Through generous support from the North Pacific Union Conference, Walla Walla University (WWU) is continuing to offer NextGen Scholarships, which combine with other funding sources to ensure that this year’s new theology and education students have 100 percent of their tuition covered. After Walla Walla University launched the innovative NextGen Pastor and NextGen Teacher scholarships in 2022, more than 35 new theology and education students were able to pursue their college goals. Jeremiah Cruz is one of them.

Cruz, a freshman theology major, grew up with a gift for speaking and a passion for God but faced unique barriers during his childhood, including a rare condition requiring him to undergo surgery every six months between the ages of two and 15.

As a young person, Cruz considered a few career paths before realizing his calling. Cruz credits his father with helping him connect his speaking ability with his love for God. When his father invited him to preach, Cruz felt God speaking to and through him. He knew preaching was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life and began looking for a way to answer the call.

A year before coming to WWU as a freshman, Cruz had no idea the university existed. He was enrolled at Andrews University with a down payment submitted and a roommate assigned before it became evident that finances would not allow him to pursue higher education there. After considering community college options, Cruz recalled his father praying, “Lord, how is it so hard for my son to serve?” Two days later, a local pastor’s wife sent the family a link about the NextGen Pastor scholarship offered at WWU.

A rush of adrenaline hit Cruz when he learned he had won the scholarship just one month before WWU’s fall 2022 term began. Shortly after, he called Carl Cosaert, dean of the School of Theology and professor of biblical studies and realized it would be possible to attend WWU. Cruz remembers his parents listening to the call at his door and shedding tears of gratitude.

According to Cruz, attending WWU has renewed the fire inside him to serve, and he has a difficult time imagining himself anywhere else. His foremost goal is to develop his relationship with Christ as a friend and Savior. He believes this relationship will aid him in every other aspect of his life, including pursuing pastoral ministry. Cruz mentioned a verse that inspired him: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33, ESV).

Funding has been renewed this year to make $1 million in support available to the next generation of pastors and teachers enrolling as first-time freshmen during the 2023-24 school year.

If you have questions, email student.financials@wallawalla.edu.

~Kelsi Nash is Walla Walla University's University Relations supervisor.