Jul. 2, 2025 SHARE: Houston, Texas, July 2, 2025 — This year marks a significant milestone in the history of Houston Christian University (HCU) as The Guild celebrates its 50th Anniversary and its success, since its inception, in raising more than $2.6 million in scholarship funds to support graduate students. “Scholarships impact the lives of our students and help to build the foundation of the University. I am pleased to congratulate The Guild on their milestone anniversary and grand accomplishments,” said HCU President Robert Sloan. Established in November 1974 as the President’s Advisors, The Guild is a group of civic-minded, dedicated Christian women from various denominations who joined forces under the auspices of the President of Houston Christian University to fulfill a unique role in the future growth and development of the University. In 1994, The Guild launched a graduate scholarship program — an initiative that has since awarded 567 scholarships, including 81 endowed and 486 annual scholarships. “Fifty years ago, God had a purpose in mind when a group of Christian women came together to support the University. Their faith was strong; their purpose was bold; their commitment was beyond belief,” said Sharon Saunders, Vice President for Advancement and University Relations and Executive Director of The Guild. The Guild recently hosted its annual Silver Tea, a major fundraising event supporting their scholarship program, which benefits graduate students in the School of Christian Thought and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. For the upcoming academic year, this organization has awarded 34 annual scholarships and eight endowed scholarships for students pursuing degrees at both the master’s and doctoral levels. President Cathy Wheatly stated, “The Guild provides Christian women the unique opportunity to support these graduate students, helping to provide a Christian influence in our community.” Since its founding, The Guild has brought together civic-minded Christian women, united through service, social fellowship and spiritual purpose, to support the University’s mission of preparing students for lives of service and leadership. # # # About Houston Christian University For more than 60 years, Houston Christian University has equipped students to lead, collaborate, and embody a deep sense of spiritual purpose. The University offers a wide range of majors, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs, as well as NCAA Division I athletics in the Southland Conference. Located in the heart of one of the nation’s largest metropolitan centers, HCU’s culture of excellence molds the next generation of educated disciples to be pillars in their communities, preparing them to think critically and biblically as they impact the world.
