This scholarship was established in 2021 by an anonymous donor in honor of Isaac Jared Baumann (2011-2021).
Isaac served God daily by sharing his love for his Savior with everyone he met. He always had a smile on his face, and he loved to make others laugh with his never-ending jokes. He always put others before himself, and he fought hard to the end to help others.
A sweet little boy from rural Minnesota, Isaac touched countless hearts. His own mini-sermon was shown at his funeral. Made up completely on his own one day during breakfast, it reminds us that no matter what we do, nothing can separate us from the love of God. One of the readings at his funeral, chosen by the pastor before he even knew about Isaac’s message, correlated to that. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
Between his visitation, funeral, and online viewings, more than a thousand people witnessed Isaac’s faith.
Isaac’s favorite shirt bears witness to his faith as well, displaying his favorite verse in the shape of a cross: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Isaac was buried in that shirt, and his gravestone was made to match.
Isaac’s dream was to be a pastor one day, so the donor has established this fund for MLC preseminary students to commemorate Isaac’s strong faith and his eagerness to share it with everyone.
Scholarship recipients are MLC preseminary majors who demonstrate financial need. Scholarships will be awarded every year to a senior who will be attending Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary the following year.