The Guild Institute in Christian Family Studies Activities

The Dr. Dawn K. Wilson Teaching, Learning, and Research Symposium and Luncheon Honoring The Guild took place on the HCU campus on Saturday, October 12, 2024. The theme for this year’s event was “Grand Slam Educational Experiences: Hitting Home Runs in Teaching, Learning, and Research.” We had more registrants than ever before (171 total), including many of our faculty and adjunct faculty members from colleges and schools across campus, educators and educational leaders from across the city and beyond, undergraduate and graduate students, and ladies of The Guild.

Leonard Geddes, founder of The Learn Well Projects, did an exceptional job as our keynote speaker, providing meaningful content, applicable concepts, and seamlessly incorporating the theme of our event in engaging ways. Many of our faculty commented on how greatly his session impacted them and also shared about ways in which they plan to apply the concepts he presented to their teaching practices.

Faculty, adjunct faculty, staff, students, and educational leaders presented breakout sessions focusing on a variety of innovative topics surrounding teaching, learning, and research, and we received exceptional feedback from these sessions.

During the luncheon, Sharon Saunders presented an excellent overview of the history of The Guild, and one of our doctoral graduates, Dr. Nay Armstrong Chevalier, was recognized as a winner of the prestigious Baptist Educators Serving Texans (B.E.S.T.) Award.

HCU’s Head Baseball Coach Clay Vander Laan concluded our time together by facilitating our “All-Star Panel of Guild Scholars.” Our panel included scholars who are teaching and leading in both public and private school settings across the city. Many of the ladies of The Guild commented that this was a true highlight of the event for them, as it meant a great deal to hear about the ways in which The Guild’s provision of scholarships has impacted the lives of our students as well as the lives of those they serve.

Special thanks to our co-chairs for a wonderful afternoon, Katie Alaniz and Vickey Giles.

The Guild Institute Grand Slam Educational Experience Slideshow

The Guild Institute for Family Studies gathered on September 14, 2023, at the home of Chuck and Andrea Gossett.  Guests were encouraged to explore the house and the collection of historical artifacts from Texas history, WWII, the War between the States, and many more venues.  The speaker was the host, Chuck Gossett.  He explored the art of collecting, explaining why he collects items from history and its players.  Remembering events and heroes reminds us of who we are as Americans and affords the Gossetts the platform for welcoming young people into their home to appreciate “where we came from.”  His encouraging talk reminded us that “Jesus Christ controls history.”  It was a fascinating experience with wonderful fellowship, always present at Guild events and in the Gossetts’ home.

Thank you to the cochairs Marsha Eckermann and Claire Lawrence.

The Guild Institute in Christian Family Studies Photo Gallery

On Thursday, September 29, 2022, The Guild Institute of Christian Family Studies celebrated the opening of the Morris Family Center for Law and Liberty, the newest building on the Houston Christian University campus, with a program that delineated the development, construction, and ongoing mission of this stately building. Under a brilliant blue sky, the classic colonial building, which was constructed in a style reminiscent of the historic Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, welcomed Guild members to an informative, inspirational program.

The event took place in the Center’s second-floor meeting room where attendees first enjoyed light refreshments and a video of the construction of the building accompanied by patriotic music.  The program began with members of Schola Cantorum singing an inspiring a cappella version of “God Bless America.” Guild President, Jeanne Walker, welcomed Guild members and guests followed by the Guild Chaplain, Debra Perich, leading a prayer. Jeanne Walker introduced the program speakers, Lisa Morris Simon, President of the Joella and Stewart Morris Family Foundation; Stewart Morris, Jr., President of Stewart Security Capital LLC; Dr. Sloan, HCU President and Dr. Chris Hammons, Director of the Morris Family Center for Law and Liberty.  Lisa Morris Simon, Stewart Morris, Jr. and Dr. Sloan shared information about the historical development of the project, biblical passages that support its purposes, and the motivation and inspiration for its creation. A highlight of the day was the presentation of special blankets with a picture of the beautiful Morris Family Center for Law and Liberty by Dr. Sloan to Founding Father, Dr. Stewart Morris, and our two speakers.

