Receiving a scholarship or award at Trinity Western leads to significant life change, not only for the student recipients themselves, but moreover, for the people and places of influence into which those graduates are called.
Celebrating worldwide impact
Every year, TWU celebrates the life changes and global impact that our donors’ generosity has sparked.
TWU’s annual Legacy Luncheon is an especially meaningful event where scholarship recipients meet those who have invested into their lives. Each year, over two hundred attendees comprised of students, donors, staff and faculty members come together over a shared meal. They enjoy musical performances, receive remarks by special guests, and hear the stories of how giving financially at TWU multiplies blessings worldwide.
Finding hope and a path forward
This year’s Legacy Luncheon was held on October 26 at the Langley campus in the Trinity Commons. Among several award recipients who shared their story is Starry, a third-year biotechnology major.
Starry began her remarks by voicing the heartfelt gratitude of many student recipients.
“Thank you for being here today and for your incredible support,” she said, addressing the donor community. “I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the impact you’ve made on my journey.”
Starry had moved with her family from Seoul, South Korea to Nelson, B.C. several years ago. Due to a family member’s chronic illness, Starry and her family endured many years of constant hospital visits, during which they had many encounters with doctors and medical staff.
Overcoming challenges
Those years were not easy; and at times, Starry and her family met doctors who failed to show care and compassion in moments of suffering. It left Starry feeling deeply discouraged and yet resolute to make a difference.
“I promised myself that if I were to ever become a doctor, I would do it very differently,” Starry shared.
When a pastor from Starry’s church introduced her to Trinity Western University, Starry felt a deep desire to attend but was faced with the challenge of affording tuition at a private Christian university. She prayed for guidance and clarity, and soon received good news from a TWU financial aid counsellor—Starry would be awarded multiple scholarship awards.
“To be quite honest, I am not sure if I would be here today, attending this University, if it wasn’t for the blessings that God poured out through the generosity of each and every person in this room,” Starry expressed to TWU’s supportive community.
Giving back in community
Now a student at TWU, Starry is already giving back by using her abilities to serve the student body, all the while growing in her knowledge of the sciences and preparing herself for a career as a medical doctor.
Speaking of the rich, spiritually and academically formative experiences at TWU, Starry says, “I get to serve on the Chapel team as a vocalist, sharing my gift with others to praise Jesus together, while seeing the wonders of God's complexity through learning biology and chemistry,” she said.
“God revealed to me what it could look like to heal the sick as a means of sharing the Gospel,” Starry continued.
“I am excited about the prospect of engaging in medical missions and carrying forward this calling. I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus and serve compassionately for the kingdom of God.”
Equipped for Christian faith and vocational calling
Starry’s story is just one among many for whom scholarship support has made all the difference in bringing them to TWU to become equipped in their Christian faith and vocational calling, helping graduates launch into the careers and communities where God is sending them.
She affirms the impact of giving as she thanked TWU’s donor community—people who have become partners in the work of God’s kingdom influence:
“Standing here, looking at everyone in this room makes me excited, knowing we’re all a part of one body, supporting one another,” she said. “I am truly grateful for your belief in students like me. Your contributions have not only made my education journey possible but have also inspired me to continue to pursue my calling wholeheartedly. Thank you.”
Trinity Western University wishes to thank everyone who helped to make this year’s Legacy Luncheon a meaningful and memorable event.
Make a difference for future generations through Christian education
Through named scholarships and awards, and by including TWU in their estate plans, donors make a direct and lasting impact on many who are journeying towards pursuing graduate and undergraduate education at TWU—an education that opens doors for graduates, their families, and the communities and societies in which they serve.
To learn more about ways to impact students and future graduates, get in touch with TWU at Giving at TWU.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.
Photo credit: Wendy Lees