Werner K Fransen Next Generation Scholarship

Werner K Fransen Next Generation Scholarship

The Werner K Fransen Next Generation Scholarship was founded in 2002 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:

• Students from Mennonite Church USA or Mennonite Church Canada with leadership skills, a commitment to church ministry and financial need studying in the Master of Divinity program
• Preference will be given to women.

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 $450,655. The earnings are paid out annually to cover approximately 150% of tuition, providing support for more than one student each year.

Support Werner's 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 "Werner K Fransen Next Generation Scholarship" in the memo line, and mail it to 3003 Benham Ave., Elkhart, IN 46517.

More about Werner

Werner Klassen Fransen was born April 5, 1942, in Vineland, ON. He was baptized into Vineland United Mennonite Church in 1960 and married Kay Ann Schrag in 1965 in Moundridge, KS. Werner graduated from Bethel College in North Newton, KS, and the University of Toronto School of Medicine. He practiced urology in Bloomington-Normal, IL, for more than 25 years and was an active member of the Mennonite Church of Normal. Werner loved to sing hymns, both in German and English, and believed Mennonite institutions of higher education are essential to the life of the North American Mennonite church of tomorrow. Werner was instrumental in starting the scholarship program for the Mennonite Church of Normal in the early 1980s where people in the congregation attending any Mennonite higher educational institution are provided full tuition. He died in Normal on June 1, 2001, after sustaining severe head injuries in an automobile-pedestrian accident. At the time of his death, Werner was a member of the AMBS Board.

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