Belton, Texas – On Thursday, October 12, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor held a joint concert by acclaimed Christian artist Sandi Patty and vocal group Veritas in the Baugh Performance Hall of the new Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center. This private event was attended by donors who made the facility possible.
President Randy O’Rear took the stage before the concert to voice his appreciation to the capacity crowd.
“Thanks to all of you, tonight we open the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center debt-free,” O’Rear said.
O’Rear also presented the John & Mary Hardin Visionary Leadership Award to Sue Mayborn. The award was created in 2011 to recognize individuals whose philanthropic leadership has been transformational for the university. The award is named for John and Mary Hardin, whose $100,000 donation to UMHB in 1933 made it possible for the college to remain open amid the Great Depression. This recognition has only been bestowed on two previous occasions, to recognize Jane Meyer and to recognize Elizabeth and Drayton McLane Jr.
“Tonight, we couldn’t think of any better way to open this amazing facility than to present the John & Mary Hardin Visionary Leadership Award to Sue Mayborn,” O’Rear said. “Thank you for the difference and great investment you continue to make in Mary Hardin-Baylor.”
As O’Rear left the stage, the curtains began to rise to reveal an orchestra and a choir consisting of more than 80 UMHB students. After the musicians began to play, Patty was announced and took the stage to thunderous applause.
After performing her first two songs, Patty took a moment to compliment the instrumentalists and student choir.
“It is just such a pleasure, even today, to watch you discover music and find something new,” Patty said before turning to the audience. “This is the future of our world, and it looks like we’re in pretty good hands.”
Patty was joined on stage by both her husband, Don Peslis, and the vocal group Veritas. These groups joined their talents in performances of both new pieces and classic hymns.
At the conclusion of the concert, the artists sang “We Shall Behold Him” and brought the audience to its feet before the last notes could be played.
Patty has won five Grammy® awards, four Billboard Music Awards, three platinum records, five gold records, and 40 Dove Awards. To date, she has released more than 30 albums.
