Seminary "Road Trip" Grants

Introduction

The Lilly Project for the Theological, Spiritual and Ethical Exploration of Vocation is a university-wide program dedicated to helping students to engage the larger questions of meaning and purpose, and to discern their vocation -- their calling in life. Funded by a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the Lilly Project is embedded in the intellectual and residential life of the university, offering opportunities for members of the community to consider issues of vocation, service, meaning-making and life choices through a variety of academic and co-curricular programs.

Vocation, as we are using it in the context of the Lilly Project at Willamette, does not mean strictly religious vocations; neither does it refer to building a skilled workforce. Rather, it means the way in which we live out our passions in the world, the way in which our values, our commitments and our beliefs are embodied in our choices about work, about family, about our political and social lives. Exploring vocation means talking about engaging the larger questions of meaning and purpose, questions that, we hope, inform students’ decisions and shape their lives, both during their time here and after graduation. We are talking about vocation in the context of a liberal arts education, one that opens up choices and options, one that teaches students how to think critically, inquire freely, lead wisely, serve generously and live with integrity.

Seminary “Team Road Trip”

Students who are considering graduate studies in theology or religion may, as a team or as individuals, apply for funding to underwrite the costs of travel to visit (in teams of 2 or more) accredited graduate schools and seminaries that interest them. The Lilly Project at Willamette will provide a travel stipend of up to $2500 per team for the costs of travel, food and lodging. There are two stipends available each year.

Application Process

Students will be asked to apply for funding as a group or individually by submitting an application form* and writing a statement to the Lilly Advisory Board, indicating:

Which schools they wish to visit, and why.
Estimated costs for the trip.

Applicants are expected to meet with the Associate Chaplain or the Chaplain before submitting a proposal.

Criteria for selection of teams or individuals will include:

Quality of the statement
Class priority (seniors first, then juniors, etc.)
Priority will be given to teams which include a range of seminaries

Students are expected to visit schools while seminary classes are in session, but not during organized student preview programs. A worksheet will be provided for each team to aid in reflection of their experiences of each school (e.g., questions about campus life, worship, demographics, etc). A full report will be required of each team and will be held on file in the Vocation section of the library for the Office of the Chaplains. Each team will also be responsible for a full accounting of trip expenses.

Students wishing to pursue this opportunity are encouraged to consult with the Office of the Chaplains or the Religious Studies Department.

*The form necessary for this application requires Microsoft Word. If you do not have access to Microsoft Word, please contact the Office of the Chaplains to have a copy of the form mailed to you.