Lawrie Merz Supports Houghton University Buffalo and Soaring Eagles Scholarship Fund

When I retired this year, I was fortunate to receive an extra payout from my employer in addition to my regular salary. Recognizing that my husband and I have few needs, I was truly glad to be able to give a larger lump-sum donation to Houghton in addition to my regular monthly gifts. It gives me great joy to know that I can use what I’ve been given to help students get a good education by supporting both Houghton University Buffalo and the Soaring Eagles Scholarship Fund.

At this juncture in our country's history, I am particularly struck by the inequities of race and class and also the efficacy of education in helping to bring equity. My heart continually hurts as I unpack the reality of the inequities in our country, and I often come back to the need for education—both for those who are disadvantaged due to their skin color or background and for those who only know to think in simplistic terms about very complex issues.

Houghton has shown remarkable faithfulness to her Christian mission by making it a priority to offer programs to students with great potential who otherwise could not pursue a college education. My support of Houghton University Buffalo: East Side is just one small way of participating in this work of offering possibility and hope to those who may have few options and little hope.

I also know that there are new and unexpected financial needs among students due to COVID-19. Some students were counting on help with college costs from parents who have now lost jobs; others themselves have not been able to earn money this summer toward college expenses due to the pandemic. I can imagine students’ feelings of despair wondering whether their college plans will need to be put on hold but also needing to finish their degrees to start the jobs God has particularly gifted them to do. I love knowing that, with my donation to Houghton's Soaring Eagles Scholarship Fund, I can help make it possible for those students to continue their education.

— Lawrie Merz ’79