By Benny Agosto, Jr.
Over 40 years ago, I came to Houston to attend Houston Baptist University (HBU). My eternal goal was to play collegiate soccer and attain an education while I did it. Little did I know that the decision that I made to come to HBU would transform my life.
I was born in New York City and raised in Puerto Rico. From a young age, I was taught by my Puerto Rican parents that through hard work and determination, anything was possible. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength that I need.” Philippians 4:13. I cannot tell you how many times I heard that verse at home growing up in San Juan. This is a principle that was etched into my soul by my parents, Don Beno and Marina Agosto, and one that I have shared with my family moving forward. (Frankly, with anyone who cares to listen!) I have applied this principle throughout my life, in school, on the soccer field, and now, in the courtroom and in my law practice at the law firm of Abraham Watkins Nichols Agosto Aziz and Stogner in Houston, Texas. Both of my parents have a sixth-grade education, and every day they would tell my siblings and I to be sure to get an education. I remember my father telling me that no one can ever take that away from you. My parents knew the struggles of being a migrant family without a formal education. I learned very quickly that a good, top-notch education is one that would prepare me for the career challenges in the future. A better education, I have learned, is one that would teach you not only how to be prepared for the challenges of the job, but also for the challenges of life. That is what a true Christian education is all about. This is what I learned while at HBU.
Education can change the world. By increasing access to a quality education, we have come to learn that the results can be transformative to students, the community they live in and society as a whole. No one can deny that the value of investing in education is crucially impactful. It has been reported that the value of investing in education is indisputable: it reduces inequality between men and women, improves economic development, promotes peace and lifts people out of poverty.
A Christian education can do more than that. It can transform a man or a woman at a spiritual level. To tell my story, I would have to tell you about the grace, mercy, forgiveness and victory over the enemy that Jesus has blessed me with over these years since I attended Houston Baptist University. The seeds that were planted in my heart to become the best that I can be, work hard at my craft/education and always be present to give back to my community, were learned at HBU. The true examples of the Christian walk that I received from the administration, coaches and faculty at HBU still guide me today. In fact, I would have never known that I was the beneficiary of kindness and giving by President Hinton, had I not been invited to attend a scholarship luncheon for students receiving endowment awards. It was then that I learned that the President of the University had chosen me to be the recipient of the scholarship. I was floored. But what I really learned was that when you give of yourself and your finances to benefit others, and for the glory of God, you are guaranteed positive results. The heavens will open up its floodgates of blessings overall.
So, what is holding us back? Why are we fearful of supporting or giving to a Christian university like Houston Baptist University?
In life, we need to be connected, not just present. The way we can connect with our alma mater, HBU, is to find ways to support it. It could be done by volunteering during alumni activities, giving back to help support our students, or even better, providing financial assistance and scholarships to help the needs of our students. We should never be afraid to support an institution that is promoting Christian values and a top-notch Christian education – Houston Baptist University.
“For God has not given us the spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Let’s be strong, fearless, and full of love, the love of Christ, and let’s find ways to help others while giving God the glory for all things. I pray for God‘s favor to be with you and bless you, now and always.
About Benny Agosto, Jr.
Benny Agosto, Jr. ’86, is the managing partner and trial lawyer in Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner. He is also the proud founder of he is co-founder of the Hispanic National Bar Association’s Legal Education Fund, which provides scholarships for young Hispanic law students in the Houston area. More recently, he established the South Texas College of Law Benny Agosto, Jr. Diversity Center at the law school he attended in Houston. Benny lives his life by always challenging himself to keep learning, to love and support his wonderful family, and to make every attempt to better his community. As a former HBU soccer player and coach, he has shown continued commitment to supporting the soccer program. He truly exemplifies the many characteristics that HBU holds close.