Fuller alum and Alumni
Council Chair, Rick Williamson, shares the most useful resource he has with his
alma mater: himself. Rick harnesses his energy, creativity, and a natural
inclination to connect with students, in support of Fuller’s mission.
Rick had hardly stepped off
campus with his PhD in Psychology when he was recruited to the Alumni Council.
Practiced at helping seminary students struggling to adjust, Rick found the
Alumni Council position formalized his relationships and opened up resources to
help students get connected and prepare for life after graduation. “I want to
help them understand, ‘You are here to prepare for life after seminary. I want to help them to see how Fuller fits
into their life. It’s never too early to prepare for life as a Fuller alum.”
“If you want to maximize
what God has entrusted to you, consider supporting the Fuller Fund. It funds
the scholarships that impact students directly.”
|
Fuller’s integrated approach
to psychology and theology helped prepare Rick for life after seminary. He
works on staff with the Headington Institute in Pasadena, an organization that
provides psychological and spiritual support for humanitarian relief and
development workers. The job often takes him into the mission field to offer
counsel and support.
When he’s not ministering
abroad, Rick serves the local community as a psychologist for LA County,
working closely with the African American and Latino communities in Watts.
Remaining rooted to local communities is vital to him. Rick observes that his
varied experiences allow him to offer something to each community he serves.
Rick recognizes the impact
Fuller had on his life and is a strong advocate of giving to Fuller. “When you
look at Fuller’s mission, you can see the need for resources. Many students are
here only because of the aid they receive. Fuller’s challenge is not in
attracting students, but the costs students bear.
The people who come to
Fuller are responding to God’s calling. So now it’s our calling and our duty to
help them to attend Fuller so they can impact others for Christ.”
Rick offers this advice to
those wondering how to support Fuller: “Pray about your resources, and consider
your accountability as a steward of those resources. If you want to maximize
what God has entrusted to you, consider supporting the Fuller Fund. It funds
the scholarships that impact students directly. Imagine, when you equip one pastor, you influence an entire
congregation.”
For Rick the importance of strategic involvement
holds true for every area he supports at Fuller. Participating on the Alumni
Council he finds a wealth of ideas and motivated volunteers. “The challenge
with so many great ideas,” says Rick, “is maximizing our resources and
effectiveness.” Finding that balance is a challenge he enjoys.