October 5, 2018
Wheaton College and the family of Ethan Roser are pleased to jointly announce the availability of the Ethan Roser Memorial Scholarship.
The endowed scholarship was established in memory of Ethan Roser, a freshman transfer student who was known for his love for God and for others, his commitment to evangelism, and his ministry service with Young Life. Ethan loved soccer and was a member of the College’s soccer team.
On April 22, 2017, Ethan was the victim of a tragic accident while volunteering at a College track and field competition. The 19-year-old was unintentionally struck by a hammer during the hammer throw event and died shortly afterward. He was in no way at fault for his death. The College will continue to work with its athletic conference to review and improve safety standards for this event to address the many factors that may have contributed to this accident and may be prevented in the future. Out of respect for those affected, the College will not discuss further details surrounding Ethan’s tragic passing.
The College is committed to supporting Ethan's legacy through the Ethan Roser Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will honor Ethan’s memory by benefitting two students each year. “Ethan Roser was a member of the College community for a short time, but he quickly made good friends and involved himself in ministry,” says President Philip Ryken. “He was a young man who leaves a legacy of kindness to others and passion for the gospel of Christ, and the grief felt by the Wheaton community at his loss is immense.”
“We continue to pray for the Roser family and for the members of our community affected by the loss of their student, athlete, friend and teammate. It is our fervent hope that this scholarship contributes to his legacy as a member of the Wheaton family, and allows his memory to live on with those who receive the scholarship and learn about his life.”
Wheaton College will identify the first recipients of the Ethan Roser Memorial Scholarship for the spring 2019 semester.