Donors and Students Build Connections at Scholarship Luncheon

(Abilene, Texas) Unlike many scholarship donors, Linda Carleton is not a graduate of Hardin-Simmons. But as a longtime former staff member at the University, she saw first-hand what HSU offered to students.

“Perhaps the most important reason we continue to give is our belief in the potential of young people and the knowledge that those who come to Hardin-Simmons have the opportunity to discover their gifts, be mentored by Christian faculty and staff, and to prepare themselves with an education enlightened by faith,” said Carleton, a featured donor who spoke at the Donor and Recipient Scholarship Luncheon, held April 15.   

Some 165 students, scholarship donors and representatives, administrators, faculty, and staff attended the event.  Donors traveled from across Texas to attend and some even drove in from out of state including donors from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

“This is probably one of their favorite events,” said Development Associate Mendy Huddleston, of donors. “They love to meet students and hear their stories and connect.”

In the 2015-16 academic year, a total of $16,991,812 in scholarships was awarded to HSU students.

The connections made at the luncheon may be between a single donor and scholarship recipient or larger groups, such as Dr. George and Carolyn Newman’s dozen scholarship recipients in attendance.

Mike Hammack, Vice President for Institutional Advancement who spoke at the event, said it is important for donors to meet scholarship recipients and for recipients to meet donors.

Hardin-Simmons, from its very founding, has been fortunate to have people willing to devote themselves to supporting the University. Hammack mentioned an example of HSU faculty, staff, and administrators who gave up back pay during the height of the Great Depression so that the University could stay in business.   

He said those who sacrificed believe in something beyond themselves.

“They believed in the institution, they believed in the values behind that, and they believed in you,” he said “It’s because of them that we’re here today. It’s the same for the donors who are here.”

HSU President Dr. Lanny Hall said the University has deep gratitude for the donors who continue to contribute to make students’ dreams of a University education possible.

“We want you to know that you’re playing a valuable role in transforming lives by financially providing scholarship assistance,” he said. “We thank God for you.”

Donor Linda Carleton and her husband Rob knew very little about HSU until they moved to Abilene in 1977 and they started attending the HSU Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

“Hardin-Simmons quickly became a part of our lives and ultimately our Abilene family,” she said.

A neighbor suggested she apply for a job supervising student teachers at HSU, and that led to a three-decade career during which she served in several roles including as Dean of Students. She worked with three University Presidents: Dr. Hall, Dr. Jesse Fletcher, and Dr. Craig Turner.

She and her husband choose to honor friends and family with their scholarships. The first one honored her husband’s aunt who loved children and the scholarship is available to a student who plans to work with children in some capacity.  

“Gratitude is the root of everything we do. Gratitude is the root for our giving,” she said. 

Student Julie Justiss, a scholarship recipient and social work major from Wichita Falls, discussed a turbulent upbringing and how a donor helped her realize her higher education dreams.

“The only school I had my heart set on was Hardin-Simmons,” she said. “By the grace of God, here I am.”

Each recipient has a different story to tell, Justiss said, adding that donors become part of a student’s story through each scholarship gift.