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speakLIFE Impact Report
The thing I love most about Hardin-Simmons University is that we love the Lord. The thing I love second is that we are a family who loves and cares for one another. That spirit has defined the speakLIFE campaign from the very beginning. After more than five years of speaking LIFE into our students, equipping them to lead with purpose, and cultivating a stronger sense of community, we celebrate its successful conclusion.
You — our alumni, friends, faculty, staff, students, and parents—have stood in the gap for Hardin-Simmons University, demonstrating your unwavering commitment to our mission. Because of your generosity, we not only reached our campaign goal of $35 million—we surpassed it, raising more than $56.5 million. Though the speakLIFE campaign has come to a close, our shared mission endures, continuing to unite us as we invest in students, strengthen our university, and advance the work God has called Hardin-Simmons University to do.
Vicki House, Ed.D.
Vice President for Engagement and Advancement
speakLIFE Timeline
| 2019 | When developing the university’s strategic plan, Hardin-Simmons University began the silent phase of Campaign 2025. |
| 2020 | From April through September, HSU responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on campus. |
| 2022 | HSU broke ground on its newest residence hall, honoring Dr. Rosa Lee (Hemphill) Prichard ’58 for her generous support.Hardin-Simmons introduced the speakLIFE Campaign, transitioning from its silent phase into public promotion with a $45 million challenge goal.The Newman-Richardson Science Center was announced in recognition of Dr. George and Carolyn Newman’s impact on HSU. |
| 2023 | Abilene Hall and HSU’s new Engineering Program were dedicated. |
| 2024 | Prichard Hall was dedicated and officially became part of the Hardin-Simmons campus.HSU’s new Nursing facilities and program were dedicated during Homecoming.The campaign reached $49 million, surpassing its $45 million challenge goal more than a year and a half ahead of schedule. |
| 2025 | The renovated Newman-Richardson Science Center was dedicated during HSU’s Homecoming. |
| 2026 | Hardin-Simmons University celebrated the successful conclusion of the speakLIFE Campaign, raising more than $56.5 million. |
The speakLIFE Effect
As the speakLIFE campaign comes to a close, we celebrate what God has accomplished through the generosity of the Hardin-Simmons family. Thank you to our alumni, friends, faculty and staff, students, and parents for investing in the lives of our students and the future of our university. Together, here’s what we accomplished through speakLIFE.
2025 Year in Review
As we wrap up the year, we want to say thank you! LiveAlumni is grateful to partner with the best educational institutions & nonprofits from around the world. We’ve worked with many of you for over a decade, and this year, we’ve also welcomed thousands of new users to our growing community.
Here is a quick snapshot of what we accomplished together in 2025:
15,264 LiveAlumni Users | 54,289,407 Records Delivered | 382,761 Reports Run
1,392 Strategy Sessions | 152 New Clients | 97% Satisfaction Rating
8,807 Donors | 5,673 First-Time Donors | 44,405 Gifts | $100 Median Gift
$15,597,971 Estate Gifts | $26,539,453 Scholarship Support | 70 New Endowed Scholarships
Gifts in Action
As an institution, we believe it’s essential to recognize our major donors in a central, highly visible location. Placed along one of the most-traveled paths on campus, the Donor Wall of Honor not only highlights the critical role of philanthropy in shaping the university’s success but also serves as an inspiration for future generations. Unveiled in Feb. of 2023, it’s a powerful reminder that they, too, can help ensure HSU’s future.
Thank you for making an impact!
The speakLIFE campaign has made a visible impact across Hardin-Simmons University. With an original goal of $35 million and a challenge goal of $45 million, the campaign has now raised more than $56.7 million through the generosity of faithful donors. Scholarships have opened doors, academic programs have grown, campus spaces have been renewed, and students have been better equipped for lives of service. In the following updates, campus leaders share how campaign support has strengthened HSU today while building toward the future.
ABILENE HALL: ENGINEERING
“The engineering program’s first graduating class achieved 100% placement in graduate school, thanks in part to the advanced fabrication equipment and learning spaces made possible through donor generosity. Students are using these resources to serve others through innovative projects, including a custom patient lift designed for HSU’s Equine Assisted Services program, demonstrating how engineering can be used as the hands and feet of Christ.”
NEWMAN-RICHARDSON SCIENCE CENTER
“Donor support through speakLIFE transformed Newman-Richardson’s laboratory spaces, creating modern learning environments that provide hands-on experiences for more than 1,000 students each year through 60+ lab sections. These cutting-edge facilities help prepare students for success in graduate and professional programs at rates that exceed many peer institutions, equipping the next generation of scientists, healthcare professionals, and researchers.”
– Dr. Matt Jackson, Dean, Holland School of Sciences and Mathematics
BEHRENS RESIDENCE HALL
“For decades, Behrens Hall has been a catalyst for transformation. Having called Behrens Hall home myself 35 years ago, I know firsthand the lasting impact of its Christ-centered community. Students continue to integrate faith with daily life, grow as leaders, and develop a heart for service. Through the support of donors, that legacy will continue to shape lives for generations to come.”
