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Three IGRC Merit Scholars announced

10/18/2014

Andrew BlackBrittany KotlarAnthony HarrisonNASHVILLE – The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry has announced three individuals have been awarded Merit Scholarships for the 2014-15 school year.

The three individuals, who applied for other financial aid from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, scored the highest among a panel of persons selected by the conference Board of Higher Education to read the applications of all applicants and rate them without knowing the identity of any of the applicants.

Awarded $700 was Anthony Harrison of Normal First UMC, who also received a $1,000 United Methodist General Scholarship. He is currently enrolled at Boston University School of Theology, where he is completing his studies in theological education.

Brittany Kotlar was awarded a $500 merit scholarship to continue her studies toward ordination as a deacon at Candler School of Theology, Emory University.

Andrew Black, was the third Merit Scholar, receiving a $500 merit scholarship in addition to a $2,000 Special Seminary scholarship. Black is in his third year of seminary at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and serves as pastor of the McDowell UMC in the Vermilion River District.

Merit Scholarship funding is derived from the conference’s share of the United Methodist Student Day offering. The 2014 observance will be on Sunday, Nov. 30.

The three were among 11 who received financial aid through the GBHEM Office of Scholarships and Loans for a total of $11,300.
Those receiving awards from the IGRC include:

  • Hannah Porter, Macomb Wesley UMC, $600 Miriam Hoffman Scholarship. Currently studying music education/music ministry at Western Illinois University.
  • David H. Bell, Casey UMC, $1,000 Karen Layman Gift of Hope Scholarship. Currently a student at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with a plan to enter ordained ministry.
  • Emily E. Murphy, Springfield Laurel UMC, $1,000 Karen Layman Gift of Hope Scholarship. Currently a student at Illinois State University, she is pursuing a teacher’s degree.
  • Sierra N. Hyman, Bethalto UMC, $1,000 Karen Layman Gift of Hope Scholarship. Enrolled at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, her major is undecided.
  • Tess R. Brown, Normal Calvary UMC, $1,000 Karen Layman Gift of Hope Scholarship. Enrolled at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, her major is undecided.
  • Brittany C. Ambler, Bloomington Wesley UMC, $1,000 Karen Layman Gift of Hope Scholarship. A student at Illinois Wesleyan University, she is pursuing a degree in the Performing Arts.
  • Jordan M. Collins, Bloomington Wesley UMC, $1,000 Edith Allen Scholarship. A student at Illinois Wesleyan University, her major is in Social Services.
  • Robert Freeman, Springfield Grace UMC, $1,000 General Scholarship. A Religious Studies major at the Aquinas Institute of Theology.

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