Thomas and Marie Holiday began contributing to Heritage Christian University when he took his first class at then International Bible College in the spring of 1975. He would later return to be a full-time student and graduate in 1985. Since then, they have not only contributed financially, but he served as the first Black member of the Board of Directors. He served on the Board twice (1994–1999, 2007–2012). Mr. Holiday was named Alumnus of the Year in 1991. He was awarded an Honorary Doctor’s degree by the University in 2014 and is a recipient of the Founders Award. Mr. and Mrs. Holiday were regular attendees to the Heritage Event and often brought guests to fill a table.
In their honor, the biblical studies collection of the Overton Memorial Library was named the Thomas and Marie Holiday Biblical Studies Collection. This collection of over 63,000 items is the largest collection within the library. With each of the five degrees that the University offers being focused on biblical studies, this collection plays a major role in the education of the students and is the heart of not only the Library but of the University.
