First United Methodist Church Of Austin Eliminates Debt For HT Students
This week, Huston-Tillotson University will celebrate the Classes of 2020 and 2021 at its first in-person commencement ceremony since 2019. Many of the graduates are benefactors of a gift from the First United Methodist Church of Austin (FUMC). This investment eliminated debt for students allowing them to persist and ‘finish the last mile’ of their undergraduate journey to earn their degree.
Huston-Tillotson University received a gift from the First United Methodist Church of more than $450,000, clearing balances and eliminating debt for many students.
“HT has faith-based roots with founders from the United Methodist Church and a strong partnership with FUMC,” said Reverend Taylor Fuerst, Senior Pastor for FUMC of Austin. “This partnership is an opportunity for transformation in all our lives and the community which binds us together.”
“Every fiber of Huston-Tillotson University felt the impact of the coronavirus, but the magnitude of its effects were experienced most by our students,” said HT President Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette. “Our students carried the weight of academic aspirations through obstacles of the past several months, all while learning remotely. We are tremendously grateful and appreciative of the support from the First United Methodist Church of Austin. Their investments lift members of our genius generation as they fulfill their dreams.”
Huston-Tillotson University will conduct its Commencement Convocation Saturday, August 7 at 9 a.m. on the Athletic Field, with engineer, physician, advocate, and astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison as the speaker. The ceremony will also be streamed live on the University’s YouTube page.
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