180 Years of UMHB Traditions

October 30, 2025

At UMHB, tradition isn’t just a formality or a once-a-year event. It’s woven into the very fabric of everyday life on campus. From the moment students arrive until the day they graduate, they are surrounded by rich and meaningful opportunities that shape their UMHB experience and forge lasting bonds with classmates and alumni alike.

Marching in academic regalia at midnight, lighting candles side by side with fellow Crusaders, singing “Old Baylor” and “Up With the Purple,” raising the “C” with pride during the Alma Mater, portraying Biblical scenes in the Easter Pageant, creating memories during Stunt Night, ringing the Senior Bell, and proudly placing a graduation robe on the shoulders of a junior—all of these beloved traditions are the moments that make UMHB what it is.

These traditions extend far beyond ceremony, though. They serve as a bridge between students and alumni, reinforcing the shared identity that binds the UMHB community together. Beth Norvell ‘03, associate director of Museum and Alumni Engagement, put it simply: “Students are only here for a few years. Helping them understand what it takes to find a place of belonging is just as important as preparing them for their careers.”

Traditions bring together all the generations, past, present and future, she added. “We’re all gathered in one spot, doing the same thing because it connects us with our core identity—who we are, and we need that.”

That connection to identity is deeply rooted in UMHB’s founding. Miriam Osterlund ’21 M.Ed. ’22 is currently serving a doctoral internship at the Musick Alumni Center and Museum at the Parker House. There, she spends time researching UMHB traditions and helping educate others about their importance. “I love seeing how the history of UMHB from the time it started at Independence, Texas, has continued to this day in everything we do in the classroom and outside of the classroom, through our traditions.”

Though several of our traditions date back to the beginning of the 1900s, the new traditions are just as important. “The Ring Ceremony is one of the newer traditions and marks the start of a student’s senior year. So many seniors love their school and proudly wear their rings, but they’re also sad to graduate,” Miriam explained.

Beth noted that she finds special meaning in the way many UMHB traditions are marked with light. “Students begin and end their time at UMHB with light—freshmen begin with the candles at that Dubbing Ceremony, and they end with candlelight at Midnight March their senior year, one of the last traditions they take part in.”

And there’s a lot more to the UMHB traditions than meets the eye.

Traditions like Miss MHB are particularly impactful for those who participate behind the scenes. Miriam, who competed in Miss MHB when she was a student and now advises the event, says, “A lot of people will see the end product, but the experience of going through the entire process leaves a lasting impact, and students grow so much.”

The key ingredient that makes many of the traditions so special is the student leadership and involvement.

Because at UMHB, students don’t just observe tradition—they live it, shape it and carry it forward for generations to come, Miriam said. “Without students being the heart of our traditions, I don’t think they would last.”

1 DUBBING CEREMONY

In 1995, students proposed a ceremony to enhance their emotional ties with the university, establishing a "dubbing ceremony" during Welcome Week. This tradition begins with students lighting candles and singing the Alma Mater. Then, university officials symbolically knight new students with a sword and proclaim them "Crusaders Forever." After the event, sophomores ring the bell at Luther Memorial a specific number of times, corresponding to the university's age. Since 1999, alumni predating this tradition have had the opportunity to participate in a similar "dubbing" ceremony during Spring Alumni Weekend and Homecoming. After being dubbed, students receive a complimentary t-shirt from the UMHB Alumni Association.

2 HOMECOMING

Homecoming is an annual tradition that allows graduates to revisit their alma mater, reconnect with old classmates, and engage with the university community. First introduced in 1909, Homecoming fosters a strong sense of campus spirit and upholds various traditions involving students and alumni, including a pep rally featuring the Burning of the Letters and fireworks. Initially observed on April 26-28, 1909, at the suggestion of Mrs. Rachel Barry Stewart, Class of 1858, Homecoming aimed to showcase the college's progress to former students. The event originally took place every four years, but its historical records are somewhat unclear, with varying names used for alumni reunions over the years. The name transition from Alumnae Day to Homecoming occurred in 1936, and subsequent event names and scheduling changes took place through the years. In 1956, a fall Homecoming coinciding with Stunt Night emerged, and in 1981, the celebration was incorporated into Charter Day activities to boost student engagement. Due to weather concerns, Homecoming shifted to a spring date in 1988, and in 1998, with the introduction of the football team, students began new traditions. Alumni feedback led to the reinstatement of a fall Homecoming weekend in 2004, aligning with the tradition of Homecoming events at other universities. Highlights of present-day Homecoming include a pep rally with fireworks and the lighting of the letters, a presentation of the Homecoming Court, the carnival on King Street, and the tailgate party. This rich history showcases the evolution of Homecoming celebrations over the years, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions and community engagement fostered at these annual gatherings.

