What began nearly two decades ago as a vision to strengthen connections among African American alumni, students and Harding University has reached a significant new milestone.
In 2026, the Harding University African-American Alumni Association Scholarship Fund transitioned to full endowment after raising more than $25,000. The achievement means the fund can now begin doing what alumni envisioned years ago: providing financial assistance to Harding students while creating a lasting source of support for generations to come.
The milestone is especially meaningful as the group prepares to gather during Homecoming for its annual Sankofa Gala. This year’s theme, Vision to Victory, reflects both a celebration of how far the organization has come and a reminder that the work continues.
The story of HUA4 did not begin with its formal recognition in 2016. Its roots stretch back nearly a decade earlier, when Harding alumni Patricia Williams and Errica Rivera began the difficult work of building an organized African American alumni presence at the University.
Their early efforts laid the foundation for what HUA4 would eventually become. Although the organization was not formally established during those early years, the vision endured.
In 2014, five alumni — Vicky Phillips, Naomi Valentine, Michael Stone, Briana Cunningham and Abigail Stone — stepped forward to continue the work Williams and Rivera had begun. Together, they worked toward creating a sustainable organization that could strengthen relationships among alumni, support students and build a lasting connection with Harding.
An important partner in that process was Liz Howell, who oversaw alumni and parent relations at Harding at the time. Howell played an instrumental role in helping the group navigate the University’s processes and move from an informal alumni effort toward an officially recognized organization.
Those collective efforts culminated in 2016 when the Harding University African-American Alumni Association was formally established through the adoption of its constitution and bylaws.
The organization’s work has centered around four commitments: Recruit, Support, Retain and Engage. HUA4 seeks to encourage the recruitment and enrollment of students of African descent; support students throughout their Harding experience; create opportunities for financial assistance that help students persist toward graduation; and strengthen African American alumni engagement and participation in the life of the University.
That same year, HUA4 assisted students who were working to establish an official Black Student Association on campus. With their support, students successfully navigated that process, and the organization received official recognition in 2016. As HUA4 celebrates its endowment milestone in 2026, the Black Student Association is celebrating a milestone of its own — 10 years as an official Harding student organization.
Together, these milestones tell a story that began long before any scholarship could be awarded: one generation starting the work, another accepting the responsibility to continue it, and alumni, students and University partners working together to turn an enduring vision into something lasting.
Another major step came in 2018 with the formal establishment of the HUA4 Scholarship Fund agreement.
The goal was larger than presenting a single scholarship. HUA4 wanted to build a fund capable of providing meaningful and continuing assistance to students for years to come.
Over the years that followed, alumni and supporters contributed through individual giving, fundraising efforts and events such as the Sankofa Gala. Those collective efforts eventually pushed the fund beyond the $25,000 threshold required to establish an endowment.
That goal was officially accomplished in 2026.
For Naomi Valentine, reaching this milestone is a testament to perseverance, collaboration and faith.
“The journey has been bumpy with quite a few stumbling blocks, but through prayers, sustained efforts, determination and lots of collaboration, we can offer someone the opportunity to attend a Christian university, our alma mater, Harding University,” she said. “For this, we are grateful. May the power of our devotion to give back in this way light the way for others to do the same. God is faithful.”
The newly endowed HUA4 Scholarship Fund was established to help attract, recruit and retain students who have faced barriers to higher education, with particular consideration given to first-generation college students and students from underserved communities. Scholarship consideration includes financial need as well as academic diligence, leadership, perseverance, character and service to others.
The scholarship reflects a desire not only to help students reach Harding but also to encourage their long-term academic and spiritual success within the Harding community.
Most importantly, reaching endowed status transforms years of giving into something designed to endure. The fund can now begin providing scholarship assistance while continuing to grow for the benefit of future Harding students.
For Briana Cunningham, the significance of reaching this milestone ultimately comes down to the individual student whose Harding experience might be made possible — or simply made a little easier — because someone chose to give.
“I praise God for bringing us this far,” Cunningham said. “It feels good to know that we can help someone to come to Harding. Sometimes it’s the difference of being able to pay for books that can determine a person’s entire trajectory. I pray that God will continue to bless our efforts.”
HUA4 plans to award its first scholarship during the 2026-27 academic year and hopes to recognize its inaugural recipient as part of this year’s Homecoming celebration. They also plan to launch the next phase of its fundraising efforts with an ambitious goal of raising an additional $25,000 by Homecoming 2027.
Growing the endowment will strengthen its long-term ability to assist students and build upon the foundation alumni and supporters have spent years establishing.
The Sankofa Gala will continue to play an important role in that effort. More than a fundraising event, the gala provides an opportunity for alumni, students, University representatives, families and friends to come together, celebrate progress, strengthen relationships and invest in what comes next.
For Vicky Phillips, the accomplishment provides an opportunity to celebrate while keeping sight of the work still ahead.
“It’s been a long journey, but the work is not complete,” she said. “We hope to continue building on the momentum we have established so far. We greatly appreciate everyone who has supported us along the way, and we can only imagine what God will be able to do as we move forward.”
The word Sankofa reflects the importance of remembering and learning from the past while moving forward. That idea carries particular meaning this year as the work continues.
The first $25,000 transformed a vision into a permanent endowment. The next $25,000 can help expand its impact for generations of Harding students yet to come.
Mark your calendars for these events:
Friday, Nov. 6
Meet and Greet | 7–9 p.m.
Saturday
Tailgate, Bison Park | 11:30 a.m.
Sankofa Gala | 6 p.m.
Tickets for the Sankofa Gala are $50 and may be purchased at hardingtickets.com
Sunday
Mass Worship Service | 10:30 a.m.
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