By Darla Martin Tucker

The recent scholarship from a La Sierra University endowment is a “lifeline,” said graduate student Mabel Duncan. “[It] keeps me hopeful and keeps me studying.”

Duncan is enrolled in a master’s of pastoral studies program in La Sierra’s School of Religion. She hopes to complete the MPS degree in June 2009 with an emphasis in pastoral counseling.

The $1,000 scholarship Duncan received during The Annual La Sierra University Endowed Scholarships and Awards Luncheon on May 20 she compared “to the planting of a seed that will bring forth fruit.  I have done my part and …La Sierra has stepped forward and said we will help you,” Duncan said.

The scholarship event took place at the university’s Alumni Center on Pierce Street. Scholarship donors, donor representatives and university administrative staff presented 151 awards to 134 students. Some students received more than one scholarship and some scholarship recipients did not attend the event. In all, more than 180 awards totaling $250,000 were given to 160 students.

John Webster, dean of La Sierra’s School of Religion presented Duncan with the Robert L. Wheatley Memorial Scholarship. Wheatley, a La Sierra alumnus, provided pastoral care for the La Sierra Collegiate church in the 1970s. He focused on visiting hospital patients, shut-ins, the bereaved, new church members and those in need of spiritual counseling, according to a scholarship summary. He included a La Sierra endowed scholarship in his estate plan. Wheatley passed away June 17, 1993 at the age of 71.

Duncan earned a bachelor’s degree from La Sierra in 2006 and graduated along with her daughter, Renee Duncan-Lara , who received a bachelor’s in psychology. Another daughter, Dirma Duncan, earned a Master’s of Business Administration with a marketing emphasis in 2003 from La Sierra’s School of Business.

Churches around the region and country invite Duncan to speak at retreats, weeks of prayer and other events. Throughout her travels, Duncan has observed “a need for a person-to-person connection with the brothers and sisters in the church. I would like to be there for them to make Jesus real to them as they face the challenges of life.  I want to present Him as a very personal Friend in all situations. I believe that these studies will be an asset in helping me achieve this goal in a most efficient manner,” she said.

Timothy Gonzales, who will be a senior music major this fall, gave a resounding performance during the scholarship luncheon of “The Lord’s Prayer” by Albert Hay Melotte. He received a $650 John T. Hamilton Scholarship, presented by Hamilton’s wife, Arlene Hamilton, and a $2,500 Marguerite Marsh Vocal Scholarship, presented by Marguerite Marsh.

“These scholarships have lifted a burden from me financially and allow me to concentrate on my academic and musical goals with clear eyes and a smile,” Gonzales said.

“I am extremely grateful and honored to have received them. As a musician, it is gratifying and humbling that there are still those out there who feel the call to support the arts and arts education,” he said. “Music has always been an important part of my life. It is where my gifts are and where my heart is. To be able to go to school and receive a degree in something as wonderful as music is a great privilege to me.”

Recently retired sociology and family studies professor Anees Haddad presented scholarships to students Andrew Bedran and Ramona Bahnam. Bedran received $2,500 from the Anees A. Haddad Scholarship, a fund Haddad created for international students in financial need. Bahnam received $2,500 from the Nellie Nehme Haddad Memorial Scholarship, a fund Anees Haddad established in memory of his wife, Nellie.

Nellie Haddad, a native of Lebanon, developed heart problems a few years after the birth of the Haddad’s son and twin daughters. The family came to Loma Linda University Medical Center where Haddad was the first patient to receive a double valve replacement. Despite numerous surgeries, she maintained an attitude of courage and optimism, according to a scholarship summary.

Anees Haddad retired in January. He began teaching at La Sierra in 1969. His leadership roles and activities included serving as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

“Next to teaching these young people and being inspired by them, nothing I can think of is more profoundly satisfying than in a small way, helping them financially,” Haddad said following the luncheon. “God bless them and God bless La Sierra University.”

PR Contact: Larry Becker
Executive Director of University Relations
La Sierra University
Riverside, California
951.785.2460 (voice)