Bryan College Opportunity Scholarship Program Dinner
On April 11, Bryan College hosted its annual Bryan Opportunity Scholarship Program Dinner in the Portman Ballroom of the Westin Chattanooga. The Opportunity Scholarship Program is designed to make a private, Christian education at Bryan College accessible to academically qualified Tennessee residents who demonstrate significant financial need. Thirty students currently receive funds through the program, and their average household income amounts to $23,096.
Attendees had the opportunity to hear from two scholarship students this year, seniors Fisher Heil and Hosanna Baker. Fisher grew up as a missionary kid in South America and spoke about often feeling out of place and struggling to find belonging. Hosanna shared about growing up with an abusive father while living in a camper truck before her mother fled to Tennessee with her and her siblings. Both students expressed how much the opportunity to attend Bryan has meant to them and how the people at Bryan have influenced their lives. “I frequently get asked my favorite thing about Bryan,” said Hosanna. “It's the same answer every time: the people.”
After dinner, Alicia Williamson Garcia and the Bryan College Chorale presented a powerful concert of worship music. Alicia has a legacy connection to Bryan through her mentor, Kay Arthur, who was mentored by Irving Jensen, professor of Bible at Bryan College in the 1970s and 80s. Her son, Michael “Keeko” Garcia is a 2023 alumnus, and Alicia now serves as the chair of the Performing Arts Advisory Board. Alicia and the Bryan Chorale gave a powerful performance, leading attendees to praise Christ above all.
By the end of the evening, $282,734.03 was raised for the Bryan Opportunity Scholarship Program. “The dinner was an incredible evening to focus on the people whose lives are touched by this scholarship and on how those dollars are given to Bryan to impact those lives,” said Vice President of Advancement David Holcomb ’94. “The generosity of our donors is a vehicle to educational, emotional, and spiritual growth in the lives of our students.” Bryan College is grateful for our sponsors and donors who are aiding us in educating students like Fisher and Hosanna to become servants of Christ to make a difference in today’s world.