John and Michelle Sharp, parents of M.J. Sharp ’05, accept the Life Service Award on their son’s behalf.
Michael Jesse “M.J.” Sharp ’05 was posthumously honored with EMU’s Life Service Award during the 2017 Homecoming and Family Weekend. Two of his best friends shared reflections during the alumni awards luncheon.
Here’s Keith Grubaugh, from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, talking about what the moment meant to him and why he is giving to the Michael J. Sharp Peace and Justice Endowed Scholarship Fund.
Listening to the other recipients share their experiences at EMU and how those experiences helped shape their lives, I developed a real sense of how EMU has faithfully gone about its mission for the past 100 years. Andy Gingerich and I each had the privilege of reflecting on how we experienced MJ fulfilling what he saw as his calling in life. We also tried to offer insight on why MJ was so special to the world as a peacemaker and how we all are called to play our parts in creating a more peaceful world. Although this was incredibly challenging and emotional, it was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Andy and I were incredibly fortunate to have coffee with several Center for Justice and Peacebuilding students during the weekend. We learned what this program is doing, what kinds of people are enrolled, and how this small, but amazing group of people hope to make the world a brighter place.
Yes, MJ was an incredible person and my best friend, so I’m excited to honor his memory, but meeting these students and learning about this program is what has motivated me to give as I can, as often as I can. I believe we are all called to do our parts in making a difference in the lives of those around us, and I believe that is exactly what we are doing when we support this scholarship. We are helping to prepare a new wave of peacemakers that will come to EMU to learn the skills they need to go back out into the world and pick up the torch that my dear friend was carrying in his own special way. Thank you for considering this scholarship as a part of whatever it is you are able to give.
Each academic year, Eastern Mennonite University gives more than $14 million in financial aid to current undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students. A portion of that aid comes from more than 250 endowed scholarships established and maintained by generous advocates of the EMU experience.
Endowed scholarships can take many forms, supporting students in certain majors, those with specific professional or spiritual goals, or those from different geographic regions, socio-economic statuses, or cultural backgrounds.
Help us provide meaningful and enduring financial assistance to every student seeking a transformative education by establishing an endowed scholarship today!
At the cusp of our second century, the world needs EMU-trained servant leaders now than ever before. Contact one of EMU’s associate directors of development to learn about endowments you might be interested in giving to, or how to set up your own.
Call 540-432-4200 or 800-368-3383
or email devoffice@emu.edu
