HCU Celebrates Night of Excellence and Philanthropy at Spirit of Excellence Gala

Houston, Texas, Nov. 11, 2025 - On Nov. 6, 2025, Houston Christian University (HCU) hosted its biennial Spirit of Excellence Gala, a night dedicated to celebrating leadership, faith and philanthropy within the HCU community. A tented gala, held on Holcombe Mall, the event gathered alumni, faculty, friends and supporters under the theme "Dream Big … Change Lives!" for an evening of recognition and inspiration.

HCU President Robert Sloan congratulated the night's honorees and expressed appreciation for the contributions of those in attendance. "It has really been quite remarkable," said Dr. Sloan. "We are able to impact the lives of our students through scholarships, academic programs and campus life. Christian education remains the foundational focus of Houston Christian University."

The program featured a keynote address by best-selling author and humanitarian Bob Goff, whose message of purposeful living and service inspired attendees and reflected the evening's theme.

Goff challenged guests to embrace bold dreams and to cultivate a genuine concern for others. "Let that be said of each of us that we just take a genuine interest in other people," said Goff. "Continue your work in creating a safe place where people can thrive and not just them but you as well. If we get that right you're going to unleash something beautiful from here that's [going] to be lasting … to reach more generations than it already has."

Throughout the event, HCU celebrated individuals and organizations whose generosity and vision have profoundly advanced the University's mission. Janice McNair received the Legacy of Excellence Award-only the second time this honor has been bestowed in HCU's history. Sherry and Jim Smith were presented with the Founders Medal in recognition of their steadfast and generous support over the years; notably, the Smiths made the single largest gift in the University's history. The President's Award was presented to the John S. Dunn Foundation, while the Spirit of Excellence Award honored both the John M. O'Quinn Foundation and the Guild of Houston Christian University for their enduring commitment to HCU's mission.

Chaired by alumni Jess Rogers Dunham ('00, MEd '02) and Cary Dunham ('93), the gala emphasized gratitude and giving back. The couple, themselves recipients of the University's support, expressed their desire to help future students "dream big" and "change lives." All funds raised during the gala were dedicated to student scholarships, continuing HCU's commitment to making Christ-centered education accessible to more students.

The evening concluded with the unveiling of a specially commissioned art piece created by HCU professor Joel Stanulonis and presented to Archie Dunham. The artwork will be displayed in the Linda R. Dunham School of Nursing upon completion of the Sherry & Jim Smith Engineering and Science building in the fall of 2026, commemorating Linda R. Dunham's enduring impact on the University and its students.

"When Cary and I first chaired this gala in 2023, it became the first sold-out gala in the history of the University. We're really proud of that, and we joked, when we agreed to chair the gala in 2025, that there was no way we could outdo ourselves-but thanks to all of you, we did. We actually reached our financial goal before the invitations even went out," shared Jess Dunham.

Since its founding, the Spirit of Excellence Gala has raised more than $6.7 million to benefit scholarships and University initiatives. HCU President Robert Sloan noted that the evening was a celebration of community, generosity, and shared purpose, saying it honored "faithful supporters and invested in the next generation of leaders who will think critically, live boldly, and serve faithfully."

The 2025 gala raised more than $750,000, exceeding its initial goal, and once again highlighted the University's deep-rooted tradition of honoring excellence while strengthening the future of Christian higher education in Houston and beyond. The University is still accepting donations at HC.edu/givenow.

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About Houston Christian University

For more than 60 years, Houston Christian University has equipped students to lead, collaborate, and embody a deep sense of spiritual purpose. The University offers a wide range of majors, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs, as well as NCAA Division I athletics in the Southland Conference. Located in the heart of one of the nation's largest metropolitan centers, HCU's culture of excellence molds the next generation of educated disciples to be pillars in their communities, preparing them to think critically and biblically as they impact the world.