Wallace Asper Memorial Scholarship

Following his death, Dr. Wallace “Wally” Asper was described in terms that might lead one to believe Wally was a towering figure with a commanding voice and demeanor before which one would cower in awe. Instead, he was a quiet but firm man who commanded respect through his intelligence, his wit and his gentle manner, as well as through his unflagging loyalty to his professional commitments. Respect was only part of the picture. Wally was also much loved.

Dr. Asper joined the religion faculty in 1963, two years after CLC opened its doors to students. His teaching responsibilities included classes in world religions, New Testament studies and parish education, with the latter being his favorite. He also served as the students’ guidance counselor, quickly becoming a beloved figure for those whose lives and futures he touched.

Before coming to CLC, Dr. Asper had served as pastor to several congregations in Minnesota and Brooklyn, New York, so it was no wonder that he was passionate about parish education. His 21 years as a faculty member at CLC left a lasting imprint on the college, one that was honored in the many memorial gifts from faculty, family and friends that made this endowed scholarship a reality.

Wally was only 62 when he died of a heart attack. Ironically, he was preparing for an appointment with his heart surgeon when he died at home. His wife Jordy remained actively involved with the college and the scholarship for many years. During that time, she was able to meet many of the students who received the scholarship.

Today’s recipients of the Wallace Asper Memorial Scholarship miss being able to meet and get to know a truly wonderful person—Wally Asper.