2026 Graduates & Scholars
We are pleased to celebrate those Dearborn First UMC-connected folks graduating from various levels of academic pursuit this year. A lot of hard work and determination on the part of these students has brought them to these achievements. Plus, the support and care they have received from our faith community has helped them along the way.
In Proverbs 8 we read:
Does not wisdom call,
and does not understanding raise her voice?
This is a reminder that God desires great insight, expertise, and intellectual pursuits for all of us in whatever field we feel called. So we say thanks for that call, and congratulations to our grads and scholars, and others from our community who are pursuing wisdom for goodness in the world!
More About Our Graduates:
Charlotte Karoub
Graduate & Scholar
Western Michigan University
Bachelor’s Degree - Family and Consumer Sciences - Child Life Track
Next Steps: Master’s Degree, Western Michigan University in the fall
DFUMC Scholarships: Mary & Floyd Haight and Jane & Perry Wallace Scholarships
What will you be taking with you from your time with Dearborn First UMC? Through DFUMC I’ve learned how to love others, create families and community, and will continue doing so wherever I go.
Leslie
Adams
Graduate
Lake Superior State University
Major: Biology (with a focus in animal biology)
Minor: Environmental Science
Next Steps: Summer work with Piping Plovers (endangered species)
What will you be taking with you from your time with Dearborn First UMC? Although I have been away for some time, I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and care packages that have been sent/given.
Skyler
Anderson
Graduate
Union Theological Seminary
Master of Arts in Religion
Next Steps: Pursuing a new job
What will you be taking with you from your time with Dearborn First UMC?
A home community I can always return to.
More About Our Scholarship Recipients:
Michael
Kimita
Scholar
Louisiana State University
Pursuing Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Next Steps: Finding a job in Commercial or Industrial Construction as a Project Supervisor/Superintendent
DFUMC Scholarship:
Steven Roewer Scholarship
What will you be taking with you from your time with Dearborn First UMC? Being a part of Dearborn First UMC has allowed me the opportunity to connect with and form relationships with many of the congregation, as well as allowing me to explore my faith and relationship with God the way I want to with no judgment.
This church community has given me the strength and confidence to go out in the world and be a welcoming presence for those around me, as well as instilling a sense of leadership and commitment to serve others with my whole heart, which will certainly follow me wherever I may end up on this beautiful journey they call life.
Brooke
Linton-Rafko
Scholar
Wayne State University
Pursuing Master’s Degree in Library Information Sciences
Next Steps: I currently work at the Milan Public Library and hope to work in a large Michigan archive one day, such as the Benson Ford Research Center or the Bentley Historical Library.
DFUMC Scholarship:
Steven Roewer Scholarship
What will you be taking with you from your time with Dearborn First UMC?
Meeting and developing relationships with all of the lovely people of the church has inspired me to be the best version of myself possible.💕
Michelangelo
Molinari
Scholar
Northern Michigan University
Pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
Next Steps: Undergraduate Studies
DFUMC Scholarship:
Mary & Floyd Haight Scholarship
What will you be taking with you from your time with Dearborn First UMC?
They have accepted me for who I am. I love being a member of the church and will be as long as I live in the area!
Willow Anderson
Scholar
Wayne State University
Major: Sociology
DFUMC Scholarship:
Phyllis Savage Scholarship
Madison
Good
Scholar
Wayne State University
Pursuing Master’s Degree in Social Work
DFUMC Scholarship:
Mary & Floyd Haight Scholarship
Madelyn
Luckey
Scholar
American University
Pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in Women’s & Gender Studies
DFUMC Scholarship:
Jane and Perry Wallace Scholarship, the Mary and Floyd Haight Scholarship and the Florence and Dean Challis Scholarship
Dave
Rooke
Scholar
University of Detroit - Mercy
Exploring Counseling as second career student
DFUMC Scholarship:
Steven Roewer Scholarship
More about DFUMC Scholarships:
Dearborn First UMC upholds the long-held United Methodist belief that all people have a right to quality education, and for many, it is impossible without assistance from scholarships like these. Thanks to generous donations and bequests from Dearborn First UMC members and families, opportunities for education through a variety of scholarships help students pursue their dreams for their lives.
Read more about the tuition scholarships awarded this year by clicking the down arrow in the list below.
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Given by the estate of Florence and Dean Challis it honors the memory and legacy of Florence and Dean Challis. The Challises were educators in Dearborn and active members of DFUMC. Dean Challis retired from Dearborn Public Schools after serving a distinguished career as an assistant principal at Dearborn High School. Florence faithfully served DFUMC as the Sunday School Superintendent. Their fund supports students interested in Christian ministry, teaching and nursing. In addition, these monies can be used for educational opportunities for staff members of DFUMC for training and workshops.Description text goes here
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Given by the estate of Steven B. Roewer it honors the memory of Steven B. Roewer, an active member of the DFUMC choir and a teacher in the Detroit Public Schools for over thirty years. The Roewer Scholarship supports students studying in any post-high school field, as long as the school/program is accredited.
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Given by the estate of Jane and Perry Wallace it honors the legacy of the Wallace family in Dearborn. The Wallaces were faithful members of DFUMC and donated money for scholarships for students: “Found to be worthy, faithful, competent and desirous of training and preparing for a degree at an accredited college or university.”
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Phyllis Savage was a long-time educator at Dearborn High School in the Physical Education department. She was also a beloved and active member of DFUMC. Her scholarship supports students in need.
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Given by the estate of Mary and Floyd Haight this scholarship honors the educational legacy of two teachers at Dearborn High School. Mary taught commercial courses and Floyd taught history. Both active members at DFUMC their scholarship supports students in ministry, teaching, nursing and social work in addition to supporting students with disabilities.
