Lubbock Christian University named Prosperity Bank the 2024 LCU Community Partner of the Year for their outstanding support of LCU and the greater Lubbock community. Additionally, Play It Again Sports has been named the Newcomer of the Year. The winners were announced at an appreciation luncheon hosted by Johnsonville and United Supermarkets on the LCU campus.

Mike Marshall, West Texas Area Chairman for Prosperity Bank, commented, “We are so honored to be a part of the Lubbock and LCU community, it has been a wonderful partnership with Lubbock Christian University. I would encourage all businesses in West Texas to find a way to get involved with LCU. Not only are you helping a great university, but this university is producing students who will have a major impact on our community and help businesses thrive.”

Raymond Richardson, Vice President of LCU University Advancement, shared, “Our community partners see the value that the students at LCU are to this community, and they invest in them. Prosperity Bank has been a friend and partner to Lubbock Christian University for decades. We are grateful for the long-term friendships that have helped mold and shape LCU to what it is today.”

The Community Partners program is an initiative developed to strengthen relationships between Lubbock Christian University and local businesses. These businesses are invited to partner with LCU in a mutually beneficial relationship that provides growth in community endeavors and future opportunities. The Community Partner of the Year Award, presented annually, is chosen from over 100 LCU Community Partners for their engagement and support of the LCU community.

Brian Melakian, owner of Play It Again Sports-Lubbock, responded, “It is so great to be involved with LCU as a student, alumnus, and now as a community partner. We find and make time to be involved with Lubbock Christian University because it is important to our community. At the core, the people at LCU care, know your name, and will spend the time to invest in you as a person.”

The Melakian’s and Play It Again Sports have invested in LCU as students, alumni, and now as a Community Partner. Three generations of Melakian’s now call LCU home, and this is incredibly important and special to the DNA of the university, shared Lisa Fraze, Director of Alumni and Community Relations at LCU. “We are blessed with many community partners, and we are thankful to have the chance to recognize these two incredible businesses for their service and investment in Lubbock Christian University.”