Three themes are central to the design of The Moore Inklings Scholarship Fund: the way faith engages culture; how mission-driven institutions develop leaders who are missional and strategic; and how to bring faith to bear on the challenges that emerge in our world today. In this spirit, Dr. Moore, and his wife Thanne, desire to invest in the next generation of young leaders at colleges and universities around the country who aim to live out these themes in their lives and vocations.
Through their experiences in missional , formative higher education, leadership development, campus ministry, and nonprofit/community leadership, the Moore’s have developed a deep appreciation for the importance of formational experiences–such as studies abroad, internships, apprenticeships, and service-learning opportunities–that help students cultivate character, explore their personal sense of calling, and get meaningful exposure to the many complex needs of the world. This fund exists to support students pursuing such endeavors. Dr. and Mrs. Moore hope that the scholarships awarded through the Moore Inklings Scholarship Fund will serve as a catalyst for students not only to participate in these formative experiences but also complete their studies and connect with a network of like-minded, holistic leaders who care about the needs of the world and want to embody the fullness of Christ as they pursue all sorts of vocations in service of others.
Dr. Steve G. W. Moore has served in higher education, Christian ministry, and philanthropy for over 50 years. Originally from Abilene, Texas, Dr. Moore studied as an undergraduate at McMurry University. Steve served as a youth minister in Arlington, TX following his bachelor’s degree. He was named an Ambassador Fellow and traveled to Scotland where he studied at St. Andrews University. Dr. Moore completed his M.Div. at Asbury Theological Seminary and then served as the Executive Director of the Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry at Texas Tech University, where he was also on faculty as Professor of World Religions and Ethics. Steve met his wife Thanne and they were married at this time. They served in this role for 9 years when he decided to pursue a PhD. in Philosophy and Higher Education at the University of Michigan. He was the beneficiary of generous scholarship support at every level of his education and they are grateful for the opportunity to ‘pay it forward’.
As he neared completion of his studies in 1989, Steve was invited to become Vice President of Campus Life at Seattle Pacific University, and he later became VP for Student Life at Baylor University before moving to Asbury Theological Seminary, his alma mater, as Senior Vice President, as well as President of the Asbury Foundation.
In 2006, Moore was asked to serve as CEO and Executive Director of the Murdock Trust, a private foundation that has invested more than $1.25 billion in leaders and organizations that nurture the educational, cultural, spiritual and social life of the Pacific Northwest since the Trust’s inception in 1975. Dr. Moore retired from this role in 2022 after 16 years of service. Under Dr. Moore’s leadership, the Murdock Trust has invested more than $720 million through more than 4,000 grants to nonprofits, grown the endowment to over $2.4 billion, and invested thoughtfully in helping organizations find common ground to solve complex challenges facing the diverse communities of the region. The Trust became known for its creative programs and initiatives serving nonprofit leaders and their organizations, and the amazing team of people who advanced the Mission of the Trust.
In retirement, the Moore’s serve in several volunteer positions of leadership and service in their community and with nonprofits around the country. They live in Portland, Oregon near their son Madison, his wife Chandi and three grandchildren, and spend as much time as possible visiting the East Coast to be with their daughter Maegan and her husband Jon in NYC, and their youngest daughter Mollie in Washington, D.C.