HCU Alumni Awards | Houston Christian University

The HCU Alumni Association Advisory Board, in conjunction with the University, work together to nominate and select alumni, students, staff and faculty for the annual alumni awards: the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Meritorious Service Alumnus Award, the Hallmark Award and the Emma Key Faithful Servant Award. The award recipients are honored at the Spirit of HCU Dinner: Alumni Awards Dinner and Walk of Honor Induction.

Nominations Now Open for the 2025 Alumni Awards

Know an outstanding Husky? We’re now accepting nominations for the 2025 Alumni Awards! Help us recognize alumni and faculty/staff who exemplify the spirit, service, and impact of Houston Christian University.

Award Categories

Distinguished Alumnus Award — Honoring an alumnus with significant contributions in their profession while upholding HCU’s values.

Meritorious Service Alumnus Award — Recognizing an alumnus for outstanding service and dedication to HCU.

Hallmark Award — Celebrating a faculty or staff member who fosters lifelong connections with HCU alumni. (Nominee must not be an HCU alumnus.)

Recipients will be honored at the Spirit of HCU Awards during Homecoming 2025.

Past Recipients Nominate Someone Today

Each fall, the HCU Alumni Association hosts the Spirit of HCU Awards Dinner, honoring alumni, faculty and staff.

The dinner is an opportunity to recognize the recipients of the alumni awards selected by the HCU Alumni Association Advisory Board. These awards include: Distinguished Alumnus, Meritorious Service Alumnus, the Hallmark Award, Emerging Alumnus Leader Award, and the Emma Key Faithful Servant Award.

At the same time, HCU Athletics inducts individuals into the HCU Athletic Hall of Honor, whose participation and contributions have enriched and strengthened the University’s athletic program.

Additionally, the President’s Award, Opal Goolsby Outstanding Teacher Award, and the Mayfield Outstanding Staff Award recipients will also be recognized.

All honorees at this event are inducted into the HCU Alumni Association Walk of Honor, located in the Bettis Quadrangle of the Brown Administrative Complex.

The entire University community as well as friends and family of the honorees are welcome to attend this event. The Alumni Association looks forward to this opportunity to celebrate all those for their contributions at HCU, their work, and the lasting impact each have on our community.

Distinguished Alumnus Award

Rick Redding ’83

Meritorious Service Alumnus Award

Marsha Griffith Eckermann ’68

Lijo V. Joseph ’99

Hallmark Award

Dr. Avin Brownlee

Emma Key Faithful Servant Award

Gabby Livier Zacamitzin ’23

Emerging Alumnus Leader Award

Bryan Brody ’18

Distinguished Alumnus Award

The Distinguished Alumnus Award is given to the alumnus who in addition to embodying the principles and ideals that Houston Christian University stands for, also has made significant contributions in their own profession or field.

Meritorious Service Alumnus Award

The Meritorious Service Award goes to an alumnus who exemplifies a sustained commitment of time, actions, and energy towards furthering the ideals of Houston Christian University.

Hallmark Award

The Hallmark Award is given to a member of our incredible faculty or staff who not only gives so much to the current students that they teach but helps sustain a connection to our graduates long after alumni have crossed the stage. This award is given to a non-alumnus but a true Husky at Heart. After receiving this award, they become an honorary alumnus of HCU.

Emma Key Faithful Servant Award

The Emma Key Faithful Servant award is given to a HCU upper-level undergraduate student or recent alumnus / alumna whose words, deeds, and demeanor exemplify the very spirit of the amazing young girl that it’s named after. Emma Claire Key, the remarkable nine-year-old daughter of Steven ’96 and Sherry ’95 Key, exemplified service to others with a bold ability to evangelize.

Emerging Alumnus Leader Award

The Emerging Leader Award is given to honor an undergraduate alumnus of 10 or fewer years who has had early career success and made a positive impact in their community. This recipient recognizes the importance of their education at Houston Christian University and demonstrates interest in and loyalty to HCU.