The Albert Baker Fund (ABF) Board of Trustees is delighted to announce the Daniel Herbert Leadership Scholarship to recognize his 18-years of inspired service to our Board and the ABF community.

“This special scholarship in Dan’s name is a fitting tribute to his deep commitment to our students and ABF’s mission to serve Christian Scientists,” said Adam Messer, Chair of the Board. “We are excited to name Julia Stevermer, a junior at The University of Richmond, in Virginia,
as the recipient. Julia is a dedicated Christian Scientist, an accomplished student, and plans a career of international service, an aspiration that means so much to Dan.” 

Julia is pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree, with a double major in Political Science and Russian Studies, and is preparing for a career as a Foreign Service Officer in the U.S. Department of State. This summer she conducted research on the 1932 famine in Soviet Ukraine and presented her findings at a university research symposium. Next summer she will participate in an internship that focuses on addressing security threats in Europe and Asia.

Julia looks to her understanding of God as omnipotent and omnipresent to give her the “clear sense and calm trust” (from Science & Health, p. 495) she feels is needed to work successfully to de-escalate international conflicts and mitigate world crises. “I believe that my study of Christian Science will allow me to serve God and mankind by helping me to manifest peace, harmony, and safety, domestically and overseas.”

Dan added, “Congratulations, Julia! This scholarship is well-deserved and I’m sure you will do great things for mankind.” 

If you would like to consider funding a special scholarship for Christian Scientists, please contact Sue Ellen Coughtry at sueellen.coughtry@albertbakerfund.org.

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Libby Scheiern will be joining The Albert Baker Fund team as Scholarships and Student Success Manager beginning Monday, June 27. In this role, she will manage all of The Albert Baker Fund’s (ABF) scholarship programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Africa. 

Dr. Scheiern will work closely with Robin Jones, who will assist with developing a mentoring program to support ABF students on their paths through higher education journeys into their careers.

“Dr. Scheiern is a wonderful addition to our team,” said Joe Ritter, CEO of The Albert Baker Fund. “Her strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills will support the continued transformation of The Albert Baker Fund.”

Dr. Scheiern has extensive experience as a teacher, college professor, administrator, and education consultant, serving more than four decades in the education field. 

Among her accomplishments, she has developed successful student support groups, including tutoring and mentoring programs; and directed the Center for Teaching and Learning at Principia College. Most recently she was 6th Grade Lead Teacher at Berkeley Hall School in Los Angeles. 

“I am excited to work with Dr. Ritter and the team for the continuing unfoldment of the Albert Baker Fund mission, and the role it plays in supporting Christian Scientists and helping to fulfill their purpose,” said Dr. Scheiern.

Dr. Scheiern earned her BA in Education and Sociology from Principia College, her MA in Psychology from Pepperdine University, and her Ph.D in Curriculum, Instruction, and Design from the University of Chicago.

Dominique Bita’a Beling, Processing Agent for ABF Programs in Africa

Greetings, gratitude, and best wishes to each of you in your respective countries! Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we all embrace the world at this time.

I am writing to announce the change of ABF’s Africa Applications Processing Agent, (APA). You may know that our current APA, Mr. Jean Leonard (JL) Ngabo has entered the Christian Science Nursing ministry in the USA, which has been a cherished heart-felt desire for many years. We rejoice with JL in this beautiful unfoldment of opportunity to serve the Christian Science movement! Mr. Jean Leonard has given wonderful service for the last six years. and we will always consider him a member of The Albert Baker Fund family.

I am delighted to let you know that ABF has appointed Mr. Dominique Bita’a Beling, to succeed Mr. JL as the APA for Africa. Mr. Dominique was one of the first students to be assisted by the ABF in Douala, Cameroon. We are very grateful that he has agreed to work with us in this new capacity and are confident that he will continue the high standards of integrity and Christian care expressed by Mr. JL.

I know you will all enjoy working with Mr. Dominique, along with our longtime colleague, Lamech Katamba, who manages our Africa program and trains and supervises our 13 ICRs.

As always, we appreciate your continued support of our programs and students. Please join me in sending a heartfelt thank you to Mr. JL. and extending a warm welcome to Mr. Dominique.

With deep gratitude,

Dr. Joseph M. Ritter, Chief Executive Officer
The Albert Baker Fund