The Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children.

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Houston Donors Gather to Support Scholarships for Military Children

William “Bill” Hobson honored by Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

HOUSTON, TX – (November 16, 2023) – The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF) presented William “Bill” Hobson with the Semper Fidelis Award during its 13th annual Houston Awards Dinner, held on Wednesday November 15th at The Post Oak Hotel.

Over 450 guests filled the Grand Ballroom of The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown to support the Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children. Guests mingled during the general reception, enjoying cocktails and passed appetizers before entering the ballroom for the seated dinner. As they sat down, guests were treated to a surprise welcome message from World Series Champion and veteran Marine Dusty Baker. The program was deftly handled by emcee Sergeant Major Micheal Barrett USMC (Ret.) and included remarks from Military Guest of Honor Lieutenant General Martin R Steele USMC (Ret.), and MCSF President and CEO Lieutenant Colonel Ted Probert USMC (Ret.).

Often awarded to veteran Marines, The Scholarship Foundation’s Semper Fidelis Award recognizes individuals whose service to our Nation exemplifies the Marine Corps motto to remain “Always Faithful.” Former Texas recipients include President George W. Bush, Ann Fox, veteran Marine and President & CEO of Nine Energy Service, and Donovan Campbell, veteran Marine and bestselling author of Joker One and The Leader’s Code.

Bill Hobson, former Senior Vice President for UBS Wealth Management, US, is a veteran Marine and currently owns and operates Hobson’s Choice Ranch in Sealy. He is a long-time supporter of The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, The Boys & Girls Club of Austin County, and Texas State University. Mr. Hobson, along with his wife Loma, established a CTE program in Culinary Arts at Sealy High School. His time in the Marine Corps allowed Bill to hone his determination and discipline, qualities which contributed to his thirty-eight-year successful career at UBS Wealth Management. Bill credits his service for his “focus on the mission to be completed.”

The final fundraising tally for the evening was an impressive $1.06 million. Funding from the dinner helps support 258 scholarship recipients in Texas who attend 63 different in-state colleges, universities and career technical education programs.  Lone Star State Campaign Co-Chairs John Deis and Alison Vasquez were thrilled with the outcome of the evening.

Established in 1962, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships for military children. Since its inception, the Scholarship Foundation has provided over 55,000 scholarships valued at more than $200 million to the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen. Recipients are from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., in addition to 18 overseas bases and U.S. territories. The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation has earned an Accredited Charity rating from the Better Business Bureau, 4/4 stars in accountability and transparency from Charity Navigator, and GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency. For more information on the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, please visit www.mcsf.org.

If You Can, You Must Scholarship Initiative

More than 14 years ago, Dakota Meyer, a U.S. Marine serving in the War in Afghanistan, risked his life to bravely save the lives of U.S. and Afghan forces in the Battle of Ganjgal. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the first living Marine in more than forty years to receive the award. Since leaving active duty, Dakota has embraced opportunities for continued service. Through his partnership with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, the “If You Can, You Must” Scholarship will provide educational scholarships to the children of Marines and inspire the future leaders of America.

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