Kelly Ryan '09 had a calling in mind when she came to Grinnell from her home in Colorado Springs. And this summer, she pursued her call as a theological fellow at the Conference on Excellence in Ministry at Emory University's Candler School of Theology in Atlanta.

Ryan was nominated for the fellowship from the Fund for Theological Education (FTE) by adviser Henry Rietz, associate professor of religious studies. The FTE fellowships recognize 50 undergraduate students from across the country who demonstrate gifts for leadership and who are exploring the ministry as a vocation.

"It was great to be able to have meaningful conversations with students of all different beliefs from a variety of denominations," Ryan said. "I had a career goal in mind when I came to Grinnell, and this experience solidified my plans. I now have a network of friends in the other fellows who are pursuing activities to support their intended vocation."

This fall, Ryan will be a pastoral administration and care intern at the Mayflower Community, a local retirement community. She also serves on the Lilly steering committee which administers grant funds to programs that support religious exploration.

Earlier this summer The Chronicle of Higher Education included Grinnell in a story about the college's participation in the Lilly grant program and efforts to encourage students to consider the ministry.