GALLATIN, TN—The annual Strong and CourageousBanquet benefiting student scholarships at Welch College recently took place in Celorio Hall on Welch’s campus, according to Tim Owen, Director of the Welch Fund and coordinator of the event.
“The inspiration for the banquet comes from the charge given in Joshua 1:9 to be strong and very courageous as Joshua leads the children of Israel,” Owen said. “This year’s banquet continued this emphasis, encouraging and challenging guests to have this defining characteristic in all facets of life. The event’s generous sponsors and donors provided $60,000 in support of student scholarships at Welch.”
Event patrons enjoyed an opening reception hosted by President and Mrs. Matt Pinson in the Presidents Dining Room in Celorio Hall. Renowned Nashville eye surgeon Dr. Ming Wang performed several pieces on the Chinese violin (erhu) accompanied by Mr. Carlos Enrique. Elaine Park Pugh and Chris Davis offered refreshing testimonies about the impact that Welch College has made in their lives as students, and the Rejoice! Ministry Team provided inspirational music during the banquet.
Special recognitions included a Healthcare Excellence award and the naming of the 2021 Strong and Courageous recipient. Dr. Ming Wang was recognized as the recipient of a special healthcare award for his continued dedication to helping patients in the United States and countries worldwide with sight restoration surgeries.
The Strong and Courageous award is presented annually to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to their profession while advancing kingdom principles. This year’s award was presented to the event’s originator, Dr. Charles Lea. David Williford, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, underscored Dr. Lea’s faith and leadership, noting examples of Dr. Lea’s exemplary life as one who is strong and courageous. Dr. Lea recently retired from Welch as Special Assistant to the President.
A number of sponsors provided generous gifts to help students attend Welch. This year’s Platinum Sponsors ($10,000) included the Free Will Baptist Foundation and FirstBank, Goodlettsville. Gold sponsors ($5,000) included Goodall Homes, Sumner Regional Medical Center, and David and Diane Black. A number of Silver Sponsors ($2,500), Bronze Sponsors ($750), and other donors also contributed to the scholarship goal.
“Welch College is grateful for the support of the Sumner County community and the 2021 Strong and Courageous sponsors,” Owen noted. “Together, we are making a difference in students’ lives and impacting our county and communities.”
For more information on Welch, visit www.welch.edu. To support the mission of Welch College, visit