On Tuesday, April 13, SMU hosted a one-day fundraising event seeking support for causes submitted by students, staff, and faculty members. Perkins sought to fund the following five projects:
- The Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program, which was founded in 1974 to prepare church leaders for effective ministry in Spanish-speaking and bilingual contexts and cultures. The program remains committed to recruiting, preparing and providing continuing education for people in ministry with Hispanics/Latin@. It is at the heart of Perkins School of Theology’s leadership as a vibrant center of Hispanic/Latin@ theological thought and writing and a vital advocate before the general church with and on behalf of Hispanic/Latin@ congregations and ministries.
The Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program offers pastors and laity its short-term, intensive training programs through the Course of Study School in Spanish (Curso de Estudio); the United Methodist Local Pastors Licensing School in Spanish (Escuela de Licencia); and continuing education events, symposia, consultations and lectures.
- Global Theological Education, specifically the Virtual Visiting Professor program. Through this program, Perkins School of Theology provides high quality teaching resources to underserved theological schools in Africa, Asia and Europe. To meet this goal we seek out theologians, church leaders and community developers, particularly those in the global south, who are offering all of us new and deeper insights into the ways that God is active in our world. We video their short lectures, then make them available in a package with readings, discussion questions and learning outcomes on our Virtual Visiting Professor website.
- Student Life, and their campaign for a water bottle filling station. The capable student leadership of the Perkins Student Association suggested funding a water bottle filling station here in our community. They hope to make this vision a reality for our student community and all other individuals who come to Perkins for classes, continuing education, reunions or peaceful walks on our beautiful Habito Labyrinth. This technology would promote safe and healthy hydration, reduce the environmental impact of disposable plastic water bottles and help our students save money on bottled water.
- Perkins Scholarships and Financial Aid. Scholarships are essential to attract and retain gifted students pursuing ministry training in both parish and nonprofit arenas. Gifts that support student scholarships help alleviate a student’s financial burden and make it possible to attend seminary without the fear of accruing debt.
- The SMU Fund for Perkins School of Theology, also known as the Dean’s discretionary fund. This helps SMU’s theological students in real time and in a variety of ways. Covering everything from research grants to community projects, the SMU Fund for Perkins is adaptable, current-use funding that allows the school to meet needs and solve problems as they arise. Previous projects supported by this fund include scholarship support, marketing research and unexpected expenses.
All of these projects can continue to receive donations. I am especially concerned that we fund the student-led project to install a water bottle filling station in one of Perkins’ buildings. This is a tangible goal with immediate impact on the students of Perkins School of Theology. Will you help us finish that project?
YEAR END GIVING
SMU/Perkins’ fiscal year ends on May 31. If you have not joined the many alumni and friends who have given in the ‘20-‘21 school year, now would be an ideal time.
You can either go online at https://giving.smu.edu/schools-areas/perkins/ or mail a check to:
John A. Martin
Perkins Development
PO Box 750133
Dallas, TX 75275-0133