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Fall 2018 Convocation

August 22, 2018

Belton, Texas – On Wednesday, August 22, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor held its 173^rd Fall Convocation in the arena of in the arena of the Mayborn Campus Center. The ceremony celebrated the opening of the new academic school year.

As has become the tradition in recent years, Convocation opened with a parade of flags. Students processed through the arena, bearing flags that represented each of the 27 nations around the globe and 34 states around the country from which students have travelled to UMHB.

UMHB President Randy O’Rear took a moment to reflect on how far the university has come since its charter. While the school’s first classes included just 24 students. This year, thousands of students from around the world have enrolled. Of those, 687 students are the first members of their families to attend college. This year’s enrollment also includes the largest freshman class in university history. O’Rear addressed those new students directly.

The faculty and staff have been praying for you and anxiously awaiting your arrival for months. We are excited that you are here, and we wish you the best as you pursue an education for life and the experience of a lifetime.

Dr. Randy O'Rear

After O’Rear’s remarks, the university’s One Voice group gave a rousing, acapella performance of “Rather Be,” a song made popular by Pentatonix.

Larry Locke, Associate Dean if the McLane College of Business at UMHB, was the guest speaker. Locke drew from his business experience to offer students investment advice.

“This isn’t about investing money. You have something right now that is much more precious than money,” Locke said. “This is about investing your time.”

Locke recognized the wide variety of options students have when it comes to how to spend their time at college.

“UMHB is offering 1,054 different classes this term, in which you can pursue one of over a hundred different degrees,” Locke said, “and there’s an endless supply of other opportunities [including] scores of student organizations, sports, and ministries.”

There’s an endless supply of opportunities in which you can invest. That is why college time is so valuable. You have to choose every day where to invest your time.

Larry Locke

Associate Dean if the McLane College of Business

Locke encouraged those in attendance to invest wisely.

“Study hard, yeah, and learn with discipline, but there is more, much more,” Locke said. “Go on a mission trip. Take a study abroad class. Learn to play an instrument. Learn a new language. Learn a play a new sport or work with new technologies.”

Locke also made sure to connect this investment illustration with the core Christian values of the university.

“Investment is an act of faith,” Locke said, “but in that context, you have been particularly blessed.”

To close his remarks Locke paid tribute to his mother’s Jewish heritage by having his audience stand and receive a blessing.

“May the Lord make your days long and your life rich with his love,” Locke said. “May the Lord wise in how to live all the days He has granted you. May the Lord make your heart just to share His love with all the hurting ones. May the Lord bless you, and keep you, and grant you His spirit.”