The Enrollment Services staff at Lincoln Christian University (LCU) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2017 Lincoln Leaders’ Scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship to be applied for the duration of a bachelor’s degree.
James Ware and Maria Burke are the male and female winners, respectively, of the Lincoln Leaders’ Scholarship competition held at LCU on Nov. 12, 2016. Each rose to the top of an excellent applicant and attendee pool that included 28 of their peers and competitors and many future classmates, themselves selected from the several dozen original scholarship applicants.
James, currently a sophomore at Illinois Central College in Peoria, IL, intends to study Psychology upon his arrival to campus and eventually be a teacher, speaker, and writer. He was a unanimous choice amongst all interviewers and discussion group leaders as the top male in the competition. James chose to accept the scholarship offer and attend LCU because of its blend of intellectual and experiential Christianity.
“It was very important to me to locate a theologically sound Christian university that has my major,” James noted. “LCU is one of the few universities that has an entirely Christian faculty and student body, a clear statement of faith, and a reputable counseling major. Combined with its reputation for academic rigor and superb faculty, LCU seems to embody the intellectual aspect of Christianity.”
James mentioned that the curriculum and student life experience fostered at LCU “mirrors my own desire to pursue a balanced walk before my God. This is the kind of college I want to be a part of. I want to be in a college environment that will challenge me academically, encourage fellowship, and promote the Christian worldview.”
Maria, a senior at Ottawa Township High School in Ottawa, IL, will pursue a degree in Worship Ministry, and says she’s looking forward to being a student at LCU because of the university’s mission.
“I believe LCU is a place where I will be able to achieve what I’d like academically, but also be challenged in my faith,” she said. “I desire the faith-based education LCU offers and the Christ-centered community that will encourage me to grow.”
Both have extensive leadership and service experience in their churches, schools, and communities, and embody the type of student LCU seeks to attract: those who desire to spend their college years in a campus community setting that will prepare them not just for a vocation, but for a lifetime of servant-leadership.
“It further impresses me that LCU cares about not only the students’ educational wellbeing, but their spiritual growth and service,” James said. “I especially appreciate the required chapel attendance, missions’ trips, and small groups. These clearly reflect the experiential side of Christianity.”
James and Maria were selected as winners based on the evaluations and recommendations of LCU faculty and staff interview and discussion group panelists, as well as their academic success to date and answers about community service and Christian leadership on the scholarship application.
Congratulations, James and Maria! LCU is very much looking forward to having you join our student body in the fall!