HCU Alumni Awards

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.

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

Dr. Pete Sanchez ‘94

Meritorious Service Alumnus Award

Jess Rogers Dunham ’00 MEd’02 & Cary Dunham ‘93

Hallmark Award

Dr. Louis Markos

Emma Key Faithful Servant Award

Kristen Kleymeyer ’22, MBA’24

Emerging Alumnus Leader Award

Jasmine Harding Adams ‘13 | Taylor Ducoff ‘13

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 who helps sustain that bridge and connection to our graduates long after alumni have crossed the stage.

Emma Key Faithful Servant Award

The Emma Key Faithful Servant award is given to an undergraduate student on our campus whose words, deeds, and demeanor exemplify the very spirit of the amazing young girl that it’s named after. Emma Claire Key. The remarkable 9 year old daughter of Steven ’96 and Sherry ’95 Key, who 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 few 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.