Belton, Texas – When he passed away in June, G.C. Slough left behind quite a legacy. During his life he had touched the lives of countless friends and family. He also made an impact on the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in the form of a gift to the school’s Christian Studies program.

“We were so excited because from our perspective the gift came out of the blue,” Dean of Christian Studies at UMHB, Tim Crawford said.

In his will, Slough bequeathed large gifts to three local institutions, including a donation of more than $600,000 to religious studies at UMHB.

“He and his wife were very generous community philanthropists who took stock in their faith in higher education, and we’re blessed that this endowment will benefit generations and generations of Christian Studies majors,” UMHB Vice President for Development Brent Davison said.

“Since the economy has been having trouble, we’ve seen a little bit of a dip in the number of our Christian Studies majors,” Crawford said. “We’re hoping that this gift will help us to attract some new students to study what they are called to do.”

“One of the priorities in our strategic plan is to increase the amount of dollars that we had available for Christian Studies majors,” Davidson said. “This gift has enabled us to do that.”

G.C. Slough was born on November 4, 1922. During World War II, he served with the U.S. Army in the Philippines. He and his wife, Durinda, moved to Temple in 1956 and founded the Shallow Ford Construction Company.  He ran the company until his retirement in 1981.

“We are very grateful for [the Slough family’s] generosity,” Crawford said, “and we want to honor them for the impact it is going to have for years to come.”

Belton, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor fall Commencement was held on Friday, December 7, in the Bell County Expo. This was the university’s 156th graduating class. 262 students were awarded degrees. Of those, 201 students received baccalaureate degrees, 56 received master’s degrees, and 5 earned doctoral degrees.

Student awards given during the ceremony included the Provost Medal for highest overall GPA, which was split between four students who each graduated with perfect 4.0 grade point averages: Ellen Buhrow of Rowlett, Erin Hattemer of Temple, and John McDonald of Lampasas. The Loyalty Cup for the student who is most representative of the ideals, traditions and spirit of the university went to Jenna Jones of Rockwall. The President’s Award for meritorious service went to Shaina Ryan of Temple.

Graduates in alpha order by city:

Aledo

Taylor Kaye Tyre-BS-EC-6 Generalist

Angleton

Michael Thomas Yarborough-BS-Computer Science

Austin

Sarah Rebecca Barth-BA-Psychology; Nina Marie Cardenas-BSW-Social Work; Laura Alicia Guerrero-BSN-Nursing; Allison Anne McInturff-BSN-Nursing; Justin Deshae Moy-BS-Information Systems; Sterling Jamal Phillips-BBA-Management; Gabrielle Christine Wall-BSN-Nursing

Bastrop

Dominique Noelle Ducloux-BA-Psychology

Belton

Cameron Cline Arnett-BBA-Marketing; Angela Ruth Baker-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies; Paul Anthony Beachum-BA-Political Science; Alexandra Beth Borgeson-BBA-Finance; Jessica Danniele Camp-BS-Psychology; Crystal Michelle Carlson-BSN-Nursing; Lauren McKenzie Cross-BFA-Art; Robert Everett Curl-BA-Business Administration; Lyndsay Blake Dammon-BS-Sociology; Russell Troy Davis-BS-Criminal Justice; Sarah Allison Diaz-Long-BPS-Professional Studies; Teresa Marie Drake-BSN-Nursing; Dustin Dean Engelbrecht-BSN-Nursing; Gianna Dawn Flores-BM-Music Education; Raymond Taylor Flores, Jr.-BS-EC-6 Generalist; Frank William Hagaman-BS-Exercise and Sport Science; Timothy Aaron Hardwick-BA-Business Administration; Antoine Mario Hicks-BBA-Marketing; Caleb Dean Hill-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies; Melinda Lee Hill-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies; Jerry Ryan Hilliard-BSN-Nursing; Stacy Dawn Hillin-BBA-International Business; Brittney Rene Kaiser-BA-History; Garrett Lane McLaughlin-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies; Dillon Kade Mogford-BA-Computer Graphics Design; LaToya Renee Moore-BSN-Nursing; Tiphani Jo Morris-BS-EC-6 Generalist; Dean Kale Pele-BBA-Management; Trevor Dayne Shoppach-BBA-Accounting; Alexandra Elise Smith-BS-Biology; Caroline Christine Stanley-BSN-Nursing; Cynthia Taylor Tryon-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies; Jessica Noelle Whitley-BSN-Nursing; Nathan Carl Zajicek-BSN-Nursing; Kristina Graece Zufall-BS-Psychology

Boling

Michael Christopher Mullins-BS-Computer Graphics Design; Amanda Danielle Youngblood-BSN-Nursing

Brazoria

Cristen Leigh Nelson-BSN-Nursing

Brenham

Alan Joseph Richard-BS-Mathematics

Brownwood

Bronson Alexander Shaw-BA-Communication

Bryan

Eric David Williams-BSN-Nursing

Burnet

Cynthia Colleen Cosper-BSN-Nursing

Cameron

Debra Jeanette Elliott-BSN-Nursing

Carrizo Springs

Hannah Naomi Romo-BA-Psychology

Cedar Park

Tara Michelle Gebhardt-BSN-Nursing; Brittany Nicole Zamora-BS-Exercise Science

Chappell Hill

Corderrol Dwayne Lewis-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies

Cibolo

Paul Dudley Kirby-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies

Cisco

Sunni Wells-BSN-Nursing

Clifton

Amanda Marie Pate-BA-English

Clyde

Jenna Leigh Loper-BS-Psychology

College Station

Taylor Jay Bird-BBA-Economics

Copperas Cove

Kirstie Ryan Curry-BA-Speech; Celia Rose Johnson-BS-Psychology

Corpus Christi

Melinda Renee Hansen-BS-History

Crowley

Daniel Hezekiah Smith-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies

Cypress

Alyssa Kay Monnat-BSN-Nursing; Lindsay Nicole Santos-BSN-Nursing

Dallas

Quinn Thomas Brownfield-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies

De Leon

James Michael Venable-BA-Christian Ministry

Early

Chandler Franklin Childs-BBA-Marketing

Eddy

Thomas Scott Brothers-BS-Exercise Science

Fort Hood

Dayna Lyn Flynn-BSW-Social Work; Laura Elizabeth Mejean-BSN-Nursing; Stephanie Parada-Estrada-BA-Spanish

Fort Worth

Rebecca Jolene Hicks-BA-Psychology; Melissa Laboga Repulda-BSN-Nursing

Ganado

Amber Noelle Sherman-BS-Exercise and Sport Science

Garland

Ashleigh Kay McElwain-BSN-Nursing

Georgetown

Shannon Kay Bearden-BBA-Management; Colleen Maredith Jung-BS-Psychology; Michelle Lea Kendricks-BSN-Nursing; Heidy Elizabeth Maxwell-BSN-Nursing; Luisa R. Morales-BA-Computer Graphics Design; Lawren Raquel Ramos-BA-Psychology; Shawna Raye Rodgers-BA-Mass Communication/Public Relations; Drew H Whitesell-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies

Granbury

Denton Avery Duke-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies

Harker Heights

Shannon Denise Aardal-BA-English Language Arts; Christine June Bockin-BSN-Nursing; Emily Catrina Ceballos-BFA-Art; Jerry Thomas Charles-BS-Exercise Science; Ocheze Miriam Chikezie-Darron-BS-Biology; Holly Rose Landis-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies; Lauren Leigh Reider-BBA-Management; Kyle William Smith-BA-Computer Science

Hewitt

Jordan Christopher Gaskill-BS-Computer Science

Highland Village

Jordan Nicole Giesen-BS-Exercise and Sport Science

Houston

Erin Marie Cline-BSN-Nursing; Hannah Alysa Crabtree-BSN-Nursing; Jasper Bryan Gates-BA-Psychology; Haley Hill Loftus-BS-Psychology; D' Yauna Kantrel Tharp-BS-Pre-Physical Therapy in Exercise Science; Meredith Louise Wilson-BS-Psychology; Taylor Ashlyn Womack-BA-Business Administration

Huffman

Paige Kristin Miller-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies

Humble

Megan Kimberly Jones-BS-Sport Management

Inez

Haley Marilyn Ratliff-BSN-Nursing

Jarrell

Amy Denea Vessels-BA-Mass Communication/Journalism

Katy

Clayton Paul Giraudin-BBA-Management Marketing; Madeleine Lee Wilkins-BA-History

Kerrville

Kelsey Lynn Broussard-BA-Performance Studies

Killeen

DeSheena Grace Armstrong-BSN-Nursing; Marissa Lynn Betts-BA-English; Passion LaTonya Brown-BS-Psychology Sociology; Maribel Zoraida Castro-Turin-BSN-Nursing; Amber L. Crimmings-BA-Art; Xcaret Duran-Fernandez-BS-Biology; Nicole Rochele Denise Fortune-BS-Biology; Kimberly Shawn Graham-BBA-Management; Stephanie Marie Grant-BS-Biology; Megan Leigh Jalbert-BS-History; Jayna Marie Jansen-BSN-Nursing; Scott Raymond Lantis-BBA-Finance; Kari Lynn Larson-BS-Psychology; Anna Marie Lavern-BFA-Art; LaTonya Yvonne Lazenby-BSN-Nursing; Annjelica Rae Madali-BSN-Nursing; April Murphy-BS-Sociology; Heidi Quashie-Mckie-BS-Psychology Sociology; Consuella LaNell Ross-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies; Alvia Tamara Serrano-BS-Psychology; Amy Lynn Tointon-Bee-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies; Stepheni Nichole Tolbert-BSN-Nursing; Stacy Lynn Williams-BSN-Nursing

