University of Houston-Victoria (UHV) President Tim Hudson is giving students and faculty something to celebrate, though maybe not exactly what they were expecting: He has directed $10,000 originally set aside for an inaugural event in his honor go instead toward a scholarship fund benefiting UHV students.

�Though I will miss the opportunity to invite friends and colleagues to the UHV campus,� said Hudson, �I can find no better beginning to my presidency than the start of an endowed scholarship fund that will forever improve lives.�

Traditionally, an inaugural event is held within the first year a university hires a new president. However, after pondering the state Legislature�s challenges in funding higher education during a time of limited resources, Hudson felt the money would be better spent assisting students who might have difficulty meeting increased tuition costs.

In establishing this Inaugural Scholarship, Hudson expressed his desire to demonstrate that UHV�s first priority is always its students. At the same time, he hopes the gesture will inspire other community members to contribute to UHV�s scholarship funds.

�The commitment to make higher education accessible to able students who might otherwise lack the opportunity remains a cornerstone of UHV�s mission,� Hudson added.

One student who has witnessed the fulfillment of that mission is Robin Cadle, president of the UHV Student Senate. Cadle, who received a bachelor�s degree from UHV in 1998 and is currently working toward an MBA, said, �By transferring inaugural funds into the endowed student scholarship fund, Dr. Hudson is ensuring educational opportunities for years to come for UHV students and that truly proves his commitment to us. On behalf of all UHV students, I applaud that commitment.�

To donate to the Inaugural Scholarship fund or other funds benefiting UHV students, contact Dick Phillips in the UHV Office of Advancement at (361) 570-4120.