Corban University Announces $1.5 Million Endowed Scholarship to Support Students Preparing for Fulltime Ministry
Corban University has announced a new $1.5 million endowed scholarship commitment to support undergraduate students pursuing careers in full-time Christian ministry. Established through a generous gift from Deanna Gardiner-Garcia, a Corban alumna, and her husband, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, the Glenn and Karen Gardiner Scholarship Fund will help make a Christ-centered college education more accessible for students preparing to serve as pastors, missionaries, and leaders in parachurch organizations.
The scholarship honors Gardiner-Garcia’s brother-in-law, the late Glenn Gardiner, and his wife, Karen, both Corban alumni who dedicated their lives to Christian service. For Gardiner- Garcia, the gift represents an opportunity to celebrate their legacy while investing in students who desire to pursue fulltime ministry, continuing the impact of a Corban education that helped shape her own faith and calling.
“Corban made such a difference in my life,” Gardiner-Garcia said. “It gave me the foundation, the anchor for my faith and for wanting to live my life for Jesus.”
Gardiner-Garcia, an owner and partner at Lester, Roach & Gardiner in Watsonville, California, recalled witnessing the financial challenges faced by fellow students who felt called to Christian ministry. Her desire to alleviate those burdens, combined with Corban’s continued commitment to biblical truth, helped inspire the scholarship.
“I remember friends at Corban who had such a hard time financially even though they wanted to serve the Lord,” she said. “The finances were such an issue for them.”
The Glenn and Karen Gardiner Scholarship Fund will provide financial assistance to undergraduate students who are majoring in ministry or intend to pursue careers in full-time Christian service.
For Corban University President Dr. John Mark Yeats, the scholarship represents a significant investment in the University’s mission to educate Christians who will make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ.
“This new endowed scholarship enables students to pursue roles that are marked by service without being encumbered by debt,” Yeats said.
The $1.5 million commitment will be funded through a charitable remainder unitrust established for the benefit of Corban University, creating a lasting source of financial support for students from families dedicated to Christian ministry.
For Gardiner-Garcia, the decision to give reflects her desire to invest in a mission with an impact extending well beyond the classroom.
“The mission of Corban is to educate Christians who will make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ,” she said. “What could be more important than that?”
