“There’s more to be done,” said Wallace. “We won’t have to worry about having a gym or a nice administrative center, but we still have to work on student scholarships and infrastructure. Fifty million dollars is going toward student scholarships, but when we think about what that means in perpetuity, it still does not provide access for everyone who wants to be in Austin and participate in this ecosystem.” “We have just been given seed and whoever else that is out there becomes water, shade, sun,” she continued, stating a continued need from alumni and other supporters. “Sometimes it’s a little water, shade or sun. Give the $10, $50, $500.” The foundation has been a true steward and cheerleader for HT. It has maintained a philanthropic relationship with the university since 1968 – when President John F. Kennedy and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were assassinated – having donated $1.3 million over the last 58 years. “We hope this gift, focused on the students, can become a catalyst, a spark, the beginning of something
transformative for students, this city, and the future of Huston-Tillotson,” Moody stated in a press release last fall. “We believe in the vision of Huston-Tillotson and the extraordinary leadership of Dr. Wallace and the board. Our family has been part of the university’s past, but we are even more excited to be a part of its promising future.” In addition to focusing on student living, academic spaces, innovative scholarships, and a series of endowments, the gift includes professional support for the university’s strategy, culture, marketing, and development infrastructure to help the university elevate its profile and expand its reach, the university stated. “As board members, we talk often about what we are responsible for in this moment,” said Monroe. “This comes from 150 years ago, but it has to go 150 years out. This gift says, ‘yes, we see you, yes you’re doing incredible work educating students at a level of excellence.’ This affirms our leadership, faculty and students.”
and bigger than keeping their heads down and thinking about who might be educated. Most of those people who gave were not students. They were not the benefactors of a degree or the education, but benefactors of a better society. And we are still out there asking people to still think of us.” STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS STILL NEED FUNDING Wallace, who thrived as a C-suite executive in corporate America before taking the helm at HT, said despite the large contribution, the university continues to look to alumni, entrepreneurs, local and national businesses and foundations for support. Once the university’s HVAC system and technology are upgraded, building facades are rehabilitated and a few new buildings are added to the campus footprint, more funding will be required – particularly for student scholarships, she said. Furthermore, the university currently holds its commencement at a local church and students are in need of dorm repairs, asking for modernizations including more sunlight.
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