2026-2028 Guild President
Dear Ladies of The Guild,
I am looking forward to the next year as I take on the office as President of The Guild. What an exciting time to be a member of the Houston Christian University family as the University continues to grow and expand. In the upcoming year, the Smith Engineering, Science and Nursing Building and additional student housing at the newly acquired University Place will open.
As I consider my goals for the coming year for The Guild, I am reminded that our organization began with a small group of Christian women selected by President W. H. Hinton and were originally called the President’s Advisors. Over the past fifty years, the organization has evolved from the President’s Advisors into The Guild. That small group has grown into a vibrant organization of more than two hundred women. My hope is to continue that growth while remaining faithful to the mission outlined in HCU’s Ten Pillars.
It is an honor to serve as President of The Guild. Houston Christian University had a profound impact on my life as a young adult when I earned my degree in Elementary Education and History. I have been blessed by the strong Christian foundation I received, and I hope that every student who attends HCU can experience that same foundation.
The upcoming events for the year are:
Fall Coffee Honoring New Members
Thursday, October 22, at the Belin Chapel and McNair Hall, HCU Campus, chaired by Robin Phillips and Gail Layne. The Fall Coffee begins our new year and provides a wonderful opportunity to welcome new members while reconnecting with longtime friends of The Guild.
Annual Guild Christmas Luncheon
Friday, December 4, at the River Oaks Country Club. Chairs Rhonda Ekholm and Betsy Miller are planning a fun and inspirational luncheon that will be the perfect event to kick off the Christmas season.
Special Event
The Spring Event will be held in the Spring 2027. Chair Debra Perich is working on plans for a once-in-a-lifetime surprise for us. Details will be shared soon, so stay tuned.
The Guild Silver Tea
In Spring 2027, The Guild Silver Tea will be held. The Silver Tea raises funds to support graduate scholarships for students in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and the School of Christian Thought. We are fortunate to have Trish Greaser and Jess Dunham serve as Chairs and Elizabeth Stevenson as the Underwriting Chair. Because of the support from the Sliver Tea, The Guild has awarded ten endowed scholarships as well as other annual scholarships to graduate students over the last year.
I look forward to beginning another year of fellowship with the women of The Guild and to continuing our involvement with Houston Christian University. As the University continues to grow, I hope to see The Guild’s membership expand and our outreach efforts flourish.
I close this letter with the Bible verse I have chosen for my term:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Blessings,
Mary Fischer
President, The Guild