The Joel Blunk
Illuman Scholarship Fund
Making a way for adolescent males, young adult males, and males at every stage of life to participate in Rites of Passage.
A Nationwide Scholarship Fund Honoring the Legacy of Joel Blunk
Joel has touched the lives of countless men, women, and youth in his lifetime. Anyone who had the privilege of interacting with him most likely experienced a humble leader, caring friend, gifted teacher, and spiritual guide.
One of Joel’s many passions has been Illuman, a national organization that guides men in doing the inner work of personal growth and spiritual transformation in a community of other men. Illuman helps men and boys dive deeper into life, exploring things that matter the most. Illuman creates safe places where men can speak without being judged or shamed, express emotions freely, find healing from traumatized and unhealthy forms of masculinity, and rediscover their authentic selves.
For years, Joel served as a “weaver” for Men’s Rites of Passage, Illuman’s signature event. This 5-day, 4-night retreat helps awaken men to the adventure and mystery of their own masculinity, their deep spirituality, their potential for leadership, and their life’s purpose.
Over the past decades, Joel created and led an experiential rites of passage program for males ages 18–23 encountering the difficult life transitions from adolescence to authentic adulthood. Hundreds of young men across the country and across the Atlantic Ocean have completed the program launched by Joel.
In October 2023, Illuman hosted a First Rites Program for 13–16 year-old males, a new initiative reflecting Joel’s commitment to fostering the emotional and spiritual growth of young people.
Our beloved brother Joel Blunk transitioned into the larger life on Sunday, December 1st, surrounded by his family and upheld by the prayers of many, many friends.
The Blunk Family will let us know in due course how they wish to honor Joel and how we may support them. On behalf of the Board of Illuman USA, I extend to them our love and solidarity in this time of grief and release. —Dan Harris, Chair
It is out of gratitude for Joel’s many gifts to life that we launch this national Illuman scholarship fund in his name and honor.
Honoring My Father's Legacy: The Impact of Joel Blunk's Work
Clayton Blunk
Finding Belonging and Transformation: My Journey with Illuman
Arrus Farmer
Launching the Campaign
The Joel Blunk Scholarship Fund
The Vision
The Joel Blunk Scholarship Fund will support Illuman’s Rites of Passage for boys/men who cannot afford the full cost of participation.
Scope
The Scholarship Fund is a national fund. Boys and men from all 50 states may avail themselves of scholarships based on financial need. The fund will be administered by Illuman national, with initial oversight by the steering team. An ongoing oversight team will be selected by Illuman’s Board and the steering team. Policies and procedures will be developed by the Board and steering team.
Leadership
The initial steering team will consist of Joel’s eldest son, Clayton, plus close friends of Joel: Paul Meister, Roger Garthwaite, Spencer Niles and Dan Harris, Chair of the Illuman USA board. They will be supported by two men from Illuman’s Development Team: Markku Kostamo and Blair Anderson.
Advance Gifts Goal
Prior to launching a national appeal, we plan to contact numerous friends and colleagues of Joel, challenging each to make a generous and bold leadership gift. The generosity of those closest to Joel will make this initiative believable and will inspire even greater generosity during the public campaign in 2025.
If you prefer to give by check, please follow these instructions:
Make checks payable to Illuman
Write Joel Blunk Scholarship Fund on memo line
Mail to 500 Westover Dr #12690, Sanford, NC 27330
The Advanced Gift Challenge
Consider the following scenario, which allows us to exceed our goal of $100,000:
One person giving $25,000 for a total of $25,000
Three people giving $10,000 for a total of $30,000
Eight people giving $5,000 for a total of $40,000
Ten people giving $1,000 for a total of $10,000
Steering Team Members
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Clayton Blunk
Clayton, the eldest of Joel’s three sons, participated in Joel’s first Young Men’s Rites of Passage in 2008. Through his father’s encouragement and direction, Clayton has committed himself to the teachings of perennial wisdom. Clayton’s journey reflects a dedication to the values and practices imparted by his father, fostering a life rooted in spiritual exploration and inner work.
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Paul Meister
Paul and his spouse joined State College Presbyterian Church in 1995 where Joel was the associate pastor. With Joel’s encouragement, Paul participated in local men’s retreats and did his Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP) in 2011. Paul continued to engage in men’s work with Joel, including serving on two MROP leadership teams in which Joel served as the Weaver. In addition, Paul assisted Joel in running Rites of Passage for young males, initiating 110 young men over ten years.
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Spencer Niles
Spencer first connected with Joel nearly 25 years ago as a member of Joel’s men’s group at State College Presbyterian Church, State College, PA. Joel and Spencer did their Rites of Passage (MROP) together in 2006. Since that time Joel has served as Spencer’s spiritual director and guide.
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Roger Garthwaite
Roger and his spouse first met Joel in 1995 when Joel was called to serve as their associate pastor of State College Presbyterian Church. Together, they teamed up with others to create WHEELHOUSE which encouraged adults of all ages to discover their place “where their deepest gladness and the world’s hunger meet.” They worked together to create monthly “Sabbath Away” programs which nurtured wholeness and authenticity through Gratitude, Community, Solitude, and Service.
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Dan Harris
Dan first met Joel Blunk in 2017 at his rites of passage and was deeply impressed by Joel’s capacity to speak into the hearts of men with quiet authority that encouraged us to open ourselves in a radical way to this powerful process. In 2019, Dan returned as a teaching elder at the rites in Buffalo Gap, where he again experienced Joel’s deep spirituality and charismatic leadership. Starting in 2022, Dan and Joel worked with other men to create “First Rites — Young Men Rising” for adolescent boys.
Dan currently serves as Chair of the Illuman USA board.
Will you join us?
Your support can play a vital role in honoring Joel Blunk’s legacy. By contributing to the Joel Blunk Scholarship Fund, you help provide life-changing Rites of Passage experiences to boys and men who might not otherwise afford them. Joel’s work has always been about guiding young men through times of transition with courage, compassion, and spiritual insight. With your gift, you join a community dedicated to keeping Joel’s vision alive—creating pathways for authentic growth, healing, and purpose for future generations. Will you join us in carrying this vision forward?
