Our vision for this portal is comprehensive: it will be a centralized directory to help reconnect with classmates, a rich resource center brimming with valuable information, a best practices storehouse to share and discover insights, and a dedicated job posting site to facilitate professional connections within the SPST network. Imagine finding an old friend, accessing a theological paper, sharing a successful ministry strategy, or even discovering a new calling���all within a single, intuitive platform.泭

As our staff traveled to various United Methodist churches and other denominational conferences this summer, we were delighted to offer a sneak preview of the portal to one hundred of our alumni. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and these early interactions have been invaluable in refining the portal’s features to ensure it meets the demanding needs of our alumni community.泭

What makes this portal truly special is its organic design. We have built it with the understanding that the community is diverse, with a wide array of interests and passions. That is why a key feature of the portal will be the ability for alumni to create and join affinity groups. Whether you are enthusiastic about interfaith dialogue, rural ministry, social justice, or a specific denominational focus, you can connect with fellow alumni who share your interests. This fosters a sense of belonging and allows for the collaborative exchange of ideas and support tailored to your unique ministry context.泭

At SPST, we believe that learning and support do not end at graduation. This new online portal is a testament to our ongoing commitment to each student���s success and well-being in the ministries they provide. We are confident that this resource will prove to be an indispensable tool, helping the SPST family stay connected, informed, and empowered as they continue to profoundly impact the world.泭

Register at: 泭泭

Questions? Contact Tom Cochran at alumrelations@spst.edu

The Tex and Peggy Sample Endowed Scholarship, established in the summer of 2022, seeks to support seminary education through an anonymous challenge gift from a generous donor.泭

According to Vice President for Institutional Advancement Jay Simmons, the donor will match every dollar contributed to the Sample Scholarship up to $25,000. This would make a total endowed scholarship fund of $50,000. Once the scholarship endowment is fully funded, any Saint Paul student in good standing may qualify for support.泭

���Our goal is to meet the matching requirement by December 31, 2022,��� according to Simmons.泭

Tex Sample, who is the , says he and wife Peggy are ���humbled and excited by the establishment of the scholarship.���泭

Sample taught at Saint Paul for 32 years before his 1999 retirement. Over the course of his career, he has worked as a lecturer, consultant and community organizing leader.泭

Inspired by a Commitment to Justice

At a time when society is deeply divided politically, ideologically and economically, God calls upon faith leaders to roll up their sleeves and do the work of renewing the church and transforming the world.泭

Sample has devoted his ministry to doing just that ever since his arrival at Saint Paul in 1966 for a faculty interview.

���After being here for just a few hours,��� he says, ���I knew I wanted to come.���

He recalls being drawn to the school���s theory-practice orientation to theological education. Teaching at Saint Paul enabled him to combine serious academic study with an ongoing commitment to organizing and action in the larger world.泭

To put it more succinctly, ���The school combined the classroom and the street.���

Sample���s wife Peggy, who works as a singer and artist, has been a strong supporter of his work in theological education, social action and the church. Even after his retirement from Saint Paul, he remained in close contact with the school during the 12 years he and Peggy lived in Phoenix, Arizona.泭

Since moving back to the Kansas City area in 2012, Sample has occasionally taught, preached and lectured at Saint Paul. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 2017, including a three-year term as Board Chair.泭

The Samples have supported Saint Paul financially for more than 50 years.泭

Paving the Way for Authentic Christian Ministry

In an age where churches are in sharp decline, Sample says, ���we need an outraged and compassionate church, albeit a minority word against the principalities and powers that hold us in captivity.���

Scholarships enable more students to acquire the deep theological understanding and hands-on knowledge that come from working with experienced professors and church practitioners at Saint Paul. That prepares them to work with congregations and communities to address serious issues such as classism, racism, sexism, heterosexism and materialism.

Seminary education also prepares students to lead and serve vibrant social justice ministries. With 40% of our population struggling financially, Sample notes, ministers are called to offer an alternative vision to the consumerist mentality that characterizes much of our culture.泭

How You Can Support Tomorrow���s Faith Leaders Today

Saint Paul exists to aid students through strong academic programs and supportive spiritual formation. Scholarships and financial aid make it possible for more students to afford seminary education as they prepare for a life of service.

