Donor/Memorial Scholarships
There is no application process for the scholarships that appear in this section. Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, and recipients are current students chosen by departmental selection committees. Recipients receive notification at Honors Day and/or through the Financial Aid Award notification process.
· Gordan and Janice Alley Scholarship – The Gordon and Janice Lou Alley Scholarship is an endowed scholarship established by Janice Lou Alley for the purpose of creating a perpetual endowment fund for students attending Bryan College who intend to enter full-time Christian service, and who are pursuing a course of study within the Biblical Studies or Humanities divisions.
· Harold C. Almond and Ruthanna Almond Music Scholarship – To encourage excellence in music and in Christian higher education. Awarded to a music student who demonstrates exemplary Christian character, scholastic ability, and dedicated talent. Scholarship is funded by the proceeds of an endowment established by Mr. and Mrs. Harold C. Almond.
· Robert and Nita Anderson Foreign Missions Scholarship (Fund) – Provides assistance to Baptist students preparing for foreign missionary service.
· Elinor Fox Baker Leadership Scholarship – This scholarship is funded by a gift from her husband, Thomas Baker, in memory of her long-time service as a member of the Bryan College Board of Trustees. The scholarship is awarded on an annual basis to a young woman majoring in the Christian Studies Division. The faculty of the Biblical Studies Division will determine each year’s recipient.
· Roe F. and Zelma I. Black Memorial Scholarship in Music – This endowed scholarship was established in 1999 by the family of Roe F. and Zelma I. Black, long-time friends of Bryan College. The scholarship is to be awarded by the music faculty based on the applicant’s ability and interest in music, personal character, and documented financial need as determined by the financial aid office. Preference is to be given to an upperclassman majoring in keyboard or instrumental music, but the final decision remains with the music faculty.
· Brynoff Scholarship in English – Established in 1992 by Dr. Betty Ann Brynoff, Assistant Professor of English at Bryan College for 15 years before her death. Based on interest and ability in English, personal character, and documented financial need. This renewable, endowed scholarship is awarded to a rising sophomore, junior, or senior pursuing a traditional English major. Recipient must have achieved a GPA of at least 3.0 during the previous academic year.
· Business Scholarship – Established by Jim Sattler, President of EMJ Corporation, the Business Scholarship is awarded to a student who shows potential for success in business. The recipient must be a rising junior or senior with at least a 3.0 GPA and documented financial need.
· Ann Burwick Scholarship – Ann Burwick was employed at Bryan College as a counselor in 1999. She deeply impacted strangers, clients, and friends as one who distinctly represented Christ, gently guiding those she touched to the path of emotional and spiritual health. Ann went to be with the Lord on October 30, 1999. Ann’s friends and family established a scholarship in memory of her, to be awarded to a rising senior majoring in Psychology, with first preference given to females. In keeping with her distinct ministry, students selected are those with expressed intent to pursue a ministry of counseling, a demonstrated commitment to God and service to others, and financial need. A recipient is selected by members of the Psychology faculty and Student Life staff, in consultation with the College’s Director of Financial Aid.
· Cammenga Scholarship – The Cammenga endowed scholarship fund has been established to assist deserving Bryan College students, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, pursuing a biblically oriented education with preference given to students pursuing a business or natural science related degree and who are participants in the college work study program. The awards are to be given at the discretion of the Financial Aid Department.
· Mercer & Bernyce Clementson Memorial Scholarship – Established by a former student of Mercer Clementson in memory of his faithful service as a college professor. Awarded to a Business major on the basis of academic achievement and leadership potential.
· Richard “Archie” Cole Memorial Scholarship – Established to provide performance grants for students who demonstrate ability and interest in playing intercollegiate soccer at Bryan College. Recipient must demonstrate superior soccer skills and play varsity soccer at Bryan. Preference is given to children of missionaries and/or alumni.
