Seminary celebrates Giving Thanks Day

Thanksgiving at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary is not only October 10 and November 24. “Giving Thanks” day falls between Canadian and US Thanksgiving holidays.

“On or about October 29, the money you have paid in tuition will run out.” Missy Kauffman Schrock, director of development, told students. “Then it is up to people who give generously to AMBS to fund the rest of your year of studies.

“We are celebrating their belief in us, their commitment to theological education” Schrock continued.

Unlike colleges with larger ratios of students to faculty, AMBS relies on tuition for only  one-eighth of the funds needed. This keeps tuition affordable for students preparing for work in the church and church-related agencies. Giving Thanks Day signals the portion of the seminary’s costs funded by donors and encourages students to express gratitude to those who support them.

As students gathered for the celebration on Oct. 19, they were encouraged to say thanks to donors. Students who receive specific scholarships write notes to the donors of those special funds. Other students will write notes to donors who make contributions to general student aid.

Mary E. Klassen / October 2011

Photos:
Top: Jennifer Gingerich and Jessica Schrock-Ringenberg
Bottom: Tom Fleming