Scholarship Established for Pastoral, Missions Students

November 23, 2010

To honor the Christian heritage established by Rev. Harold and Zelma Whitlock, their family has established an endowed fund to benefit OBU students preparing for Christian ministry.

Harold and Zelma Whitlock, the grandparents of OBU President David Whitlock, served as church planters primarily in Ohio where they introduced hundreds of people to a personal faith in Jesus Christ. The "Rev. Harold and Zelma Whitlock Scholarship" was launched with a pledged gift of $10,000 by their family members. Earnings from the funds, which are invested with the Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma, will provide financial support for the scholarship recipients.

The endowment fund will benefit OBU by providing financial support for students preparing for the pastorate or mission field. Priority will be given to a member of a church affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, a member of an Oklahoma Baptist church and, where possible, to a married student.

"To honor a friend or loved one through the creation of an endowed scholarship is a wonderful way to demonstrate our appreciation for what they have meant to us," said Bill Holley, associate vice president of university advancement. "Students for generations to come may never know the donor or the persons honored, but they will know that through the sacrifice of someone else they have the opportunity to receive a quality education at OBU."

Those interested in contributing to the Rev. Harold and Zelma Whitlock Scholarship may contact Holley at (405) 878-2717 or bill.holley@okbu.edu.