The Difference One Grant Makes

PerryCoChristmas
Samford student Melinda Toole visits with children at a Christmas party for Perry county youngsters.

In December 2002, Samford University, through the generous grant of the Lilly Endowment Inc., established Samford In Mission (SIM).   This grant sought to "exemplify the faith journey from critical, theological reflection on mission to compassionate and liberating service in the world."  Today, the components of reflection, mission (vocation), and service, remain central to both Samford's mission and the purpose of SIM.

Over the life of the grant, theological reflection has been incorporated into a wide range of campus activities including Shiloh worship services, Hurricane Katrina relief trips, Care is Calling workshops, and Faculty Retreats.

"We believe," says Dr. Nancy Biggio, Director of Samford in Mission, "that SIM has impacted every student on campus in addition to Samford faculty and staff, and, through its many programs, members of the community and other institutions."  Through direct outreach, SIM has engaged students in theological exploration of vocation in events ranging from weekly cadres to service learning in upper level courses.   

 

 

SIM has sponsored faculty development programs that encourage faculty to bring their faith into vocational practice.  Through the Vocation and Mission Grant program, faculty grant fund activities have created ongoing academic experiences that engage students in theological reflection of vocation and clarify a sense of life's mission through activities of service and work.  Through this program, SIM has given special priority to courses and programs that directly impact two underserved areas with which Samford has historic connections: rural Perry County, Alabama, and inner-city Birmingham.

Reprinted from the summer 2006 issue of Seasons, the following articles reflect the differences one grant makes in the lives of students, faculty and communities in need.

 

 

Student-built Ramps Make Elderly More Mobile
Two elderly Perry County residents are now much more mobile... more

Grant Funding Enables Student to Put Calling into Action
Grant monies have enabled students like Samford junior Vikki Willis to put... see more