The Houston Baptist University Covenant Society was created to recognize and thank those who have invested in HBU’s future through a planned gift. For information, please visit PlannedGiving.HBU.edu or call 281-649-3407.
Universities like HBU depend upon the support and partnership of friends of the University. They are the heroes who make it possible for students such as HBU student Brenda Brocato to attend, and to receive the best education possible. Brocato addressed a group gathered for a Covenant Society Reception during a recent Sunday afternoon at Dr. Robert B. Sloan, HBU president, and Mrs. Sue Sloan’s home, Morris House.
“Coming out of high school, I wanted to study humanities and liberal arts from a Christian perspective,” she said. “The education is even better than I thought it would be. The professors’ support and mentorship has been helpful, and I’ve made so many amazing connections.”
The Houston Baptist University Covenant Society is comprised of University supporters who have arranged to leave a legacy gift through options including a will, charitable gift annuity, charitable lead trust, charitable remainder trust, life estate, living trust, life insurance policy or IRA/annuity/pension plan. Tommy Bambrick, vice president of the HBU Capital Campaign, said that, of planned gifts, wills which leave a provision to HBU make up about 60 to 70 percent of deferred gifts to the University.
“Relationships are the most important thing for a university,” Bambrick said. “We are thankful for what our donors do for HBU. Our goal for planned giving is to fulfill our constituents’ philanthropic wishes in coordination with their overall financial and estate planning.” Bambrick’s office has created a Wills Guide and a website, PlannedGiving.HBU.edu, to help facilitate the planning process. “People should always have a will,” he said.
Dr. Rusty Brooks, Prince-Chavanne Chair in Christian Business Ethics for the HBU Archie W. Dunham College of Business, agreed. “You have to decide to do something or it will get decided for you,” he said of leaving a will with one’s own directives. As an employee of three decades, Brooks said, “This is my second home. The University has given me a lot of happiness.” Like other donors, Brooks and his wife elected to give to a specified area within HBU that is meaningful to them. “I’m one of these that says, ‘Here’s what I want to give to.’ You can make your gifts very specific,” he said. “It will eventually benefit students. I went to school on scholarships myself. If it helps one kid go to school, it’s worth it.”
Dr. Carol McGaughey, who served the HBU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences department for 16 years, retiring as associate dean in 2017, remembers her time fondly, and has also chosen to leave a legacy through planned giving. “HBU is a place where collegiality and faith supersede work. It’s a special atmosphere,” she said. “By giving, you’re blessing wonderful young people.”
Friend of HBU, Ret. Col. Newt Cole, said, “I love this school. I’ve always believed in sharing what you have with the Kingdom of God because it’s His. Giving to student scholarships blesses my heart so much. We’re all blessed and privileged to be a part of a wonderful school.”
Dr. Sloan expressed his appreciation to each donor. “We’re grateful for you,” he said. “Thank you for the difference you’ve made.”