Volume 46, #1 - November 2008 - Houston Baptist University

Summer AcademyOnce a student, now a mentorBy Justin LaceyAt its heart, the annual SummerAcademy is an exercise in giving. Yes,the students attend classes, completeprojects, and take field trips. Thefundamental goal of the SummerAcademy, however, is to give at-riskstudents from Jane Long Middle Schoolwith good academic records and ademonstrated interest in furthering theireducation the opportunity to experiencethe college environment.For Lidia Hernandez, an HBUstudent who served as a mentor to thissummer’s participants, working with theSummer Academy was an opportunityto give back on a very personal level to aprogram that played an important role inher own academic journey.From the time she startedkindergarten, Lidia knew that collegewas her ultimate academic goal, eventhough she would be the first in herfamily to pursue a college education.She credits participation in the SummerAcademy following her completion of theeighth grade at Jane Long with helpingher to feel comfortable on a collegecampus and exposing her to the benefitsof an HBU education. That is why, ashigh school graduation neared and shebegan considering her college options,Lidia put HBU at the top of her list.Thanks to the Summer Academy, shewas familiar with the campus and withthe aspects of the HBU experience thatdifferentiate it from the competition. “Iknew what HBU stood for, and it felt likethe perfect fit,” Lidia said.As a Summer Academy mentor,Lidia had the opportunity to helpstudents whose background and goalswere similar to her own succeed. Lidia’swork as a mentor also allowed her tomonitor closely the progress of one ofthe Summer Academy students withwhom she shared a special connection:Yamileth Hernandez, her younger sister.With college aspirations of her own andmemories of her older sister’s excitementabout the program, Yamileth knewshe needed to experience the SummerAcademy for herself.The Hernandez sisters agree thatthe Summer Academy is a worthwhileinvestment for donors and are thankfulthat local businesses Fiesta Mart andBank of America choose to exhibit acommitment to the future of southwestHouston by supporting the SummerAcademy.“Their money is in the right place,”Lidia said. “The Summer Academyhelps students like my sister and meunderstand that it is willingness to workhard, not just financial capability, thatmakes success in college possible.”Join the excitement of HBU athleticsThe Husky Athletic Fund kicks offThe Husky Athletic Fund Kickoff Luncheon, sponsoredby Doug Dawson and Northwest Mutual FinancialNetwork, was held on Octobe 28 at Irma’s Southwest Grillin Houston.The Husky Athletic Fund is the primary fundraisingprogram for the HBU athletic department. Funds raisedthrough the program will provide scholarship assistanceand general financial support for HBU athletics and isstudent-athletes.Financial support from donors is essential for thegrowth and success of our athletic program as we continueour move back to full NCAA Division I membership. Learnmore about how you can become a member by visiting theHusky athletic website at www.hbuhuskies.com or calling281.649.3096.President Sloan, Dr. Stewart Morris, Athletic Diector RonCottrell and Randy Sorrels ‘84HBU 38 News