La Vernia

Christopher Brian Joshlin-BBA-Marketing

Lacy Lakeview

Jay Wayne Allen, Jr.-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies

Lampasas

Ashley Danielle Filippuzzi-BSN-Nursing; John William McDonald-BS-Computer Science; Jason Dale Romine-BSN-Nursing

Leander

Stacy Nichole Eaton-BS-EC-6 Generalist

Louise

Brady McCall Engelmohr-BS-Biology

Magnolia

Christina Michelle Braziel-BSW-Social Work; Courtney Lynn Hudspeth-BSN-Nursing

McGregor

Alex Eugene Goff-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies

Meadowlakes

Ashleigh Blair Stevens-BSN-Nursing

Mesquite

Jeremy Rashad Frazier-BA-Mass Communication/Journalism

Mexia

Frank Lopez, Jr.-BS-Sociology

Midland

Kaylan Marie Suarez-BA-Christian Ministry

Moody

Zane Jonathan Guerrero-BA-Computer Graphics Design

Morgan

Sharron Gray Driskill-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies

New Braunfels

Andrew John Haynie-BA-Church History

Nolanville

Cody Joe Cook-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies; LeeAnn Sadie White-BSN-Nursing

Normangee

Jonathan Scott Dean-BA-Christian Ministry

Pearland

Devanier Antoinette Brown-BSN-Nursing; Ryan Patrick Metcalf-BS-Computer Science

Pflugerville

Eric Kemper Barber-BSN-Nursing; Kristi Diane Sharp-BSN-Nursing

Port Arthur

Marcus Ray Repp-BS-Biology

Port Neches

Keaton Alan Koch-BS-Biology

Rancho Viejo

Anissa Renee Garcia-BS-Exercise and Sport Science

Red Oak

Aubrey Lyn Carroll-BFA-Art; Alan Munoz-BS-Biology

Richardson

Brenson Charles Bristow-BS-Sport Management

Richmond

Ashley Brooke Cernosek-BSN-Nursing

Roanoke

Ariel Ann Sheffield-BA-Psychology

Robinson

Hannah Elizabeth White-BS-Psychology

Rockdale

Kortlin Perry White-BS-Exercise and Sport Science

Rockwall

Taylor Bullock-BS-Exercise Science; Adam Chase Cecil-BS-Biology; Erica Louise Harris-BSN-Nursing; Jenna Blair Jones-BBA-Marketing; Bailey Morgan Walker-BA-EC-6 Generalist

Round Rock

April Rosetta Lee-BSN-Nursing; Nicole Leonor Odom-BSN-Nursing; Sanjay Samuel Vedamanikam-BS-Computer Science

Rowlett

Ellen Driskill Buhrow-BFA-Art

Salado

Clayton Thomas Aker-BA-Christian Ministry; Michael Lawrence Archa-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies; Kayla Dawn Kirchmeier-BS-Interdisciplinary Studies; Thomas Adam Sirkis-BA-Criminal Justice

San Antonio

Brandon Lee Breiten-BS-Exercise and Sport Science; Sabrina Diane Garcia-BA-Mass Communication/Public Relations; Emily Sarah Holzman-BBA-International Business; Jennifer Ruth Loyd-BBA-Marketing; Aaron James Miller-BS-Sport Management

San Marcos

Danielle Elizabeth Mitchell-BSN-Nursing

Spring

Mehwish Mansoor Ali-BSN-Nursing

Temple

Christopher Ross Brent-BS-Bachelor of Professional Studies; Karin Janet Cluever-BSN-Nursing; Kevin Edward Cox-BS-Exercise Science; Alysa Reyna Curtis-BA-EC-6 Generalist; Sabrina Marie Freeman-BSN-Nursing; Erin Rebekah Hattemer-BS-EC-6 Generalist; Amanda Marie Hoelscher-BS-Psychology; Shannon Dawn Kruse-BSN-Nursing; Sophia Remi Lavender-BSN-Nursing; Lazedrick Rechard Logan-BSN-Nursing; Christin Nicole Malone-BS-English Language Arts and Reading; Matthew Ryan Martinez-BM-Music Performance; Raquel Emilia Martinez-BA-EC-6 Generalist; Aaron Michael McBride-BBA-Accounting; Amy Marie McCorkle-BA-Psychology; Melissa Elaine Provost-BSN-Nursing; Jessica Bethke Rhodes-BS-EC-6 Generalist; Shaina Michelle Ryan-BA-Mathematics; Felicia Chante Smith-BS-Sociology; Laura Carol Stewart-BBA-Finance; Patrick Lee Stewart, Jr.-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies; Brian Scott Tatum-BA-Business Administration; Daniel Kirk Taylor-BS-Computer Science; Michael Houston Taylor-BA-History; Rodrick Emmanuel Thomas-BSN-Nursing; Amanda Marie Van Es-BS-Clinical Lab Science; Kevin Daniel Williams-BS-Social Studies

Thorndale

Maia Bayens Richter-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies

Troy

Maryann Virginia Garcia-BS-EC-6 Generalist; Jerry Blane Holloway-BS-Interdisciplinary Studies; Christian Blake Springer-BS-Exercise and Sport Science

Tyler

Lauren Michelle Menefee-BSN-Nursing

Valley Mills

Ervin Dewayne Johnson-BPS-Professional Studies

Victoria

Billie Yvette Myrick-Bowen-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies

Waco

Eric DeSean Forward-BS-Sport Management; Julianne Catherine Owen-BSN-Nursing; Ashley Lynette Ross-BBA-Finance; Benjamin C. Stevens-BBA-Finance; Elbe Jaimes Vargas-BS-Exercise and Sport Science

Woodway

Margaret Kyla Rowe-BS-Biology; Allison Nichole Williams-BS-Exercise Science

Out of State Graduates:

Vacherie, Louisiana

Jarred Gerard Favorite-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies

O'Fallon, Missouri

David James Schiller-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies

Horseheads, New York

Jeffrey Kevin Jansen-BS-Pre-Physical Therapy

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Daniel Martin Mock-BBA-Finance

Beaufort, South Carolina

Starr Yi de Treville-BIS-Interdisciplinary Studies

Spokane, Washington

Keisha Krystle Alexis Coll-Johnson-BFA-Art

Master’s degree students in alpha order by city:

Austin

Charlotte Marie Blair-MBA-Accounting; Christine Tracey Van Dalen-MA-Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Belton

Deepthi Nama Alexander-MSIS-Information Systems; Soon Cao-MBA-Business Administration; Benjamin David Carder-MBA-Business Administration; Pradeep Chalmani-MSIS-Information Systems; Yun Cui-MBA-Business Administration; Raja Bharat Reddy Duggimpudi-MSIS-Information Systems; Bharath Guduguntla-MSIS-Information Systems; Kyle William Johnson-MA-Marriage & Family Christian Counseling; Claudia Michelle Knox-MED-Educational Administration; Gordon Michael McCarthy, Jr.-MED-Educational Administration; Lee Cody Munn-MSED-Exercise and Sport Science; Rakesh Reddy Pasnuru-MSIS-Information Systems; Karteek Reddy-MSIS-Information Systems; Yuling Shi-MBA-Business Administration; Qian Qian Song-MBA-Business Administration; Natasha Rae Villegas-MA-Marriage & Family Christian Counseling; Ruotian Wang-MBA-Business Administration; Britney Lian Williams-MA-Marriage & Family Christian Counseling; Erica Kay Winekauf-MBA-Business Administration; Yang Xu-MBA-Business Administration

Brenham

Benjamin Scott Johnson-MA-Marriage & Family Christian Counseling

Carrollton

Minhajuddin Khaja-MSIS-Information Systems

El Paso

Marcos Rene Garcia-MSED-Exercise and Sport Science

Fort Worth

Tricia Kamitha Alexis-MSN-Nursing

Gatesville

Adam Richard Miller-MBA-Business Administration

Harker Heights

Roslyn Antonnett Brown-MA-Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Irene Cordero Montalvo-MED-Administration of Intervention Programs

Hewitt

Carla Zeri Marchesi-MSN-Nursing

Houston

Melissa Sue Guthrie-MBA-Business Administration

Huntsville

Ryan Michael Burgart-MBA-Business Administration

Hutto

Stacie Lee Urbina-MSED-Exercise and Sport Science

Killeen

Tonya Lanette Garcia-MED-Curriculum and Instruction; Yolanda C Jones-MA-School Psychology & Counseling; Kevin Paul Leitch-MSED-Exercise and Sport Science; James Daniel Mejias-MA-Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Emmanuel Obiechina Osakwe-MSIS-Information Systems; Tiara Nicole Walz-MSED-Exercise and Sport Science

McGregor

Irshad Mohammed-MSIS-Information Systems

Monahans

Ashley Diann Fox-MED-Administration of Intervention Programs

Montgomery

Jacqueline Dean Walker-MED-Educational Administration

Navasota

Shawn Marie Hughey-Mays-MA-Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Nolanville

Wanda Lashell O'Neal-Glass-MSN-Nursing

Pflugerville

Nunurai Ephraime Karikoga-MSIS-Information Systems; Vimbai Patience Nhekede-MSIS-Information Systems

Round Rock

Ted E Neil-MSIS-Information Systems

Spring

George Frederick Dunn-MED-Educational Administration

Temple

Gerald Robison Carter, Jr.-MA-Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Antonio Perez Castillo, IV-MBA-Business Administration; Rakesh Patel Chhaniyara-MSIS-Information Systems; Alorsious Cortez Fedrick-MBA-Business Administration; Christiana Michele Johnson-MBA-Business Administration; Mary Elizabeth Kelton-MBA-Business Administration; Sharon Fay Maraffa-MA-Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Suzannah Baird Smalley-MA-Marriage & Family Christian Counseling; Michael Ernest Street-MBA-Business Administration; Carrie Lee Williams-MBA-Business Administration

Troy

Jennifer Marie Layton-MBA-Business Administration

Tyler

Jeffrey Allen Derrick-MSED-Exercise and Sport Science

Waco

Fawad Ahmed Arif-MSIS-Information Systems

Doctoral degree students in alpha order by city:

Belton

Cheryl Anne Smith-EDD-Educational Administration

Jarrell

Brook Ashley Arlitt-EDD-Educational Administration

Killeen

Elizabeth J. Barragan-EDD-Educational Administration; Richard Mason Fletcher-EDD-Educational Administration

McGregor

Arthur Wesley Wellborn, Jr.-EDD-Educational Administration

San Antonio

Patrick Marshall Eidson-EDD-Educational Administration

Belton, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Scott and White College of Nursing held its traditional pinning ceremony on December 6, 2012 in the W. W. Walton Chapel on the university campus. Fifty-six nursing graduates participated in the pinning ceremony.  Joining them at the ceremony were their families, friends, and classmates.  Dr. Sharon Souter, Dean of the College of Nursing, presided over the evening.  The graduates were pinned by Luanne Gantt and Teresa Beamon, nursing faculty.  The pin that each received is unique and has been the same design since the first class graduated from Scott and White Training School in 1904.