Simmons reminds us that ���Every contribution to Saint Paul enhances our ability to serve these students and to provide the financial assistance that reduces their cost of attendance.���

Sample envisions a time when every student at Saint Paul is given a full tuition scholarship. It can be financially very difficult for any student to leave seminary with a big educational debt.泭 While the Sample scholarship will help one student each year, ���we need many more,��� he says. ���In fact, the school needs an extra $20 million in endowment to provide sufficient funds for a tuition-free student body.���

The good news is there are many easy ways for anyone to donate to Saint Paul and help us open the doors of seminary education to more emerging faith leaders.

• Text SAMPLE to 913-320-5444 to donate by phone.
• Donate .
• Mail a check to 勛圖窪蹋厙, Development Office – Group 3, P.O. Box 843740, Kansas City, MO 64184-37401. Please note your gift is for the Sample Scholarship Fund.
• Scan the QR code below to access our online donations page:泭

Regardless of the method you choose, we are grateful for everyone���s continuing support for scholarships at Saint Paul. Together, we can help more students share God���s love with a world in need.

勛圖窪蹋厙 remains committed to providing an affordable seminary education for future faith leaders from all walks of life. Every admitted degree-seeking student receives our Each One, Reach One Scholarship, which covers 50% of tuition.

For those wondering how to pay for the remaining seminary costs, there are many sources of potential funding available. These include additional scholarships from Saint Paul, the United Methodist Church, other faith-based organizations, and secular sources.泭

Dr. Michelle Hatcher, Registrar, and Director of Financial Aid says United Methodist funding opportunities may come from a combination of church support, state foundations, and annual conference assistance. For non-United Methodist students, Dr. Hatcher says the most common challenge is finding graduate funding for seminarians that does not have to be repaid. There are scholarships for various higher education degrees, but the numbers drop considerably for graduate seminary students.

To help you navigate your options, we���ve put together a summary of potential scholarship opportunities. Dr. Hatcher points out that application deadlines can sometimes be a concern for incoming students, so pay attention to when you need to apply in order to receive the funding for which you qualify.泭

Presidential Fellows Program

Every applicant to Saint Paul is automatically considered for scholarship eligibility. Once admitted, you will also receive notification of scholarships available to you.

The Presidential Fellows Scholarship, which returns in 2024, is a full-time tuition scholarship for master���s students entering Saint Paul in the fall semester. It is offered in partnership with The Church of the Resurrection and the Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation. The Fellows program helps prepare future church leadership for innovative, creative ministry. Honorees receive three years of funding, which covers the cost of tuition, seminary books, and educational fees.泭

Eligible students must either be a certified candidate in the United Methodist Church or must intend to enter the candidacy process. Other requirements are as follows:泭

• Apply and receive admission to a master���s program with the intention of enrolling full time, which is at least 9 credit hours per semester.
• Submit the Fellows Application.
• Complete an interview with the Resurrection or Oklahoma Foundation Selection Committee.泭
• Submit three letters of recommendation (Resurrection only).

Other Saint Paul Scholarships

In addition to the Fellows program, Saint Paul offers other scholarships to help defray the cost of seminary.

• General Scholarships for entering master���s students offer various levels of funding.泭
• Named Endowed Scholarships are available to students who meet the donor���s specified requirements.泭
• Endowed End-of-Year Awards recognize excellence in designated areas of study or outstanding contributions to the Saint Paul community. These are awarded at the end of the academic year and applied toward tuition for a future semester.

Outside Scholarships

Outside sources of scholarships include the United Methodist Church, other denominations and religious organizations, and secular funding sources. Hatcher points out that scholarship eligibility may be based on various criteria such as church or denomination membership, gender, ethnic background, and other characteristics.

Within the United Methodist Church, the (GBHEM) offers various forms of financial aid to United Methodist students. Awards include general scholarships for those pursuing graduate degrees including seminary education. Other opportunities include Ministry as a Career Scholarships for students answering the call to serve in a ministry role and/or those enrolling in seminary. The GBHEM also offers awards for African American and Native American students.

