Gifts that help Students

John Magnuson, Thomas Chalmers Scholar

A 2005 alum of Pittsburgh Seminary’s Miller Summer Youth Institute, John has been serious about theological study since high school. During his time at SYI, he recognized that the professors at PTS motivated, challenged, and encouraged him spiritually. “The faculty respected us and taught us well,” John says. Now as a full-time student at PTS, John’s gifts for ministry have been tangibly recognized. He received a Thomas Chalmers Scholarship and a James Purdy Scholarship for his academically excellent work. Both scholarships helped John obtain a high-quality theological education without incurring overburdening financial debt. 

Valerie Parm, NIA Chaplain

Val Parm enrolled at PTS at the encouragement of her pastor, who affirmed her gift of teaching. Here Val has combined her passions for theological education and social justice through a World Mission Initiative trip to Ghana. The group partnered with the Evangelical Presbyterian Seminary in Peki, Ghana, and participated in the first Annual Mission Conference hosted by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. “This was one of the most powerful events of my life,” says Val. “Together we gained a deeper knowledge about the Great Commission and God’s plan for the good news of the gospel to reach all nations.”

Will Jackson, master of divinity student

For Will Jackson, art is a way to convey deep thoughts and concepts, to “reflect the ways in which God creates and shapes us.” Will sees the process involved in the Japanese art form of Bonsai as a parallel. “In Bonsai, a tree’s foliage has to be cut back to shape it into the form envisioned by its creator. Sometimes God needs to cut from our lives things that get in the way of the masterpiece He is creating. Sharing my art inspires me to explore how I can proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.” By rendering redemptive images in place of ones that divert our affections from God, Will faithfully bridges the Word and the world.

Erica McIlroy, master of arts student

Practicing attorney Erica McIlroy has dedicated countless hours to pro bono immigration law. She helps refugees come to America and helps asylees stay in the U.S. because of persecution in their homelands. As a member of PTS’s Peace and Justice Fellowship, Erica serves in the nearby East End Cooperative Ministries soup kitchen and helps coordinate a weekly community prayer group focusing on urban violence. After graduating, Erica plans to continue working in the area of immigration law. “I look at my job as a ministry, because through it I help to better peoples’ lives.”

Giving to PTS in honor or memory of someone dear to you can lend even deeper meaning to your gift by extending the work and life of your loved one through a student committed to bridging Christ, the Word, and the world today. Current PTS tribute gift opportunities include new endowed scholarships honoring the Rev. Dr. Robert L. Kelley '51 and the Rev. George Tutwiler, and gifts in memory of Dr. Glendora Paul '68 and the Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Polley ’54/’59/’75.

Donate online now. 

Average full-time master’s cost of attendance     
$130/day
$29,770/year