PHILANTHROPY

UMHB PHILANTHROPY

Purple Gives Gold raises $195,000 for scholarships

A total of 237 donors gave gifts during the fifth annual Purple Gives Gold Campaign, helping raise $195,081 in donations for scholarships. The event was held April 7.

“We are beyond grateful for everyone who participated in this year’s event,” said Vice President for Advancement Dr. Rebecca O’Banion. “We are so blessed to have so many people participate, especially during a year that has been challenging for so many. We’re excited that over the last five years the day of giving has continued to grow which means more scholarships for students.”

Student Foundation, a student organization that works with the fundraising and alumni engagement departments, hosted the event, which aims at educating students about the many gifts made each year.

"Thank you so much for being the reason I was able to attend UMHB,” said senior nursing major Emily Gillispie. “Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to go to college, meet my friends, and attend nursing school."

Currently, about 90 percent of UMHB students receive some form of financial aid, much of which is in the form of scholarships.

This year brought in 15 first-time gifts. Brad '08 and Ashley '10 Norris challenged their fellow alums to give in this year’s drive, and matched gifts with a $25,000 pledge.

“Each gift impacts the lives of current and future students and is a tangible example of the belief we have in our students,” O’Banion said. “Without scholarships, we simply would not be able to provide enough financial aid for deserving students who really need it.”

Glaske named UMHB's AVP of Fundraising

Tucker Glaske was named associate vice president of fundraising in April.

Glaske has served as a fundraiser since June of 2012, and was promoted to senior director of development on June 1, 2020.

He has a proven track record in meeting and exceeding his goals in fundraising throughout his time at UMHB, culminating in raising $1.4 million this past fiscal year.

“I am confident the fundraising department will reach an even higher level of excellence and creativity under Tucker’s leadership,” Vice President for Advancement Dr. Rebecca O’Banion said.

Originally from Tyler, Glaske graduated from Grace Community High School. He came to UMHB in 2008 and graduated with a bachelor in business administration in 2012 and a master’s in business information systems in 2016.

UMHB PHILANTHROPY

Merging Divisions

O'Banion promoted to lead two merged divisions

Dr. Rebecca O’Banion, who has served for nearly 15 years in leadership positions at UMHB, was named the lead for the newly formed advancement division, which merges the development division with the former communications and special projects division.

The new division now includes four renamed and redefined departments: fundraising, alumni engagement, marketing and communications, and records and gift management.

“This reorganization is a natural step since many of the divisional functions already align, and the staff work on projects together frequently,” said President Dr. Randy O’Rear. “The newly-formed division will collectively share the UMHB story, plan and execute outstanding alumni and university-wide events, present opportunities for donors to help advance the mission and vision of UMHB, and elevate our brand both internally and externally.”

O’Banion has served as vice president for development since 2014.

Dr. Rebecca O'Banion

Since December, she has filled in as interim vice president of communications and special projects when Dr. Paula Tanner retired after 19 years at UMHB. O’Banion’s prior service at UMHB includes eight years as director of alumni relations, one year as associate vice president for development, and almost six years as vice president for development.

“We are excited about this opportunity to work closely with each other elevating the UMHB brand, engaging our alumni, and inspiring new donors as we pursue our vision to become the university of choice for Christian higher education in the Southwest,” she said.

O’Banion earned her doctoral degree in higher education administration from UMHB in 2014. She also holds a master’s degree in human services-executive leadership from Liberty University and a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from UMHB.

Banks receives high honor from Walmart

UMHB Board of Trustees Chair Vince Banks recently received the Market Manager of the Year Award for the West US Business Unit Division of Walmart Stores Inc.

Banks, who has worked for Walmart for 35 years, was selected out of all other market managers in Texas, plus 20 other states.

“I was surprised, of course, but also very humbled and honored to represent my team in this way,” said Banks, who is in charge of 12 Walmart stores. “It a great honor for my team of over 3,200 hardworking associates to be recognized for their hard work during an unprecedented year.”

Banks is a 1984 UMHB graduate with a degree in business administration and management, and has served on the board of trustees for seven years. He was honored with the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes people of integrity and stature and who demonstrate pride in their alma mater through their profession and community.

“I am so grateful for the impact that UMHB had on my life,” he said. “It’s an honor to represent the university that impacted my life in such a positive way, and I feel I have a responsibility to do anything that I can Vince Banks to impact the lives of our students in a positive Christian way.”

He and his wife of 36 years, Barbara, have three adult children, Brielle, Jason, and Vincent.