The Tau Epsilon chapter of Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society Induction was conducted during the Nursing Pinning Ceremony.  Nineteen BSN graduates were inducted.  

The benediction was given by La Toya Reneé Moore, graduate of the program.  During the pinning program, outstanding graduates were recognized and given awards.   Shannon Dawn Kruse, Temple, Texas, received the Clinical Excellence Award and the Academic Excellence Award.   The Clinical Excellence Award was also given to LeeAnn S. White of Brodhead, Wisconsin.  The Purple Heart Award was given to Kristi Diane Sharp, Pflugerville, Texas, and the Golden Cross Award was presented to LaToya Reneé Moore, Lilbourn, Missouri. Maribel Castro Turin, Huancayo, Peru was given the Laura Cole Award.  The graduates and their families attended a reception at Shelton Theatre following the Pinning Ceremony.

Belton, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor has been awarded a $100,000 grant from The Meadows Foundation to help develop a state-of-art simulation center in the Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center.

“We are grateful that The Meadows Foundation has chosen to partner with us in our efforts to reduce the critical nursing shortage both in Texas and nationwide,” UMHB president Randy O’Rear said.

The Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center is a 76,100-square-foot building that is set to open in January for UMHB’s spring semester. The center will include a special hospital simulation area complete with a nurses’ station, four standard hospital rooms, an ER/trauma room, a labor and delivery room, a room for critical care, and a home health simulation room.  Each of the rooms will include a computerized patient simulator and video cameras to record students as they offer care to the “patients.”  The suite will also include a control room for running the simulations and three debriefing rooms where professors can critique a student’s performance.

“The generosity of The Meadows Foundation will help make it possible for many deserving students to practice care responses in realistic settings, and also enable them to be better qualified to join the nursing profession upon graduation,” O’Rear said.

Algur H. Meadows established General American Oil Company of Texas in 1939 and led it to become one of the nation’s most successful independent oil and gas production companies. The success of GAO provided Meadows and his wife, Virginia, the financial resources to support charitable organizations throughout Texas.

Believing that their lives had been richly blessed, the couple established The Meadows Foundation in 1948 to benefit the people of Texas. In doing so, they stipulated that the Foundation’s philanthropy would continue in perpetuity under the guidance of family members and trusted advisors.

Since its inception, The Meadows Foundation has disbursed in excess of $760 million in grants and direct charitable expenditures to over 3,000 Texas institutions and agencies. Grants have been awarded both in large urban areas and small rural communities and in every Texas county. The Foundation looks for programs and services that employ imaginative, innovative ways to solve community problems through projects leading to organizational self-sufficiency and in capital plans that enable agencies to flourish.

For information about The Meadows Foundation, visit the foundation’s website at mfi.org.

Belton, Texas – University of Mary Hardin-Baylor officials announced today that the university has successfully met the terms of two challenge grants, securing the $20 million needed for construction of the Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center.  With the awarding of the two multi-million-dollar grants, the new facility will be debt free when it opens its doors for classes in January.

Challenge grants issued by two different donors last fall provided the impetus needed to raise the funds for the project in one year’s time.  In October, The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Oklahoma, offered UMHB a $2 million grant if the university could raise the remaining balance needed for the project from alumni, foundations, and other friends of the university.  A second donor, who asked to remain anonymous, stepped forward soon thereafter, offering a leadership-level gift of an undisclosed amount if the school could secure all funds for the project by the end of 2012 and complete the facility without exceeding its original budget of $20 million.

First among the numerous gifts which enabled the university to fund the project was a lead gift of $5 million from Mrs. Jane Meyer of the Paul and Jane Meyer Family Foundation in Waco. UMHB faculty and staff members were also enthusiastic in their support, with pledges and gifts totaling $607,060 for the nursing center and other new facilities called for in the Campus Master Plan.

“When we accepted the challenges issued by the Mabee Foundation and our anonymous benefactor, we were not certain we could meet their terms in such a short time frame,” said Dr. Randy O’Rear, UMHB president.  “But as we began telling people about our wonderful nursing program and how the shortage of well-trained nurses affects all of us, our alumni and friends stepped forward in unprecedented numbers to help us fund this new center.  Through their generosity, we have been able to create a state-of-the-art training facility with the laboratories and classrooms needed for our nursing program to continue to flourish and grow.”

“When we first began this project, we never dreamed that we could complete construction of it debt free in such a short span of time,” said Dr. Sharon Souter, dean of the Scott and White College of Nursing. “We are thrilled that so many alumni and friends have shown their commitment to our program through gifts for this wonderful nursing education center.  We believe that, by stressing Christian values as well as the highest professional standards, we are producing the finest nurses to be found anywhere.  And this strong show of support tells me that many others recognize the effectiveness of this approach and want to be a part of it.”

The three-story Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center offers 76,100 square feet in clinical laboratories, practice exam rooms, classrooms, faculty offices, and support spaces for the UMHB nursing program. The center includes a hospital simulation area with the latest in high-tech care devices so students can prepare to utilize cutting-edge technology in a variety of situations, such as an emergency room, a critical care unit, and labor and delivery.  The facility will be ready for the start of classes in January, and a dedication ceremony will officially open the center to the public on February 8, 2013.

Belton, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and the UMHB Department of Art are pleased to present Cross/Purpose, an exhibition from the collection of Edward and Diane Knippers, sponsored by Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA). The exhibit opens on January 9 and continues through February 10 in the Art Gallery at the Baugh Center for the Visual Arts on the UMHB campus.

The cross is the central symbol of Christian faith. Cross/Purpose is a sampling of some of the many forms the cross has taken over the centuries and the purposes for which it has been used.

The time frame for Cross/Purpose, begins with a sixth century coin from Constantinople, jumps to a small fifteenth-century woodcut by an anonymous artist, winds through several works from the Catholic Reformation, runs head-long into the wars and outsider art of the twentieth century, and ends with some remarkable contemporary pieces by living artists. Along the way visitors will encounter figurative, abstract, expressionist, realist, and conceptual art by such masters as Jacques Callot, Marc Chagall, Georges Rouault, Bernard Buffet, Alfred Manessier, Jacques Villon, and Otto Dix.

It is a show rich in variety and meaning. The small realist etching Man With a Crucifix by Robert Sargent Austin (1895-1973) holds its own against the huge color etching Man in the Shape of a T by the contemporary Spanish artist Julio Vaquero. Vaquero’s figuration contrasts brilliantly with the Picassoesque intaglio with color, Crucifixion by French sculpture Louis Cane. The Crucifixion by the young self-taught Michael Banks owes much to the sophisticated fantasy Christ in the Clock by Marc Chagall, yet it remains fresh and new. The eloquent black Christ of Clementine Hunter works symbiotically with Jacques Villon’s cubist rendition of the Savior as her yellow background echoes the gold leaf ground of his lithograph. The extreme agony of war’s cruelty is called forth by such works as Luc-Albert Moreau’s The Christ of the Camps (1944) and Benitz’s crucifixion of a peasant.

The varied uses of the cross are seen in four freestanding examples in the exhibition. There is an American painted chalk carnival prize from the 1950s, an instructive devotional cross from Guatemala, a nineteenth-century French grave marker, and a processional cross from Ethiopia.

Open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM, the Baugh Center for the Visual Arts is located on the corner of 9th and Shine streets in Belton, Texas. Admission is free. An opening reception will take place on Thursday, January 10, at 5 PM. 

Belton, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will host acclaimed artist and writer Makoto Fujimura on Monday, January 14, at 1:30 pm in the newly built Baugh Center for the Visual Arts. The event is part of a series called C3: Conversations about Christianity + Culture that hosts discussions with notable figures from across the country on issues related to Christianity and culture.

A presidential appointee to the National Council on the Arts from 2003-2009, Fujimura served as an international advocate for the arts, speaking with decision makers and advising governmental policies on the arts. His work is exhibited at galleries around the world, including Dillon Gallery in New York, Sato Museum in Tokyo, The Contemporary Museum of Tokyo, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts Museum, Bentley Gallery in Arizona, Gallery Exit and Oxford House at Taikoo Place in Hong Kong, and Vienna’s Belvedere Museum. He is one of the first artists to paint live on stage at New York City’s legendary Carnegie Hall as part of an ongoing collaboration with composer and percussionist Susie Ibarra.

