Under God's guidance and blessing, Herman and Birdie Walker served as faithful Seventh-day Adventist pioneers in the mountains of Western North Carolina for well over a half-century. Although Herman dropped out of school at the fifth-grade level to help support his family of 14 siblings, he was a strong supporter of Christian education as was his wife, Birdie, a graduate of Forest Lake Academy. Both of their sons graduated from Southern Missionary College, and both established careers in the educational ministry. Their older son, Leslie, taught construction trades at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College for more than 30 years and also served for many years as school board chair for the Asheville-Pisgah Church School. Their younger son, Doug, spent his entire career of more than 40 years in Adventist education, serving in a variety of capacities. His final almost two decades of service were spent as Director of Education for the Southwestern Union Conference during which time he also served as a member of the board of Southwestern Adventist University.

Based on the recommendation of the Education Department at Southwestern Adventist University, the Herman and Birdie Walker Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who best exemplifies the teaching ministry as modeled by the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ, and as set forth by Ellen G. White in her classic book, Education: "In the highest sense, the work of education and the work of redemption are one. . . . In every human being He discerned infinite possibilities" (pp. 30, 80).

Scholarship award requirements

This scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement and financial need to a student majoring in education. 

Student Recipients 

2020-2021-Eva Wong

2019-2020 -Leanne Gomez

2018-2019 -Denise Luque

2016-2017 - Amanda Madigan

2015-2016 - Luis Soria

2014-2015 - Carla Cisneros 

2013-2014 - Karen Ortiz 

2012-2013 - Megan Tidwell

2011-2012 - Hedy Michaelson 

2010-2011 - Noemi Velazquez