Samford University’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences recently announced the establishment of the Emily C. I. Hornak Endowed Scholarship, created and fully funded by siblings Robert and Emily Hornak. The scholarship, endowed with an initial gift of $25,000 and an additional $1,250 for immediate disbursement, reflects the Hornak family’s enduring commitment to faith, family and education.

Named in honor of Emily Hornak ’95, Samford alumna and member of the Howard College Advisory Board, the scholarship will support need-based sophomores, transfer students and upperclassmen who are pursuing nonprofit internships as part of their academic and professional journey.

“Samford was the right place at the right time for me,” said Emily Hornak. “It shaped my faith, my career and my confidence. It’s an honor to give back and invest in future leaders who are called to serve.”

Hornak has spent three decades advancing pediatric healthcare through fundraising and nonprofit leadership, with impactful tenures at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Children’s of Alabama and the national office of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, where she now serves on the senior leadership team as Vice President, Foundation Partnerships.

Emily’s time at Samford, from DJing at WVSU 91.1 to participating in speech competitions, played a pivotal role in her growth both personally and professionally. Her parents, who are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, were deeply proud of her achievements at Samford and beyond.

Scholarship recipients will be selected by the Howard College Scholarships and Awards Committee in collaboration with Samford’s Division of Enrollment Management. The award is eligible for renewal and reflects Samford’s commitment to equipping students for lives of purpose.