Dr. Chris Hammons spoke next.  It was his idea to build a center 10 years ago.  The Center’s purpose is to teach the next generation of leaders the importance of our nation’s history, founding documents, and Constitutional principles. He used a multimedia presentation to share how the building complex will be used to house classes relating to the Center’s mission and other academic programs, such as faculty lectures, guest speakers, and teacher workshops. He also shared that the building would become a field trip destination for area schools, a conference center for civic groups and the business community, and a place for HCU to host educational events for the community.

The co-chairs of the event, Dr. Kaye Busiek and Dr. Carol McGaughey, who are both retired professors from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at HCU, closed the program thanking members of the HCU Guild family that assisted with the event: Sharon Saunders, Patti Bailey, Candace Desrosiers, Jeanne Walker, Debra Perich, Susan Harris, Cookie Peeler, Anne Roper, Dr. Klotz and the members of the Schola Cantorum choir, HCU Student Foundation volunteers, and the HCU photographers and caterers.

The Guild members and guests were invited to view the two first floor rooms set-up to replicate the actual Signing Room of the Declaration of Independence and the Courtroom, which was directly across the main entrance hall. The historical detail which has gone into both the outside of the building and the inside is impressive right down to quills and personal items laid out where delegates sat in the antique chairs of the Signing Room. This Guild event holds the distinction of being the first function held in the Morris Family Center for Law and Liberty after the Ribbon Cutting event held on September 15, 2022. Consequently, the Guild now holds a place in history with this significant addition to the HCU campus.

View The Guild Institute in Christian Family Studies Photo Gallery

On Wednesday, October 27, 2021, during Convocation, The Guild joined the Houston Christian University student body, faculty and staff in honoring HCU’s Founding Father, Dr. Stewart Morris, and celebration of his 102nd birthday. As honored guests, The Guild members were seated in a special section of the Dunham Theater to hear the musical presentations of trumpeter, George Chase, and pianist, Dr. Dan Kramlich.  We also enjoyed the unique perspectives into the life of Dr. Morris from the Director of the Morris Family Center for Law and Liberty, Dr. Christopher Hammons; Professor of Law and Jurisprudence, Dr. John Tyler; and HCU President, Dr. Robert Sloan. Dr. Morris’ dedication to the Lord, his service to our community, and his dedication to Houston Christian University is truly inspirational.

After Convocation, the Guild members were treated to a luncheon in the Morris Cultural Arts Center. Our Guild President, Judy Craig, welcomed everyone and asked for God’s blessings over our afternoon, the life of Dr. Morris and mission of HCU. On behave of the Guild, she presented Dr. Morris with a gift.

During the luncheon, photographs of Dr. Morris’ life were projected.  Lisa Simon and Stewart Morris, Jr. both spoke about their life with and appreciation of their father. Sue Sloan and Sharon Saunders finished with their kind reflections of Dr. Morris and opened the microphone for any other comments.

We ended the day by singing Happy Birthday to Dr. Morris.

Slideshow of Convocation and Luncheon

Video of Convocation
Featuring remarks from Dr. John Tyler, Dr. Christopher Hammons & Dr. Robert Sloan

Convocation and Luncheon Photos

On October 24, 2018, Dr. Stewart Morris, HCU’s Founding Father, was honored at Convocation and a special luncheon with family, friends and faculty in the Morris Cultural Arts Center to celebrate his 99th birthday.  Following the luncheon, the group was joined by HCU staff and students outside the Morris Cultural Arts Center for the dedication of a bronze statue in honor of Dr. Morris.

On October 26, 2016, The Guild Institute in Christian Family Studies honored HCU Founding Father Dr. Stewart Morris, who continues to be instrumental in helping the University evolve into the dynamic Christian University we see today. Convocation speakers and longtime friends of the Morris family, Edd & Nina Hendee, shared rich moments about Texas history with students, faculty and friends.  The Hendees then participated in an informative Q&A discussion with the audience. Following Convocation, the celebration continued with a luncheon in McNair Hall welcoming HCU faculty as guest of The Guild, highlighted by a dialogue with Dr. Sloan and the Morris family.

