Commencement
May 4, 2024
Due to the high probability of inclement weather, UMHB's Spring Commencement ceremony has been moved to the Cadence Bank Center (formerly the Bell County Expo Center), located at 301 W. Loop 121 in Belton. The ceremony will begin today at 7:30p.m. Doors open at 6:30p.m. We hope you will join us as we celebrate the Class of 2024!
Students, please arrive at the Cadence Bank Center at 6:30 p.m. for check in in the main concourse to check in for your seat information.
COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM
View the entire program below or you can also download it by clicking here to download the Commencement Program.
The University
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) was chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas as the Female Division of Baylor University. In 1866, it became Baylor Female College, operating under its own charter and board. The school moved in 1886 from Independence to Belton. In 1925, the name was changed to Baylor College for Women and, in 1934, to Mary Hardin-Baylor College in honor of a benefactor.
Once the oldest school for women west of the Mississippi River, Mary Hardin-Baylor College began offering degrees to men in 1968 and, in 1971, became fully coeducational. In 1978, Mary Hardin-Baylor College became the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
The university, with a current student population of almost four thousand, offers eleven bachelor’s degrees with fifty majors, ten master’s degrees with sixteen majors, and three doctorate degrees with five majors.
Mace
Historically, the use of a mace dates back to the Middle Ages. The mace was carried before or placed near a dignitary as a sign of protection. It came to symbolize strength and authority. Over the centuries, the mace was incorporated into processions as a symbolic item. Gradually, universities adopted the use of the mace to show the authority of the university invested in the president by the board of trustees. Today, the university’s mace is carried by the marshal before the president and other dignitaries of the platform party during commencement processions.
Academic Robes and Regalia
The pageantry and color of an academic convocation, such as today’s commencement, come to us from medieval times when academic robes and regalia were adapted from ecclesiastical garb.
Most robes are black to symbolize the democracy of scholarship since they cover any dress or rank of social standing worn beneath. Bachelor gowns are cut with long pointed sleeves, master’s gowns feature closed slit sleeves, and doctoral gowns are full-cut with double-belled sleeves and bars of velvet trim. Some universities have authorized doctoral gowns in a single color representative of the institutions.
The hood, originally a simple cowl attached to the gown, bears the heaviest symbolism of the academic costume. Its lining displays the colors of the university that granted the degree, and the bordering color indicates the field of learning (or faculty) in which the degree was earned.
The square cap, or mortarboard, originated in the 13th century at the University of Paris and came to England in Tudor times. Earlier caps were round and reserved for doctoral degree holders. This velvet cap is still worn by doctors. Doctoral tassels are usually gold, while other degrees are represented by black.
Some of the colors you may see in today’s processional are:
- Arts, Letters, Humanities-White
- Economics-Copper
- Music-Pink
- Social Science-Cream
- Business-Drab
- Education-Light Blue
- Nursing-Apricot
- Social Work-Citron
- Communication-Silver Gray
- Exercise & Sport Science-Sage Green
- Physical Therapy-Teal
- Theology-Scarlet
WALLACE E. DAVIS, Ph.D.
Dr. Wallace E. Davis, retired president of Wayland Baptist University, has been a long-time friend and supporter of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He’s been selected to receive the Honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree during today’s ceremony.
Dr. Davis earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Baylor University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Texas. After serving in the United States Army in Korea, he moved to Corpus Christi to teach elementary school. He went on to serve as a school principal, the director of elementary education, and the assistant superintendent for instruction for Corpus Christi ISD. In 1973, he became one of the first four educators employed by the newly founded Corpus Christi State University (now Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi). He served as dean of the College of Education, academic vice president, and interim president there. In 1993, he was named the university’s academic vice president emeritus.
In 1991, Dr. Davis became the president of Wayland Baptist University, where he served for more than nine years before being named the university’s first chancellor. In 1998, he was named “Man of the Year” for the city of Plainview and, upon his retirement in 2002, was named chancellor emeritus of the Wayland Baptist University System.
Throughout his professional career, Dr. Davis has consulted with K-12 schools, universities, and churches in the areas of leadership, strategic planning, and teacher effectiveness. Since his retirement, he has continued to serve as a consultant in these areas.
After moving to Salado, Dr. Davis and his wife, the late Patsy Lewis Mayfield, became involved with First Baptist Belton and connected with UMHB. Dr. Davis’ passion for Christian higher education led to a friendship with the university, and he served as a consultant on several strategic planning initiatives.
