BELTON, TX – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor held commencement services for the Spring 2026 semester today at Crusader Stadium. This was the university's 170th graduating class, and an estimated 540 students were awarded degrees, including 386 baccalaureate degrees, 134 master's degrees, and 20 doctoral degrees.
UMHB President Dr. Randy O'Rear opened the ceremony by saying, "Tonight we are here to celebrate the members of the Class of 2026. Please join me in congratulating these graduates. Parents and family members, this is a big night for you, too, and we consider you part of our UMHB family. Thank you for entrusting your precious family members to us."
"In keeping with our tradition, before we move forward with the rest of the program, I want to share a few facts with you about this graduating class," he explained. "The majority of you are 22 years old. The youngest members of your class are only 20 years old (remarkably, there are 20 of you that are 20 years old – that's amazing!), and the oldest graduate today is 60 years young. Of those receiving bachelor's degrees, 22 of you are graduating with a perfect 4.0, and 105 of you are the first in your family to graduate from college."
After recalling several experiences that made their time at UMHB special, Dr. O'Rear encouraged the graduates by saying, "Today, you are graduates. But more than that, you are builders of community. You have collected the things that truly matter – relationships, faith, and purpose." He concluded his speech with, "Today is not an ending. It is a new chapter in the story God is writing through your life. And if you know the Author of the story, you can walk forward with confidence knowing He has a perfect plan for you. Scripture reminds us in Jeremiah 29:11: ' For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' Thanks to higher education, you are all much smarter now. But the world does not just need smarter people. It needs grounded people. Faithful people. Godly people who know who they are and whose they are. In other words, the world needs people like you."
Student recognitions during the ceremony included the Provost Medal for highest overall GPA, which was awarded to 22 students who each graduated with perfect 4.0 grade point averages: Raquel Baker of Killeen, Amanda Baxter of Jarrell, Olivia Blank of Cuero, Tyler Bourland of Waco, Faith Clark of Bryan, Lexi Clements of Austin, Aleah Crouch of Pflugerville, Audrey Cummins of Pflugerville, Maricella Findley of Temple, Graham Fortune of Temple, Kenna Fuqua of Houston, Jordan Iverson of Kingwood, Brooke Norman of Southlake, Miriam Odle of Woodway, Hannah Presley of Allen, Braxton Richardson of Temple, Leah Sheffield of Austin, Alexa Smith of Killeen, Ali Steadman of Round Rock, Courtney Stewart of Dripping Springs, Naysa Watson of Waxahachie, and Haley Wilson of Hutto.
Alondra Barajas of Waco, Daren Sandoval of Harker Heights, and Robert Seigle of Burke, VA were commissioned as military officers during the graduation ceremony, and Peyton Hoyt of Timnath, CO was the scripture reader. The university also recognized four students who have successfully completed all the Honors Program requirements, including a senior research project: Raquel Baker of Killeen, Jordan Lefler of Natalia, Andrea Mendez of Temple, and Alexa Smith of Killeen.
The President's Award, presented to the graduating senior who has provided meritorious service to the university, particularly the senior class, was awarded to Cassidy Schnoor of Round Rock. She is a true example for the university and her peers, striving to represent Christ and UMHB. She was involved in the Student Government Association, University Ambassadors, Young Conservatives of Texas, and was a Resident Assistant. The Loyalty Cup, awarded to the student most representative of the university's ideals, traditions, and spirit, was given to Paige Jones of Austin. She was actively involved in Welcome Week, Easter Pageant, Student Foundation, Campus Rec, and the Student Marketing Team.