On October 18, 2017, Lynne Jordal Martin spoke at Convocation in the Morris Cultural Arts Center on the HCU Campus. Martin, who is Senior Opinion Editor for Fox News, is passionate about faith, family, news, food, travel and music. A lifelong Episcopalian, she is an Education for Ministry mentor and serves on the board of Forward Movement Publications. A graduate of Wellesley College, she was the recipient of a Rotary International Scholarship and studied Political Science and International Relations at the Free University of Berlin. Following Convocation, The Guild hosted a luncheon for HCU Faculty.

On October 14, 2015, The Institute welcomed Dr. Hunter Baker as guest speaker at HCU’s Convocation where he inspired students with his talk on “A Graduation Speech Before Graduation.”  Following Convocation, The Guild honored HCU faculty with a luncheon in McNair Hall featuring Dr. Baker and President Robert Sloan in a discussion on the importance of family for human flourishing, the relationship of the family to politics and freedom, and raising children in the church.  Dr. Baker, an academic dean and associate professor of political science at Union University in Jackson, Tn., serves as associate editor for the Journal of Markets and Morality and is a contributing editor for Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity.  Dr. Baker is also a research fellow of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and is the author of three books:  The End of Secularism; Political Thought: A Student’s Guide;  and  The System Has a Soul.   Prior to his tenure at Union, Dr. Baker served as director of Strategic Planning and as a member of the Faculty at HCU, where he co-founded The City, the University journal.

On October 15, 2014, Lee Strobel and Dr. William Lane Craig were featured speakers at HCU’s Convocation, followed by a luncheon in McNair hall with HCU faculty as special guests.  The Institute welcomed Lee Strobel as guest speaker for a second year and was pleased to introduced Dr. Craig to the HCU campus.  Professor Strobel, in his second year at HCU, is an award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune and New York Times best-selling author. Dr. Craig, an internationally known philosopher and theologian, is teaching his first class at HCU this fall. He is the author of more than 40 books and 150 journal articles, including his signature book Reasonable Faith. A dialogue with President Robert Sloan was an added feature.

On February 19, 2014, Lee Strobel, one of the evangelical community’s most popular apologists and author of many books, including The Case for Christ, was The Institute’s guest lecturer at HCU’s Convocation. The Guild hosted  a special luncheon honoring HCU faculty where Lee Strobel and President Robert Sloan discussed issues facing the Christian family.

On October 23 and 24, 2012, Trudy Cathy White, was The Institute’s guest lecturer at a community event and HCU Convocation.  Mrs. White is the daughter of Truett Catty, founder and CEO of Chick-Fil-A.  Her life goal is to obey God’s leadership, nurture family relationships and promote godly character in the next generation.  She and her husband, John, have spent the last 33 years investing in the lives of others with programs such as IMPACT 360 and WinShape Camps designed to encourage young adults to be Christ-centered servant leaders.

On October 26, 2011, Gary Thomas, an international speaker and best-selling author, whose desire is to bring people closer to Christ and closer to others, delivered The Guild lecture and spoke at HCU Convocation.

• Don’t Get Married … Until You Hear This Talk – Convocation
• Pleasure: Why Do Christians Feel So Bad About Feeling Good? – Guild Lecture

On September 29, 2010, Dr. Voddie Baucham, Pastor of Preaching at Grace Family Baptist Church, Spring, Texas, presented a series of lectures to audiences including Convocation and Freshman Year Seminar, Homeschool networks and community outreach.

• The Lord’s Will vs. My Desires – Convocation
• Opportunities in Christian Higher Education – Homeschool Network
• The Fatherless Family – Guild Lecture

On March 29, 2010, the first Guild Lecture in Christian Family studies was presented by Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, Founder and President of the Ruth Institute.

• What happened to the culture of marriage in the west?
• How can the Christian university restore a culture of marriage?