UHCL Alums Pledge $1 Million for Scholarships
In a landmark act of generosity, University of Houston- Clear Lake (UHCL) alums and former employees Billy and Beverly Wicker are giving back to their alma mater in an extraordinary way, with a $1 million bequest to establish two transformative scholarships. This monumental gift promises to change lives, mirroring the profound impact UHCL had on their paths.
Billy, a 1985 Master of Arts in Human Resources graduate, and Beverly, who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design in 1989 and a Master’s in Humanities in 1994, met on campus. Billy’s father, Dr. Walter Wicker, was the Director of the Library and one of the initial hires at UHCL. Beverly’s mother Bobby Wilburn, worked for him in the Audio-Visual Department. One day at UHCL, they introduced Billy and Beverly. Since then, Billy and Beverly have shared a life built on the foundation of education they received at UHCL.
“Billy and I have experienced firsthand how education can dramatically alter the course of one’s life,” said Beverly. “We hope these scholarships will open such doors for many students, helping them achieve their fullest potential,” Billy added.
The Billy and Beverly Wicker Endowed Scholarship will support undergraduate students who need financial assistance. Preference will be given to high school graduates from Galveston, Dickinson, LaMarque, and Texas City Independent School Districts. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance or, at a minimum, tuition and fees, and it is renewable for students who maintain a 3.0 GPA and make satisfactory progress toward their degree.
The Billy and Beverly Wicker Endowed Merit Scholarship is aimed at high-performing undergraduate students, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.5. Like the first scholarship, it provides for the full cost of attendance or tuition and fees and offers the same renewal conditions, fostering academic excellence and relieving financial burdens.
These scholarships are not just financial aid; they are lifelines to students who aspire to better their lives through education but lack the resources to do so. UHCL Vice President of Advancement Joe Staley expressed gratitude for the Wickers' foresight and generosity: "Gifts like these do more than support students financially; they uplift entire communities and model the spirit of giving back that is central to our university's mission." As the news of this generous donation spreads, the Wickers hope it will inspire others to consider how they, too, can make a difference.
The Wickers' story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of alumni who remain connected and committed to their alma mater's legacy. Through their example, they not only change lives but also sculpt a future where education and opportunity go hand in hand.
