Belton, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor held its Convocation service on Wednesday, August 24, in the arena of the Frank & Sue Mayborn Campus Center. The event inaugurates the official beginning of the university’s 171st academic year.
The ceremony opened with a special parade of flags representing each country and state from which this year’s student body has come. In total, this year’s students hale from 30 different nations and 36 of the United States.
“It’s exciting to stand here this morning and look around at our students who have come to use from all over our state, our nation, and our world,” President Randy O’Rear said. “It’s a privilege to welcome all of you to the 171st year since our university was chartered by the Republic of Texas.”
Dr. Leroy Kemp was this year’s guest speaker for Convocation. Kemp is the Professor Emeritus of Christian Studies at UMHB, where he retired at the end of last spring’s academic term. His remarks focused on the idea of celebrating the university and the beginning of an another term.
“Whether as a student, a parent, or a teacher, I’ve always looked forward to the beginning of a new school year,” Kemp said. “Other than Christmas, perhaps, I think of the start of school as the most exciting time of the year.”
With this in mind, Kemp offered suggestions for incoming students as they approach the new year.
“Students, these are some of the most important years of your lives,” Kemp said. “Make friends, nurture yourself, and while you’re at it, have fun, lots of fun.”
Kemp also called on this year’s student’s to celebrate the mission that has been left for them.
“We are Crusaders. We are family. We are the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor today,” Kemp said. “We are the proud successors of those who have gone before us, and our challenge is to assure that those who come behind us find us faithful.”
Kemp’s speech was met with a standing ovation that engulfed the capacity crowd inside the arena.
