Noel and Ethel Estenson Endowed Scholarship Fund

The Noel and Ethel Estenson Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in June, 2004, by Noel and Ethel Estenson. The Estensons recognize Luther Seminary as an important training ground for future church leaders. When he was young, Noel’s pastor encouraged him to consider becoming a pastor, but he opted instead to study business. Noel is the former CEO of Cenex Harvest States, Inc., a grain marketing corporation based in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. He recognizes that God speaks to us in all aspects of our lives and the importance of this for business leaders. Noel and Ethel established this fund to express their thanksgiving to God and to help prepare Luther Seminary students to strengthen and extend the ministries of Jesus Christ in the church and the world. This fund provides important financial support for deserving Master of Divinity students preparing for ordination and full-time parish ministry in the ELCA.