Dagne Assefa Memorial Scholarship

Dagne Assefa Memorial Scholarship

The Dagne Assefa Memorial Scholarship was founded in 2022 by friends of Dagne from First Mennonite Church of Indianapolis to support students a Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) as they prepare for ministry and leadership in the church.

In keeping with the intent of the fund, priority consideration may be given to applicants who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• international students committed to pastoral ministry, and
• preference given to People of Color.

All qualified students are eligible to apply and will be considered. When applicants do not meet the preferred criteria, the scholarship may be awarded to other students who demonstrate financial need and alignment with the purposes of the fund.

As of June 30, 2025, the scholarship's market value was $34,757. The earnings are paid out annually to cover approximately 12% of tuition.

AMBS currently has more than 70 international graduate students; more than 30 of whom are Ethiopian students enrolled in MA cohorts through AMBS’s partnership with Meserete Kristos Seminary in Bishoftu/Debre Zeit, Ethiopia.

Support Dagne’s memorial scholarship

Click the big “Give Now!” button to give in U.S. dollars. If you’d like to give in Canadian dollars, click here.

If you prefer to donate by check, please make it payable to “AMBS,” note "Dagne Assefa Scholarship" in the memo line, and mail it to 3003 Benham Ave., Elkhart, IN 46517.

More about Dagne

Those who knew Dagne (MDiv 1984) remember him as a caring, fun-loving person who loved people and community — a lively storyteller with a sly humor, a radiant smile, and a kind, jovial spirit. As a young adult in Ethiopia, Dagne worked for the budding Meserete Kristos Church (MKC) as an evangelist and pastor. To provide opportunities for the church’s youth, he helped found the Meserete Kristos Church Addis Ababa Choir, which continues today after nearly five decades of ministry. Dagne went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Goshen College, a Master of Divinity from AMBS, and a Doctor of Ministry from Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) in Indianapolis.

A passionate activist and community organizer, Dagne put his gifts and education to use, founding Shalom Mennonite Church in Indianapolis and faithfully pastoring the congregation for 24 years until his retirement. He also served as a clinical supervisor for CTS students in the field of pastoral care. Dagne died in September 2021 at age 71, leaving his wife of 36 years, Carol Weaver; daughters Lydette and Menan and their spouses; and a granddaughter.

We invite you to share this link with others who may wish to support this fund.