· James H. Cooley Music Scholarship – James H. Cooley was a prominent Chattanooga businessman and church musician. As partner and owner of Cooley’s Fine Clothing of Red Bank, he developed the reputation of being one of the most service-minded retailers in the Chattanooga area. He served as minister of music at East Lake Baptist Church, in addition to a ministry extending to several other area churches, for more than 40 years. Mr. Cooley was on the executive committee of the Southern Baptist Convention and served on the boards of Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and F.A.C.E.S. as well as several other civic and service organizations. The scholarship named in his memory was established in 1994 by the Cooley and Reeve families. Mr. Cooley’s family includes wife, Dolores, and children James, John, and Christine. These awards are made at the discretion of the music department to students pursuing a music major.
· M.A. Cooley Memorial Scholarship – Milton A. Cooley was associated with the Southern Railway for much of his life and upon retirement, joined his wife, Nelle B. Cooley, as an associate partner of Cooley’s Fine Clothing. Mr. and Mrs. Cooley were founders of White Oak Baptist Church in Chattanooga, where he served as deacon. From his original humble background, M.A. Cooley was known for investing in others who were less fortunate. He had a vital interest in planting new churches and mission outreach. One of the most rewarding aspects of his life was the fact that both his son and daughter made church music a major part of their lives. The M.A. Cooley Scholarship was established in 1984 by his children, James H. Cooley and Sara Cooley Reeve, and his wife Nelle B. Cooley. This scholarship reflects his lifelong desire to influence young people for the cause of Christ. At the discretion of the music faculty, proceeds from this endowed fund are awarded to students who demonstrate special musical ability.
· Mary McDonald Groves Music Scholarship – This endowed scholarship was established in honor and memory of Mary McDonald Groves in 1990 by family and friends. This scholarship is based on academic merit and progress and is awarded to a student pursuing a music major who has achieved a GPA of at least 3.0 during the previous academic year.
· Marble J. Hensley Scholarship – Established in honor of Mr. Marble J. Hensley, Chattanooga businessman and trustee of Bryan College. Recipients must exhibit a strong academic record (3.0 or above), involvement in extra-curricular activities, and service to others.
· Helen M. Johnson Scholarship – Awarded to a deserving student who is physically handicapped with eyesight, hearing, or other physical impairment.
· Summerfield K. Johnston, Bradley County Scholarships – The Summerfield K. Johnston, Bradley County Scholarship endowment distributes grants to students graduating from schools in Bradley County, Tennessee. Mr. Johnston was a descendant of original settlers in Bradley County. He was a key figure in developing Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., which is the world’s largest producer of Coca-Cola products. Mr. Johnston, a third-generation Coke pioneer, was the grandson of James F. Johnston, who, in 1899, established the world’s first Coca-Cola bottling franchise in the city of Chattanooga.
· Karr Family Scholarship – Bryan College alumnus Dr. Gerald L. Karr established the R.W. Karr Scholarship in 1987 in honor of the faithful Christian testimony of his father, Mr. Raymond W. Karr, a 1957 graduate of Bryan College. This scholarship provides assistance to students who are pursuing a course of study within the Division of Natural Science. The scholarship is renewable (maximum of four years) as long as the recipient maintains a cumulative GPA of at least 3.4.
· Lizzie Reis‑Orin A. Keach Educational Fund – Established in 1965 by the Covenant United Presbyterian Church of Akron, Ohio, for students planning to enter a Christian vocation. Preference is given to the sons and daughters of the Covenant Church.
