Expressing Profound Gratitude

Adam Gerard graduated in 2019 from Houghton University with a degree in theology. He moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to begin his career in ministry at Amplify Church while also working for Riverside Center for Innovation, a nonprofit organization focused on economic development with minority owned businesses. Adam plans to utilize his education and life experience to bring restoration and the Gospel to the city and people of Pittsburgh.

Adam and his parents, Bryan and Robin, were profoundly grateful for his transformational Houghton experience, particularly the mentorship of Professor Emeritus of Theology Richard Eckley. A student in a number of Dr. Eckley’s classes, Adam kept finding his way to the professor’s office where he encountered genuine interest, concern, and friendly advice. “Rich went above and beyond to mentor Adam in his academic pursuits, his vocational pursuits, and his spiritual life,” explains Bryan Gerard.

The Gerards are passionate about Biblical education and firmly believe in the mission of Houghton University. Because of these motivators and the impact of Professor Eckley on Adam’s life, they were inspired to start talking with Ben Colter, donor engagement coordinator, about benefiting future theology students to help make Houghton even more affordable. That ongoing conversation eventually included Karl Sisson, vice president for advancement and external engagement. Karl discussed the lasting power of an endowed scholarship with the Gerards and how it could effectively be utilized to meet their personal goals while also paying tribute to Dr. Eckley. Bryan and Robin soon made a verbal commitment to create the Professor Richard Eckley Scholarship with details such as timing and scholarship criteria to be worked out.

Inspiring Additional Generosity

The story of the Eckley Scholarship was and is not over. Shortly after the Gerards’ commitment, Karl had an opportunity to visit with another beloved, retired theology professor, Rev. Harold Kingdon ’57, and his wife, Mary (Sell ’56), in High Point, North Carolina. The Kingdons remained well connected with Houghton, particularly Harold’s former colleagues in the Theology department. When Dr. Kingdon happened to mention Rich Eckley, Karl was moved to share the developing story.

Harold was curious and began asking questions. Grateful for Houghton University and the inspiration of the Gerards, on the heels of that conversation, the Kingdons created the Harold and Mary (Sell) Kingdon Scholarship shortly before Mary passed away. In memoriam, Harold encouraged those who wished to pay tribute to Mary to consider making a gift in her honor to join them in growing their endowed fund.

Rev. Charles Williamson ’58 fondly remembers Harold from their years together as Houghton students. When he and wife Edna heard about the Kingdons’ new endowed scholarship, they decided to give now to experience the joy of helping Houghton students access a high-quality, Christ-centered education.

Professor Eckley’s investment in Adam Gerard inspired Bryan and Robin Gerard. The Gerards’ generosity inspired Harold and Mary Kingdon, which, in turn, inspired Charles and Edna Williamson. It will be fascinating to see how these examples of obedience and generosity will inspire others to make gifts that will also leave a lasting legacy. There are future chapters of gratitude to be written. What chapter will you write?