Dr. Davis is incredibly generous and has been a faithful donor to UMHB for the past 17 years. In 2011, Wallace and Patsy established the Dr. Wallace and Patsy Davis Endowed Scholarship at UMHB. As graduates of Baptist universities, lifelong educators, and supporters of Christian education, Wallace and Patsy wanted to support students attending a university where Christ serves as the cornerstone, truth is honored, teaching is valued, and our Christian faith is proclaimed. Additionally, they wanted to show their deep admiration for those who have contributed to making the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor a star in the crown of Christian higher education.
COMMENCEMENT
Saturday, May 4 , 2024 - 7:30 PM
Prelude
Selections by the UMHB Wind Ensemble
Mr. Michael Garasi, Associate Professor, Conductor
Welcome and Remarks
Dr. Randy O’Rear ’88, MBA ’97
President
Opening Prayer
Dr. Brian Guenther ’99, Ed.D. ’16
Father of Mr. Caleb Guenther, Graduating Senior
National Anthem: “The Star-Spangled Banner”
Francis Scott Key, arr. Darmon Meader
One Voice, directed by Dr. Matt Crosby '01
Scripture Reading
Ms. Aynslee Barber
Graduating Senior
Presentation of Honorary Doctorate
Dr. O'Rear
Commencement Address
Dr. Wallace E. Davis ’24
Honorary Doctorate Recipient
Recognition of Honors
Dr. John Vassar
Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Presentation of Degree Candidates
Dr. Brian Brabham
Associate Dean, School of Exercise & Sport Science & Faculty Announcer
Conferring of Degrees
Dr. O’Rear
Welcome into the Alumni Association
UMHB Alumni Members
UMHB Alumni Association
(AUDIENCE: Please rise for and join in singing the alma mater.)
“UMHB Alma Mater”
Todd Blackhurst ’90, John Hollan ’89, Heath Peloquin ’96, and Kori Whatley ’94
Led by One Voice and the UMHB Wind Ensemble
(AUDIENCE: Please be seated for the benediction.)
Benediction
Mr. Todd Melton
Father of Ms. Kathryn Melton, Graduating Senior
Postlude:“Up With the Purple”
Rountree ’24
Dr. Crosby, Pianist
Marshal: Dr. Joni Ylostalo
Assistant Marshals: Ms. Christan Hammonds, Ms. Effel Harper, Mr. Rory Jones, Dr. Meri Hughes, Dr. Jamey Plunk, Dr. Christine Nix,
Dr. Rubi-Ugofsky-Mendez and Dr. Janice Wallace
One Voice: Andrew Ash, Madison Borowski, Natalie Crayton, Adam Funderburg, Samuel Golovin, Maria Hernandez, Chloe Inman, Avalyn James,
Ethan Leftwich, Joshua McMiller, Olyvia Owen, Benjamin Perkinson, Skyler Pettway, Hannah Weems, Trenton West
CANDIDATES FOR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
May 4, 2024
CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATE DEGREE
May 4, 2024
DOCTORAL DEGREES
AWARDS, HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS
Commissioning Officers
Ray Feliciano
Eldridge Gilbert
Shane Goodwin
Gabriella Martinez
Jose Vazquez
Honor Program Recipients
Catherine Buley
McKenzie Cano
Ashley Faux
Peyton Forbes
Grace Hodgdon
Justin Johnson
Kathryn Melton
Andres Peralta
McLANE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Dean’s Award
Mark Howell
Writing Award
Kensley Walters
Luke Ayote
Business Administration
Paige Hawkins
Accounting
Hayden Guerin
Economics
Adriana Saucedo
Entrepreneurship and Small Business
Katriel Donaghue
International Business
Cordell Spears
Management
Nicholas McDaniel
Marketing
David Travis Harvey
COLLEGE OF CHRISTIAN STUDIES
Hebrew Award
David Isenhower
Theology Award
David Martinez
Ministry Award
Jacob Carter
Outstanding Christian Studies Major
Jacob Carter , David Martinez
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Education Deans of Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas Preservice Teacher Award
Anastasia Rakovalis
MAYBORN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
SCHOOL OF EXERCISE SCIENCE
Major of the year for Sport Management
Justin Gilliland
Major of the year for Physical Education
Braegen Berry
Major of the year for Health Science
Kalyn Dujka
Major of the year for Exercise Physiology
Maren Fields
School of EXSS Dean’s Award
Katelyn Kolodziejczyk
MAYBORN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
SCOTT & WHITE SCHOOL OF NURSING
Purple Heart
Delfina Ahulu
Clinical Excellence
Regan Woodley
Golden Cross-B
Regan Woodley
Mack Duce
Osatohamwen Omere
COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SCIENCES
SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES
Evelyn McFatridge Brashears Award (Poetry)
Makayla Banton
W.T. Hutmacher Scholarly Writing Award
Makayla Banton
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
