Schreiner University invited the community to support local students seeking higher education at the Annual Hill Country College Fund Luncheon last Thursday. Current and former recipients of the scholarship shared how the fund helped them achieve their academic goals.
The Hill Country College Fund has been a staple resource for college applicants in the Hill Country since 1979. Schreiner’s Vice President of Advancement, Mark Tushak, recalled how the fund was well-established when he started his career on campus.
“When I first arrived on campus 23 years ago, one of the first things I heard about was how the Hill Country College Fund made college affordable and possible for between 200 and 300 students each year. That it helped local students realize their dreams of an education while allowing them to stay at home,” said Tushak.
The fund relies upon local donors to provide affordable education to aspiring students in Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, and Real Counties. This year, the Hill Country College Fund has a goal to raise $700,000 for student aid.
“Any size gift is important, but the average gift since 1992 has been a thousand dollars to the Hill Country College Fund. That’s pretty remarkable,” said Tushak.
With the support from the Hill Country donors evident, Schreiner brought a few past and present recipients to the stage to share how scholarships benefitted their careers as students and alumni.
“The scholarship fund helps people like me who would not have had the opportunity to come to Schreiner otherwise,” said Julie Fiedler, longtime Harper ISD educator and current Harper High School principal.
Following in her two older sisters’ footsteps, Fiedler earned an athletic scholarship from Schreiner and graduated in 1997, then again in 2006 with her Master’s in Education.
“These scholarships enabled me to receive a degree and take the financial burden off my parents. Without the generosity of Schreiner University, I would’ve never been able to attend,” said Fiedler.
As principal of Harper High School, Fiedler now helps her own students through the process of life after high school, often recommending the Hill Country College Fund and Schreiner University to her Harper seniors.
“Each year, I have the honor of watching and helping our seniors decide what they’re going to do after high school. Higher education is not cheap, and private universities are even more costly. However, the Hill Country College Fund has made it possible for many of our graduates,” said Fiedler.
One of those Harper students that has received financial aid from the Hill Country College Fund is Bailey Pullin. Currently enrolled as a nursing major for the class of 2026, Pullin shared how the Hill Country College Fund has supported her and her family.
As the sixth person in her family to go to Schreiner University, Pullin had been dreaming of keeping the tradition alive.
“I knew from a young age that I wanted to keep this legacy going, but I was worried about the financial burden on my mother. Attending a university in Texas is not something financially practical for the daughter of a single mom who works in public education,” said Pullin.
After applying to Schreiner and the scholarship opportunities from the Hill Country College Fund, Pullin received offers from Schreiner’s Associate Director of Admissions, Chris Stevenson.
“When Mr. Chris Stevenson came and presented me with the scholarship offers from Schreiner and the Hill Country College Fund, I realized my dream of attending school here would come true. I wouldn’t have to burden my mom with loans or expenses that she could not afford, I also knew that I was making her and the rest of my family so proud by continuing the legacy. “ said Pullin.
The fund has also enriched Pullin’s educational experience by alleviating financial stressors and allowing for more involvement on campus.
“The Hill Country College Fund has taken the financial stress of college off of my mind so that I can focus on my academics and truly enjoy my college experience. I’ve been able to be actively involved in the nursing community, help with the Special Olympics, participate in intramural sports, and volunteer for campus events. Scholarships give so much more than financial hope – they make dreams come true.” said Pullin.
Another former recipient of Schreiner’s academic scholarships that is making an impact on the local community is Allison Bueche. Graduating from Schreiner in 2009 with a marketing degree and again in 2018 with an MBA, Bueche now works as KPUB’s Director of Customer and Community Relations.
“I stand here today, not only as a proud Schreiner graduate, but as somebody that personally received the college fund too. It helped shape my future as a first generation college student. The financial support that I received wasn’t just assistance – it was an opportunity,” said Bueche.
Bueche started the Schreiner tradition in her family, having attended first then having her three cousins follow suit – all of whom received scholarships from the Hill Country College Fund.
“Schreiner provided me with the perfect learning environment, with small classroom sizes and personalized attention. I wasn’t just a number here. I knew my professors and they knew me. Even after graduation I reached out and they continued to be a valuable resource offering guidance, mentorship, and support in both my career and personal growth,” said Bueche.
Now as a two-time Schreiner graduate, Bueche emphasizes how donors give local students the opportunity for higher education despite financial barriers.
“Your support and belief in these students is truly life-changing. Your generosity is more than just financial aid – it’s an investment in potential, a vote of confidence in the future, and a gift that really transforms lives,” said Bueche.
Bueche closed by urging potential donors to view their gift as a direct investment into their community via the youth.
“The ripple effect of your generosity extends far beyond the classroom. It strengthens our economy, improves our workforce, and ensures that Kerrville continues to grow for generations to come. The ripple effect of your generosity will extend for decades,” said Bueche.
For more information regarding the Hill Country College Fund and how to donate, log on to www.schreiner.edu/giving/hccf.