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Hundreds of students took to the final stage on the sports field at Huston-Tillotson University on Saturday. About 200 of them graduated with a tremendous load off their shoulders, thanks to a donation of more than $ 450,000 from the First United Methodist Church of Austin aimed at reducing student debt.
The relationship between Huston-Tillotson, a historically black university east of downtown Austin, and the First United Methodist dates back to the 19th century. But it is the first time that the Church has given the school such a gift.
The idea came about during a conversation between senior executives in each organization, said Huston-Tillotson Vice President Wayne Knox.
“The church leader had a conversation with our university president, he just talked about the institution and how we can continue to work together,” said Knox. “And in this conversation the pastor asked us: ‘How could we help?'”
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University President Colette Pierce Burnette told the Church that many Huston-Tillotson students were financially challenged by the pandemic and struggled to pay for school – some of them even at risk of dropping out, Knox said.
So the First United Methodist Church offered to help.
“HT has faith-based roots with founders of the United Methodist Church and a strong partnership with FUMC,” said Rev. Taylor Fuerst, senior pastor of First United Methodist, in a statement. “This partnership is an opportunity for change in our entire life and in the community that binds us.”
Church leaders did not immediately return a request for comment on Friday.
About 200 students benefited from the gift, many of whom graduated debt-free on Saturday. The class of 2021 has plans to move into education, engineering, business, social services and more, Knox said.
“The gift enabled the students to achieve the ultimate goal of graduating from college,” he said.
A gift of this kind is unprecedented in the history of Huston-Tillotson, Knox said.
“We’re just too excited and humiliated by the rich gift from First United Methodist,” said Knox. “Rich, not just in dollars, but rich in the spirit in which it was given. It was only given to simply help.”
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In addition to the 2021 course, the 2020 course was celebrated on Saturday, which could not begin in person due to the pandemic. The 1970 and 1971 Huston-Tillotson classes were also in attendance to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Mae Jemison, the first black woman to ever travel to space, was the opening speaker for the ceremony.
“Dr. Jemison is the first African American woman to go into space and has her own testimony of how to face the odds and advance, ”Knox said, adding that Huston-Tillotson students braved the odds themselves.
“We are just overjoyed and proud of our graduates,” said Knox. “You are the embodiment of courage and perseverance. To be able to complete your university degree in the midst of the global pandemic – that is unprecedented. “
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