In 2011, the Fujimura Institute was established and launched the Four Qua4tets, a collaboration between Fujimura, painter Bruce Herman, Duke theologian/pianist Jeremy Begbie, and Yale composer Christopher Theofanidis, based on T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets. The exhibition will travel to Baylor, Duke, and Yale Universities, Gordon College and other institutions around the globe.

Fujimura will begin the event with remarks about Qua4tets and the role of art among faith communities, followed by a Q&A moderated by C3 Director and Music Department Chair, Dr. Mark Aaron Humphrey. Admission is free and open to the public.

Belton, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Music Department will host the 12^th Annual Percussion Festival on Friday, January 18, and Saturday, January 19.  The Festival will kick off with a free concert Friday at 7:30 PM, featuring the UMHB Percussion Ensemble and guest percussion artist and award-winning composer Casey Cangelosi, in the Hughes Recital Hall on the UMHB campus. Cangelosi will also teach a master class to area percussion students Saturday  at 9:30 AM in Hughes Recital Hall. Both events are free and open to the public.

Cangelosi has been described as a “voice of the new generation” by the 2010 International Marimba Festival. His compositional style and boundary-pushing virtuosity have earned him the nickname “The Paganini of Percussion” among his peers. Cangelosi has performed at some of today’s most recognized festivals including the PiteD Percussion Repertoire Festival in PiteD, Sweden; the 2010 International Marimba Festival in Minneapolis, Minnesota; the 2011 Zeltsman Marimba Festival in Appleton, Wisconsin; PASIC 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana; and the Zivkovich International Marimba and Percussion Summer Academy in Engers, Germany.  In the 2011-2012 academic year alone, Cangelosi appeared as an invited guest-artist/clinician to over 30 universities, high schools, and middle schools. Cangelosi has received numerous composition awards from the Massachusetts Percussive Arts Society, Sam Houston State University, and the Classical Marimba League.  Since 2011, he has been commissioned for over 20 compositions by many performing institutions, universities, companies, ensembles, and individual soloists. He has won several performance awards from academic institutions and is a MTNA National Young Artist.  Cangelosi is proudly sponsored by ProMark, Majestic, Mapex, Remo, Beiner Bags, Grover Pro Percussion, and Zildjian.

For more information about the 12^th Annual Percussion Festival, please contact Dr. Stephen Crawford at the UMHB Music Department at (254) 295-8664.

Belton, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor has seen the largest spring enrollment in its 167-year history, according to the official eighth-day enrollment figures.

The official enrollment for spring 2013 is 3,049 students – up 195 students from the total of 2,854 students in the spring of 2012.  Spring enrollment includes 2,700 undergraduate students, 275 master’s students, and 74 doctoral students.

“I’ve been here 15 years as an employee and 4 years as student beyond that,” Gary Lamm, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management said. “That said, in my 20 years on this campus, I have never been more excited about what’s happening at UMHB than I am right now.”

Not only does this spring enrollment represent the most students ever enrolled in a spring semester, it also exceeds previous spring records for enrollment by international, transfer, and new students. The number of new students increased by more than 20% over the spring semester of 2012. Likewise, transfer students grew by more than 30%.

Lamm attributes some of this growth to some of the new buildings and ongoing projects on the UMHB campus.

“Obviously there is a lot of excitement going on with all the construction, and that has certainly captured the attention of a lot of our prospects,” Lamm said.

The new Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center was still in construction last fall, when these new students were touring the campus. This fact gives Lamm great hope for future prospective students.

“I can’t wait until we have our first Sader Day in a couple weeks and are able to take our first group of students through there,” Lamm said.

UMHB was chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas.  It is a private, Christian university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.  The university is known for its personal attention to students and for high academic standards. 

The mission of UMHB is to prepare students for leadership, service, and faith-informed discernment in a global society.  Academic excellence, personal attention, broad-based scholarship, and a commitment to a Baptist vision for education distinguish UMHB’s Christ-centered learning community.

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Belton, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor announced that 341 students have been listed on the Fall 2012 Provost’s Honor Roll. To receive this recognition a student must achieve a 3.85 grade point average (GPA) or better on a 4.0 scale.

In conjunction with this, 499 students were named on the Dean’s Honor Roll for fall 2012. To receive this recognition, a student must achieve a 3.5 – 3.849 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale.

The following is the UMHB Provost’s Honor Roll for Fall 2012

Abilene

Kainon Hunter Irons

Albany

Elijah Macaiah Hudson

Allen

Brooke E. Villani

Aransas Pass

Mary Kathryn Johnston

Arlington

Nia Elizabeth Williams

Austin

Brooke Beasley; Katie Maureen Bonneau; Tanner David Clarke; Sydney Paige McCutchan; Allison Anne McInturff; Ashley Renee Mitchell; Kristen Faith O'Dell

Belton

Bethany M. Anderson; Stephen O. Ash; Kelsey Lynnae Belcher; Roxanne Faith Bodkin; Shawn Phillip Cain; Kyoko Monica Clark; Holly Ann Costello; Christopher Keith Fix; Gianna Dawn Flores; Timothy Gaskell; Yufan Guo; Sarah Amanda Hall; Jennifer Lauren Holmes; Joshua Tanner Holt; Konnie Michelle Huddleston; Rachel Elizabeth Lewis; Weirongrong Li; Katherine Ann Lister-Atmar; Wenjun Liu; Jenna Leigh Loper; Tessanie M Marek; Lauren Michelle McKee; Kristin Joy Mercer; Tiphani Jo Morris; Sean Christopher Rinehart; Slade Roy Stevenson; Holly Marie Stewart; Tong Yang Wang; Xiaoge Xiu

Benbrook

Brittany Renee Price; Andrew David Simons

Bluff Dale

Kaitlyn Rhee Roberts

Boerne

Ethan John Noel

Brazoria

Caitlin Leigh Hyer; Brittany Jean Kacal

Brenham

Alan Joseph Richard; Katherine Ann Sackreiter; Jamie Elizabeth Sikes

Brownsville

Taylor Ford Barnard; Daniela Loera

Burkburnett

Meredith Kay Jones

Burleson

Stephanie E. Taylor

Burnet

Courtney Nicole Myers

Canyon

Edward Peter Kahler

Castroville

Carmen Christine Maciel

Cedar Park

Mikayla R Beebe; Kathryn A. Cielonko; Dominica Uyen Doan; Nicole L. Hurst; Leah C. Rich; Katherine Grace Segrest

Celina

Braden Douglas Buchanan

Clarksville

Coby A. Duren

Clifton

Rachel N Fink

College Station

AshLee Nicole Bilbo; Jacob Bond Brenton; Megan Elizabeth Duffard; Dayton Paige Kunz; Jennifer M Meyer; Kathryn Anne Phinney; Kendall Ann Pye

Comstock

Taylor Bowen Creamer

Conroe

Morgan Kelly Fischer; Katelyn J. Killian

Converse

Tiara Natalie Toney

Coppell

Courtney Erin Gerome

Copperas Cove

Christen Marie Barnum; Erin Brittany Buerschinger; Matthew Sean Liberty; Kristen Sonya Martinez; Lydia Marie West

Corsicana

Ashleigh L. Bugg

Cypress

Jonathan David Davis; James Tulley Williams

Dallas

Lindsay Clay Gibson; Allison L. Kelley

Decatur

Jacqualyn Cheryl Jones

Desoto

Heather R. Bullock

Dilley

Kimberly Delynn Demaree

Dublin

Jessicca Shelby Allen

Eagle Lake

Garrett Vaughn Garbee

Edna

Kathryn Ann Hamilton

Euless

Catherine Louise Eamma

Florence

Joshua Dean Stewart

Flower Mound

Lauren Reece; Joshua J. Wesselius

Fort Worth

Allyson Doyle Baker; Emily N. Ditmore; Tawnie Justine Moore; Michayla R Richardson

Fredericksberg

Jessica Lynne Hoermann

Fredericksburg

Ami E. Sultemeier; Shelbi Nichol Wagner

Frisco

Parker James Lambert; Jessica Ann Stives

Ganado

Amber Noelle Sherman; Pierce Van Thedford, III

Garland

Sarah Elizabeth Gregory; Sarah Michael Wright

Gatesville

Joseph Allen-Arlington Barr; Megan Claire Benjegerdes; David R. Meyer; Sara Elaine Wicker

Georgetown

Megan R Aarhus; Deirdre Nell Lanoux; Shannon Marie McGorty; Angela Lally Rushing; Leah Ann Marie White

Geronimo

Emily Anne Boardman

Gilmer

Branson Cole Parker

Graham

Melanie D. Gatlin

Grapevine

Lisa DeAnn Bumgardner

Hallettsville

Janelle May Daman

Harker Heights

Caitlin Brianne Cambria; Loren A. Gonzalez; Lauren Taylor Hanson; Maria Barker Martin; Paola R. Nunez; Sarah Elizabeth Tipton

Harlingen

Kelsey Ardene Leibert

Harper

Caitlin B. Bollier

Hewitt

Matthew Thomas Williams

Hillsboro

Rebecca Johnnie Maul

Holland

Cameron Lee Doskocil

Houston

Stephanie N. Harris; Megan Nicole Lawson; Anastasia Lowe; Blake E. Mariage; Macy Michelle Moore; Meredith Ashley Steffen; Amber Marie Steinbring; D' Yauna Kantrel Tharp; Kristina Graece Zufall

Hutto

Abby Kathleen Criswell

Ingleside

Megan Alyssa Dromgoole

Jarrell

Brooke Nicole Cabello; Cassandra Lee Carr; Kreece L Cooper; Rex E Wilson

Katy

Jennifer Lee Ander; Katherine T. Bateman; Lauren Michelle Cotton; Larissa A. Leweke; Zacharye Sharif Mustafa; Elizabeth Gail Stefanski; Seth Allen Strickland

