/ Center for Ministry Studies

Lilly Scholars

This program recognizes some of the best and brightest students that Hope College has to offer for the future leadership of the church and the academy.

Hope staff and faculty nominate students who might be considering attending a theological seminary or similar graduate program in theology or religion. Perhaps you've discerned a call to ministry, or you're just vaguely considering the possibility, or maybe the thought has never even crossed your mind. If nominated, at least one Hope staff or faculty member thinks that you have shown evidence of certain gifts for graduate study in this area.

Participation in this program is often limited to juniors and seniors and may qualify you for scholarship assistance as part of your financial aid package.

  • A group of eight students sitting in a cozy room with wooden walls and large windows, engaged in a discussion around a circular table.
  • A group of seven smiling people, including students and a faculty member, standing closely together in a warmly lit room with wall decor that includes framed pictures and crossed skis.
  • A group of students seated around a large table in a library, engaged in discussion and taking notes, with bookshelves filled with books in the background.
  • A group of ten college students and faculty members standing on a staircase inside a building, smiling at the camera.
  • A group of six students, seated around a dining table in a warmly lit room with wooden walls. They appear to be engaged in conversation. The table is set with glassware, plates, and cutlery. A painting of a mountain landscape hangs on the wall behind them.
  • A group of smiling students and a faculty member stand together indoors, posing for a photo. The room is decorated with framed pictures and a pair of wooden skis mounted on the wall above them.
Nominations from Faculty and Staff

Please nominate students that have an interest (or evidence of gifts) in further education in ministry, seminary or a Christian-focused graduate program.

Nominate students  

Students Nominated

If you are nominated, you will be invited to apply by e-mail. If you have a desire to be nominated, please express your interest to a Hope faculty or staff member.

Students are selected to become Lilly Scholars if they have a strong GPA (3.6 is the normal cutoff) and at least some interest in the possibility of pursuing graduate work in theology, ministry or a related field. This work can be at a theological seminary, a university divinity school or in other kinds of graduate programs.

Students selected attend the Lilly Scholars Seminar, which meets one or two times per month throughout the academic year, usually over a provided meal. Students will be expected to do a very small amount of reading in preparation for these events. At these gatherings, students will discuss topics related to theology and ministry.

Current Lilly Scholars

Check Hope’s campus calendar to find the date of your next dinner discussion. 

Certificates will be presented at Honors Convocation in April at the conclusion of your active year as a Lilly Scholar

Advisor: Dr. Andy McCoy

Questions? Contact cms@hope.edu or mccoya@hope.edu

The Lilly Scholars program was an initiative of The CrossRoads Project, Hope College's program for the theological exploration of vocation, funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

Hope CollegeCenter for Ministry Studies

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