship.
How do I apply for this scholarship?
Fill out and submit our online application (use button at top of page).