UHCL Receives Groundbreaking Endowment from Wellby Financial

University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) has received a significant contribution from Wellby Financial, one of the largest credit unions in Houston, and recently rated the Best Overall Financial Institution in Texas for 2023-24 by Money.com. The gift will help establish the largest intern scholarship endowment at UHCL.

The intern scholarship will be available to students from any college or discipline and will reduce the financial burden of unpaid internships, allowing students to focus on their academic and professional development. It will also enable students to gain real-world experience and networking opportunities, preparing them for successful careers after graduation.

“How fortunate our university is to partner with a forward-thinking organization like Wellby Financial to strengthen the overall student experience and prepare our students to be valued contributors to the workforce,” said Vice President of University Advancement Joseph Staley. “We thank Wellby Financial for their continued commitment to student success.”

Wellby Financial has a longstanding relationship with UHCL, employing many of its alumni and interns. The company recognizes that experiential learning (internships) is essential to preparing students to enter the workforce.

“Our purpose is to help people prosper,” stated Wellby Financial President & CEO, Marty Pell. “One of the most important things we can do as a community leader to fulfill this purpose is to empower the dreams of the next generation. Through this partnership with UHCL, Wellby Financial is proud to invest in our community and help support experiential learning opportunities for local students, empowering them to reach for their dreams while building their financial future.”

Wellby Financial’s dedication to both community and education is deeply rooted in their history. Originally founded to serve NASA’s Johnson Space Center community, Wellby Financial has supported the financial well-being of Houston for more than 60 years.

Deborah Acosta Conder, Wellby Financial Board Chair and alumna of UHCL shared, “Our unique legacy with NASA and the space community reminds us that learning isn’t restricted to the classroom. Rather, it comes from utilizing knowledge in real-world scenarios and comprehending how it can affect positive change. We’re proud to partner with UHCL to help provide more opportunities like these for students in our community.”

The gift was facilitated by the Office of University Advancement and the Office of Strategic Partnerships, which serve as primary interfaces for external partners. They also support initiatives that enhance and increase experiential learning opportunities for UHCL students.

According to Executive Director of University Advancement Elbby Antony, these initiatives and others developed with the Office of Strategic Partnerships, aim to increase participation in internships that help students prepare for their careers.

“Wellby Financial’s gift is a much-needed investment in the future of UHCL students,” she said.

“The company’s philanthropy demonstrates a commitment to enriching our community through valuable experiences that ensure student success and positively impact many Bay Area Houston businesses and the region. UHCL will match Wellby Financial’s contribution to ensure the endowment’s growth and ability to impact more students. The partnership comes at the right time for future Hawks,” added Antony.

UHCL is committed to cultivating strategic connections with businesses, government agencies, community organizations, educational entities, and nonprofit partners to provide meaningful experiences and opportunities for its students.

According to Natalie Pecknold, the executive director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships, Wellby Financial’s gift to the university will propel students toward new horizons and greater success for many years.

“The Office of Strategic Partnerships is thrilled to offer intern scholarships through this new partnership with Wellby Financial,” said Pecknold.

“Through this endowment, students do not have to be deterred from pursuing their passions and building their resumes while completing their degree programs. We are grateful for the generosity of Wellby Financial.”

UHCL encourages all businesses and business leaders to consider supporting this joint effort to strengthen the student experience and the workforce.

To learn more or apply for intern scholarships offered by UHCL, visit www.uhcl.edu/strategic-partnerships/ or call the Office of Strategic Partnerships at 281-283-2076.

To learn more about Wellby Financial’s dedication to helping people prosper throughout our community and how Wellby Financial can support your financial prosperity, visit wellbyfinancial.com.

About University of Houston-Clear Lake

Founded in 1974, the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) is a public, regional comprehensive university located on a 524-acre wildlife and nature preserve near NASA's Johnson Space Center in the Houston Bay Area. In addition to its Clear Lake campus, UHCL has educational locations in Pearland and the Texas Medical Center. The university holds federal designations as both a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority Serving Institution (MSI).

UHCL offers a wide range of more than 90 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs across its four colleges. These academic programs are designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge for success in a dynamic global environment.

With an engaged alumni network of over 78,000, UHCL graduates have generated an estimated $995.9 million in added income for the regional economy, according to a recent economic impact study. These alumni are a testament to the university's significant role in the greater Houston metropolitan area.

For more information, visit uhcl.edu.

About Wellby Financial

Wellby Financial is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative proudly serving the Greater Houston Metro area. Wellby was originally established in 1961 to serve the employees and families of Johnson Space Center. We have grown into one of the largest credit unions in Houston, serving more than 126,150 members with 21 branch locations and more than $2.5 billion in assets. As a people-first organization, Wellby is open to all who live, work, worship, or attend school in the Greater Houston Metro or Galveston area. For more information, visit wellbyfinancial.com. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information, visit wellbyfinancial.com.