Keller

Brenda Sanchez; Madison Taylor Weston

Kempner

Henry Wade Griffith

Killeen

Bryan Steven Ainsworth; Andrew Robert Berg; Jennifer Kim Boucher; Taylor Lynn Bresciani; Talia Alexandria Britt; Brandi Leola Brown; Amber Lee Crimmings; Johnny Espinoza; Sarah M. Fields; Matilde Hernandez Flammond; Lorena I. Heredia Gonzalez; Jose Ruben Jimenez-Abrams; Jeffrey Michael Marrs; Gerald X Nicholas; Dania Camil D. Paraan; William Harvison Peters; Mignon Patrice Phillips; Cortney Lynn Poncik; William Joseph Price; Jason Andrew Stack; Sashoya Petrine Streete

Kingwood

Kristen K. Cain; Ryan Patrick Murphy; Katelyn R. Short; Stephanie Ariadna Varley

Krum

Kristen Shelby Kimmel

Kyle

Jackie E. Fuller; Brandi Elaine Markert

Lake Jackson

Kyle Troy White

Lampasas

John William McDonald

Lancaster

James David Ewing; Rebekah Ann Maclin

Lantana

Sarah Rachel Clinton

Leander

Katelin Nicole Barth; Stacy Nichole Eaton; Stephanie M. French; Jenessa Renae Strain

Liberty

Alannah Michelle Domangue

Lindale

Renee Leann Nelson

Little River Academy

Kelli Elizabeth McClain

Livingston

Falyn R. Fletcher

Llano

Jill Ann Parson

Lometa

William Shawn Logsdon

Longview

Caitlyn Elyse Dobbs

Lorena

Sarah Renee Epperson; Kaitlyn B. Zettler

Lott

Sarah B. Mackie

Louise

Katherine Alyce Johnson

Luling

Loren Michelle Cowan

Magnolia

Madison Georgia Butler; Rachael Michelle Mear; Justin Tyler Minchew; Carlee Danielle Nerber

Marble Falls

Rachel Luree Doyle; Emily Patricia Lane

Mesquite

Elise Michelle Butler

Midlothian

Kendra Lenae Horton; Lauren Brooke Morgan; Bethany Elizabeth Van Zandt

Mission

Katarina Elizabeth Valenzuela

Moody

James Ryan Motloch; Kelsey Rene Vann

Murphy

Marina G. Dewberry

Nevada

Macy Jordan NeSmith

New Braunfels

Rebecca Elizabeth Byrd; Angelique Ydalia Molina

New Caney

Kevin Michael Orr

Nolanville

Brian L Boettger

Orange

Rebekah Mahala Ragsdale

Pasadena

Collin D Davies

Pearland

Brooks Edward Johnson; Isaiah Russell Minick

Pflugerville

Kristi Diane Sharp

Pilot Point

Hannah Ruth Ford

Plano

Matthew T. Cranford; Amanda Renee Myers

Quitman

Haley Brooke Krause

Rancho Viejo

Anissa Renee Garcia

Richmond

Morgan Haley Baker; Patrick J. Prazak

Rockdale

Hannah Leigh Gardenhire

Rockwall

Savanna C. Brown; Audrey Christine Hale; Bailey Morgan Walker

Rosebud

Jake Ethan Raabe

Round Rock

Jennifer Whitney Cox; Thomas J. Pierce; Victoria A. Pittman; Marguerite Otshewo Shomba

Rowlett

Ellen Driskill Buhrow

Royse City

Brenna Lee Cole

Salado

Thomas Adam Sirkis

San Antonio

Brandon Lee Breiten; Chandler Mark Hansen; Claire Patrice Postell; Aaron Landry Powell; Drew Derek Roicki; Andrew Warren; Samara Renee Williams

Seguin

Brooklyn Taylor Eikenburg; Alicia Marie Hastings; Katelyn Marie McKinzey

Spring

Elizabeth Frances Ostroff

St. Hedwig

Gerhard Andrew Stuebben

Sugar Land

Kelsey Paige Knox

Sulphur Springs

Autumn Elizabeth Anne Brewer; Kirstie Laine Wallace

Sweeny

Elizabeth Anne Barnett; Warren Ross Rayburn

Taylor

Erica Gutierrez

Temple

Ashley Dalynn Beckham; Alysa Reyna Curtis; Desiree Maxine Dennull; Jordan Geralann Evans; William Robert France; Brittney Ann Hanson; Laura Annette Harrison; Erin Rebekah Hattemer; Pedro Hernandez; Brooke A. Hoelscher; Jessica Denise Jones; Sangheetha Kannan; Shaylise N. Kindle; Shannon Dawn Kruse; Skye Noelle Lewing; Christin Nicole Malone; Raquel Emilia Martinez; Jordan Dean Mattke; Donald Thomas McNiesh; Victor Hugo Olvera; Elizabeth Ann Pasichnyk; Kathryn Maire Pasichnyk; Leslie Nicole Patin; Haley Marie Plemons; Alfredo Rojas; Ashley Dawn Schlieper; Heather Ann Votion; Katherine M. Webb; Kevin Daniel Williams

The Colony

Ariel Elizabeth Kemmerer

The Woodlands

Katrina Marie Lundgren

Thorndale

Maia Bayens Richter

Tomball

Holly Anne Estes; Taylor Marie Frank; Julia Sawyer Theesfeld

Trophy Club

Christina Capili

Troy

Anna Marie Birdsell; Jennifer Lee Calhoun; Kimberly D. Chavez; Maryann Virginia Garcia; Morgan S Smith; Christian Blake Springer

Tyler

Samantha Ann Edwards; Joanna Christine Leath; Elissa Thompson

Valley Mills

Maegon Rene Sauer

Victoria

Shelby L. Brown; Jessica Simone Moreno

Waco

Katie Ann Pettit

Waxahachie

Robert Julius Baril

Weatherford

Nathaniel M. Forester; Kate Lynn McCollum

Whitney

Aaron Guy Massey

Willis

Katelyn Alexis Holm; Katherine H. Ulery

Woodway

Kathryn Suzanne Mayo

Out of State Students

Anchorage, Alaska

Alexander Nicholas O'Briant

Prescott, Arizona

Brianne Elise McNeeley

Foothill Ranch, California

Tawnie Nicole Yeaw

Twin Peaks, California

Kate Virginia Winchell

Arvada, Colorado

Kendra Marie Feldmann

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Megan Michelle Cavera; Brittany Nicole Stai

Bradenton, Florida

Eliza Spencer Faillace

Scott, Louisiana

Jasmine Terrell-Marie Austin

Papillion, Nebraska

Matthew Andrew Manchigiah

Springfield, New Hampshire

Kelsie Rose Finn

Edgewood, New Mexico

Karl J. Baker

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Kathryn Emma Harrop

Brush Prairie, Washington

Michael Spencer Turner

The following is the Dean’s Honor Roll for Fall 2012

Academy

James Francis Davis

Albany

Jeremy Michael Corbin; Leif Osten Johnston

Allen

Matthew Robert Day

Alvarado

Jake Tyler Fralicks; Jerah Leshell Stanford

Angleton

Rochelle Hilaria Delgado; Michael Thomas Yarborough

Arlington

D'Vonte Keon Aery; Cristal D. Conner

Athens

Seth Parker Stephens

Aubrey

Katie Beth Watson

Austin

Katie Jane Bailey; Courtney A Bargsley; Danielle Krystin Marie Conner; Ashley Danielle Filippuzzi; Amanda Grace Godwin; Riley D. Holmes; Christine Brooke McKenna; Allison Grace O'Dell; Cameron Brooke Prenger; Emily Nicole Wissel

Bastrop

Bethany Ladelle Greeson; Vance Randal Ray

Belton

Jayten M Ames; Jacob Henry Armstrong; Marjorie Valentine Bates; Kayla R Bishop; Katherine Linn Booth; Jonathan David Bybee; Crystal Michelle Carlson; Tyler Clay Coker; Paige Kendall Corral; Hannah Alysa Crabtree; Lyndsay Blake Dammon; Danielle Lynn Dunagan; Courtney Susan Elmore; Taylor Helen Flaherty; Arielle Zarabeth Fritz; Melissa Shannon Gammage; Mengke Guo; Hayley Nicole Hardt; Landon Scott Hebison; Katelyn Carter Heisch; Ivan Jesus Inouye; Sabrina Leigh Ivey; Sarah Catherine Jeter; Timothy Howard Jones; Taylor Ashley Kleshick; Lauren Nicole Knight; Kristan Nicole Krause; Kallie Nicole Lahey; Jue Li; Alexis R. Logan; Paul Anthony Medina; Dylon Jennings Miller; Lindsey Elizabeth Mitchell; Madison Audra Moore; Meagan Lia Passmore; Tyler Andrew Pate; Kayla M. Pele; Connor Presley Ray; Kyle Austin Rhoads; Gabrielle Marie Saucier; Rachel Sibley; William Robert Snyder; Lin Ru Song; Benjamin C. Stevens; William Luke Summers; Benjamin Edward Taylor; Lauren Rebekah Theodore; Taylor Cheyenne Vela; Ricardo Villanueva; Christa Joy Watson; Sam Adel Williams

