Hardin-Simmons University Seniors Excited, Scared, Etc.
Chelbie Bolton says it's hard to believe the reality of it. "In some senses, graduation doesn't seem like it should really be so near," says Chelbie, a student at Hardin-Simmons University who will graduate this Saturday.
Bolton is a Communications major from Sulphur Springs who will receive a Bachelor of Behavioral Science degree from the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts.
In fact, Chelbie is one of about 260 graduating seniors and masters candidates who are getting ready for the Saturday ceremonies.
Earlier this week students got a chance to get final instructions during two rehearsals for the upcoming events.
On Saturday, May 9th, there will actually be two commencements. The 10 a.m. ceremony will feature a charge to the graduates by Stan Allcorn, Pastor of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. Students from the College of Liberal Arts, Logsdon School of Theology, Holland school of Sciences and Mathematics, and the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing will receive degrees.
Tim Lancaster, President and CEO of Hendrick Health Systems will deliver the charge to the graduates receiving degrees from the Kelley College of Business, Irvin School of Education, and the School of Music at the 2:00 p.m. commencement.
Hardin-Simmons is never without her traditions. From the iconic "Dam-it" the dog (how he got his name is still a matter of speculation some 89 years after his passing), to the World Famous Cowboy Band, and the crowd-pleasing Six White Horses, here's one more from the book of History, Traditions, and Landmarks, published during the Presidency of Dr. Jesse Fletcher.
The tradition is Graduation Celebration, hosted by HSU Alumni. Graduates gather for a reception in Centennial Square following each of the commencement ceremonies. The plaza is surrounded by a circular wall that has the names of every graduate since 1891 engraved in bronze plaques corresponding to the year of graduation.
Director of Alumni Relations, Britt Jones, explains that Graduation Celebration is the brain-child of the Board of Young Associates, a select group of alumni under the age of 40.
Board members and other alumni volunteers distribute "HSU ALUMNI" window decals to each new graduate and welcome them as the newest members to the Alumni Association.
New graduates are encouraged to stay connected with HSU. Alumni are available to take photos so the entire family of the graduate can be in the picture. Also, one of HSU's White Horses is often on the scene, making for a great photo op.
Faculty members enjoy visiting with graduates and their families at celebration. New graduates' look for their names on the Alumni Wall so they can imagine what the real plaque will look like, once it's created. Cookies and lemonade is another popular feature of this event, says Jones.
Graduation Celebration is held by the Alumni Wall immediately following each ceremony from approximately 11:20-12:00 and again from 3:20-4:00.
As for Chelbie, she says, while it is an exciting time, she is also scared. "All of my life there has always been something else on the horizon. The end of something was always the beginning of something else. There has never been a question of what I will do next," says Chelbie. After high school, there was college, now that plan is up to me, not my parents, just me, and that's a little scary."
Fortunately, as a graduate of HSU, Chelbie and other graduates are never alone. Alumni are ready and willing to guide her and other graduates to safe harbor.
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