Waynesburg University junior secondary education (biology) major Lilly Ryer was recently awarded the Rae of Light Endowed Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year.
My goal is to continue loving others as Christ would and building community here at Waynesburg.”
The peer-nominated Rae of Light Endowed Scholarship is named in loving memory of Araella Renee Swift Bornmann and was established with the desire to encourage Waynesburg University students to share their light with the world. The scholarship is awarded annually to one sophomore or junior student who reflects the light of Jesus on campus and/or within the community.
“I am honored to be a recipient of the Rae of Light scholarship and am so encouraged by all who nominated me,” said Ryer. “My goal is to continue loving others as Christ would and building community here at Waynesburg.”
Peer nominations for Ryer all echoed her welcoming embodiment of Christ on campus. One nominator shared, “Lilly is a strong Christian leader in every environment that she enters. Although she is busy, she always takes time to listen and pray for those around her. She shines Christ through her speech, her actions, and how she lives her life. She puts Christ first in her life. In every conversation, she refers to how God has guided her and how faithful the Lord has been in her life. It is encouraging!”
Outside of academics, Ryer is a member of the University’s cross country and track and field teams, and has served as a leader for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). She also serves as a Campus Ministry Assistant (CMA) and runs a women’s Bible study on campus.
The Rae of Light Endowed Scholarship is open to sophomores and juniors with a declared major and purpose to serve. Nominees must also be actively involved in campus ministry, reflecting the light and love of Jesus. Students can nominate peers by submitting a form highlighting how the nominee meets the criteria. Nominations are accepted at the start of the spring semester and then reviewed by a three-person committee.
