Scholarships

The following scholarships for expenses during the fall and spring semesters are awarded each spring by the Department of Religion and Philosophy through the generous gifts of alumni and other donors. These awards are in addition to a student's regular aid package and will be applied to their RC accounts in two installments (fall and spring). See the descriptions below for criteria for each scholarship. Awards amounts range from $500 to $2500. Application requires a short statement (~350 words) about your course of study, your career and passion goals, and how they connect with the scholarship(s) for which you are applying. 

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION FOR FALL/SPRING AWARDS

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION FOR MAY/SUMMER AWARDS

Robert C. Ayers ‘48 Endowment for Student Scholarships

This scholarship is intended for juniors and seniors in good academic standing who have declared any program offered by the Department of Religion and Philosophy or a concentration in Classics and the Ancient Mediterranean World.

Dr. C. Randolph Benson Endowed Scholarship

Honoring a distinguished scholar and dedicated teacher at Roanoke College from 1968-1984, this scholarship is given to assist worthy students who are seeking a career in Christian ministry or in a public or private human service agency.

Harvey and Arabella Bishop Endowed Scholarship

Created through a gift from Dr. Warren G. Bishop ’25 in memory of his parents, this scholarship is given to a full-time student who maintains satisfactory academic progress toward a career in medicine, the sciences and/or the ministry. First preference is given to students from Carroll County, Virginia.

Kitty M. and John T. Bowman Scholarship

This scholarship, funded by the estate of Kitty M. Dillon Bowman, is for students studying in the field of religion.

Warren W. Hobbie Scholarship

This scholarship was created to support deserving students with financial need. Preference will be given to those who are in training to serve their fellow human beings through organized religion.

Weldon T. and Doris W. Lawrence ’49 Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a full-time student majoring in the Religion and Philosophy Department who maintains satisfactory academic progress. First preference will be given to students from the greater Roanoke area.

Arthur Merkel Endowed Scholarship

Established by Arthur V. and Charlotte Buckey Clemson Merkel in memory of their son, Jon Christian Merkel, this scholarship is for worthy students of limited means who are studying for the Lutheran ministry.

Pastor Carl O. and Edith W. Nelson Endowed Scholarship

Established by Carl O. Nelson to honor the memory of his parents, this scholarship provides aid to students who are looking forward to full-time ministry in the Lutheran Church.

George W. Tompkins Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by a gift from George W. Tompkins of Roanoke and is used to assist students preparing for Christian ministry.