By Jannatul Noshin
Higher education begins with a college that is both financially accessible to all and is a leader in its community, which Houghton College Buffalo provides. Houghton College Buffalo, or HCB for short, is a location where students express their gratitude for their education. If any student believes that college is not for them, Houghton College Buffalo is a cause to show them that they are wrong. Most students that enter college do not immediately know their major or what they want to study following high school graduation, but at HCB, that’s okay. HCB establishes a firm foundation in which students are led with opportunities and a path to success. HCB Dean Julian Cook echoed this, noting, “HCB students are not problems to be solved. They are a cadre of emerging leaders with the ethical vision and spiritual audacity to believe that education and faith are tools for hewing our collective destinies. Every day at HCB we live out the conviction that hope is a way of life; not a passive state of being. HCB students come together to construct hope.” The courses that students take at HCB are crucial to their career opportunities. Each student’s aim at HCB is to ensure that they do not fall behind, which is precisely what an educational institution should accomplish. HCB’s academic agenda is designed to assist any student in achieving their goals for a successful profession and life journey. Dieu-fidele Munano commented on this, noting, “I like Houghton college because they do everything on their ability to shape us and to get us ready for next steps to come.”
Together, we are stronger, and anything is possible, and HCB is the epitome of this. At HCB, everyone works together to achieve success. Adjunct Instructor of Communication Denise Reichard commented on this, stating, “The high academic standards as well as the implementation of those standards in and out of the classroom make Houghton College elevated in many ways that we might use to evaluate higher education.” Students can work with available tutors at any time without making an appointment. HCB ensures that its students are maintaining their course load and are given practical tools and understanding to excel in any course. As a result, students are less stressed and can meet the demands that come with pursuing higher education. All other institutions pale in comparison to the level of education provided by Houghton.
Students at Houghton College Buffalo are welcomed, respected, and cherished, and they all have a place here, regardless of gender, religion, or color. At the Symphony Circle Campus, all individuals, nationalities, and personalities are honored. Professor Steve Strand, who “moved to Buffalo in 2014 largely to work with the city’s growing newcomer communities of people from around the world”, noted this, and also added that “Houghton College Buffalo beautifully reflects rich cultural diversity and vitality, so I was pleased to join this learning community. Working at Houghton College Buffalo has a great purpose to extend faith-based educational opportunity in the city.”
Houghton College Buffalo (HCB) will also make sure that every student feels accepted and recognized as a student. This has been the experience of student Hafal Abde, who discusses, “The reason I chose Houghton College is that it has a lot of support and I feel I will not fail in the classes. All the time teachers ask students to do the work so they cannot fail in the classes. So, they are really taking care of the students.” Houghton College Buffalo strives hard to ensure that students from underrepresented groups and New American immigrant communities are well equipped before they move on from the program. Tutors are available to assist students who are having difficulty understanding and completing their assignments. Every opportunity Houghton College Buffalo has offered for students has been a great achievement. Students can win HCB honors for their participation in activities such as career fairs, immigration debate panels, and ethnically varied food festivals.
Students were astounded by how Dr. Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., President of Houghton College, and Cathy E. Freytag, Dean of the Faculty, made it a mission to visit the HCB Symphony Circle campus during a joyous welcoming event. It was more than just a moment of time spent, but it led to something much more significant. It created a beautiful experience. Student Kamulete Bwemere states, “When I met President Lewis, I felt that I’m important and I’m the part of Houghton College. In life I have never seen of any organization that I was in, but President Lewis reminds me that I am the best in my life, and I will fight for my own.” Every student received the opportunity to speak and engage not only their peers but also with the faculty and staff that help contribute to creating what Houghton College is today. For every student, this was a watershed moment, a major milestone, and a reassurance. They were treated with dignity and respect and felt appreciated. This was an opportunity for everyone’s voice to be heard, for every culture to be represented, and for no one to feel like an outcast.
As Professor Kushal Bhardwaj notes, Houghton College Buffalo is a wonderfully unique environment to be a part of. “As a passionate educator, I was blessed to teach Anthropology, African History and Political Science to the most unique group of students in my award-winning, multi-decade career. The sons and daughters of immigrants, from various parts of the world, enriched MY life as I taught them how to better understand themselves and the world.” Houghton College Buffalo is an excellent option for individuals who want to see themselves succeeding and growing, since it provides all the necessary assistance, and every student is praised for their achievements. ★
