Future teachers, pastoral ministers and musicians in need of help to fund their University of Dayton educations will receive a boost thanks to a generous gift that will fund scholarships in those areas.
The anonymous donor’s contribution establishes an endowed scholarship fund in honor of the Sisters of the Precious Blood, who are based in Dayton and many of whom received University of Dayton degrees in teacher education, pastoral ministry and music.
“The donor wishes to publicize this gift to generate awareness throughout the region in the hope others interested in supporting Catholic education and students’ access to high-quality programs in teacher education, pastoral ministry or music will contribute to the fund,” said University of Dayton Provost Paul Benson.
The scholarships are need- and merit-based, and renewable as long as students stay in good academic standing.
“The Sisters of the Precious Blood have long recognized the transformative power of education in people’s lives. To have our name associated with an endowed scholarship for education, music and pastoral ministry, especially at the University, is indeed an honor,” said Sister Joyce Lehman, President of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. “Our long history of involvement with the University makes this so very fitting.”
On Friday, January 26, Eric F. Spina, president of the University of Dayton, hosted a luncheon for representatives of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Also in attendance were several Marianists and deans and others from the departments whose students will benefit from the scholarship.
The University of Dayton’s undergraduate program preparing future high school teachers is among the best in the nation, ranked in the top 10 percent by the National Council on Teacher Quality. College Choice ranked the school’s elementary education program as one of the 30 best bachelor’s programs in the nation. U.S. News & World Report recognized the University for offering one of the best online graduate education programs in the nation.
The music department offers Bachelor of Music degrees in music composition, music education, music performance and music therapy, and a Bachelor of Arts degree with concentrations in ethnomusicology, jazz studies and music studies. The department also offers all UD students opportunities to participate in instrumental and vocal ensembles that regularly perform publicly. Many faculty perform regularly with the Dayton Opera and Dayton Philharmonic, among others.
The University’s pastoral ministry program offers graduate students a comprehensive introduction to theological, ethical, historical and Biblical resources that ground Christian ministers’ work and introduces them to principles of pastoral theology and pastoral skills applicable in most ministerial settings.
– Story originally published by the University of Dayton. Used with permission.
An aerial view of the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception; contributed photo.