New Memorial Baseball Scholarship Named for Golden Eagle Joshua Darst
A new Cornerstone University scholarship established in memory of Joshua Darst, an upperclassman student enrolled in the business management program, will share his legacy of Christ-centered leadership on the field with new recruits for Golden Eagle Men’s Baseball. Darst unexpectedly passed away from injuries sustained in a workplace accident in August 2025 before his senior year at Cornerstone.
The Joshua Darst Memorial Baseball Endowed Scholarship recognizes Darst’s life, character, and love for the game while reflecting the family’s legacy of faithful servant leadership. Each recipient must be enrolled as a sophomore student or above at Cornerstone University and an active member of the Men’s Baseball team. Recipients will demonstrate strong Christian character, leadership, service and a positive influence within the Christian community, putting others before themselves on and off the baseball field.
On April 25, Darst’s parents attended the Men’s Baseball doubleheader and participated with families in the Senior Day ceremony. Together, teammates and attendees paused to remember Joshua’s legacy while his parents received his framed jersey and later signed the new scholarship commitment in honor of their son.
In tribute to Darst’s legacy, two current team members unveiled a commemorative display of Joshua’s jersey. The new signage features an image of Darst’s baseball jersey on the fence bordering the outfield of Cornerstone’s De Witt Baseball Field. Importantly, it symbolizes the retirement of Darst’s jersey, #35, a recommendation submitted by the current team under the leadership of Coach Chuck Lowitzki (M.S. ’15).
“Joshua Darst (JD) was known for his joyful, genuine spirit that made everyone around him feel seen, loved, and encouraged, whether he was celebrating with teammates or lifting up those who were struggling,” reflected Lowitzki. “This endowed scholarship honors his legacy of faith, encouragement, and deep care for serving others.”
At Cornerstone, the retirement of an athletic jersey remains a prestigious university honor. Candidates must have demonstrated athletic performance excellence, leadership impact, academic and personal integrity during their seasons as a Golden Eagle student-athlete.
To learn more about the Golden Eagle spirit and share Darst’s bold Christian legacy, email the Admissions Office at admissions@cornerstone.edu about Cornerstone student scholarship opportunities or request information today.
