Each year, Perkins has a number of special events that raise awareness and money for specific needs. The Perkins Scholarship Luncheon is held each February to raise money for student scholarships.
This year’s luncheon will feature New York Times columnist and best-selling author David Brooks, whose remarks will relate to his most recent book, The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life. A few table sponsorships remain. Check with me (johnma@smu.edu) and I will direct you to the registration site.
This is an important event in the yearly calendar of Perkins. Not only is the luncheon an intellectually stimulating event, but it also raises money to support students.
We all know that education is important, but there are some sobering facts that have emerged:
- Average student loan debt for the American class of recent college graduates was $39,400, up six percent from the previous year.
- Americans owe more than $1.5 trillion in student loan debt, spread out over 44 million borrowers. That’s about $620 billion more than the total U.S. credit card debt.
Most graduates of Perkins, or any theological seminary, do not enter into lucrative careers. The type of education we offer is expensive because it is personal, intensive and comprehensive. In spite of that, we do not want our graduates to be saddled with overwhelming debt. That is why events like the Perkins Scholarship Luncheon are so important.
As always, I ask for your help in funding affordable theological education for our Perkins students. Visit our website here (smu.edu/givetoperkins) to make your contribution today. Why not decide to make your gift recurring, either monthly, quarterly or yearly?
December is a good time to make sure you have contributed to the charitable causes that are especially close to your values. Remember, if your donation is sent by mail, it must be postmarked by December 31 to count in the 2019 tax year. If you are giving online, the gift must be received by that date.
Your gifts help to provide leadership for the church and society for years to come as graduates finish their courses of study and enter into productive service. Thank you for your part in their education.
With a thankful heart,
John A. Martin
Director of Development