BELTON, Texas— The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) celebrated the beginning of the school year and welcomed more than 700 new freshmen to campus during its 180th Fall Convocation service on Aug. 13. This year, the student body consists of 2,779 undergraduate and 497 graduate students attending classes at UMHB, for a total fall enrollment of nearly 3,300.
After UMHB faculty processed into the Frank and Sue Mayborn Campus Center arena, there was a parade of flags representing each of the 23 countries and territories around the globe and 34 states around the nation from which UMHB students have journeyed to campus this year. UMHB senior Christian Studies major Madelyn Tipton read Mark 10:42-45 to begin the program.
In opening remarks, UMHB President Dr. Randy O'Rear said that Convocation has been observed since 1845, when the college began in Independence. That year, there were just 24 students attending classes. "Students, we truly believe that you belong here, and we are thrilled to have you as part of the Mary Hardin-Baylor family," O'Rear said. "We hope that during your time with us, you will earn a great education, grow closer to God, and explore the remarkable purpose that He has for each one of your lives. We are grateful that you chose UMHB, and our faculty and staff look forward to supporting you on your educational journey."
UMHB welcomed alum and current trustee, Dr. Heath Peloquin, senior pastor of Rock Hill Church, as the event's keynote speaker. In his address, Peloquin shared a powerful message about living a life of significance. "Students, if you're a freshman here at Mary Hardin-Baylor, buckle up! This by far will be the greatest journey of your life," Peloquin shared.
Peloquin referenced Philippians 2:1-4 when he told students, "You're not merely born to come here and get an education, though you'll get a great one! Not for ourselves are we born. So, I'll leave you with three impactful thoughts this morning – the first one is to learn to surrender. You'll know no greater joy, love, truth, or deeper satisfaction when you give your life to Christ. The second thing I would say to you is learn to share your vision. Find people who will fight for you, who care about you, and will cheer you on. And last, learn to serve on purpose. Seize your day, students! In the days ahead, lean in, learn much, and lead on. Make your moments count. Don't be lazy with your time. Lean into the journey, and watch God use you in beautiful ways. Oh, and don't forget to smile!"
Prior to serving at Rock Hill Church, he was the senior pastor of Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. Over the years, Peloquin has faithfully served in a variety of ministry roles, including local church pastorates, director of Church and Minister Relations for the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention, youth camp pastor, and evangelist. He also served on the Executive Board of Trustees for the North American Mission Board. He holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Arts in Christian Studies from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (1996, 2004), and a Doctor of Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2018). Peloquin and his wife, Jennifer, also a proud UMHB graduate, have been married for 25 years and have four children.
To end the ceremony, Dr. Stephen Baldridge, dean of UMHB's College of Humanities and Sciences, offered a blessing. "As we enter into a new year, I pray you are blessed first and foremost with the knowledge that you are here for a reason. God has placed you here, in this time, in this place, to fulfill His mission of bringing His kingdom to earth. Whatever emotions, excitement, anxiety, stress, relief, or anything else you feel in your bones this morning – I bless you with the ability to lay that at the foot of Jesus right now, and take rest in knowing that you have a purpose here. A purpose that only you can fulfill. I bless you with an open heart and clear eyes to discover that purpose."