The funds scholarships for students attending a higher education institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, which includes Saint Paul. Awards are available for graduate and undergraduate students. The UM Dollars for Scholars program provides matching support of up to $4,000 from the student���s church, the Higher Education Foundation, participating schools, or UMC foundations. Other Foundation opportunities include the following:泭

• General named endowed scholarships with criteria specified by individual donors
• A $5,000 award for HBCU students
• The Chaplain Samuel Grover Powell Scholarship for students preparing for chaplaincy in any branch of the U.S. military
• The Holly Elliott and Laurel Glass Scholarship for students who are deaf, deafened, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing

Students who are affiliated with denominations other than United Methodist are encouraged to check with their local church and denominational leadership for scholarship opportunities. The website also provides a searchable database of faith-based scholarships, including those offered through the Presbyterian, Episcopal, Lutheran, and other denominations.泭

Dr. Hatcher also recommends searching several secular sources for scholarships available to graduate students, as well as awards for women, ethnic minorities, and other demographics.

• List Scholarship: 泭泭
• FastWeb: 泭
• Scholarships.com: 泭
• Niche.com: 泭泭泭

Students who receive outside scholarships can notify Saint Paul by submitting the Outside Scholarship Notification Form. The deadline to receive credit toward tuition is July 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring.

If you have questions about paying for seminary or what scholarships and financial aid may be available to you, please contact us at financialaid@spst.edu. You may also call our Financial Aid office at 913-253-5050.

Jackson Swain is thankful for the opportunity to pursue a life of ministry as a student at 勛圖窪蹋厙. ���My wife and I have a toddler and one more on the way,��� he explains. ���and without scholarships, our finances would simply be spread too thin to afford seminary classes.���

During a time of rising costs and accelerating change, the need for spiritual healing and material support have never been greater. enable students like Swain to answer God���s call to share the Good News with a world that is hurting.

As we approach the end of our fiscal year at the end of June, ���these gifts ensure that Saint Paul remains a destination of choice for seminarians pursuing the ministry,��� according to Jay Simmons, Vice President for Institutional Advancement.泭

Opening Doors to Ministry

Rev. Jo Mead, currently a pastor at University United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas, remembers a retired pastor who gifted her with paying for a three-hour course during her time in seminary. That one act of kindness inspires her to support those attending Saint Paul today.

���It was an expensive gift and I recognized the statement of belief I would make a difference in the world,��� she recalls. ���I have given with this same belief of the students following me to make a difference in the world for shalom, courage and walking alongside pilgrims on the road.���

Thanks to our donors, every degree-seeking student enrolled at Saint Paul benefits from a 50% tuition discount, says Simmons. Donations pay for the technology that has allowed students to continue their education throughout the pandemic of the past two years. In addition, Saint Paul is able to attract the top theologians in their fields to educate, mentor and inspire the next generation of ministers and community leaders.泭

���My gifts are not large,��� Mead says, ���but I give something each year. Something which when added to the modest gifts of others becomes substantial hope for the future. Our denomination was built on the gifts of the few to be magnified by God���s movement for a future of meeting needs. Thanks be to God!���

Forging Meaningful Relationships

Mead reminds us that the friendships and connections enabled by our gifts form a web of faith serving ministries across the globe. ���We stand on holy ground in our shared experiences of life within and outside of this ministry shaping lives and bringing grace into the broken world.���

She recalls the many people who shared in her educational journey at Saint Paul. ���It has been a decade since I graduated and I hold it as one of the greatest experiences of life to learn from amazing and gifted professors, caring staff and committed students to live a life set aside in ministry.���

Among those shaping lives through sharing God���s love are co-pastors Jack and Marilyn Gregory. The two were married in Kresge Chapel in 1971, while both were students at Saint Paul.

Marilyn was among the first women to earn a Master of Divinity degree, and her witness has helped to shape the preparation of women students for ministry. Jack���s work led to the establishment of the Town and Country Chair in Town and Country Ministry in Kansas. Before their retirement, both served at numerous churches in Kansas for over 30 years.