· John D. Lawson Memorial Scholarship Fund – An endowed scholarship has been established by Dr. and Mrs. Robert W. Spoede in memory of their friend, Mr. John D. Lawson, to assist a deserving Bryan College student who is preparing for vocational Christian ministry. The College’s Director of Financial Aid will award the scholarship to a student who has documented need of financial assistance. The recipient is expected to help meet his/her educational expenses from personal funds and through participation in the student work program of the College. Rev. John D. Lawson, Sr. pastored the Church of Jesus in Cranston, Rhode Island, from 1960 to 1996. He was a master carpenter, musician, and singer. Throughout his life he consistently modeled the gracious attributes of Jesus in a most practical way. He touched the lives of his congregation and all those with whom he came in contact. As a lieutenant at the Adult Correctional Institution of Rhode Island (ACI) for eighteen years, he was instrumental in revitalizing the ACI’s Prison Ministries. Pastor Lawson, or “Big John” as some referred to him, was loved by all who knew him. Although he stood six feet and six inches tall, he was a very soft-spoken, gentle man. His heart’s desire was to lift up the fallen and the less fortunate, and to be a servant to all.
· John Graves LeDu Scholarship – A bequest from the estate of Mrs. Emily LeDu established this scholarship in 1985 as a memorial to her son, John Graves LeDu. Mrs. LeDu was a long‑time school teacher in Rhea County, Tennessee. This endowed scholarship provides assistance to worthy students who are natives of Rhea County.
· Paul Long Art Scholarship – Established by local artist Paul J. Long of Lenoir City, TN. Preference is given to a needy student with artistic ability.
· Charles Poindexter Mabry Memorial Scholarship Fund – The Charles Poindexter Mabry Scholarship is an endowed scholarship, established by his daughter, Claire M. Holland, in his honor. Charles Mabry was an attorney and distinguished businessman whose career centered in Hickman, Kentucky. While a student at the University of Kentucky, Mr. Mabry was acquainted with Herb and Sue Hicks and John Thomas Scopes. Mr. Mabry’s daughter, Mrs. Holland, in her desire to support deserving students who will further the kingdom of God, established this endowed fund, with preference given to students from the Community Bible Church of Nashville, Tennessee, and secondary preference given to students from Middle Tennessee and/or Western Kentucky.
· R. Kent and Margie B. Mann Scholarship – This endowed scholarship was established in 1996 by Christian businessman Kent Mann and his wife and business partner Margie Beikert Mann. They met as classmates at Bryan and established a faithful Christian testimony as servants of Christ and business partners in Mebane, North Carolina. The scholarship provides assistance to students who are pursuing a course of study within the Christian, Humanities, or Natural Science divisions. The recipients are expected to have attained a GPA of at least 2.25 during the previous academic year and be participants in the work-study program, with a demonstrated financial need.
· Robert D. Marston Scholarship – This endowed scholarship was established in 1991 by Mrs. Jane A. Marston in memory of her husband, Mr. Robert D. Marston, Bryan College Librarian from 1950 to 1958. The scholarship is awarded to a deserving, continuing student who has a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and is a participant in the College work‑study program.
· Mathematics Scholarship – This endowed scholarship is awarded annually to a student pursuing a degree in mathematics or computer science. The recipient must have achieved a GPA of 3.0 in the previous year or for an entering freshman, must have a score of 25 or better on the ACT.
· Paul McCarthy Scholarship – Established in 1983, this scholarship is awarded to a Computer Science major in memory of Paul McCarthy, a 1978 Bryan College graduate, who was a computer programmer with Phillips Petroleum Company of Bartlesville, OK at the time of his death. Support for this grant is derived, in part, from an endowment of memorial gifts received from family and friends.
· Catherine McDonald Communication Scholarship – This endowed scholarship was established in honor of Catherine McDonald in 1990 by family and friends. It is awarded to a student pursuing a Communication Studies major and is based on academic merit and progress. Recipient must have achieved a GPA of at least 3.0 during the previous academic year.
· Nannie Ketner McDonald Education Scholarship – This endowed scholarship was established in memory of Nannie Ketner McDonald in 1990 by family and friends. It is awarded to a student pursuing an Education major and is based on academic merit and progress. Recipient must have achieved a GPA of at least 3.0 during the previous academic year.
