Kuyper Celebrates its Annual Scholarship Dinner
Ethan Brainard didn’t always see himself as a college student – until a visit to Kuyper College during his junior year of high school changed everything.
“My sister, Alivia, who is also a student here, convinced me to look into Kuyper, and I just fell in love,” the sophomore ministry leadership student told attendees of Kuyper’s annual Scholarship Dinner on October 15.
“I could never fully express my appreciation for the massive impacts that your kindness has made on my life,” he told a crowded Walters Dining Room. “I’m really excited to see how God leads me and uses me in the future.”
Knowing that Kuyper was the perfect place to nurture his newfound faith – he’d only recently become a Christian – cemented his desire to enroll.
And thanks to a generous scholarship, he is now able to focus on his studies instead of worrying about paying for them.
The autumn evening may have been damp and cold, but the atmosphere inside the dining room was warm and joyful — a fitting setting for the annual event, which celebrates the stories, generosity and faith that make a Kuyper education possible.
It’s a time for scholarship recipients and donors, as well as Kuyper staff and board members, to share a delicious meal and reflect on God’s activity through Kuyper scholarships.
Kuyper president Dan Churchwell considered the College’s place within the larger story of God’s kingdom in his address to attendees.
“The book of James tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of lights,” he said. “So tonight, before we thank each other, I want us to honestly, sincerely remember that we need to thank God, because every scholarship in this room, every gift, reflects the love of God for His creation along the way.”
After President Churchwell’s remarks – and plenty of good conversation over dinner – attendees heard testimonies from Kuyper financial aid staff and benefactors, before Brainard and some of his fellow students took to the microphone to share their stories.
“To every person who has chosen to give to Kuyper and invest in students like me, thank you,” said Kristi Miesen, a ministry leadership senior. “Thank you for being part of the way God continues to work through Kuyper and through the lives of the students who are blessed to be here.”
Brynne Johnson, a senior social work student, echoed Miesen’s sentiments.
“As I leave Kuyper and move into the next chapter of my life, I know I may not have all the answers about my purpose, but I can continue speaking about and reflecting God’s love in the ways that I serve others,” she said. “So, thank you, donors, for helping give me this opportunity.”
Throughout the evening, one theme remained clear: Kuyper is part of something larger than any one gift. The celebrations that night reflect a tradition of recognizing that everything – our health, work, savings, investments and even the impulse to be generous – is ultimately a gift from God.
President Churchwell returned to the stage to close the evening with an appropriate prayer: “Lord, we are blessed to be Your conduits of grace to the world. Help us to steward these dollars wisely but, even more so, the relationships that they build.”