PRICHARD HALL
“Prichard Hall is more than student housing—it is a place of belonging, discipleship, and transformation. As the university’s most highly occupied residence hall, it provides a welcoming environment where women are supported academically, spiritually, and relationally. Donor generosity has created a space where students discover community, deepen their faith, and prepare for lives of Christ-centered leadership.”
– Dr. Stacey Martin ’96/’01/’23, Vice President for Student Life
CHRISTLIEB PROGRAM & SCHOLARSHIP
“The Christlieb Program removes financial barriers for students facing significant life challenges, opening doors that otherwise might remain closed. Beyond financial assistance, recipients gain access to a supportive Christian community where they can pursue God’s calling, grow in their faith, and build a brighter future through higher education.”
SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
“Scholarship support changes lives by making a Hardin-Simmons education accessible to more students. Donor generosity relieves financial burdens, allowing students to focus on learning, personal growth, and spiritual development. Each scholarship represents an investment in future leaders who will carry Christ’s influence into their professions, churches, and communities.”
– Allison Goodwin ’21, Vice President for Enrollment Management
ABILENE HALL: NURSING
“Abilene Hall has become home to a thriving nursing program where faith and healthcare intersect. Since welcoming its first cohort in 2025, the program has grown to serve 130 nursing and pre-nursing students, preparing future nurses to deliver compassionate, Christ-centered care while addressing critical healthcare needs across Texas and beyond.”
– Dr. Sandra Welling, Associate Dean, College of Health Professions
EQUINE-ASSISTED SERVICES
“The Equine-Assisted Services are transforming lives through interdisciplinary therapy that combines physical, speech, and equine-assisted care. Since May 2025, the program has provided nearly 300 therapeutic rides while giving students invaluable hands-on experience serving patients ages 3 to 85. Through compassionate service and collaboration, students learn to put faith into action while meeting real community needs.”
– Dr. Jill Jumper ’18, Dean, College of Health Professions
BEHRENS CHAPEL AUDITORIUM
“Behrens Chapel Auditorium serves as the spiritual heartbeat of HSU, bringing together more than 500 students each week for worship, discipleship, and fellowship. Through chapel services, worship nights, and faith-centered events, students encounter Christ, grow in their faith, and develop as spiritual leaders. This renewed space not only unites the campus community but is producing eternal impact through lives transformed by the Gospel.”
– Dr. Heather Hadlock ’97, Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
FACULTY ENRICHMENT
“Faculty Enrichment funds strengthen the academic mission of HSU by investing in the people who invest in students. These resources help faculty pursue doctoral studies, conduct research, engage in professional development, and acquire specialized tools for innovative projects. By empowering faculty growth, donors are enhancing the educational experience and expanding opportunities for students across campus.”
– Dr. Chris McNair ’84, Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Ongoing Impact
The speakLIFE campaign has successfully concluded, but the vision God has entrusted Hardin-Simmons University with continues. Your ongoing investment in tomorrow’s Christian leaders is equipping them to lead lives of faith, purpose, and service.
Thank You!
Thank you for making the speakLIFE Campaign a tremendous success. While this report highlights the measurable impact of your generosity, the true story is found in the people whose lives are touched every day. On the following pages, you’ll hear from students, faculty, staff, and alumni who are grateful for your investment in Hardin-Simmons University and the difference it is making for generations to come.
The success of the speakLIFE Campaign is a testament to what God can accomplish through faithful generosity. Because you chose to invest in Hardin-Simmons University, lives are being transformed, students are being equipped to answer God’s calling, and our mission continues to flourish. The following messages are offered with sincere gratitude from the faculty, staff, students, and alumni whose lives and work are made possible through your partnership.
From HSU Faculty & Staff
“Hardin-Simmons is a remarkable place with a rich and distinctive history. Everything that stands on these Forty Acres—and all that our faculty have accomplished over the past 135 years—began with someone who chose to give. Your generosity continues that legacy, equipping our mission to prepare students to think deeply and serve faithfully. Thank you for investing in the lives of our students and in the future of this university. We are deeply grateful for the lasting difference your partnership is making today and will continue to make for generations to come” (Dr. Rich Traylor, Faculty President).
“Every day, HSU staff have the opportunity to see your impact firsthand. From scholarships that open doors to facilities that enhance the student experience, your generosity is shaping lives across our campus. Thank you for helping HSU grow and for investing in the students who will carry its mission forward.” Kacie Eurek ’17/’19, Staff Senate President.
From the Alumni Association Board of Directors
“Once a Cowboy, always a Cowboy—and our more than 25,000 alumni around the world know that bond is built on more than memories: it’s sustained by generosity like yours. On behalf of the Alumni Association, thank you for investing in the students who are writing the next chapter of HSU’s story. Your partnership keeps our community connected across generations and ensures the Forty Acres remains a home worth returning to.” Kelsey (Farrington) Berry ’13, Alumni Association Board President 2026-2027.
From the Board of Young Associates
“Serving on the Board of Young Associates has shown us up close what your generosity makes possible: scholarships that keep talented students on this campus, opportunities that shape who they become, and a Christian education that continues to change lives. We volunteer our time because we believe in this university’s mission, and your gifts are what turn that belief into reality for students today. Thank you for standing with us in building HSU’s future.” Dr. Brittney Dillman ’11/’13, Board of Young Associates President 2026-2027.