· Joe Medlin Servant’s Heart Scholarship – Established by family members in 1994 in honor of Joe Medlin, who lived a life of service to others. It is awarded to international students who seek to minister in their native lands with servants’ hearts.
· Theodore C. Mercer Scholarship – This endowed scholarship was established in 1986 to honor the late Dr. Theodore C. Mercer, who served as Bryan College’s fourth president from 1956‑1986. The recipient must be a member of “The Triangle” staff.
· Doris Morgan Scholarship – Established in 1984 by friends and colleagues in memory of her dedication and commitment to the education of children. Doris Morgan (Mrs. Archie Morgan), a 1962 Bryan College graduate, was a teacher in Rhea County (TN) for many years. Recipient must be an Elementary Education major from the local area. Scholarship is renewable for a maximum of four years as long as the recipient meets the requirements of the College’s Department of Education.
· Rachel Morgan Patron Award – Established in honor of Mrs. Rachel Ross Morgan who was director of the Bryan College theatre program for 21 years (1972-1993). Funds for the award come from the annual Hilltop Player Patron/Benefactor program and can be up to $1200 for the year. The student who receives the award must be a returning student who is majoring in “theatre” (either in Communication Studies/Theatre or Music/Musical Theatre) and has a minimum GPA of 3.0 in his/her major classes. The recipient should display a Christ-like attitude, reflect Biblical values, and will have displayed leadership qualities in advancing the theatre program at Bryan College. It is required that the recipient participate in at least one theatrical production during each semester. If this requirement is not fulfilled, he/she may lose the remainder of the Award and it will be reassigned to another qualified candidate.
· Al Page Memorial Scholarship – Christian businessman Mr. Albert J. Page served as a trustee of Bryan College from 1970‑1992, including ten years as Chairman of the College’s Board of Trustees. The scholarship was established in 1993 in memory of Mr. Page and in honor of his service to the College. Awarded to a student pursuing a Business major, it focuses on the two‑fold Christian perspective of ethics in business and evangelism through business.
· Lawrence E. & Lillian C. Payne Scholarship – This endowed scholarship was established by Mrs. Lillian C. Payne of Horseheads, NY, in 1993, and is awarded to a student pursuing a Biblical Studies major. Selection is based upon academic merit (maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0), personal progress, and potential for career Christian ministry.
· D.B. Rice Scholarship – Established in 1965 as a result of a bequest to Bryan College by the late Dr. D.B. Rice of Rock Island, TN. Recipients must be pursuing a minor in Biblical Studies or Christian Ministry and must be planning a career of vocational Christian service. Awards are renewable for a maximum of four years.
· Anna C. Robinson Memorial Scholarship – This endowed scholarship was established by her husband, Charles H. Robinson to memorialize her lifetime of service to Christ. It is awarded to worthy students with majors in either Biblical Studies or Christian Ministry who are called to serve the Lord in church related ministry.
· Dwight W. Ryther Memorial Scholarship – This endowed scholarship was established in 1995 in memory of Dean Ryther (as he was better known by his students) through gifts from Bryan College alumni. In recognition of Dean Ryther's 23 years of faithful service in the ministry of Bryan College, this scholarship is awarded to children and grandchildren of Bryan College alumni.
· Frank J. Schmickl Mathematics Scholarship – Awarded for the sophomore year to the Mathematics major with the highest academic standing. Recipient must demonstrate a love for Christ in Christian service and attain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, both overall and in mathematics.
· Virginia M. Schmickl Music Scholarship – Awarded for the sophomore year to the Music major with the highest academic standing. Recipient must demonstrate a love for Christ in Christian service and attain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, both overall and in music.
· Harry V. Schnabel, Jr. Missionary Scholarship – The Harry V. Schnabel, Jr. scholarship endowment fund has been established to assist the children of missionaries and/or staff of Christian agencies through the awarding of $1000 annual grants. Mr. Schnabel was a man of consistent Christian testimony. His professional career was one marked by innovation, reflected in the several patents he has authored. Most notably, he was known as the nation’s leading innovator, promoter, designer, and builder of structures supported by earth tieback walls, which have been applied to thousands of construction projects around the world.