3 CRUSADER KNIGHTS

In the Fall of 1993, a competition was introduced for male students at UMHB. Typically held in the spring, this themed event features a group performance, creative video skits displaying participants’ talents and personalities, and a formal attire segment where individuals showcase their styles. The event aims to be a humorous spoof of Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor and to foster friendships. The winner was dubbed "Mr. Crusader Knight" by the university president. Originally a class fundraiser, Crusader Knights evolved into a student-led tradition under Student Life. Typically held in the Spring, this themed event features a group performance, creative video skits displaying participants' talents and personalities, and a formal attire segment where individuals showcase their styles. Alumni serve as judges for the contestants. The winner of Crusader Knights represents the university for the following year.

4 CHARTER DAY

Charter Day is a special occasion that honors the university's history and legacy, marking the signing of the school's charter on February 1, 1845. During this event, sophomores ring the Independence Bell while seniors and Student Foundation members lay a wreath at Judge Robert Emmett Bledsoe Baylor's grave in Heritage Plaza. Following the special recognition, the university president offers a prayer for UMHB. The Campus Activities Board hosts a birthday party to honor UMHB. The history of Charter Day dates back to 1893 when alumnae began celebrating the anniversary during association meetings. Over the years, traditions evolved to include seniors dressing in caps and gowns, recalling school history, and singing school songs. The event expanded to involve underclassmen, college bells ringing, and senior class events like the Candlelighting Ceremony and Midnight March. In later years, Charter Day became the official Homecoming for former students and graduates, with alumni reunions and various awards. Throughout the years, the celebration has seen changes in format and activities to engage students and alumni, and in 1995, Charter Day celebrated its 150^thanniversary with a year-long Sesquicentennial Celebration.

5 CANDELIGHTING

The Candlelighting Ceremony originated in 1939 when Lillie James Myer, Class of 1891 and the newly elected president of the Alumnae Association, aimed to strengthen the bond between alumnae and the college. During the annual Charter Day dinner in Hardy Hall, Ailese Parten, Class of 1925, proposed concluding the event with a Candlelighting Ceremony. Drama teacher Cynthia Sory, Class of 1932, and speech instructor Thelma Robuck, Class of 1935, were tasked with crafting a ceremonial charge to be delivered before seniors lit their candles from the alumna giving the charge, with Sory being the first to do so. As the seniors' candles were lit, they then lit the green candles of the freshmen, the yellow candles of the sophomores, the purple of the juniors, and the white candles of the graduates present. The room filled with candlelight provided a meaningful background for school songs. Though the colored candles were later replaced with all white ones, the traditional charge remained in place. The ceremony's location changed over the years, moving to different venues to accommodate growing attendance. It became very meaningful to alumni, with graduates sending cards, notes, and telegrams from around the world to be read during the event or published in the alumni newsletter. During UMHB's 175th year, a special dinner celebrated Candlelighting with the original charge, and alumni digitally checked in from around the globe. The essence of Candlelighting now lives on in the Dubbing Ceremony and Midnight March.

6 CHARTER CELEBRATION

Each Spring, alumni are invited to return to campus during the Charter Celebration weekend. This event originated from a Spring Alumni Weekend and showcases beloved university traditions. Notably, alumni commemorating their 50th reunion are honored and receive their 50-year pins, symbolizing their induction into the Heritage Club—an exclusive group of alumni who have reached this milestone. Festivities encompass class reunions, chapel services, academic gatherings, musical performances, Midnight March, and various occasions to sing Up with the Purple.

