Allison Rhodes '95 ex

Hardin-Simmons has been a blessing to my family for more than 100 years with over 20 members of my immediate and extended family having attended the college. I chose HSU because I knew I would receive a quality education in a supportive, Christian environment, and my parents, having raised me in small towns, felt comfortable leaving me in Abilene. My education was made possible in large part to scholarships, so I feel it is now my time to return the favor. I am testament to the fact that higher education can transform one's life, and cost should not make a great education prohibitive.

I will always be grateful to Hardin-Simmons for the opportunities that shaped and prepared me for life. Along with a quality academic program, I gained valuable leadership experiences participating in Sigma Alpha, Student Congress, Concert Band, and Model United Nations. It was also a privilege to be part of the inaugural class of the Leadership Studies program.

In an unusual twist, Hardin-Simmons opened the door for me to pursue a long-held dream and transfer to an Ivy League college after my sophomore year. I remember being worried of disappointing Dr. Hall when I shared the news. To my surprise, he was incredibly supportive and went out of his way to contact Hardin-Simmons alumni who had lived in New York City to share advice about living in our nation's largest city - something this small town girl knew nothing about!

I continued to live and work in NYC for several years before moving back to Texas to earn my MBA at UT, followed by a relocation to Dallas. In 2014, I received an invitation to an alumni dinner in the Dallas area, hosted by Dr. Hall. That evening I had a fabulous time visiting with Dr. and Mrs. Hall, reconnecting with a sorority sister, former classmates, and even a friend of my grandfather's from the class of 1949. Hardin-Simmons was back in my life!

Following a trip to campus last year where I reminisced about the wonderful times I had with friends, the faculty who encouraged me, and my family's history with Hardin-Simmons, I realized that it was time to do something to give back. So my family and I established an endowed scholarship; to create opportunities for future leaders and hard-working students. It feels good to know that for generations to come, students will benefit from these gifts and be encouraged in their academic pursuits.

Invest in Our Future

Contact Mike Hammack or one of our development officers at (325) 670-1260 or plannedgiving@hsutx.edu to learn how you invest in HSU's future.