When Hardin-Simmons University held its December Commencement, Saturday, Dec 13th, in Behrens Auditorium on the HSU campus, 251 candidates crossed the stage as degrees were conferred. The exact number of actual graduates may change as degree requirements are tabulated and grades continue to come in, but proud parents and family members filled the hall to capacity.

The 166 bachelors, 50 masters, and 45 doctoral candidates include the first class of 19 doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students in the transitional DPT program. These are post-professional licensed practitioners who've come to HSU to upgrade their level of education. Hardin-Simmons University first offered the DPT program in 2002, adding the transitional program in 2007.

The 10:00 a.m. ceremony conferseddegrees from the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts, the Holland School of Sciences and Mathematics, the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing and the Logsdon School of Theology. The 2:00 p.m. commencement confered degrees from the Kelly College of Business, the Irvin School of Education, and the School of Music.

Dr. Phil Christopher, senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Abilene, delivered the morning address to degree candidates. Cathy Ashby, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction at the Abilene Independent School District, addressed the afternoon assembly.

After each ceremony, attendees joined in a "Graduation Celebration" at the Alumni Wall. Refreshments were served, and families found the names of the newest graduating class on temporary plaques mounted on the wall.

Also graduating this week was the University's first Leland Scholar. A part of the HSU Honors program, the Leland scholars were endowed in 2006 by a portion of a bequest from June Frost Leland, a 1940 graduate of HSU, Six White Horses rider and philanthropist. The top academic incoming freshmen in the region compete annually for placement in the Honors program, and those selected as Leland Scholars receive a full-ride scholarship. Jacob Snowden, of Midlothian, graduated early as our first Leland Scholar graduate. Other Honors graduates receiving the Honors Medalion included Rebekah Dawn Law, April Marie Mason, and Jenae Marie Pharr Lysinger.

The graduating senior selected for the honor of presenting special music was vocalist Jordan Copeland, student of Dr. Lynnette Chambers, and daughter of HSU's own Drs. Tom and Lori Copeland.