Benbrook

Beverly Faith Price; Karissa Marie Simons

Big Spring

Hope Anntoinette Cimino

Boerne

Sarah Jean Elizabeth Patty; Madeline Jane Phillip

Boling

Amanda Danielle Youngblood

Brazoria

Cristen Leigh Nelson; Dana Elisabeth Williams

Brenham

Adam James Carley; Megan L. Redmond; John Garrett Webb

Brownsboro

Zachary Bailey

Brownwood

Dominic H. Rosato; Nicole Elizabeth Rosato

Bullard

Daniel Ryan Morris

Burleson

Kendall Nicole McGahey; Hailee Payton Smith; Heather Nichole Smith; Alyssa Williams

Burnet

Cynthia Colleen Cosper; Rebekah Inez Sorrells

Cameron

Debra Jeanette Elliott; Zachary James Young

Canton

Sarah Elizabeth Norrell

Canyon

Lauren Rhea Ribera

Canyon Lake

Kateland Marie Pricer

Cedar Creek

Matthew D. Topliff

Cedar Park

Emily Katherine Brown; Casey Alexis Havrilla; Aaron Mark Miller; Madison Abby Prado; Cecille Ann Asuncion Reyes; Loren Nicole Watson

Clarendon

Bailey Beth Starnes

Cleburne

Jade Adriana Blair; Ellaina Nichole Sullivan

Cleveland

Alyssa M. Hollie

Clifton

Kaylee Cheyenne Harvey; Daniel Edwin Horstman; Janna Denay Ochoa; Amanda Marie Pate

Clute

Chelsea Rachelle Sikes

College Station

Ciara Ann Saunders

Commerce

Rebecca Leigh Dickerson

Conroe

Anna Burnstad; Alec Coulson Lloyd; Audrey Elizabeth Ohendalski; Michelle Marie Walker; John Raymond Williams

Coppell

Riley David Massey

Copperas Cove

Jillian Christine Hudson; Kenneth Allen Keil; Gabriel Josue Martinez; Tasha Michiko Quinones; Jessica M. Ramirez

Corsicana

Courtney Alice Wigley

Crawford

Kayla Rene Zimmerman

Crowley

Sean Patrick Flynn

Cuero

Colton Wade Jacob

Cypress

Victoria Ann Maydwell; Kyle Patrick McLeroy; Alyssa Kay Monnat; Margo Arleen Portales; Eleanor Julia Rowand; Herman Watts

Dallas

Joshua Keith McKenzie; Haleigh Nicole Pannell

Dripping Springs

Sarah Noelle Graff

Duncanville

Madeline June Davis; Meredith Anne Davis

Eagle Lake

Lydia Garbee

Euless

Susana Mladenovski

Fair Oaks

Nichelle Faith Almendarez

Flower Mound

Benjamin Wilson Hammonds; Spencer Fremont Sims

Forest Hill

Ana Elizabeth Hernandez

Forney

Brittany Nicole Davis; Savannah D. Davis

Fort Hood

Maria Veronica Decastro; Laura Elizabeth Mejean

Fort Worth

Brian Alexander Gallagher; Kelly Adona Julian; Korey Antwone Steward; Madeline G. Walters; Kasey Lee Wright; Alexandra L. Young

Freer

Hollie Nickole Whitley

Frost

Samuel Prentice Stroder

Garden Ridge

Nathaniel Thomas Outland

Garland

Molly Michelle Allison; Ashleigh Kay McElwain; Elizabeth N. McElyea; Megan Belle Mooney; Jenna Marie Womack

Gatesville

Mary Alice Abbott; William Newton Bryant; Jacob W Hunter; Kelsey M. Knowles; Shane Thomas Longoria; Kevin D Walters

Georgetown

Shannon Kay Bearden; Brooke Melynn Downs; Thomas Edwin Fraser; Colleen Maredith Jung; Jenna Sheree Magness; Kayla Marie Marzean; Chelsea Kaylen McDougal; Luisa Raquel Morales; Austen H. Parks; Nicole Theresa Sheldon; Ashley Diane Stenack; Jinah Yoo

Gilmer

Timothy Edward Hite

Graham

Alyse Lindsay Lambden; Brian T. Sides

Grand Prairie

Miranda Irene Jenkins

Groesbeck

Patrick M Bielamowicz; Roseanna Renee Cable

Harker Heights

Ashley Allen; Sarah Marie Campbell; Gleiser Marcelo Cedeno; Victoria A. Davison; Maureen Voss Dees; Melodye Anne Dzamba; Patrice Ann Gifford; Brianna Christine Helmer; Heather Kay Herriage; Carl Robert Martin; Elizabeth McNutt; Nicholas Perter Kai Merutka; Holly Sophia Millican; Lauren P. Morgan; Rostislav Radchenko; Elizabeth Ann Reese; Christopher L. Sortman; Curtis John Vaculik

Haskell

Ashlee M Short

Heath

Thomas Joseph Kittrell

Hempstead

Parker Tilman Edmonds

Henrietta

Corbin Bryce Cochran

Highlands

Melanie Anne Muldrow

Hillsboro

Madeleine Sarah Crawford

Hockley

Justin Lee Nelson

Houston

Brittney Dene Brooks; Cody Ray Brown; Kimberly Renae Cannon; Ashley Octavia Edwards; Avery Nicole Feeley; Zoe Anne Foster; Kristen Nicole Hanson; April Diana Henderson; Cameron Christopher Korenek; Marissa D Lara; Jaleshia N. Linton; Kristina Liu; Haley Hill Loftus; Michelle Elizabeth Lopez; Britni L. Marburger; Greggory L. Miller; Chelsea Nicole Owens; Kate Elizabeth Schladenhauffen; Laura Danell Sotiropoulos; Jonathan M Taylor; Allison Lillie Toy; Benjamin Douglas Valot; Tanisha Sho'na Waddell

Huffman

Morgan Elyse Boudreaux

Huntsville

Donald Clinton Brown; Rebekah L. Ray

Irving

Elizabeth Mary Alven; Marcus Elliot Wimby

Jarrell

Kayla M Carbajal; Patrick William Kinne; Christopher William Naimo

Jonesboro

Megan Whisenhunt

Katy

Stephanie Cain; Kailyn Adair Campbell; Robyn Leighann Collins; Katherine C. Davis; Tia L. Davis; Dalton Alexander Hill; Katherine Anne Kithas; Nathan Edward Long; Alina Renee Peet; Estefani Natalie Ramos; Marin M. Robinson; Chelsea Caitlin Sacco

Keller

Michelle Marie Sanford

Kempner

Jamie M. Dye; Frank R James

Kerrville

Kelsey Lynn Broussard; Megan Anne Hutte; Tesca Leigh Korbelik; Emily Ailene Rodgers

Killeen

Meghan Lynn Alkins; Shane Joesph Boucher; Carla Ann Bowen; Takia Alexis Britt; Whitney Anne Buckley; Brittney Nicole Dabney; Xcaret Duran-Fernandez; Courtney R Ferguson; Anthony James Fetters; Katrina Channele Gordon; Dominique Lashaun Hilliard; Kionna Patrice Hunter; Jayna Marie Jansen; Kari Lynn Larson; Kieu Thi Le-Hernandez; April Mautrice Littleton; Annjelica Rae Madali; Sadie M. Meador; Gregory Palmer; Bobby Rodriguez; Lorena Kayleth Sage; Michelle Jo Sandahl; Kiera Jolivia Shakespeare; Steven Randall Smith; Constance Alyse Sundeen; Jada Lee Tarver; Mandy Elizabeth Tirella; Stepheni Nichole Tolbert; Shaneza Yazmin Toro; Marin Brooke Zachary

Kingwood

Antonio Battiste Hebert; Caitlin Christine Hiett; Lauren Alysse Matt

Lago Vista

Elyse D. Beebe; Zachary Joseph Billington

Lake Jackson

Christopher Adam Romero

Lampasas

Jeff Farrar Lowe

Leander

Samuel Richard Causley; Katelyn M Kretzer; Hadia Yammine

Lewisville

Michelle Rae Joynes; Craig William Pepper; Christi Simon

Liberty Hill

Kourtney Ren'ee Bevers; Caleb Keaghey Johnson; Josh Garrett Kondoff; Troy Adam Robinson

Little Elm

Kathryn Leigh McMillan; Alex Jacqueline Oard

Little River

James Cory Cross

Lockhart

Gabriella A. Colurciello

Lorena

Bethany Charlene Hinkley; Patrick Steven Pricer

Lufkin

Hollie Joanna Williams

Luling

Jovana Clara Miles

Lumberton

Scott Abram Poole

Magnolia

Brooke Lauren Cox; Branden Keith Montgomery; Sarah Jeannine Stadler

Mansfield

Chad A. Manns

McKinney

Savannah Desiree Hardcastle; Rebecca Anne Nemeth

Meridian

Misha Lee Simmons

Mesquite

Hannah M Saunders

Midlothian

Anna C. Payne

Milford

Derek Tramain Williamson

Montgomery

Victoria Elzanne Camenisch; Kathryn Suzanne Coker; Jacey Lauren Martin

Nacogdoches

Kelsey Mercedes Kunk; Paul David Jeremiah Porter

New Braunfels

Araceli Ayala; Daniel Lawrence Black; Brooke Avery Lasseter; Tanner Von Wilson

New London

Brandon L. Jackson

New Waverly

Sid Tucker Saxton; Kathryn Joyce Smith

Nolanville

Shawn Michael Veach

Ovilla

Kalico Alyse Moffett

Pearland

Sarah Elissa Payne

Pearsall

Luke Arthur Wells

Pflugerville

Gabriel Abli Dunham; Joshua William Porter; Cameron Andrew Roucloux; Emily Katherine Stence

