Houston Christian University (HCU) announced that The John M. O’Quinn Foundation has made a commitment of $2.5 million to endow a Chair in counseling at the University.
The John M. O’Quinn Foundation has made a commitment of $2.5 million to endow a Chair in counseling at Houston Christian University (HCU). The announcement was celebrated with the dedication of a plaque in the Brown Administrative Building at a ceremony open to the HCU community followed by a luncheon hosted by HCU President, Dr. Robert B. Sloan and wife, Sue.
The gift, the largest from The Foundation to date, “will allow many students to be well-trained, positively impacting the lives of many in the community and across the globe,” read the plaque’s inscription.
“We believe that our counseling area is highly capable and truly prepared to tap into the deep roots of the broken and restless hearts all around us, and it’s The O’Quinn Foundation’s generous gift that is enabling us not only to speak to these needs individually but to provide opportunities for healing and restoration – the restoration of persons, families and ultimately culture,” said HCU President Robert Sloan.
A Texas trial lawyer and founding partner of The O’Quinn Law Firm, John M. O’Quinn dedicated his life to advocating for the needs of the underprivileged. He created The John M. O’Quinn Foundation in 1986 to fund charitable organizations with a focus on conservation, education, health and programs benefiting underprivileged youth in Houston.
The John M. O’Quinn Foundation President Rob C. Wilson III described O’Quinn’s passion for supporting institutions that address the mental health needs of the community.
“Mr. O’Quinn was a big supporter and advocate for mental health care in Houston, as he was directly impacted by it during his lifetime. We honor his legacy with this endowed Chair, knowing it will be a valued resource for hope and healing for many in the community,” said Wilson.
Dr. Michael Cook, Director of HCU’s Student Counseling Center, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to The Foundation for their gift, the faculty members and students it will enable the University to train, and the countless lives it will allow them to impact in the future.
The commemorative plaque, bearing O’Quinn’s image, hangs on a dedicated endowed chair donor wall in honor of The John M. O’Quinn Foundation’s generosity to the university.