Houghton University Athletics

Velma Harbeck was an exceptional athlete during her years at Houghton College.  She competed before the days of Intercollegiate Athletics during what many remember as the “Purple/Gold” era.  She captained the “Gold” Women’s Basketball team.  Her senior team took the class competitions and her “Gold Team” won the championship four games to two.  She was also very gifted in Track and Field where she broke records in many of the sprints and was part of a relay team that held the school record for more than thirty years.  She was a member of the “Big H Club” for winning letters in three major sports.
 
She served Houghton College and the surrounding community in ways too numerous to list completely here.  A few examples include:

• Serving as president of the Houghton College Alumni Association
• Serving on the President’s Advisory Committee on Excellence
• Serving as District Chair for the College’s “Century Two Action Program” to raise money for the new Physical Education Center
• Serving as a teacher and coach at Addison Central School
• Serving on the Board of Trustees, the Administrative Board and as Chair of the Department of Education in the Sunday School at Cuba United Methodist Church where she was a faithful member for over 70 years.
• Serving as one of only two women on United Methodist WNY Council on Finance and Administration

 
You will notice that the word that shows up regularly is “served.”  Velma Moses Hewson was a person who “served” others.  She is honored here today as a person who represents the ultimate in sports ministry – using the gifts God has given to serve and bless others.  Whether it was as student-athlete, a mother, a wife, a church member or community leader, Velma Moses Hewson made a difference in the lives of all she touched and for that, we honor her here today.