OKLAHOMA CITY – Former Oklahoma City University student-athlete Matt Houston has created the Northwestern Mutual Houston District Office Scholarship for OCU athletics through his company.
The scholarship will provide annual funds for a deserving student-athlete each year for the next five years.
"We are so grateful to Matt for his desire to establish something as important as a scholarship," said Jim Abbott, Director of Athletics. "It is particularly fulfilling when one of our own gives back, and I believe is a testament to both the experience he had on campus, and the value Matt places on helping the next generation of OCU student-athletes."
A two-time all-American for Denney Crabaugh's OCU baseball team, Houston was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2003 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. After a four-year career in professional baseball, including a selection to the minor league all-star game, he completed his degree in business administration from OCU and joined Houston Financial, a family-run financial service and advisory practice in Oklahoma City.
"My time at OCU, particularly with Coach Crabaugh and Coach (Keith) Lytle, will always be very special to me," said Houston. "I am so happy for our company to be able to provide this gift and hope it enhances the experience for future recipients, and maybe even inspires them to do something similar as they move on in their careers."
For more information on giving to OCU Athletics, contact Chris Maxon, Associate Athletic Director for Development, at (405) 208-5431 or camaxon@okcu.edu.
"Scholarship support is vitally important to our mission to attract the highest level of student-athlete and provide them with a first-class educational experience," said Abbott. "We hope that the Houston Scholarship excites many more alumni to assist the next generation of OCU champions."