Plano

Hope Elizabeth Underwood; Bradlee Waddell

Port Lavaca

Kameron K. Smith

Princeton

Lance Dean Larsen

Richardson

Nicole Renee Weldon

Richmond

Ashley Brooke Cernosek; James William Crawford; Meagan Olivia Prazak

Richwood

Joshua D. Hosack

Rockwall

Jack Quinton Baker; Baylor Christian Black; Zachary Rogers Farrow; Emma Joy French; Esther Ruth Gibbs; Andrea Claire Hale; Alvaro Noriega Ramirez

Rogers

Benjamin Wilson Baecker

Round Rock

Irissa Bunch; Victoria Lynn Gomez; Simia Dawn Jefferson; Joshua Michael Kirwin; Monica D. Reyes; Kaitlyn Elaine Sanders; Carmen Rose Scalise; Shannon Terrile; Ryan Winfrey

Sachse

Stephanie Giselle Quesada

Salado

Camryn Renee Bintz; Alexandra Noel Grace; Kori Lynn Norman; Braxton Shea Tucker

San Antonio

Nicole Kimberlyn Ballenger; Shelley Vivian Bane; Roland Gomez; Justin Loy Judkins; Andrew M. Lilly; Morgan Moslow; Rodolfo Roberto Nerio; Katelyn Elizabeth Smith; Jessica R Walker

San Marcos

Danielle Elizabeth Mitchell; Charles Williams

Seagraves

Kassidy Lane Harris

Shoreacres

Jacob David Stamps

Spring

Cody Warren Jackson; Stacy Rae Syring

Sunnyvale

Katie Anne Kelley

Sweetwater

Cheyenne Lauren Morgan

Taylor

Elizabeth Vasquez

Telegraph

Shannon Ashley Mogford

Temple

Chance Martin Alvis; Clinton Lee Barrineau; Emily R. Blackburn; Michael D Brenek; Jacob Daniel Bridges; Caroline H. Brown; Julia Mercy Brown; Lauren Ashley Brown; Shelby Renee Chaddick; Megan Ashley Chapman; Sean Christopher Clark; Whitley Morgan Coker; Alicia K. Colclasure; Michelle Collins; Shawn James Connolly; John Matt Droemer; Ethan M Dutton; Julie Ann Elliott; Lauren Elizabeth Ernst; Susanna Faith Forester; Megan Joyce Fuxa; Stephanie L. Garza; Brandy Natasha Gifford; Michael James Hamilton; Cody Lee Hannon; Amanda Marie Hoelscher; Jacquelyn Jameelah Jackson; Yexin Jiang; Christopher David Johnson; Sierra Dawn Johnson; Brittany Marcille-Kiana Jones; Ashley Nicole Kapas; Jaclynn Lauren Koinm; Sophia Remi Lavender; Cheyenne Nicole Malovets; Molly Elaine Money; Katherine Elizabeth Morgan; Michelle Elizabeth Newton; Levi Randolph Ohlson; Kimberly Renee Palmer; Anthony Eric Ramirez; Jessica Bethke Rhodes; Linda Renee' Rubio; Shaina Michelle Ryan; Nancy A Santos; Tayler Marie Smith; Jamie Michelle Stephens; Aimee R. Vasquez; Ashton Leigh Wallace

The Woodlands

Laurice Lowry Butler; Jeffrey Andrew Darnell; Nathaniel John Fagnant; Andrea Brooke Piecuch; Jonathan Matthew Waugh; Layton Ray Zinsmeister

Tomball

Megan Brianna Bolger; Seth Thomas Michaelson; Melissa Elaine Provost

Trinity

Ethan Mitra

Troy

Ashley Paige Payne; Christina Beverly Ybarra

Tyler

Ryan Elizabeth Murphy; Kelsey Lee Potter; Ashley Dawn Settles

Van Alstyne

Chandler Paige Henson

Waco

Atalia Bojorquez; Jacquelyn Diaz; Julianne Catherine Owen; Wesley Paxton Sam; Priscilla G. Smith; Jonathan William VanBruggen

Waxahachie

Carissa L. Araujo; Megann Eleese Backus; Paige A'Lynn Hill; Awna Dana Shiflett

Weatherford

Kelley Samuel Clark

West

Jordyn Shea Russell

Wills Point

Heather L. Harbaugh

Wilmer

Jasmine Shanta Simmons

Winnie

Kirby Brett Johnson

Winnsboro

Joy Kathron Smedley

Woodway

Wesley Walter Abercrombie; Kristin Elise Wolfe

Wylie

Richard A. Pendley

Out of State Students

Enterprise, Alabama

LeeAnn Sadie White

Claremont, California

Jamie Leigh La Mere

Fremont, California

Kara Michele Cornelio

Parker, Colorado

Amber Lynn Avery

Crystal Lake, Illinois

Allison Frances Holly

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Kristen Elaine Kitchen

Auburn Hills, Michigan

Elise Marie McDowall

Ossining, New York

Josiah Thomas Davis

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Daniel Martin Mock

Spokane, Washington

Keisha Krystle Alexis Coll-Johnson

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Belton, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor literary journal, Windhover, will host its Writers’ Festival from Wednesday, February 6 to Friday, February 8 in the Paul and Jane Meyer Christian Studies Center on the UMHB campus. This annual event is attended by over 100 writers, and is free and open to the public.

This year’s festival includes presentations and workshops by notable authors and poets, including Ron Hansen, Leslie Leyland Fields, and Andrea Palpant Dilley.

Hansen was educated in English literature at Creighton University and studied fiction writing at the University of Iowa's Writers Workshop and Stanford University, where he held a Wallace Stegner Creative Writing Fellowship. He is the author of eight novels, including The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Mariette in Ecstasy, Exiles, and A Wild Surge of Guilty Passion, as well as a children's book and A Stay Against Confusion: Essays on Faith & Fiction. He has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the John Simon Guggenheim, Lyndhurst, and Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest foundations. He has twice been nominated for a PEN/Faulkner Award, and he was a finalist for the National Book Award for his novel Atticus. He is also a recipient of an Award in Literature from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters.

Fields is the author and editor of 8 creative nonfiction books, including The Spirit of Food, Surviving the Island of Grace: A Life on the Far Edge of America, and Parenting is Your Highest Calling …and Eight Other Myths. Her essays have appeared in The Atlantic Monthly, Beliefnet, Orion Christianity Today and many other publications. She has appeared on more than 100 radio shows and travels widely, speaking at conferences, churches and universities on topics related to the spirituality of food, creation care, literature, family and culture. She taught in Seattle Pacific University’s MFA program for six years, and has taught Literature and Creative writing at the University of Alaska and Covenant College. Her essays have won Pushcart nominations, the William Wilberforce Award and the Virginia Faulkner Award.

Dilley grew up in Kenya as the daughter of Quaker missionaries and spent the rest of her childhood in the Pacific Northwest. Her work as a documentary producer has aired nationally on American Public Television. Her work as a writer has been published in Geez, Utne Reader and the anthology Jesus Girls: True Tales of Growing Up Female and Evangelical, as well as online with CNN, The Huffington Post, and Christianity Today. Her memoir, Faith and Other Flat Tires: Searching for God on the Rough Road of Doubt, tells the story of her faith journey.

For more information about the Writers’ Festival, visit the event’s website.

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, February 6

9 am                      REGISTRATION—Meyer, Lobby off Manning Chapel

10 am                    UMHB WALTON CHAPEL: Leslie Leyland Fields

11 am                    UMHB WALTON CHAPEL: Leslie Leyland Fields

12:30 pm              Lunch (On Your Own)

2 pm                      SPIRITUAL MEMOIR WORKSHOP with Andrea Dilley—Meyer 111

4 pm                      LESLIE LEYLAND FIELDS – Meyer, Manning Chapel

5 pm                      Dinner (On Your Own)

7 pm                      OPEN MIC NIGHT, with coffee and dessert—Meyer, Manning Chapel

Thursday, February 7

9 am                      Coffee

9:30 am                PANEL—Meyer, Manning Chapel

11 am                    PANEL—Meyer, Manning Chapel

12:30                     Lunch (On Your Own)

2 pm                      ANDREA DILLEY:               Memoir Reading—Meyer, Manning Chapel

3 pm                      WRITERS’ WORKSHOP with Leslie Leyland Fields—MEYER 114

5 pm                      Dinner (On Your Own)

7 pm                      RON HANSEN (George Nixon Memorial Lecture)

8:15 pm                Lamar Stockton Concert—Meyer, Manning Chapel

Friday, February 8

9 am                      Coffee

9:30 am                Panel—Meyer, Manning Chapel

12:00 pm              Lunch 

Belton, Texas – On Tuesday, February 12, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will welcome the 1^st Cavalry Division Blackjack Brass Quintet and the Ear Assault Woodwind Trio at 7:30 p.m. in the Hughes Recital Hall of Presser Hall on the UMHB campus. The event is free and open to the public. 

These two ensembles are a part of the larger Fort Hood band. Army Bands provide music throughout the spectrum of military operations to instill in servicemen and women the will to fight and win, foster the support of citizens, and promote national interests at home and abroad.  Personnel in the brass quintet are: Sergeant First Class Corey Dawson (tuba), Sergeants Bradley Schaefer (trombone), Bradley Sherman (trumpet), and Hannah Smicker (horn), and Specialist Phillip Terrell (trumpet).  Personnel in the woodwind trio are: Sergeant First Class Cristino Moreno (flute), Staff Sergeant Jonathan Creal (Bassoon), and Specialist Brent Ramsey (clarinet).

For more information about this concert or any other UMHB music events, please contact Traci Squarcette at (254) 295-4686.

Belton, Texas – On Friday, February 8, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will hold a special dedication ceremony for the new Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center. The event will begin at 1 p.m. at the corner of 9th Street and Shine on the UMHB campus and is free and open to the public.