7 STUNT NIGHT

Stunt Night is a competition that fosters camaraderie among the four classes and boosts class unity. It was established in 1909 by the physical education instructor George Rosborough to engage students remaining on campus during the holiday season. Today, Stunt Night is student-led, with six weeks given to prepare a skit and an original song based on a chosen theme. In its early years, the Women's Recreational Association organized the event, with themes announced two weeks in advance. Each class had limited time to perfect its stunt and cheer, judged by off-campus individuals based on specific criteria. Faculty surprises added to the event's excitement. Today, Stunt Night is student-led, with six weeks given to prepare a skit and an original song based on a chosen theme. Since 2011, Stunt Night has been held during Homecoming week. Originally, a small silver lamp was the prize, but it was later replaced with purple and gold wool blankets awarded to the winning class. The tradition of passing the blanket among classmates yearly was briefly lost but reinstated in 2009 with a student-made quilt. The victorious class decorates a square on the quilt to signify their skit and class spirit, and it is displayed in the museum.

8 EASTER PAGEANT

An annual outdoor drama illustrating Christ's life, death, and resurrection is traditionally performed each year on the Wednesday before Easter. Serving as a gift from the university to the community, the pageant offers free admission to all. Dr. Gordon Singleton, who served as president from 1938 to 1952, is credited with initiating the first pageant in 1940. Observing the ruins of Luther Hall from his office window, he envisioned them as a fitting backdrop for the performance. Collaborating with drama teacher Cynthia Sory he provided $25 to fund the production, which was used for various materials such as dyes for robes, wood for swords, straw hats for helmets, and paint for embellishments. A committee consisting of faculty and students was responsible for selecting cast members based on their embodiment of Christian values and suitability for their respective roles. This meticulous selection process has been consistent throughout the pageant's history, particularly for the lead roles. Around 50 students participated in the inaugural pageant, which was held at 5:30 p.m. on Easter Sunday in 1940, and only a handful of spectators. Subsequent years saw a surge in attendance, necessitating the expansion of the pageant to three performances. For the first 32 years, the pageant featured an all-female cast due to the college's status as a women's school. The introduction of coeducation in 1971 brought male students into the production. Various enhancements, including dialogues, recorded music, live performances, and role developments, have enriched the pageant over the years. Significant improvements in costumes and set design, from basic elements to detailed village settings, elevated the pageant's visual appeal. Faculty and staff children became involved in the pageant to portray the families during Christ's life, which further enhanced the authenticity of the performance. The university president now hand-selects the roles of Jesus, Mary, and the director, and it is considered a distinguished honor for those selected.

9 ROBING CEREMONY

Robing represents the transition of student leadership from the Senior Class to the Junior Class. Seniors pass on their caps and gowns and for the first time, juniors were given the privilege to sing the alumni/senior song, Up with the Purple. The exact origin of the Robing ceremony remains unknown, but it could date back as early as 1902. Initially, the ceremony was part of a multi-day graduation celebration. Adorned in academic attire, seniors paraded alongside juniors to the lawn in front of the Wilson Administration Building, now the site of the Sanderford Administration Complex. They carried a daisy chain crafted by the sophomores. Upon reaching their designated spots, they dropped the daisy chain and arranged themselves to form the numerals representing their class year. In an effort to enhance the visibility of the ceremony, the Class of 1983 relocated the event to W.W. Walton Chapel during a regular chapel session, naming it Robing Chapel. Since 2007, Robing has taken place on the Friday of Midnight March.

10 MISS MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR PAGEANT

The Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor Pageant offers young women the chance to build confidence, grace, and friendships through friendly competition. Classes and student groups choose participants for this student-led event. Formerly known as Miss Bluebonnet, this campus beauty recognition was initially backed by the Bluebonnet yearbook staff. During the 1940s, the student body selected 15 nominees who submitted two photos of themselves. These photos were sent to various celebrities who chose eight beauties, and the others appeared as runners-up in the yearbook. Celebrities included Harry Conover, head of a famous New York modeling agency, and Donna Reed, a popular actress. In the 1950s, nominees showcased evening gowns on stage and were judged by the local community. The first Miss Bluebonnet chosen in this updated process was Royce Ann Zalenski in 1956. In 1970, the event was renamed the Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor Pageant and was no longer sponsored by the yearbook staff. It became part of the Miss Texas Pageant, requiring the addition of an individual talent competition. Today, students organize the pageant and representatives are chosen by classes and organizations. Alumni judges interview contestants, review their platforms, and assess them based on their interviews, individual talents, and evening wear presentations. The winner of the Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor Pageant represents the university for the following year and works to enact her platform.

