Instituted in honor of Rev. Vincent Hawkinson (1915–2001), an outspoken opponent of the Vietnam War and pastor of Grace University Lutheran Church (1955–85), the Hawkinson Fund for Peace and Justice offers scholarships to students who demonstrate a commitment to peace and justice. Each year, the Hawkinson Fund also provides an honorary award to individuals who have made significant and sustained contributions to peace and justice.
The Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation was created in 1988 and received broad public support from hundreds of individuals. In 2017, the Foundation became known as the Hawkinson Fund for Peace and Justice at Grace University Lutheran Church. In early 2025, the fund transitioned to the Leadership Center for Social Justice at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. We are deeply grateful for the diligent work of those who have kept Rev. Vince Hawkinson’s vibrant spirit alive through the Hawkinson Fund.
Meet Our ’25 Hawkinson Scholars
Emmanuel Alade (he/him) is a current student at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, where he is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Social Transformation while living and working in Nigeria. His passion for social transformation and Christian service began during his secondary school years, when he joined the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and eventually became president of its youth wing. This early exposure to youth empowerment and discipleship laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to holistic ministry.
Following his ordination as an Anglican missioner, Emmanuel served for over 20 years in rural Nigeria, supporting marginalized communities through the implementation of practical programs in welfare, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.
He holds a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Physics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Seeking a deeper understanding of the relationship between the Church and society, he later obtained a Diploma in Theology from Immanuel College of Theology, Nigeria, a Master of Divinity in Public Theology from the Theological College of Northern Nigeria, University of Jos, and a Master of Theology in Old Testament from Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta. In 2018, he expanded his theological and intercultural training by earning a Master of Arts in Intercultural Education and Missiology from Bethany International University in Singapore.
Emmanuel enjoys critical analysis and problem-solving, which he integrates into both his academic pursuits and practical ministry. These skills have helped him to assess complex social issues and design effective, sustainable interventions that serve vulnerable communities.
He is the founder of Global Kingdom Harvest Institute, a holistic mission and social justice training organization affiliated with Bethany International University. Since 2020, his team at the institute has led impactful social justice projects, including supporting educators in science education, building solar and potable water infrastructure, and implementing welfare initiatives that provide underserved and marginalized communities with tools for self-sufficiency.
Emmanuel delights in traveling, watching documentaries, playing table tennis, reading and meditating, and spending time with his wife Mary and their four children.
Roseline Ameyaw (she/her) is a graduate student at Metropolitan State University, pursuing her Master’s in Advocacy and Political Leadership. She works to support individuals facing discrimination in all areas of their quality of life. As a Hawkinson Scholar, she embodies the fund’s commitment to peace and justice through both her academic work and community engagement. Coming to Minneapolis at age six from Ghana, Roseline’s perspective has been shaped by navigating cultural transitions and personal challenges. These experiences have instilled in her a deep belief that those most impacted by failing systems often hold the most innovative solutions.
She creates spaces where underserved communities can feel safe and supported despite systemic barriers. Roseline is passionate about bridging the gap between innovation and justice. Her approach is guided by a commitment to prioritize justice rather than personal gain. When advocacy becomes challenging, she remains steadfast in her belief that positive change requires faith and sustained effort.
Her work is grounded in the belief that human dignity is non-negotiable and that systems should serve people, not the other way around. The Hawkinson Scholarship supports her path to her innovative solutions, where she’ll develop additional tools to address systemic inequality while remaining connected to impacted communities.
At her core, Roseline is a disrupter, an advocate, a researcher, a student, and a friend.
Milky Osmon (she/her) is a student from Saint Paul with a deep passion for storytelling. Her journey began in theater, where the transformative power of acting inspired her to explore playwriting. Now pursuing a journalism degree at the University of Minnesota, Milky combines technical skills with creative vision, extending her work beyond traditional newsrooms.
A multifaceted artist, Milky uses painting, video, photography, and mixed media to explore themes of identity, community, and justice—issues deeply rooted in her experience as a second-generation immigrant and activist. She has actively participated in numerous community organizations, advocacy groups, and artistic collectives across the Twin Cities, including Exposed Brick Theatre, Black Youth Healing Arts Center, and Breakthrough Twin Cities. These experiences have shaped her understanding of the challenges facing underrepresented communities and reinforced her commitment to uplifting diverse voices and perspectives.
Looking to the future, Milky hopes to merge journalism, documentary filmmaking, and community-centered art to continue telling powerful stories and driving social change. She is particularly interested in using her work to highlight global injustices, and she plans to study abroad in Sydney next year to gain a broader perspective and a life-changing experience.
With strong ties to the Twin Cities and a growing body of work, Milky is dedicated to making a meaningful impact both locally and globally. Outside of her creative pursuits, she enjoys skateboarding, browsing used bookstores, riding her motorcycle, listening to jazz, experimenting with new recipes, and exploring the outdoors.
Chris Robertson (he/him) is a PhD candidate in Sociology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Chris’s research examines the health and community safety impacts of systemic racism. For instance, his dissertation, Covenanted-Policing: Policing, Spatial Racism, and Health (In)Equity in Minneapolis, MN, examines how historic race-based housing discrimination (e.g., restrictive racial covenants) shapes present-day policing practices and neighborhood health.
Chris aims to conduct research that leads to safe and flourishing communities. He previously completed a research assistantship with the Minnesota Justice Research Center (MNJRC), where he co-authored a policy report that contributed to successful efforts to prohibit white supremacist group members from becoming licensed police officers in Minnesota. Chris has also contributed to local efforts to enhance Minneapolis-area neighborhood safety by evaluating a community-led first-responder program (with the MNJRC) and a hospital-based violence intervention program (with the Hennepin County Healthcare Hospital System).
