Hill Country Community Continues Strong Support for Schreiner Students Through Hill Country College Fund

KERRVILLE, TEXAS — Community leaders, donors, alumni, and students gathered today at Schreiner University for the annual Hill Country College Fund (HCCF) Luncheon, celebrating more than four decades of expanding educational opportunity for students across the Texas Hill Country.

Established in 1979, the Hill Country College Fund has become one of the region’s most impactful scholarship initiatives. Since its founding, more than $30 million has been raised to support local students pursuing higher education at Schreiner University. Over that time, 2,783 Hill Country students have received scholarships through the program.

Today, 322 Schreiner students from Hill Country communities benefit from HCCF scholarships, with the average award exceeding $2,000 per student.

The fund has also inspired remarkable community participation. Since 1992, 3,672 donors have contributed to the initiative, demonstrating the Hill Country’s longstanding commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders.

For the current campaign year, organizers have set a goal of $700,000, with $556,196 raised to date.

“As a resident of Kerrville for 24 years and a father of a Schreiner alumnus, one of my greatest joys is seeing our local students walk across campus and succeed,” said Mark Tuschak, Vice President for Advancement at Schreiner University. “Without our very generous friends, many of these young women and men would not be able to attend college. Through their support, our Hill Country College Fund donors are walking hand-in-hand with our students and investing in the next generation of Hill Country community leaders.”

The luncheon program highlighted the real-life impact of these scholarships through remarks from Lindsey Kunz, Superintendent of Medina ISD and a Schreiner alumna, and Riley Dill, a Schreiner marketing major from Kerrville who represents the next generation of Hill Country leaders.

Community partners and corporate donors also play an important role in expanding access to higher education.

“Supporting Schreiner University through the Hill Country College Fund is one of the most direct ways we can invest in the future of our community,” said Brian T. Oehler, General Manager, Hal and Charlie Peterson Foundation. “Our $175,000 commitment this year helps ensure that local students, especially low-income and first-generation college students, have the opportunity to pursue a quality, affordable university education and build a strong future for themselves and the Hill Country.”

Longtime supporter, Karl Ransleben, also reflected on how educational opportunity shaped his own life and inspired his commitment to helping others pursue college.

“Being able to fund and promote these endeavors has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life. I consider it a ‘thank you note’ to Schreiner for putting me on the path to success.”

The Hill Country College Fund provides financial aid to students from Kerr, Gillespie, Kendall, Kimble, Medina, Bandera, and Real counties, reinforcing Schreiner’s historic role as the Hill Country’s University.

As Schreiner University enters its second century, leaders say the continued success of the Hill Country College Fund demonstrates the power of community partnership in shaping the future of the region.

Community members interested in supporting Hill Country students through the fund can learn more at:
https://schreiner.edu/giving/hccf/