Iona George Fund for Scholarship in Early Church History

Early Church Research (A One-Year Annually Granted Scholarship):
Annually, WU shall grant a one-year scholarship to support student research of early Christian Church history for the period spanning from Christ’s death and through the first 500 years of the early Christian movement, with particular interest given to the pre-Nicaean period of the Church. The research, regardless of topic, will reflect on the role of Christianity in the creation, preservation, or sustaining of the sense of community in the emerging Christian Church.

This scholarship is available to undergraduates of at least junior year rank as well as graduate students, including graduate assistants. The overarching goal is to develop a library of scholarly research related to improving the understanding of the first 500 years of the Christian church. The candidate will study and write about the early history of the Christian church. A thesis of 30+ pages of writing will be submitted and a presentation to the University community will be given based on your work.

Candidates must submit a research proposal for review and consideration. The scholarship recipient will be mentored by a member of the selection committee, who will also help in the development and review of the research paper. (This is not a class, but will require you to spend significant time over the summer, during breaks and in your schedule to complete research and writing on your proposed topic). For this work, you will receive a full tuition scholarship at Waynesburg University.

The current committee consists of:
- Mr. Josh Sumpter, Assistant Professor of Biblical & Ministry Studies
- Dr. William Batchelder, Associate Professor of History
- Rev. Dr. Karen Younger, Associate Professor of History
- Rev. Dr. Lawrence Stratton, Associate Professor of Constitutional Law & Ethics
- Mr. Greg Halvatzis, Chair of Board of Trustees - Waynesburg University

Applicant Name: Applicant Name: First Last
Applicant Email:
Current Year at Waynesburg University:
Expected Graduation Date:
The "Iona George Scholarship" will require you to do extensive work beyond your courses at Waynesburg University - To read, study, research, write, and present on your research. Describe your ability to balance your schedule and how you will be able to commit to this project.
What is your interest in early Christian history?
Research Proposal: Please provide a brief research question, proposal idea or general area of interest that you would like to explore. The "Iona George Scholarship" committee can meet with you to explore potential research ideas, topics and questions.

Examples:
The goal of this work is to improve your (and others) understanding of the first 400 years of the Christian Church. For example, the research might study the human need leading to the establishment of Christianity and the leadership skills needed to sustain our belief.

The research might include a study of the values key to sustaining Christianity (or various Christian groups) in the first four centuries.

The research might include a study of a particular individual and key theological contributions made by the individual.

The research might study how, in these early centuries, the value systems of competing Christian sects are similar and different.

The research might expound on how needs of society for Christianity in the first four centuries were similar to or different from Christian needs today.
Is there a WU faculty member that could serve as a reference regarding your scholarship, research and writing skills?