Outstanding Social Work Field Student of the Year
Rebecca Leija
Academic Achievement in Social Work
Kathryn Melton
Social Work Leadership
Steven Duttine
SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES |
|
|---|---|
Outstanding Student in Biology |
Ashley Faux |
COLLEGE OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
The Jewel Vickers Payne Memorial Medal
Tiera Flores
Austin-Burks Award
Madeline Rogers
Presser Scholar in Music
Benjamin Perkinson
GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS
Excellence in Graduate Studies Award
Paige Talbert
Master of Business Administration, Outstanding Student Award
Maya Butler
Master of Education, Outstanding Student Award
Lauren Addison
Master of Public Health, Outstanding Student Award
Victoria Howard
Master of Arts in Counseling, Outstanding Student Award
La’Porsha Timmons
Master of Science in Accounting, Outstanding Student Award
Amelia Adams
Master of Science in Information Systems, Outstanding Student Award
Lasya Priya Pabbathi
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Outstanding Student Award
Olivia Kershner
Master of Science in Physician Assistant,, Outstanding Student Award
Paige Talbert
Master of Science in Sport Administration, Outstanding Student
Charles Huschka
Doctor of Education, Outstanding Student Award
Toya Davis
Academic Honor Societies
- Academic Honors: Gold Sash
- Alpha Chi Honor Society: Gold Medallion
- Alpha Mu Alpha American Marketing Association Honor Society: Navy Cords
- Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society, Xi Omicron Chapter: Royal Blue and College Gold Cords
- Alpha Psi Omega Performance Honor Society: Blue and Gold Cords
- Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society: Red and Green Cords
- Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International: White Stole with Blue Letter X∑I
- Eta Beta Rho National Hebrew Honor Society
- Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society: Gold and Black Cords
- Iota Tau Alpha Athletic Training Education Honor Society, Omicron Chapter: Blue, Red and Gold Cords
- Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, Alpha Eta Gamma Chapter: Purple and Green Cords
- Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society: Gold Shield with Pink and Silver
- Omicron Delta Epsilon Economics Society: Gold and Blue Cords
- Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society: Red and Blue Cords
- Pi Gamma Mu Social Science Honor Society: Blue and White Cords
- Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society
- Sigma Delta Pi Spanish and Advanced Literature Honor Society: Red and Spanish Gold Stole
- Sigma Iota Epsilon Professional Management Honor Society: Gold Stole with Burgundy Letter SIE
- Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society: Cardinal and Black Cords and/or Cardinal Ribbon with Medallion
- Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, Tau Epsilon Chapter: White and Purple Cords
Up with the Purple
Up with the Purple, the Gold and the White High o’er the college tower
Forth from her portals we step in her might, Men and women great in power.
Yes, we come from old Baylor,
Her loyal sons and her daughters true, And proudly each one hails the memory Of Baylor College, for we love you.
All hail to thee, old Baylor,
Proud daughter of the South
With heart and voice we praise thee As we go marching forth.
Up with the Purple, the Gold and the White High o’er the college tower
Forth from her portals we step in her might, Men and women great in power,
Yes, we come from old Baylor,
Her loyal sons and her daughters true, And proudly each one hails the memory Of Baylor College, for we love you.
UMHB Alma Mater
Dear Mary Hardin-Baylor
who stands ever proud and strong. With courage, boldness and loyalty, our Crusader leads us on.
We will keep you high in honor forever through our days.
With endless time and wonder, our love will never fade.
Ever thankful for our past,
into the future we will go.
With faithfulness and devotion to you. Our Purple, White, and Gold.
Give me teaching so that I may do your pleasure; for you are my God: let your good spirit be my guide into the land of righteousness.
Psalm 143:10 (BBE)
Note: This program is not an official University document. The exclusion of the names of students is not to be taken as indicative of their official status as non-graduates, nor is the inclusion of the names of students to be taken as certification of their official status as graduates.