11 REVIVAL

A revival service was a key part of the campus chapel schedule for years, along with various other student revivals throughout history since 1845, and included worship, a gospel presentation, and an opportunity for a deeper commitment to Christ. Since the 1800s, the Baptist community in Bell County has annually embraced a revival that students attended as a period for deep reflection and reconnecting with God. An account from April 20, 1909, recalls a particularly impactful service where penitents continued to come forward. As the service ran long, the chapel speaker, Matthew Andrews, observed the time and sought guidance from the university president, Dr. William Wilson. Tearfully, Dr. Wilson declared, "Announce that all classes are suspended for the day." On that day, 104 ladies professed their faith in Christ, leaving no unsaved girl at the college. In 1999, Dr. George Loutherback, the University Chaplain and an honorary alumnus, played a crucial role in replacing the annual single-service chapel revival with a multi-day campus tent revival held each Spring. Students lead the Revival and have introduced prayer, discussions, and discipleship groups to enrich the event. Despite the varied locations and times of Revival events on campus throughout the last century, it remains a treasured tradition and a significant spiritual experience for many.

12 RING CEREMONY

When the university celebrated its sesquicentennial in 1995, students, alumni, faculty, and staff started creating new traditions to propel UMHB into the 21^st century. One significant initiative was the design of a unique school ring. The new ring incorporates symbols and elements that set a UMHB student apart from others and serves as an enduring emblem of UMHB’s rich heritage. The main design on the ring face features a representation of Heritage Plaza and the living flame, symbolizing UMHB's continuous educational legacy of more than 180 years. The cord encircling the flame on both sides of the ring represents the purple and gold cords worn during graduation ceremonies. The star of Texas is a part of the original university seal. On the right side of the ring, the Crusader embodies the university's spirit and pursuit of excellence and is depicted riding in front of Luther Memorial. The degree is prominently displayed above Luther Memorial, with the university's charter date at the base of the steps. The Crusader's sword at the ring's base symbolizes the Word of God, signifying the university's dedication to providing a Christian education. The bell tower and chapel are on the left side, below the graduation year. The chapel symbolizes the university's strong Christian heritage and ongoing mission to share the message of Christ with the world. Traditionally, undergraduates wear the UMHB senior ring with the flame facing their heart. Upon graduating, they join the alumni community and wear the ring with the flame facing outward, symbolizing their role as a guiding light to the world. The UMHB ring becomes a visible representation of the enduring connection between UMHB and its alumni.

13 MIDNIGHT MARCH

Midnight March is a cherished tradition where students celebrate their friendships and show their loyalty to the university. As seniors march, they light the candles of other students as a sign of friendship. The event culminates with students ringing the senior bell and singing the Alma Mater. Originally, Midnight March marked the end of Charter Day activities for the senior class. Dressed in regalia, seniors walked through the dormitories holding lit candles. As they sang Up with the Purple, the campus lights were turned off, creating a path illuminated solely by the seniors. Passing through each dorm, seniors dipped their candles as a gesture of friendship to special friends. In the 1970s, coeducation changed the procedure, and the tradition evolved with underclassmen and alumni lining the hallways of Burt Hall to join in. In the later 1970s, seniors began giving candles to friends ahead of Midnight March, inviting them to partake in the event. These candles were then lit during the march, fostering a sense of unity among participants. Due to the growing popularity of the event and safety concerns, the Class of 1985 relocated Midnight March to Vann Circle. The tradition now takes place outside in the quad, ending at the Senior Bell. Seniors lead the student body in singing the Alma Mater and ringing the bell.

By Christi Mays, Beth Norvell, Jeff Sutton, India Dunn, Rebecca O'Banion and Ashley Smith

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