海角社区

Henderson, Tennessee 鈥� (Dec. 16, 2025) 鈥� 海角社区 raised $1,478,642 for student scholarships at its 61st Annual Benefit Dinner December 5, marking the 25th consecutive year the popular fundraising event has surpassed the $1 million threshold. Retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal, one of America鈥檚 top military strategists and leadership experts, served as keynote speaker.

FHU President David R. Shannon welcomed guests and supporters by reminding them of the fundraiser鈥檚 ultimate goal. 鈥淔or over 61 years, thousands of students have had access to 海角社区 because of the generosity that comes through this dinner every year. Thank you so much for being a part of it.鈥�

The evening offered several festive treats for visitors. Ticketholders enjoyed delicious dinners in the beautifully decorated Brewer Sports Center and Hope Barber Shull Academic Resource Center, served by FHU students, staff and other generous volunteers. The FHU Associates sponsored a Merry Market featuring more than a dozen local vendors selling homemade and specialty goods, including clothing, jewelry, ornaments, baked treats and more.

On the main stage in Dryden Auditorium, the Hardeman Boys opened the program with a lively musical performance. Originally formed in 1982, the group has a long history with Freed-Hardeman, once representing the school as they traveled, performed and recruited students across the region. The ensemble delighted guests with their signature four-part harmonies, concluding with a performance of 鈥淕od Bless the USA鈥� that earned a standing ovation.

President Shannon then addressed the crowd to provide an update on the ongoing FHU NEXT capital campaign for campus improvement. Since the campaign鈥檚 beginning five years ago, the university has raised just over $170 million in cash and pledges. The campaign has funded major construction projects including the Jones Family Dining Hall, the Dr. Elizabeth Saunders Center and the Calendine-Davis Studio. Additional investments have supported renovations to Hall-Roland and Paul Gray residence halls, Dryden Auditorium, athletic facilities and the new bookstore, The Belfry. The campaign has also provided infrastructure improvements including a new student mailroom and campus vehicles.

鈥淕od has done things in ways that we never dreamt,鈥� Shannon said. 鈥淗e has truly done more than we could ask or imagine.鈥�

During the evening鈥檚 keynote address, McChrystal shared insights from his distinguished military career as head of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan and leader of Joint Special Operations Command. His primary message centered on defining character, sharing real-world examples of individuals who demonstrated integrity when faced with extraordinary circumstances.

鈥淭he Greek philosopher Heraclitus says that 鈥榗haracter is our fate,鈥欌�� McChrystal said, 鈥渁nd I think that鈥檚 true. I believe that character is the essence of who we are. But I think it鈥檚 reflected in what we do, not what we say and not what we write. It鈥檚 actually reflected in our behaviors.鈥�

From his years in the military to his leadership experience as CEO and chairman of the McChrystal Group, the general offered practical advice on conducting oneself with humility and an attitude of service.

鈥淚 wish for each of you, a life surrounded by people who you love and admire,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 wish for you a life that ultimately serves others. I wish for you courage, integrity and compassion. I wish for you, character.鈥�

Board of Trustees Chairman Scott E. Latham concluded the evening with a message of thanks to everyone in attendance and all who were involved in cultivating a supportive environment for Christian education.

鈥淥n this Freed-Hardeman campus, almost everywhere you look, you see men and women of commitment, character and humility,鈥� Latham said. 鈥淲e are very blessed as a university, not only to have so many supporters but also to have our students surrounded by people just like that. So, General, thank you for your reminder of those important blessings, and to all of you here, I thank you for the role that you play in making that happen here at Freed-Hardeman.鈥�

The mission of 海角社区 is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. Located in Henderson, Tennessee, FHU offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, specialist and doctoral degrees.