Although this scholarship is unconditional, Dr. Chan wishes to plant the seeds of compassion, germinating and taking root in the students that benefit from this scholarship, propagating good deeds, and opening their hearts to those in need of a helping hand or a kind word. “And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.” (II Thessalonians, 3:13, NIV).
The J. Lawrence and Harriet Burkholder Merit Scholarship has been endowed to provide scholarships to deserving students who have shown both academic excellence and promise of future service to their communities, their churches and the world.
Through their lives, the Beachys have been helping people and working for Christ, amassing a total of 54 years of teaching in the process. The Beachy Scholarship is just one more example of their commitment to Christian education and serivce, a light for others that will continue to shine for a long time.
It is their hope that in the future, recipients of the scholarship will in turn help other students, thus adding more links to the giving chain and keep alive the generous spirit exhibited by Leona and Greta.
Both Dave Byler (b. 17 February 1920, Poland, OH) and Dottie Birkey (b. 23 March 1923, Fisher, IL) grew up in dedicated Christian families that had been deeply rooted for generations in the Amish Mennonite and Mennonite faith tradition.
Gladys especially appreciated elementary education professor, Dr. Mary Royer. “She really inspired you,” Gladys said. In addition, they always took special interest in the College since Harold’s brother, J. Lawrence, was the GC president from 1971 to 1984.
Joseph Eshleman Brunk and his wife, Alice Mabel Yoder Brunk, were long time staunch supporters of Goshen College and its mission.
Olen and Irene Britsch of Archbold, Ohio, always had positive feelings about Goshen College. Irene attended Goshen in 1935 as a winter Bible School student and their two children, Calvin '69 and Maretta Britsch Buller '64 both graduated from GC.
James (Jim) ’77 and Terri Plank Brenneman ’77 have always been passionate about promoting diversity in higher education and the church.
Kathryn (Katie) Smucker was born October 25, 1931, the youngest of three girls. She is the only daughter to graduate from college.
