Married students have unique challenges and opportunities as they pursue higher education. To this end, The Dr. Kermit & Shirley Ecklebarger Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in honor of a couple whose lives exemplified their commitment to Christ and to their family.
Denver Seminary Board member, Bill Ward, writes “Kermit was faithful to Shirley and his family. He was faithful to his friends. He was faithful to his colleagues and his students. Most of all he was faithful to his Lord and the calling placed on his life.” Dr. Kermit Ecklebarger, former Vice President and Academic Dean, and Professor of New Testament, went to be with his Lord and Savior May of 2020 and Shirley joined him in glory September of 2021. Their legacy of love and faithfulness continues to impact the lives of family, friends, and Denver Seminary students.
This scholarship provides aid for continuing married students studying at Denver Seminary who have a heart and passion for ministry and home life. Each year, two students are chosen as recipients; one is to be enrolled in a Master of Divinity (MDiv) and the second in the Master of Arts (MA) in Biblical Studies.
“My wife and I have a heart for making disciples, and I have a heart for teaching… As I pursue my MDiv in Biblical Studies, I am gaining a better understanding of the Bible and exposure to counseling, apologetics, and preaching; these are skills I can apply to future ministry. Thank you for funding the Dr. Kermit & Shirley Ecklebarger Endowed Scholarship Fund. Receiving this assistance has been a huge blessing to my family!“
– Scholarship Recipient, 2018-2019
- There will be two recipients: 1) A married Master of Divinity student who has completed a minimum 36 semester hours with minimum 2.75 GPA.; 2) A married Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) student who has completed a minimum 18 semester hours with a minimum 2.75 GPA.
- If no MA Biblical Studies student is available, then another MDiv student may be chosen until the next award cycle when the MA Biblical Studies student will again be given preference.
- Preference will be given to the students who are closer to graduating.
- The recipients must provide two references. One faculty reference and one pastoral staff reference that show their heart and passion for ministry and home life.