The Howard R. and Eva S. Blosser Scholarship Fund

Howard (Goshen College class of 1939) and Eva (Stauffer) Blosser (GC class of 1949) both attended Goshen College and found the years they attended some of the most memorable years of their lives. It was during their college days that they really learned who they were and developed a love for God, for learning and for the Mennonite Church.  During their college days they developed lifelong friendships, honed their vocational skills, but more importantly, adopted the college motto “Culture for Service” as a way of life.

Howard, the oldest of nine children and an excellent high school scholar, was encouraged by members of his home congregation to attend college.  He left home for Goshen believing that “God would provide”.  A defining day for Howard would be Sept 1, 1939.  His professor of Modern European History explained that the invasion of Poland by Germany would result in the next World War.  Not only were they witnessing the beginning of the next World War but one that would involve the United States.  Howard and his classmates were challenged to seek alternative methods to violence. Drafted in 1942, Howard served four years in Civilian Public Service (CPS) followed by five more years with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) doing relief work in Europe.

Eva, one of sixteen children, was the only member of her family to earn a high school diploma.  At age 21 she chose to attend Goshen knowing her mind needed to be challenged. In her studies of nutrition and family life, Eva became aware of the significant losses families in Europe were experiencing as a result of the war. Following graduation Eva chose to use her abilities as a MCC volunteer and spent two years in Europe managing food and clothing distribution. It was in Germany that Howard and Eva met first as host and hostess of the MCC center and later became husband and wife.

Their years as family were one of service to church and community. Howard and Eva moved to a small Mennonite congregation where they served as teachers, music director, treasurer, building maintenance, and elders. Howard and Eva loved to encourage college students who came to their community as well as serving as a teacher and community leader in the public school system. This legacy of service to church and community while encouraging students to become their best, continues with this Scholarship Fund.