BELTON, Texas—The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) celebrated the beginning of the school year and welcomed approximately 700 new freshmen to campus during its 179th Fall Convocation service on Aug. 14. This year, over 3,300 students aged 16 to 67 are attending classes at UMHB. 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.
After UMHB faculty proceeded into the Frank and Sue Mayborn Campus Center arena, there was a parade of flags representing each of the 25 countries and territories around the globe and 39 states around the nation from which UMHB students have journeyed to campus this year. UMHB senior Christian Studies major Jacob Crain read Romans 12:1-2 from the Message translation of the Bible to begin the program before Dr. O'Rear's welcome message.
"It is always exciting to be back together and see these flags entering the arena. Students, you are here for a reason. We hope that during your time with us, you will earn a great education, grow closer to God, and explore the remarkable purpose He has for your life," O'Rear said. "We are excited you are here, we know this is going to be a great year, and we wish you the very best. Thank you for choosing UMHB, and welcome!"
Dr. O'Rear presented the guest speaker, Shirley V. Hoogstra, J.D., 7th President of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, with a Distinguished Service Award for her many years of service to Christian higher education. This award was established to recognize individuals whose service and accomplishments have benefitted and supported the Christ-centered mission of UMHB.
"We are so blessed to have Shirley Hoogstra with us today. What a remarkable record of achievements, leadership, and service," said Dr. O'Rear. "Shirley, as president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, you have: advanced Christian faith and intellect for the common good, provided a unifying voice for Christian higher education in the public square, been the leading advocate for Christian higher education in America and around the world, and been a great champion and friend to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor," he explained. "Today, I am honored to present you with the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's Distinguished Service Award."
In response, Hoogstra said, "I remember the first time I visited this campus and saw the excellence Dr. O'Rear wanted for you all. So, I am honored to have this award and will display it proudly because I aspire to the excellence that is Mary Hardin-Baylor!"
In her address, Hoogstra shared many remarks about God's work in her life. She encouraged students to "keep both eyes open" as they begin their academic journey at UMHB.
"My stories today have the answers to two questions – what's God up to, and do I have the eyes to see it," Hoogstra explained. "When I had no idea what I was doing, God was up to something! My mistakes freed me from being perfect. We all learn so much more from our mistakes, and grace is extended to us in many ways. I have learned that mistakes have kept me humble and vulnerable." She continued, "When you face an obstacle, look around you. There are peers, faculty, staff, and student leaders who will help you. Ask for help, and then believe that God is giving you this obstacle so that you can learn something from it. Nothing is wasted in God's economy." She finished her remarks with this sentiment, "As you start this year on your journey here at Mary Hardin-Baylor, I want to ask you this – is there something in your life that you might have to give to God? Would you like a loving God to take over or to be in charge of something? Use your two eyes to see what's in front of you, and remember, God is at the middle of your life and your experience. He has promised to bring out the best in you. What's God up to in your life right now? Here's the answer – loving you."
Hoogstra received her B.A. from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI, and her J.D. with honors from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She served for a decade of practicing law as a litigator, served as President of the New Haven County Bar Association, and was a founding board member and officer of the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. She returned to the world of Christian education as the Vice President for Student Life at Calvin University in 1999, where she served until becoming President of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities in 2014. Hoogstra serves on the steering committee for the Washington Higher Ed Secretariat, is a leader for the Evangelical Immigration Table, and serves on the boards of the American Council on Education, the National Association of Evangelicals, and Trinity Forum. She received honorary doctorate degrees from Gordon College and Nyack College and was the recipient of the Nina Griggs Gunter Servant Leadership Award, the Lifetime Education Impact Award, and the Keepers of the American Dream Award.
To end the ceremony, Dr. Jude Austin, Interim Associate Dean of UMHB's School of Social Sciences, offered a blessing. "I pray the Lord would bless you with grit…a courageous heart…connection and compassion…and with the acceptance that He has anointed this moment in time to bring you closer to him. This does not mean that it will be easy, but it does mean that it can be purposeful," Dr. Austin said.
