You want to change the world? Start with one.
Music ministry major Nicole Moran '17 believes God has some ambitious goals for her and that they can only be achieved by first obtaining a world-class education, which happens to be here at Northwestern.
But last year when Moran got a note from Northwestern about the next semester's bill, she began to panic. Despite her pessimism, she prayed God would give her the ability to put her trust in Him: a prayer she admits to whispering frequently. A few days later, God met her need in the form of the Charlotte Hauser Music Scholarship.
"Not only is giving to a college student a huge financial blessing to them, but you never know how it will affect their life and, more importantly, their spiritual life," says Moran. "Being able to see God's providence and begin to learn to trust in Him has meant more to me than even the money."'
Nicole was never able to meet Rev. Reinhold "Dick" Hauser '51 or his wife, Charlotte (Anderson) '49, but through their generosity, Moran witnessed God's faithfulness and provision. "I like to think that was one of the Hausers' goals in supporting people like me," says Moran, "not only to give and obey scripture, but to give to strengthen others' relationships with the Father."
Dick and Charlotte's story with Northwestern starts back during the Billy Graham presidency. They met in the Mixed Chorale directed by future Northwestern President Bill Berntsen. Dick prepared for the ministry, and Charlotte helped establish the Master's Chorale Trio that had a weekly live broadcast on KTIS and was part of early radio rallies.
Married in 1949, the Hausers went on to serve four churches from 1950-75 in Minnesota, Nebraska, Colorado and Kansas. In 1975, Dick was appointed the Northern California/ Nevada district superintendent for the Evangelical Free Church of America, a role he served for 21 years.
Known as a compassionate, wise and caring pastor, Dick never lost his love for learning as he read books about Bible doctrine well into his 80s. Char never lost her love for music. She directed children's and adult choirs at churches and retreats, performed solos at special services and events, played piano and arranged music. Together Dick and Char raised three children, and led domestic and international tours to Canada, Europe, the Mideast and Africa.
When Charlotte passed away in 2011, the Hauser family established a scholarship in her name as a way to honor their beloved family member and directly impact Northwestern students.
Last May, Dick passed away at the age of 87, but his influence on family, friends and Northwestern students lives on. Over the years, the Hausers worked with Northwestern's planned giving team to take advantage of effective estate planning strategies such as scholarships and a Northwestern gift annuity. Making time to learn about planned gifts allowed the Hausers to save on taxes, generate tax-free income for life and help students for years to come even though they have both retired to their heavenly home.
Nicole Moran is just one student touched by the lives of Dick and Charlotte. "If I had the opportunity, I would thank them for their thoughtful, selfless giving, their passion for others and their Christ-likeness. One day, I hope to be able to bless another student as they blessed me. After all, one affects another who affects a thousand. You want to change the world? Start with one."