Wittenberg President Mark H. Erickson has announced a new scholarship initiative aimed at rewarding outstanding Lutheran students. In celebration of its affiliation with the Lutheran church for more than 160 years, Wittenberg will offer 50 scholarships each totaling $ 68,000 ($17,000 renewable over four years) beginning in the 2008-09 academic year, the program’s inaugural year. In addition to financial support, the Lutheran Scholar-Leader Awards will provide opportunities for recipients to experience personal and spiritual growth during their time on campus.

“We are excited about this opportunity as it not only ref lects our Lutheran heritage, but it also allows us to work closely with Lutheran congregations across the country to attract the best and brightest Lutheran students to Wittenberg,” Erickson said.

As part of the program, Wittenberg will be engaging Lutheran pastors currently serving congregations nationwide in the nominating process. Letters will be mailed to pastors asking them to nominate a member of their congregation for the scholarship. To qualify, students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5, be an active member of a Lutheran congregation and be admitted to the university. For more information on the program, contact Bob White, director of church relations, at rwhite@wittenberg.edu s