���In addition to meeting and marrying at the seminary,��� the couple tells us, ���Saint Paul shaped our faith and ministry by pushing us to integrate our beliefs with the practice of worship, pastoral care, Christian education, administration and social justice.���

Addressing Spiritual Needs in a Changing World泭

The Gregorys also point out how financial support advances Saint Paul���s long-term commitment to social justice in the present. That commitment must be maintained and grounded in solid theological education. The school���s Board of Trustees are committed to an inclusive faculty, administration and student body and must continue to connect with persons of color outside of Johnson County, Kansas and Oklahoma City.泭

Our donors also help to meet the challenges confronting the church in a world facing change from multiple directions. ���With fewer full time appointments and a denomination divided around the affirmation of LGBTQIA+ persons,��� the Gregorys observe, ���Saint Paul must continue to find new ways to market theological education beyond students who are preparing to be pastors in the United Methodist Church and attract students who wish to study in the classroom and online.���

In addition, Saint Paul must continue to build bridges with leadership of the Annual Conferences, many of whom are graduates of Saint Paul. The Gregorys note how the strong collaboration between the seminary and Annual Conference leaders benefits both the church and the seminary. As the Course of Study School continues to train many leaders, better collaboration between the seminary and the Board of Higher Education of the UMC will continue to benefit students, the seminary, and the settings in which they serve.

Responding to Challenging Times

The Gregorys recall that the cost of a seminary education is higher than when they attended in the early 1970s. ���Our hope is that our gifts will lessen the financial burden for today���s students.���

Similar to every organization and household around the world, Saint Paul has been affected by increasing costs over the past few years. As a consequence, Simmons says, the seminary has increased its fundraising goal for the coming fiscal year to ensure that the cost of attendance does not increase. ���Successfully attaining this goal will require us to reach more donors who want to support Saint Paul students. Knowing our Saint Paul community, I have no doubt that they will join us in helping our students.���

Every gift advances Saint Paul���s mission of preparing the next generation of clergy and lay leaders for careers in service to the church and their communities. It is that preparation that enable our alumni to provide creative ministry to those facing a variety of needs.

���I believe Saint Paul is an institution of higher learning grounded in the work of many generations to continue to be innovative and creative in bringing a world view to communities of faith,��� Mead says. ���A place where resources are given for growth, and encouragement is found in dialogue and placements of learning.���

As always, we are grateful for the ongoing support of our donors who make affordable seminary education possible. It is your gifts that aid us in tending the spiritual roots of tomorrow���s faith leaders so that they may bring the healing fruit of the Gospel to those who are hurting.泭

If you would like to continue to support Saint Paul in the coming year, it���s easy to . If you have questions or would like to discover more about 勛圖窪蹋厙, call us at 913-253-5000 or visit us online.

And seminary scholarships open the gateway to that path for more students as they answer that call. 勛圖窪蹋厙 offers financial aid in the form of scholarships to all degree-seeking students. In fact, the student���s admission application is also their scholarship application!

That makes giving to the Saint Paul Scholarship Fund an exciting way to expand opportunities for even more people from all walks of life to join our masters and doctoral programs. When you give to Saint Paul, you���re easing the burden of financial stress for students as they prepare for a variety of roles including pastor, music minister, Christian educator or deacon. Still others intend to work as a chaplain, community organizer or other ministries outside the church walls.泭

The Each One, Reach One Scholarship fufills Saint Paul���s commitment to provide scholarships for all entering, degree-seeking students, according to Rev. Shannon Hancock, Executive Director of 勛圖窪蹋厙 and Communications. The scholarship covers 50% of a student���s tuition costs.

Making Seminary More Affordable for Every Admitted Student

Established by the Board of Trustees and Saint Paul President Neil Blair, the Each One, Reach One Scholarship reflects our long-standing efforts to keep seminary affordable. As a result, students are able to focus more time on academics and engage more fully in other life activities such as time with family.

All prospective students have to do is fill out our online admissions application. Once approved for admission, students are automatically notified about scholarships for which they are eligible. Each incoming student receives a Financial Aid Award Letter detailing all available forms of financial assistance and how to access them.泭

Every student who is accepted into one of Saint Paul���s degree programs will automatically be granted the Each One, Reach One Scholarship. Their financial aid award letter will state the amount granted. Those with questions can contact Dr. Michelle Hatcher via email at michelle.hatcher@spst.edu, or by phone at 913-253-5050.泭

Enriching the Seminary Experience & the Saint Paul Community

The Each One, Reach One Scholarship reduces the financial burden for students pursuing their degrees and their ministries.泭泭

In so doing, according to Vice President for Institutional Advancement Jay Simmons, Saint Paul can help more students respond to their call. This makes our seminary open to a broader and more diverse group of students.

