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Dan Jacob '10 |
In addition to an extensive list of extracurricular activities, including participation in the Weaver Chapel Association, Wittenberg's contemporary worship and other campus ministry groups, Jacob has successfully found time to squeeze in a double major in English and Philosophy. Jacob feels his academic pursuits will help him in his religious journey.
"Studying philosophy and English helps me to know the significance of my own beliefs and how I may express them," Jacob said.
As a recipient of this year's scholarship, Jacob will receive a stipend of $2,000 for the academic year to be used on either educational expenses or the advancement of exploring the ministry. In addition, he is required to attend the annual FTE Conference on Excellence in Ministry.
"I look forward to attending the conference and meeting other young people committed to God and learning as I take part in important conversations about ministry," Jacob said.
Although he is unsure of his future, Jacob said he plans to continue his education in either seminary or graduate school.
"Regardless of how I continue, I have devoted myself to service to God and others," he said. "I am committed to cultivating my love and talent for writing."
While Jacob is just beginning his academic and spiritual journey, two other Wittenberg alumni are heading towards bright futures thanks in part to the FTE Undergraduate Fellowship. Christina Fetherolf, class of 2008, and Mark Huber, class of 2004, put their scholarships to good use by going on to higher education in seminary.
Fetherolf received the award during her junior year at Wittenberg. She recently finished her first year of seminary at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio with the help of another FTE award, the Congregational Fellowship.
Looking back on her experience with the Undergraduate Fellowship, Fetherolf said that attending the annual conference was an experience that made a significant impact on her.
"There are workshops and church visits, but the best part is just being with those 200 other young adults, representing 20-30 different denominations," Fetherolf said. "It is a very rare opportunity to be surrounded by that many young adults going into some form of ministry from so many different denominations."
While at the Methodist Theological School, Fetherolf plans to pursue a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theological Studies, with a concentration in biblical languages. She is also a candidate for ordination in the United Methodist Church as a deacon, and she has recently received the Carpenter Grant to work at Concerned Citizens Against Homelessness as the project manager this fall. If all that isn't enough, Fetherolf plans to pursue a Ph.D. in the Hebrew Bible upon graduation.
As the first to receive the fellowship during Matevia Endowed University Pastor Rachel Tune's tenure at Wittenberg, Huber said his scholarship made it possible for him to explore his calling throughout his senior year. After receiving the honor, Huber attended meetings with Tune and hosted his own discussions with other students on campus.
"The FTE fellowship ultimately enabled me to spend a considerable amount of time my senior year reading and reflecting on what I might do as a career," he said.
After graduating from Wittenberg, Huber traveled throughout India and the United States with a Christian band and interned for a church in Berkley, Calif. He then attended Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, where he recently graduated with a master of divinity degree. He plans to begin serving in a mission site near Boston in the fall.
Written by: Jennifer Dick '10
Photo by: Erin Pence
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