Waynesburg U. student selected to complete research for scholarship initiative

Waynesburg University student Ross Owens, a junior children and youth ministry major, has been selected as the recipient of the 2024-2025 Iona George Fund for Scholarship in Early Church History at Waynesburg University.

The Iona George Fund for Scholarship in Early Church History was created through a generous donation by Thomas George in honor and in memory of his aunt, Iona George, whose life of faith was a witness and example to him. The scholarship seeks to improve understanding of the first 400 years of the Christian church through research done and collected by Waynesburg University upperclassmen, who will receive the scholarship over the years. In return for research done by the scholarship recipient, the scholarship covers tuition over a 12-month period.

As part of his research, Ross Owens will complete a significant thesis and present his work to faculty members and peers in the spring 2025 semester.

"I am looking forward to supporting Ross Owens in his research and study of Origen of Alexandria," said Josh Sumpter, University Chaplain and assistant professor of biblical and ministry studies. "Ross demonstrates a strong desire to learn and I believe that this work will continue to foster within him a deep love for God, for the scriptures and for Christian history."

"I value learning how Christianity survived under certain circumstances," said Owens. "It was dangerous to be a Christian during Origen's life and he was unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I look forward to studying how he held tightly to the faith under such oppression."