Jake and Alfreda Wallen Knight wanted to establish a scholarship fund in honor of Alfreda's great grandparents, L.B. and Dora Gregory Wallen. The Wallens were the first family to move to the location of what is now Southwestern Adventist University. L.B. signed the note to purchase the 800 acres for the school, and he drilled the first well on the property.

Alfreda started school as a first grader in the "Old Normal Building" on the college campus and continued attendance through junior college, graduating in 1956. Jake attended all four years of academy and one year of college at Southwestern Junior College. Both then attended and graduated from Union College and were married in 1958. Their daughter, Barbara, graduated from Southwestern Adventist College in 1983, and their son, Rowland, from Southern Adventist College the same year.

Scholarship award requirements

This scholarship benefits worthy ministerial, educational, or business students who need financial assistance.

Student Recipients 

2020-2021-Aribelle Metzger

2019-2020 -Noeicy Arrebato Penton

2018-2019 -Arely Ogaz

2017-2018 -Judy Cuevas

2014-2015 - Leonel Warner 

2013-2014 - Melissa Nash 

2011-2012 - Jeanette Avila 

2010-2011 - Jeffrey Michel