Grebe ’11 Receives Fund for Theological Education Fellowship

William A. Grebe ’11, of Clifton Park, N.Y., received a 2010 Fund for Theological Education (FTE) Undergraduate Fellowship, which recognizes students who have gifts for leadership and are exploring ministry as a vocation. As an FTE Undergraduate Fellow, Grebe will receive $2,000 for tuition, other educational expenses or a self-designed experience related to ministry. He also attended the 2010 FTE Leaders in Ministry Conference at Boston University School of Theology.

“It encouraged ecumenical dialogue, which I think is very important in our very pluralistic world,” says Grebe of the conference.

Grebe is heavily involved in campus ministry at Holy Cross. He is on the Student Advisory Committee for the religious studies department, and a nighttime receptionist at Campion House (home of the Chaplains’ Office). Grebe will be the head liturgical coordinator this upcoming academic year. During the summer of 2008, Grebe interned at St. John’s-St. Ann’s Church in Albany, N.Y., through Holy Cross’ Catholic Ministry Internship Program.

A double major in classics and religious studies in the College Honors Program, he spent the past spring semester in Rome at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies (ICCS).

Grebe is considering graduate school for philosophy of religion or law school.

“I want to find a rewarding occupation for myself where I can give back to the community and work for justice in an effective way,” he says.

Paul F. Covino, associate chaplain at Holy Cross, nominated Grebe for the fellowship award, which is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.

FTE Undergraduate Fellows are selected by a national committee of theological educators and church leaders. Students must be nominated by a professor, school administrator, pastor or campus minister; hold a minimum 3.0 grade point average; have an interest in pastoral ministry and demonstrate leadership in a church or school community.

FTE awards the fellowships to help ensure quality leadership and inclusive excellence in pastoral ministry. Fewer than seven percent of clergy in most denominations today are under age 35, and interest among seminary students in congregational ministry has declined in recent years, underscoring the need for leadership development among students from diverse backgrounds.

“These exceptional students see ministry as a compelling path to serve others, to renew the church and to create change in the world,” said Kim Hearn, director of FTE Ministry Fellowships. “They bring intellect and compassion to community challenges of every type — spiritual, educational, social and economic.”

FTE supports the next generation of leaders among pastors and scholars, annually awarding $1.5 million in fellowships and offering a network of support to gifted young people from all denominations and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Since 1954, FTE has awarded more than 6,000 fellowships; its alumni serve congregations, schools and communities around the world. For more information, visit www.fteleaders.org.

By Lindsey O’Donnell ’13