· Rosabel F. Senter Scholarship – Established in 2007 by Nick F. Senter in memory of his mother. Rosabel F. Senter. Preference is to be given to deserving athletes with demonstrated financial need.
· Sneed Soccer Scholarship – Given to a female student who is a committed follower of Jesus Christ and who demonstrates a Christ-like attitude of serving others in all she does. She should also demonstrate excellence in soccer through an attitude of hard work and skill development and be committed to glorifying God through playing soccer at Bryan College. This student should also maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 within a four (4) point system.
· Charles A. and Theda F. Thomas Biblical Studies Scholarship – Established in memory of Betty Boaz Thomas and Graham Snow, and in honor of the C. Harris Freeland and Clarence L. Thomas families. The scholarship is awarded by the Christian Studies Division to a student with potential for a career in Christian ministry. The recipient must evidence a GPA of at least 3.0.
· Ralph E. & Rebecca H. Toliver MK Scholarship – This endowed scholarship was established in 1990 on the occasion of the Toliver’s 50th wedding anniversary. Ralph and Rebecca Toliver, the first Bryan College alumni to become missionaries, are 1937 and 1938 graduates of the College. Awarded to a student whose parents are overseas career missionaries.
· Urban Leadership Scholarship – In 1999, a group of businessmen in greater Chattanooga, Tennessee, formed a partnership. These men were motivated by a shared vision for helping young people from the inner city gain access to Christian education. They have developed an endowed fund, which distributes an annual scholarship. Awareness of the program is enhanced through the assistance of leaders in the urban community of greater Chattanooga and beyond.
· Fred and Dot Wagoner Scholarship – Fred and Dot Wagoner are co-owners and operators of Fraser Knoll Farm in the mountains of North Carolina (Laurel Springs) where they raise Fraser Fir Christmas trees and sell supplies and equipment for the Christmas tree trade. Fred is a retired 4-H Club specialist with North Carolina State University. Dot is a former Extension Agent and teacher of Home Economics. Mr. and Mrs. Wagoner established this endowed scholarship in February 2001. The Wagoners have had a long history with Bryan College as several members of their extended family attended Bryan and they personally participated in conferences hosted by the College. This scholarship provides assistance to students who are pursuing a course of study within the Christian Studies or Natural Science divisions. Entering freshmen may be eligible to receive the Wagoner scholarship and retain that scholarship through their course of study at Bryan College by maintaining a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. The recipients are selected based on a clear Christian commitment, a commitment to academic excellence, and demonstrated financial need.
· Holland M. Ware Presidential Scholarships – The Holland M. Ware Presidential Scholarships are endowed scholarships established in honor of Mr. Ware. Presidential Scholarships are the most prestigious awards made through Bryan’s academic scholarship program.
· Weir Scholarship – The Weir Scholarships are endowed scholarships established in honor of Will and C.C. Weir. Weir Scholarships are given to lower East Tennessee high school graduates who enter Bryan College as a freshman or sophomore.
· Jonathan Matthew Wilhoite Scholarship – This scholarship was established in memory and honor of Matt Wilhoite. Matt was a freshman at Bryan College when his life was suddenly and tragically ended as the result of a car accident on November 5, 2004. Matt was a fine student, incredible athlete, a fierce competitor, and a tremendous ambassador for his Lord and Savior. Preference is to be given to deserving athletes with demonstrated financial need and a 3.0 GPA.
· Warren and Karyn Wells Scholarship – This endowed scholarship was established in 1995 by Mr. and Mrs. Warren Wells of Traverse City, MI. The scholarship is awarded to a deserving student who has a cumulative GPA of at least 2.25 and is a participant in the College work‑study program.