“I have trouble putting into words how overwhelmed I am with this place and how excited I am for everyone to see it,” Dr. Sharon Souter, Dean of the College of Nursing, said. “It’s the culmination of many dreams.”

The facility is the new home for UMHB’s prestigious nursing program. Measuring more than 76,000 square feet, the Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center boasts classrooms, faculty offices, study areas, lounges, and clinical laboratories. The building is also home to an entire hospital simulation area, including an emergency room, a nursing station, and a labor and delivery unit.

“There are very few places in the state or nation that can compete with this building,” Souter said. “I think it’s going to transform nursing education and the graduates that we are able to produce.”

During the dedication ceremony, the university will recognize and give thanks to the many donors who contributed an estimated $20 million to the project. Following the ribbon cutting, guests will be encouraged to explore the Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center and tour some of its most impressive areas.

The Scott & White College of Nursing traces its roots to the school of nursing established in 1903 at Scott & White Memorial Hospital.  The program was transferred to UMHB and expanded into a baccalaureate degree program in 1970.  Today, the program is accredited by the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners, the National League for Nurses, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and it includes 670 nursing majors, more than any other major offered at the university.

Belton, Texas – On Friday, February 8, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor held a special ceremony dedicated the new Isabelle Rutherford Meyer Nursing Education Center. More than 500 people were in attendance at the event, which celebrated the opening of the facility that will serve as the new home for the Scott & White College of Nursing.

Dr. Randy O’Rear, the university’s president, opened the ceremony by thanking the members of the UMHB board of trustees for their vision and direction.

“It was February 18, of 2011, that the board of trustees approved our bold Campus Master Plan, which called for a $100 million investment.” O’Rear said. “Today, just shy of two years later, eight of those projects are either completed or currently in construction.”

O’Rear also took time to recognize many of the individuals and groups responsible for large donations to the building.

“We have some very special friends who made sure that this facility was more than a dream,” he said. “It is thanks to their gifts and their sacrifices that we are able to announce that this building is completely funded and debt free.”

Following the ceremony, visitors were able to tour a number of the spaces within the building, including the simulation hospital wing which boasts an emergency room, a nursing station, and a labor and delivery unit. The 77,000 square foot nursing education center is more than five times larger than the nursing program’s previous facilities.

The Scott & White College of Nursing traces its roots to the school of nursing established in 1903 at Scott & White Memorial Hospital.  The program was transferred to UMHB and expanded into a baccalaureate degree program in 1970.  Today, the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and it includes 670 nursing majors, more than any other major offered at the university.

Belton, Texas – On Thursday, February 14, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will be unveiling a new set of logos for its athletics department. The official unveiling will take place during a special press conference to be held at 3:30 p.m. in the entrance lobby of the Mayborn Arena. Crusader fans may be able to get an early peak at the new logos by liking some of the university’s Facebook pages.

Fans of UMHB can find all the qualifying pages in one location at umhb.edu/logo. Throughout each days leading up to Thursday’s reveal, UMHB’s Facebook cover image will change to slowly reveal the new logo.

After the press conference, UMHB staff will be on hand for both the men’s and women’s basketball games, giving out complimentary t-shirts bearing the new logo to everyone in attendance.

Belton, Texas – On Thursday, February 14, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor unveiled a new set of logos for its athletics department during a special press conference in the lobby of the Mayborn Arena.

The new logos and workmarks were designed by Bill Woodward of Woodward Creative Design.

“We told him that we wanted an image that would convey a sense of honor and pride in a great tradition.  We told him we wanted the Crusader to reflect the dedication and commitment of our student athletes, who devote many hours to prepare themselves to compete.”   UMHB Athletic Director Randy Mann said.  “We also told him we wanted an image that was strong and bold, that would remind our opponents that UMHB is a force to be reckoned with on the playing field.”

The series includes a new primary logo, which features a helmed crusader looking directly at the viewer.

“We chose to make the face unseen inside the closed helmet, so that it represents all of our athletes, men and women, of all ethnic backgrounds, because at UMHB, wherever we come from, we are all Crusaders,” Mann said. 

To demonstrate potential uses of the new logos, UMHB coaches and student athletes were on hand, modeling various apparel and sports equipment featuring some of the new logos.

“We’re excited about this new logo because we think it reflects the high quality and winning tradition of our athletic program at UMHB,” Mann said.

Since moving into the NCAA in 1998, UMHB has emerged as a force in American Southwest Conference athletics. The Cru has won 26 conference titles and the university has sent eight of its twelve athletic programs to the NCAA postseason. The UMHB football team has played in a National Championship game and Cru athletic programs have posted five national runner-up finishes in that time.

Belton, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor presented the twentieth annual Crusader Knights contest Friday and Saturday, February 16 and 17. Tanner Clarke (Mr. Senior Class) of was named this year’s Mr. Crusader Knight.

There were 18 contestants in this year’s competition. Other finalists were: first runner up Braden Buchanan (Mr. Independence Village), second runner up Andrew Alvarez (Mr. Ultimate Cru), third runner up Karl Baker (Mr. Burt Hall) and fourth runner up Clint Brown (Mr. Stribling Hall).

Specialty awards were also given to a few of the competitors. Jayten Ames (Mr. First Year Council) was recognized by his competitors with the Timothy Award, which celebrates the contestant who is most Christ-like and uplifting. Collin Cavendish (Mr. Farris Hall) produced the Judges’ Choice Video. Braden Buchanan (Mr. Independence Village) produced the Campus Choice Video. Bryan Myers (Mr. Mclane Hall) was awarded Best Strut.

The Crusader Knights contest is organized and run by students. This year’s director was Jake Hans. His assistants were Nicki Ashley and Lauren Theodore.

Crusader Knights began in 1993 as a fundraiser led by and for the Senior Class. Men are selected by campus organizations to compete for the title of “Mr. Crusader Knight.” The men are judged on their unique video skit, group dance, individual walk and ability to answer interview questions. The winner is crowned and dubbed Mr. Crusader Knight by university president Randy O’Rear.

Belton, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor College of Visual and Performing Arts will be hosting senior voice recitals by Gerald Nicholas and Elizabeth Pasichnyk. Both events are free and open to the public.

Nicholas is a senior Music Education major at UMHB and a voice student of Dr. Guy Wilson. He will present his recital on Thursday, February 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the Hughes Recital Hall of Presser Hall on the UMHB Campus.  Gerald is the son of Milton and Janice Nicholas. At UMHB Nicholas sings in the Opera Program, the Concert Choir, and One Voice.  He has sung roles in The Merry Widow by Franz Lehar and Little Women by Jay Richards. As a senior he is currently serving as Student Conductor of the Concert Choir. He sings in the choir of Christ Episcopal Church in Temple and has been a guest soloist at First Presbyterian Church in Temple.

Nicholas’s recital program will include songs by Franz Schubert, Robert Schuman, Johannes Brahms, Ernest Chausson, Gabriel Fauré, William Grant Still and Aaron Copland.  He also is performing the aria “Ch’ella Mi Creda” from La Fanciulla Del West by Giacomo Puccini.

Pasichnyk, soprano, is a senior vocal performance major and a student of Penny Hogan, Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Opera/Music Theatre at UMHB. She will present her recital Tuesday, February 26, at 7:30p.m.  in the Hughes Recital Hall. Pasichnyk is the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Pasichnyk of Temple. Her recital will feature songs by such composers as Pergolesi, Bellini, Marx, Poulenc, Beach, and Stainer.

Belton, Texas– This Friday, March 1, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will host Israeli-born American musician Ifar “Eef” Barzelay at 7:30 p.m. in the Hughes Recital Hall of Presser Hall on the UMHB campus. The evening will begin with a question and answer session with the artist followed by a concert. This event is part of both the university’s Highways & Byways series and is also its C3: Conversations About Christianity + Culture program. The event is free to UMHB students, but anyone else can attend for just $10.

Barzelaywas born in Tel Aviv, Israel. He is mostly known as the principal songwriter and singer of alt-country band Clem Snide, but he has performed in a number of Boston-based bands. He has also toured as a solo act, both as headliner and as international support for artists such as Ben Folds. His songs have been featured in numerous films and television shows, like The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Ed, and Californication.

Barzelay, whose grandparents are Holocaust survivors, grew up in New Jersey and describes his parents’ religious views as ardently atheist. While he finds himself somewhere between the atheism of his parents and religious faith, Christian characters play a prominent role in his prolific body of work. From two suicidal youth group members in “True Freedom,” to a follower whose faith brings little more than guilt in “Jews for Jesus Blues,” to a reminder that the emptiness we feel inside is where God’s love hides in “The Ballad of God’s Love,” Barzelay navigates freely between pointing a knowing finger and offering tender reassurance.

This concert will qualify as a FAE credit for UMHB students.

University officials announced today plans to develop a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program, proposed to begin in the fall of 2014.  The university will seek to develop a program that complies with the requirements of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE); currently there are only 11 CAPTE-accredited programs in the state of Texas. 

The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program would be the second doctoral program to be offered by the university; UMHB has offered the Doctor of Education degree as a course of study since 2007.

The demand for physical therapists across the United States is expected to grow by 39% between 2010 and 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.  Competition for entrance into physical therapy doctoral programs is very intense, due to the limited number of accredited programs, but DPT graduates currently have a national employment rate of 99%.

“We believe that the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree will be a great addition to the degree programs at UMHB,” said Dr. Randy O’Rear.  “The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree will serve as a strong corollary to the current Pre-Physical Therapy major in our undergraduate program.  It will strengthen our commitment to health-related education in the region, and it will allow us to extend our mission of Christian higher education to a new population of students.”

Early plans for the doctoral program call for it to admit students in a cohort format, with up to 40 students per cohort.  At full capacity, the program could house as many at 120 students annually.