Hill College announces Rufus, Albina, and Sharon Howard Centennial Scholarship Fund

  Jessyca Brown
  Thursday, November 14, 2024 8:00 AM
  Academics, Enrollment Management

Hillsboro, TX

On November 12, 2024, Hill College celebrated the close of the Centennial Endowment Fund—a campaign that was launched for the college’s 100-year anniversary—with a reception honoring the donors who contributed to the endowment allowing the college to exceed its goal of $100,000.

Having received numerous donations throughout the academic year totaling over $36,000, the college was still short of its overall goal, but thanks to the generosity of the Howard family—Rufus Jarvis Howard, Albina Marek Howard, and their daughter, Sharon Howard—through the family’s established trust, the college surpassed its goal, raising a total of $136,548.26.

Thanks to a generous donation of $100,000 from the Rufus, Albina, and Sharon Howard Trust,

the college is now able to provide annual scholarships to students, which will benefit the lives of those who want to further their education at Hill College.

The Rufus, Albina, and Sharon Howard Trust has long supported the local community through its dedication to service and education. Their most recent contribution of $100,000 to the Hill College Centennial Endowment Fund allowed the college to surpass its goal and will have a significant impact on the lives of students who want to further their education at Hill College.

The Howard family, who was from Penelope, Texas, just southeast of Hillsboro, has a valued history of service to the Hill County community.

“The lives of Rufus, Albina, and Sharon Howard are a powerful reminder of the importance of community, family, and giving back. Through the Rufus, Albina, and Sharon Howard Trust and the scholarship fund it supports, the Howard family’s legacy will continue to inspire and assist future generations. Their story reflects the enduring values of hard work, education, and compassion—principles that will now live on in the lives of the students who benefit from their generosity,” said Ashlee Ferguson, executive director of institutional advancement.

In recognition of their generosity and support of the college, the Centennial Endowment Fund has been named the Rufus, Albina, and Sharon Howard Centennial Scholarship Fund. Susan Kallus, trustee manager, was in attendance to accept the Distinguished Donor recognition from Hill College President Dr. Tom Mills.

“The gift from the Rufus, Albina, and Sharon Howard Trust allowed us to not only complete our campaign but will also allow us to support even more students than we envisioned. We are incredibly thankful for their support and trust in Hill College,” said Mills.

The funds raised will be invested into two separate endowments, one for scholarships geared toward students enrolled in the associate degree in nursing (ADN) program and one for those who are working on their associate degree in teaching. These two endowments will provide annual scholarships in the amount of $2,000 for students enrolled in these programs (one student per program, per year) and will provide essential funds for students who may not otherwise be able to afford tuition.

This initiative will continue in the following years with the hopes of adding to endowment funds so that the college can extend scholarship opportunities for more degree programs. The nursing and teaching programs were chosen as the first two degrees to prioritize due to the high demand for graduates in those fields.

“The completion of the Centennial Scholarship Fund Endowment is a significant milestone for Hill College, signifying our commitment to both affordable education, and the employment needs of our community. I am grateful for the generosity of our employees, alumni, and community in helping us reach our goal,” said Ferguson.

Endowments are a powerful tool for nonprofit organizations and public institutions for higher education to build investment funds where the interest raised can be used for institutional efforts, such as scholarships, other programs, or improvement campaigns.

For more information about giving at Hill College, contact Ashlee Ferguson at aferguson@hillcollege.edu or 254.659.7810.