Taylor University receives $6 million gift to enhance missions computing
Taylor University has recently received a generous gift of $6 million from Elaine Vandermeulen ’62 and her late husband, Gordon ’65. The donation aims to enhance the capacity and reach of the Center for Missions Computing (CMC), which has been renamed the Roth Center for Missions Computing to honor the legacy of Wally Roth and his vision for how computer science students could serve Taylor students and the global church.
The importance of technology in modern-day missions
The donation received indicates the significance of technology in modern-day missions. Computer technology has helped in facilitating every aspect of missions, whether it is in the United States or the global church. This gift from the Vandermeulen family will provide endowed funds to hire a full-time director who can shepherd students and projects with an undivided focus. The gift will also provide scholarship money for students who commit their time and skills to the Center’s mission of developing relationships with missionary organizations, seeking out projects, and building software as needed.
The critical role of missions computing in serving the global church
The Center for Missions Computing is marked by an unwavering conviction to serve the global church, a rich legacy of student leadership, and a deep friendship between individuals with a shared vision of using technology to the glory of God. For many years, the CMC has developed software for several Christian organizations, trained missionaries in technology use, and partnered with various organizations such as Wycliffe Bible Translators and Navigators to update their Bible Memorization app.
The CMC is focused on building a pipeline of future leaders who will help meet the technology needs of the global church. With the transformational gift from the Vandermeulen family, the CMC’s ability to fulfill its mission is taken to a whole new level by providing strategically valuable technical services to missionary organizations. As a result, the gift impacts the mission field and serves the Church.
Taylor University’s partnership with LoveJustice International to fight human trafficking
Currently, Taylor students and the CMC are making a difference in the global fight against human trafficking by joining forces with LoveJustice International to develop online tools to monitor and reduce sex trafficking. LoveJustice reports, “To date, we have intercepted over 35,000 individuals to prevent them from being trafficked.” This is just one of several nonprofits that Taylor’s Center for Missions Computing has served through computing expertise, technology resources, software engineering services, and project management.
The impact of the gift on Taylor students and the world beyond
The impact of this generous gift, one of the largest ever received at Taylor, is two-fold. It gives computer science students more opportunities to practice their computing skills and grow in leadership. Additionally, it provides the Taylor community with the resources it needs to drive impactful change in areas that matter most. Many Taylor faculty members have volunteered their time and resources for the Center, but they have done so on top of full teaching loads and other commitments. This gift will provide the CMC with sustainable funding, allowing them to grow their capacity and reach.
Conclusion
The $6 million gift from the Vandermeulen family to Taylor University is a game-changer for the Center for Missions Computing. Their investment will allow the CMC to realize its full potential and continue making a difference in the lives of Taylor students and the world beyond through its mission to serve the global church and facilitate every aspect of missions.
Originally Post From https://www.taylor.edu/news/taylor-university-receives-6-million-gift-for-center-for-missions-computing
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