Two scholarship endowments inspired by former bishops of the NC Conference continue to provide valuable assistance to students attending Louisburg, Methodist, and NC Wesleyan Colleges each year.
The William R. Cannon Scholarship is a one-year grant which rotates among the three colleges. Blackburn Scholarships can be renewed for up to four years total.
The Cannon endowment was created with a gift from Bishop William R. Cannon in 1984 following his retirement after two terms as bishop of the NC Conference (1968-1972 and 1980-1984). Members and friends in the Conference presented a cash retirement gift to Bishop Cannon, honoring his 44 years in ministry as a pastor, educator, churchman, and bishop. With this gift, Bishop Cannon established the endowment with UMF to provide grants to pre-ministerial students.
The Blackburn endowment was created through gifts of members and friend to the NC Conference in honor of Bishop Robert M. Blackburn (resident bishop of the Conference from 1972-1980) and his wife Mary Jean Blackburn upon Bishop Blackburn’s retirement in 1980.
Students for both scholarships are chosen by the Scholarship Committee of the Commission on Higher Education and Campus Ministry of the NC Conference, upon recommendation of the presidents of the respective colleges. While UMF serves as trustee of both endowments, inquiries and applications for grants should be directed through the Financial Aid Offices at the respective colleges.
Anyone can create a scholarship fund. For more information, contact Rev. Jim Mentzer, Director of Planned Giving, at 800-555-4718 or by e-mail: .