Issuu

East Texas Baptist University recently concluded its annual Spiritual Renewal event, held on campus February 23–25. The three-day emphasis featured guest speaker Josiah Jones (’06) and centered on the theme, “No Filter:GettingRealaboutFaith,Hurt,andHope.”

Throughout the week, students, faculty, and staff gathered in Rogers Spiritual Life Center for morning Chapel, with additional evening worship services on Monday and Tuesday.

“Our Spiritual Renewal emphasis is a cherished time of spiritual reflection and growth for our ETBU students, faculty, and staff,” Dean of Spiritual Life Dr. David Griffin said. “The theme ‘No Filter’ invited us to strip away the shallow and broken answers we often hear from the world and take an honest look at where we are with God. It provided time to take off the filter, to get real about our faith and our hurt, and look for a new hope in Christ.”

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Do You Have a Feagin Hall Memory?

Feagin Hall witnessed decades of late-night talks, jokes, big dreams, and lifelong friendships. We're building a new Feagin Hall through the restoration of the facility so future generations can make memories of their own. What's your favorite Feagin memory? We are gathering special Feagin Memories and would love to hear yours. www.ETBU.edu/FeaginMemories Share Your Feagin Hall Memory

ETBU Celebrates Student Scholarships

and Community

Impact at the Good Samaritan Award and Scholarship Dinner

East Texas Baptist University presented the 2026 Good Samaritan Award to Marshall Economic Development (MED) and Executive Director Rush Harris during the Good Samaritan Award & Scholarship Dinner on Tuesday, February 24.

Community members, alumni, students, faculty, and friends of the University recognized MED, its Board of Directors, and Executive Director Rush Harris during the annual event designed to spotlight community leaders and celebrate scholarship support.

“We are thankful for the alumni, donors, and community partners who joined us to honor Marshall Economic Development and Executive Director Rush Harris while also raising funds for student scholarships,” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. “Your contributions enable these students to receive a Christ-centered education, an education through the integration of biblical faith and learning.” Read More

Donors Make a Difference

The ETBU Office of Advancement recently launched a new website to help alumni and donors understand how their generosity is making a difference in the lives of ETBU students. Go to www.etbu.edu/myimpact to learn how investing in the mission of ETBU makes an impact.

Hilltop University

Hilltop University is a spiritual retreat for Adults 55+ hosted in May at East Texas Baptist University. Conference events include corporate worship, Bible studies, lunch, a matinee concert, breakout sessions, and fellowship. We are excited to welcome special guests Dr. David Hardage, Director of Church Engagement for Texans on Mission, and playwright and actress Shellie O'Neal. More details will follow, but make plans to join us on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. We'll see you then!

Phil Walleck (’04) and

Lou (Ruckstuhl) Walleck (’05)

Mr. Phil Walleck (’04) and Mrs. Lou (Ruckstuhl) Walleck (’05) both came to the Hill to earn their first degrees. Phil earned his Bachelor of Arts in Religion with a concentration in Christian Education, while Lou completed her Bachelor of Arts in English at ETBU.

Phil & Lou lead two works—Hope Counseling, a Christian Counseling practice serving clients across the U.S., and Restoration House, a 501(c)(3) providing confidential retreats for ministry families. Their longrange goal is to operate a dedicated home offering year-round retreats tailored to ministry and leadership families.

Mark Your Calendars for Give Day

Join ETBU alumni and friends in giving back on ETBU Give Day, April 16, 2026. ETBU Give Day is held on the same day as Connexus, the

University holiday that celebrates the connection of students, faculty, and staff of ETBU under the Lordship of Christ. This 24-hour online fundraising campaign is an opportunity for East Texas Baptist and B. H. Carroll

Theological Seminary alumni and friends to partner together to make a significant impact. Whether the gift is big or small, each donor makes a difference. Together, we can do more.

ETBU Give Day Ambassadors are needed to help spread the word via social media as we gather expressions of gratitude and generosity among our B. H. Carroll and East Texas Baptist Tiger Family. #ETBUGIVEDAY

Become a Give Day Ambassador

Stay in touch and share your news with your ETBU Family. Send your career accomplishments and family updates to alumni@ETBU.edu or click here to update your information.

Your input lets us know what matters most to you when it comes to East Texas Baptist University preparing graduates to be Christian servant leaders in their calling to God and humanity. Please share your feedback with us