The recent winter storm that blanketed the Houston Christian University campus and all of Houston became an occasion for a group of HCU students to show compassion and concern.
In the wake of the historic snowfall that blanketed the HCU campus, HCU President Robert Sloan and his wife, Sue Sloan, witnessed the values and principles espoused by the University on full display when a caring group of five residential students showed up on their doorstep to check on their welfare.
“It was such a wonderful thing to open the door this morning and see all of you there. You are so kind and gracious to come around and make that thoughtful offer to help in any way,” said Dr. Sloan in a message to students.
As Winter Storm Enzo brought ice, sleet and up to six inches of snow in some parts of the city, Houstonians were encouraged by local news outlets to avoid travel and to prepare to shelter in place as freezing temperatures prompted school and business closures across the region.
When HCU sophomore Zachary Argomido, a nursing student in the Linda Dunham School of Nursing, woke Tuesday morning to the sight of a campus covered in snow, he and fellow HCU students Jackson Boothe, Ian Yuan, Jeremiah Hokand Genesis Aguilar ventured out of their dorms to enjoy the rare snow event.
While taking in the amazing winter landscape and making the customary snowballs, the students’ thoughts took a benevolent turn.
“I knew Dr. Sloan’s dwelling was a little far from the dormitories. Knowing that traveling might be difficult, I went to check if he needed anything – just like a neighbor would check in on a neighbor, you know?” said Zachary.
Fellow HCU student, Jackson Boothe, a junior in the College of Arts and Humanities, shared similar sentiments.
“Being able to check on the President’s well-being was motivating enough for me. This University has done so much for me, and it was fulfilling to be able to repay that gratitude,” said Jackson.
It was an act of kindness that the HCU President described as “such an encouragement and blessing.”
“I’m so grateful to God for students like yourselves. All of you blessed us today,” said Dr. Sloan.