By reducing financial stress, the scholarship enables students to be more fully engaged with the learning community through hands-on learning experiences and in-depth exploration of topics ranging from history to theology. ���The result,��� Hancock adds, ���provides a richer experience for the entire Saint Paul community.���

Paving the Way for More to Answer God���s Call

Simmons points out that every dollar contributed toward scholarships means one less dollar we ask students to pay in tuition.泭

In addition to reducing student expenses, giving to Saint Paul also enables us to maintain excellence in teaching and learning. It supports our talented faculty and staff and lets us invest in advanced learning technologies.泭

People can contribute to our scholarship funds in a number of ways:

• Visit the Saint Paul website to give online. Select ���Scholarship fund��� to direct your gift toward scholarships.泭
• Use our Text2Give option by sending GIVE to 913-320-5444.泭
• Send a check to 勛圖窪蹋厙 Development Office – Group 3 at P.O. Box 843740, Kansas City, MO 64184-3740. Write ���Scholarship fund��� in the memo line.

Other options for supporting Saint Paul���s mission include legacy giving, donations of stocks and other securities and endowment giving.泭

Anyone with questions should email Jay Simmons at jay.simmons@spst.edu or call 913-253-5010.

That���s when the love and generosity of the Saint Paul community stepped in and provided Linda with a scholarship which enabled her to fulfill her mission.

���The day I was sitting down to write my letter to 勛圖窪蹋厙 that I could not attend because of financial reasons, I was awarded a scholarship that I did not personally apply for,��� she says.

Alumni and friends of Saint Paul will also come together for this year���s $5,000 Giving Tuesday Challenge on November 27, 2018, to support even more outstanding students like Linda who make Theology Come Alive for the people they serve.

���When I saw the scholarship,��� Linda explains, ���I immediately ran out to my husband jumping for joy giving all Glory to God for this blessing because I know it affirmed the calling God had in my life.���

About Giving Tuesday

Founded in 2012 by the Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact, is a global movement that brings together people, families, nonprofits, civic organizations and businesses to create positive change throughout the world. In 2017 alone the movement raised over $300 million for various organizations from more than 150 countries. It takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving every year.

At Saint Paul, it���s also a wonderful way to celebrate the wonderful gifts Christ has given to us by supporting our students as they answer the call to discipleship by enrolling in seminary.

This year���s Giving Tuesday donations will go to Saint Paul���s Annual/Seminary Fund, which provides financial aid to deserving students, along with other critical aspects of our mission:

• Recruitment of inspiring faculty
• Student activities such as Cafe Mondays and Lecture Series
• Improvements to technology and the library
• Campus renovations

Giving Tuesday is also a great time to celebrate the upcoming Reconnect@60 campaign commemorating our first 60 years of Christ-inspired education and service at Saint Paul.

How Can You Support Giving Tuesday?

Even better news is that there are many different ways to give to Saint Paul and have a direct, positive impact on our students��� everyday lives:

• Online. You can a one-time gift, or monthly or quarterly electronic transfers directly from your bank account.
• Postal mail. Send checks payable to 勛圖窪蹋厙 to Development Office — Group 3, Post Office Box 843740, Kansas City, MO 64184-3740.
• Securities. You can donate shares of stock by arranging a wire transfer through your broker. This option may offer tax advantages to you in addition to helping Saint Paul students.
• Legacy Giving. This is your opportunity to accomplish your philanthropic goals of supporting Saint Paul students for years to come. Learn how to give through your will or trust here.

When reflecting on the generosity of the Saint Paul community, Linda says she will be ���forever thankful and blessed by the generosity of the scholarships I received to attend 勛圖窪蹋厙 because without this help, I could not have afforded this blessed opportunity to be a part of this seminary.���

We invite you to take part in this year���s Giving Tuesday on November 27, as we pave the way for even more deserving students as they enter a life of innovative ministry in a changing world.