Hispanic Alumni Meet for “Chismeando” at HSU Homecoming

For the tenth year in a row, HSU’s Hispanic Alumni took time during homecoming activities, Saturday, October 18, to “catch up” and talk about their continued impact on other Hispanic students.

Coordinated by long-time HSU Professor of Spanish, Joe Alcorta, and Dalinda Avila (’69), the group filled the Connally Missions Center with laughter as they reminisced about their HSU experiences and shared about their lives after graduation. 

Silvia Villareal (’74) expressed fond memories of her HSU experience. 

“I love Hardin-Simmons with all of my heart, and I received a really good education here,” said Villareal.

As each person in the group spoke, each expressed joy at being back on campus and the opportunity to visit with friends from long ago. 

 “Every time I come back to HSU, I feel like it is a family reunion,” said Ruth Gloria (’79).

In addition to the fellowship of friends, Alcorta and Avila announced the alumni group’s success in raising nearly $4,000 for a scholarship through the Hispanic Education Initiative of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.  

The scholarship, which was aided by matching funds from an anonymous donor, was awarded to a current Hispanic student at HSU. Avila reported that this was the first time an alumni group from a Texas Baptist affiliated university directly raised funds for the HEI.

Tony Arriola (’73) was a scholarship recipient when he attended HSU. He credits those funds for helping him achieve his goals. 

“In a way,” said Arriola of the group’s participation in raising funds for scholarships, “our generation has paved the way for other Hispanics to go to college.” 

Alcorta expressed pride at the group’s accomplishment, and encouraged each member to keep up the good work. 

“The one big thing we all can work on is to recruit Hispanics to HSU,” said Alcorta. “A Christian education is worth it.”

HSU’s Hispanic Alumni Group meets several times a year during many events including  homecoming, the BGCT Annual Meeting, and the Convencion Bautista de Hispana.  For more information on upcoming meetings, contact Britt Jones, Director of Alumni Relations, at brittj@hsutx.edu.