Phyllis Lyn Gabriel Memorial Scholarshi
Phyllis Lyn Gabriel (b. Dec. 16, 1959, Dayton, Ohio – d. Oct. 5, 1990, Melbourne, Florida), was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Speros A. Gabriel and sister of Andrew and John. She received her education in the Kettering Schools graduating from Fairmont West in 1978. An English major, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio in 1982. While an exchange student in 1981 she studied German and Austrian Civilization at Salzburg College, Salzburg, Austria and traveled the European continent extensively exploring the different cultures, languages, and religions. As an undergraduate student, Phyllis received many honors including Alpha Lambda Delta (freshman honorary), Phi Alpha Theta (history honorary), selected as writer for Public Relations and Admissions Office and was Student Representative to the Union Board. She earned a Master’s degree, secondary education, from Wright State University in 1985 and was a member of OCTELLA (National English/Language Arts Society).
Phyllis began her career as a copy editor and reporter for the Wittenberg newspaper. She also wrote for the Dayton Daily News, taught communication at the junior college level, worked as an Associate for Development and Fund Raiser at Wilberforce University, served as s substitute teacher for Dayton Schools and taught English at Satellite High School, Satellite Beach, Florida.
Phyllis was a member of Delta Gamma Fraternity, American Association for University Women, a child sponsor for World Hunger, Sunday school teacher at First United Methodist Church in Melbourne, Florida, member of Cornerstone Church, Merritt Island, Florida and a volunteer for the Adult Literacy Program. Her greatest joy came from helping others.
Upon learning of Phyllis’ tragic death, the Delta Gamma Sorority sisters at Wittenberg University honored her with a Memorial Scholarship. They also established an annual Phyllis Lyn Gabriel Humanitarian Award in her memory.
The Phyllis Lyn Gabriel Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by her friends and family to benefit the youth active in the youth program of Christ United Methodist Church. This award will be presented annually by the church.
Phyllis Lyn was a dedicated Christian and Bible Scholar. At the time of her death she was preparing for missionary work. Phyllis’ active life was a testimony to her faith, which she expressed as, “Faith is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.” She continued, “As a young Christian, I believe that it is God’s will that we ‘Go ye into all the world’ reaching the lost with the gospel and that it doesn’t necessarily take an ‘old’ Christian to be used by God. It takes one who is willing to learn and actively participate.” Phyllis’ life and death were a reflective of her strong faith.
The church will accept gifts to this scholarship fund to honor or remember friends or loved ones.
Phyllis Lyn Gabriel Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility:
Any student entering college and active with the Christ United Methodist Student Ministry Program
Active in school and community activities
Need of Financial aid
Selection Criteria:
Successful academic performance
Content of written essay
Two recommendations, family members are not eligible to write recommendations
Verification of degree of participation and leadership by teacher, counselor, advisor or pastor
Consideration of financial need
Application, essay, and letters of recommendation must be submitted by: Friday, April 22, 2022
