Home » News » HCU’s The Guild Marks 50 Years of Service & Community

HCU’s The Guild Marks 50 Years of Service & Community


Houston Christian University’s The Guild Celebrates Golden Anniversary of Scholarship Support

Houston, Texas, July 3, 2025 – The Guild at Houston Christian University (HCU) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking a half-century of dedicated service and critically important financial support for graduate students. As its founding, the Guild has raised more then $2.6 million in scholarship funds, playing a crucial role in the academic journeys of countless individuals.

A Legacy of Christian Service and Scholarship

Established in November 1974 as the President’s Advisors, The Guild comprises civic-minded Christian women from diverse denominations. These women united to support the future growth and advancement of Houston Christian University. In 1994, The Guild launched its graduate scholarship program, which has since awarded 567 scholarships, including 81 endowed and 486 annual scholarships.

Did You Know? houston Christian University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs, as well as NCAA Division I athletics in the Southland Conference [[1]].

HCU President Robert Sloan expressed his gratitude, stating, “Scholarships impact the lives of our students and help to build the foundation of the University. I am pleased to congratulate the Guild on their milestone anniversary and grand accomplishments.”

The Guild’s Impact on Graduate Education

The Guild’s recent annual Silver Tea, a major fundraising event, supports their scholarship program. This program benefits graduate students in the school of Christian Thought and the College of Education and Behavioral sciences. For the upcoming academic year, the organization has awarded 34 annual scholarships and eight endowed scholarships for students pursuing degrees at both the master’s and doctoral levels.

President Cathy Wheatly emphasized the importance of The Guild’s work: “The Guild provides Christian women the unique opportunity to support these graduate students, helping to provide a Christian influence in our community.”

Pro Tip: Consider donating to scholarship funds at your local university to support the next generation of leaders.

Key Scholarship Statistics

Scholarship Type Number Awarded
endowed Scholarships 81
Annual Scholarships 486
Total Scholarships Awarded 567

Looking Ahead

As its inception, The Guild has united civic-minded Christian women through service, social fellowship, and spiritual purpose. Their collective efforts support the University’s mission of preparing students for lives of service and leadership. Sharon Saunders, Vice President for Advancement and University Relations and Executive Director of The Guild, reflected on the organization’s history: “Fifty years ago, God had a purpose in mind when a group of Christian women came together to support the University. Their faith was strong; their purpose was bold; their commitment was beyond belief.”

Evergreen Insights: The Enduring Value of Scholarships

Scholarships play a vital role in higher education, providing financial assistance to students who might or else be unable to afford college or graduate school. These funds not only alleviate the burden of tuition costs but also enable students to focus on their studies and pursue their academic and professional goals. Organizations like The Guild at Houston Christian University exemplify the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have on the lives of students and the broader community.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Guild and HCU scholarships

What is The Guild at Houston Christian University?

The Guild is an organization of Christian women dedicated to supporting Houston Christian University through fundraising and scholarships.

How long has The Guild been supporting Houston Christian university?

The Guild, originally established as the President’s Advisors, has been supporting Houston Christian University for 50 years, since November 1974.

How much scholarship money has The Guild raised for graduate students?

Since its inception, The Guild has raised over $2.6 million in scholarship funds to support graduate students at Houston Christian University.

Which academic areas benefit from The Guild’s scholarship program?

The Guild’s scholarship program primarily benefits graduate students in the School of Christian Thought and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at houston Christian University.

How many scholarships does The Guild award annually?

For the upcoming academic year, The Guild has awarded 34 annual scholarships and eight endowed scholarships to students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.

What is the mission of Houston Christian University?

Houston Christian University’s mission is to equip students for lives of service and leadership, preparing them to think critically and biblically as they impact the world.

what are your thoughts on the impact of community organizations on higher education? How can we encourage more people to support student scholarships?

Share this article and join the conversation!

You may also like

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.