Chris is originally from San Antonio, Texas. He earned an M.A. in Sociology from the University of Texas at Arlington and a BBA in Management from the University of Texas at Austin. Outside of work, Chris enjoys cooking, solving puzzles, and spending time with his family.
Application
Interested in Applying?
The Hawkinson Fund offers up to five scholarships each year, ranging from $2,500–$5,000. The Hawkinson Scholarship supports individuals who have demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing peace and social justice through justice-oriented projects, standing up for their convictions, or displaying ongoing leadership within a peace or justice organization. Ideal candidates will have served as role models, inspiring others to engage in meaningful actions that move society toward a more just and peaceful future.
Please read through the following eligibility requirements before applying:
- Applicant must be a resident of (or currently attending school in) Minnesota.
- Applicants must have received a high school diploma or GED before the due date of this application. (In other words, the scholarships are NOT available to current high school students. If interested, please consider applying in a future year!)
- Scholarship finalists must be available for an interview.
- Scholarship awards will be announced on or before June 30 each year. Scholarships are awarded without regard to religious affiliation or citizenship.
To apply for this scholarship, you must include a nomination letter from a mentor and complete an essay demonstrating your commitment to peace and social justice. In this essay, include the following as they apply to you:
- Completed a specific peace or social justice project
- Demonstrated courage in carrying out your convictions about peace and social justice
- Displayed ongoing commitment to, and leadership in, a peace or justice organization
- Served as a role model for others to move society into new realms of thought and practice regarding peace and social justice
Applications for 2025 are closed. If you have any questions about applying for next year’s scholarship or know of someone who deserves an award, please email hawkinson@unitedseminary.edu. In the meantime, follow the Hawkinson Fund for Peace and Justice on LinkedIn to keep in touch, learn about upcoming events, and find out when the 2026 Hawkinson Scholarship Application becomes available.
Donating
How to Donate
Looking to contribute to the Hawkinson Fund? You can make your gift online with a credit or debit card! Just select “Hawkinson Fund” from the dropdown menu in the form.
You can also send a check. Make the check out to United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities with “Hawkinson Fund” in the memo line. You can then mail to United:
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
Attn: Advancement
767 Eustis Street, Suite 140
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Thank you for your generous contribution to the Hawkinson Fund. You make this work possible!
The Fund's History
For more than 30 years, Vincent L. Hawkinson was the pastor of Grace University Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Rev. Hawkinson believed it was the duty of religious leaders to stand up and speak out against injustices and violence in the world. Upon his retirement in 1988, members of his congregation founded the Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation to continue the spirit of this tireless advocate for justice.
The Foundation’s primary activities were to present honorary awards to community leaders and scholarships to students to promote peace and justice.
Beginning in 1988, the Foundation recognized the achievements of 47 community leaders and has since awarded more than $450,000 in scholarships to 170 students in recognition of their deep commitments to peace and justice.
In 2017, the Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation discontinued operations and donated its assets to Grace University Lutheran Church with the understanding that Grace Church would continue the Foundation’s mission to inspire bold action for justice in honor of Vince Hawkinson. Renamed the Hawkinson Fund for Peace and Justice, this volunteer-run organization was housed at Grace Church until January 2025.
Who was Vincent L. Hawkinson?
Vincent L. Hawkinson was a remarkable leader who fearlessly addressed oppression and inequality in all its forms. As pastor of Grace University Lutheran Church in Minneapolis for more than 30 years, Rev. Hawkinson believed it was the duty of religious leaders to stand up and speak out against injustices and violence in the world.
Upon his retirement in 1988, members of his congregation founded the Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation to continue the tireless spirit of this advocate for justice. Effective March 28, 2017, the Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation for Peace and Justice will be the Hawkinson Fund at Grace University Lutheran Church. The Fund keeps his dream alive by recognizing those who have made long-term contributions to the causes of peace and justice with the Hawkinson Honorary Award, and by encouraging students who have demonstrated a commitment to peace and justice with the Hawkinson Scholarship.
“We’ve got to go out and wage peace! The world is waiting for it.”
During his 30-plus years of service to Grace University Lutheran Church, Rev. Hawkinson served his parishioners with exemplary compassion and care. Never losing sight of the world and its pain, he continually reminded his people of their responsibility to respond to the suffering of society. He was outspoken against oppression and inequality in all its forms.
Rev. Hawkinson believed it was the duty of religious leaders to speak up and act against injustices and violence in the world. He marched in the South during the Civil Rights movement. Later, during the war in Vietnam, he was a vigorous opponent to the war effort and openly voiced his views. He urged fellow pastors and the church at large to take a stand against the war, but, as he said later, most of the time he felt very much alone.
A son of Swedish Lutheran immigrants, Rev. Hawkinson was born in 1915 and grew up on a farm near Taylors Falls, MN. He graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis and eventually enrolled in Augustana Seminary in Rock Island, IL, graduating in 1944 — the same year he married Gloria Lindgren.
Rev. Hawkinson served in a number of churches on the East Coast before being called by the Lutheran World Federation to help settle European refugees in the aftermath of World War II. In 1952, he and Gloria returned to the United States, where his pastorates included a church in Brooklyn, NY that he helped to integrate during the 1950s.
“The peace and justice movement centers around folks, known and unknown, who stand for something great and grand beyond themselves. And our world needs them.”
In 1956, Rev. Hawkinson was called to Grace University Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, where he served until he retired in 1988. He continued to minister at several other Lutheran churches after he retired from Grace and passed away in 2001 at age 86. Through the Fund, his presence remains and his witness endures.