Women for ACU is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year by hosting a social and an anniversary luncheon.
The WACU Fall 2019 Social took place Sept. 19 and the Anniversary Luncheon will take place on Sunday in the Hunter Welcome Center. The luncheon costs $25 a person and will feature two alumni Andrea Lucado (‘08) and Denalyn (Preston) Lucado (‘79).
WACU, created by alumna Dewby Ray, originally was formed as an organization for the women of the faculty and staff at ACU and has grown from a small fundraising program to a large program involving women of all ages raising money for student scholarships.
WACU President Nancy Miller graduated from ACU in 1960 and has lived in Abilene since 1970. Joining the organization shortly after it started, Miller was excited to do her part in helping the university.
“I was looking forward to helping carry out the mission of ACU and by doing that and being involved in activities and projects that we do,” Miller said.
WACU alongside fundraising for the university primarily raises money for scholarships. All students are eligible and are required to have a good GPA as well as finish out their education at ACU. Students apply during the spring of their sophomore year and the scholarship applies for their junior and senior years. This year alone, there are 12 students on WACU scholarships.
Jama Cadle, assistant director of alumni relations and university relations, has been a part of WACU for two years and is working as a liaison between the Alumni Relations Office and WACU. Cadle said that students who join can see great benefits as well as students who apply for WACU scholarships.
“Juniors and Seniors can receive awards up to $2,000 a semester,” Cadle said. “A WACU scholarship committee reviews the applications and reference letters.”
As for each year’s fundraising, Miller said there isn’t a goal outside of helping students.
“Over all of these years, we have given over one million dollars,” Miller said. “We’ll just continue to work toward giving another million.”
Although many students aren’t often involved in their time on campus, WACU is open to everyone no matter their age. Miller said WACU also has a connection to the students.
“After senior candlelight, we always have homemade cookies and cold water for the seniors,” Miller said.
Students with questions can contact wacu@acu.edu and scholarship information will be available in the spring semesters.
