One of Julia Koster’s core childhood memories took place around the breakfast table. Each morning, her family would hold hands and say, “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Years later, Julia still carries those words with her, using them as a reminder of how her values were shaped and how she hopes to live them out.
Her early foundation of faith was modeled daily by her parents, Merrill and Betty Koster. Their thoughtful, transformative, and quiet approach to giving inspires and guides Julia and her brother Greg’s commitment to meaningful impact through generosity.
Early on, Merrill and Betty were passionate about education, community, and health care, causes shaped by their own experiences. In 1998, the Kosters established a scholarship through Thrivent Charitable which supports young people pursuing college and educational goals. They also created a nursing scholarship, inspired by Betty’s career in nursing. Recognizing the importance of passionate and skilled care, alongside the barriers many face when entering the profession, this scholarship has helped individuals from diverse backgrounds follow their calling into health care. “It’s amazing what you can do if you just get started,” Betty says.
After Merrill’s passing in 2025, Betty sat down with Julia and Greg for a conversation about the future. Together, they drafted a legacy letter with the intention of providing clear guidance to continue Betty and Merrill’s legacy of supporting education, health care, and giving back to the community.
In a world that often feels uncertain, the Koster family remains anchored in hope and faith. “Giving is about joy,” Julia says. “At the end of the day, the giver gets a lot back.”
To read more stories like the Koster family and learn how generosity is shaping lives and communities, explore our full
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