New YAC Scholarship Allows Student to Apply Her Learning in the Urban Community

THOUGH BUSY MAJORING in Spanish/Latin American studies, senior Desiree Baker volunteers with Street Youth Ministries, Mexican Medical Ministries, Seattle Pacific University’s Urban Involvement program, and other service organizations in Seattle. She knows her career will involve ministry.

Because of her desire to earn a degree in order to help others, Baker is the first-ever recipient of the new endowed scholarship from the Young Alumni Council (YAC). The YAC Scholarship is funded by young alumni of Seattle Pacific, largely through an annual endowment fund-raising dinner.

This year’s dinner on October 14 carried the theme, “Beyond Nickerson,” symbolizing the spirit of students who take what they learn on campus and apply it to the needs of the community. Pledges and gifts at this year’s dinner helped swell the endowment to more than $20,000.

The YAC Scholarship is particularly designed for students like Baker who, because of the hours they spend in volunteer work and internships, have less time for paying jobs. “One of the great things about getting an education at SPU is that the classroom is not the only place where learning happens,” she says.

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