HCU’S Career Fair Clothes Students in Confidence and Calling
A Drive to Succeed
The Archie W. Dunham College of Business 2025 Business and STEM Career Fair was a masterclass in how to create transformative opportunities anchored in divine purpose. Forty employers met with more than 400 ambitious students—and this historic success went beyond resume exchanges. Recruiters engaged with the next wave of Christ-led innovators while confirming a growing appetite among employers to hire Houston Christian University (HCU) graduates. Our profile continues to rise for producing ethical and proficient leaders.
Behind every handshake and polished interview was a reflection of our collective dedication to preparing students to enter their future professions with confidence. Yvette Garcia embodies this mission. The HCU alumna and graduate advising and placement coordinator, who once received interview attire from the clothing drive, now leads the University’s partnership with the Dress for Success Houston program.
Her journey is a full-circle moment which embodies God’s redemptive work and demonstrates how those who receive care at HCU often return to plant seeds in the same soil that nourished them.
Garcia highlighted the impact of the Dunham College of Business Career Closet, noting that what began last year through the vision and leadership of Emily Butler has quickly grown into an essential support for students across campus.
“Thanks to the generosity of our faculty, staff, alumni, Career and Calling team and board members, we’ve been able to provide professional pieces at no cost to our students that help them stand out in a competitive market,” said Garcia.
“Beyond the fabric and the fit, these gifts instill the confidence needed to excel at career fairs and navigate job interviews. We are deeply grateful to our donors, Emily Butler and the College of Business team for making this possible; seeing the joy and readiness on our students’ faces makes every contribution worth it.”
The numbers from the most recent career fair, held this past fall, tell a story in themselves. 250 students were registered, yet over 380 students showed up to the event, marking a substantial increase from the spring 2025 fair of 178 attendees. The upward trend reflects not only effective promotion but also the growing recognition among students that HCU provides access to meaningful careers.
The job opportunities are expanding alongside Houston itself. The city continues to grow into an international hub celebrated for its diversity, young professionals and entrepreneurial spirit. HCU cultivates highly sought-after leaders through faith-based learning and career development initiatives. Employers increasingly recognize the necessity of recruiting graduates from a university where holistic formation eliminates the false choice between professional aptitude and personal integrity. The future belongs to those who embody both.
This truth drives our dedication to addressing the complete picture of professional development. As one of the top five universities for referrals to Dress for Success Houston, alongside many of our strategic professional partnerships with employers throughout the city, we prepare graduates to be salt and light in their professions and communities. HCU continues to foster a dynamic learning environment where students walk in purpose, lead with wisdom—and clothe themselves in both professional excellence and garments of praise as they secure their dream jobs.