Giving the Joy of Graduation

It’s graduation season at colleges, universities, and seminaries across the nation. This milestone is made possible for many Methodist students thanks to the support of UMHEF supporters. Here’s a special message from one such graduate.

Dear Friends,

Like many of you, I have seen the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation change lives. Whether you were once a scholarship recipient or the parent of one, you know a scholarship can lead to new paths and possibilities.

UMHEF scholarships made it possible for me to graduate with an MDiv from Candler School of Theology this Spring. I am one step closer to ordination as an Elder in the United Methodist Church! In her poem “Don’t Hesitate,” Mary Oliver captures what my journey has been like:

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it . . . sometimes something happens better than all the riches or power in the world . . . whatever it is, don’t be afraid of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.

She is right, joy is not a little crumb, but in my story, little crumbs lead to great joy.

Before my studies at Candler, I worked in the corporate world—for the insurance company with the talking lizard. In many ways, it was a good gig, but it increasingly left me feeling empty, while weekend opportunities to serve others or preach filled me with joy. God was placing a trail of breadcrumbs to guide me to an unexpected life of ministry. That meant leaving my secure job and going back to school. UMHEF scholarships were some of the breadcrumbs that pointed me to a new path. They removed some of the overwhelming financial stress and gave me confidence to leap.

Do you remember the excitement and relief of first learning you or your child would receive a scholarship from the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation? Support from the UMHEF community reassured me from the start. And now as I graduate without the debt I would have had, I again feel excited and relieved.

UMHEF scholarships not only impacted my life; they impacted the life of every person I hope to serve over the course of my career. I believe it’s now my turn to pay it forward and give peace of mind to other students preparing for a wide range of careers.

I hope you will join me in giving back to the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. It’s our turn to remove hurdles that limit the opportunity. Your gift today—no matter the size—will help someone leap toward the educational and career path that fills them with the greatest joy.

With joy and gratitude,

Rev. Katie Griffis
Candler School of Theology at Emory University, Class of ’25