Hardin-Simmons University announces the establishment of the Fairy Orr Endowed Memorial Scholarship. Established in her memory, by husband Clarke Orr, the scholarship benefits students in the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts. The recipient must be majoring in English, may only receive the scholarship once, and is selected by the Head of the Department of English. If a qualified English major is not available, the scholarship may be awarded to a major in chemistry.

Fairy enrolled in Hardin-Simmons University in the fall of 1938. While at HSU, she majored in chemistry and among her many activities, played the trombone in the Cowgirl Band. She would have graduated in the spring of 1942, but World War II and the many uncertainties presented by that conflict interrupted her education. She married Clarke Orr and was occupied for almost three decades with raising her family.

She went back to college and graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1967 with a degree in English after staying at home to raise their children, Suzanne, Elizabeth, and John all of whom attended Hardin-Simmons. Fairy was a loyal alumna and friend of Hardin-Simmons until her death on October 24, 1998.

Recipients for the scholarship must be professing Christians who demonstrate a significant financial need. They must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and maintain an active campus life.

The program, offered by the Irvin School of Education, is designed to be an interactive and integrated learning experience according to program director, Dr. Mary Christopher. Younger students will study the structure of nature, Egypt, or Italian art and architecture, while older students, in grades 6-10, will explore the structure of societies, architecture, machines, brains, and comedy. Wait, comedy? "There are structures in comedy that make things funny--either visually or linguistically," says Dr. Christopher, "As we study this field we can determine patterns that make things appear funny and how things may be funny in particular cultures but not in others."

Threshold is unique in Texas and maybe the nation, "There are camps for gifted high school students and a few for middle school, but I don't know of any for elementary children," says Dr. Christopher, "Since students are exposed to topics and information that they often do not have time or opportunity to study in school, we hope they leave with the 'aha' that they never considered before. We want them to get home and have conversations with their parents about this spark of learning. We also want them to develop a healthy self-concept that helps them feel good about who they are. One would assume that a gifted learner has high self-esteem but he/she may struggle with perfectionism, asynchronous development, the need to "fit in" rather that share their ideas and thoughts, internal pressure on himself/herself, etc. While gifted learners often are well-adjusted and even popular, some of these students struggle with finding their place among peers and in school."

The program is so popular, that students attend from cities throughout Texas and as far away as South Dakota, Connecticut, and Indiana, even though "Threshold" is not an in-residence program. Parents of participants think the program is so important that they will stay in a hotel for the duration of the camp just so their child can have a deeper educational experience. Since most schools design curriculum around the average student or skills testing objectives, gifted students often face the same educational deficit that challenged students do. Most schools are simply unable to keep the gifted student interested and engaged because the coursework is often not intellectually challenging enough. "Research shows that gifted learners learn new materials in 1-5 repetitions while average learners need 17-25 repetitions," notes Dr. Christopher, "think how frustrating it would be to 'tread water' while the rest of the class learns the material you got the first time," notes Dr. Christopher. "Threshold" is a showcase for the gifted learning environment and a testimony for the need for gifted programs in public education.

"Threshold" teachers are HSU graduates with master's degrees in gifted education.
Co-teachers are HSU graduate students currently working on an M.A. in gifted education. Parent seminars are held in conjunction with student seminars to educate adults on the unique challenges of guiding the gifted child.

A few openings are still available in week two (21-25 Jul) at Threshold, and at $85 for grades K-5 and $145 for grades 6-10, it's a bargain, "We work to keep our costs low so children can afford to come," says Dr. Christopher noting that upper grade camps run $900 - $1,200 per week at the few universities that have them, "and we have limited scholarships available." Parents can contact Dr. Christopher at 671-2150. Threshold is held in Abilene Hall on the HSU campus.

Shaelly Rausch was an advocate of the Lupus Foundation, Seguin Independent School District Teacher of the Year, president and member of Kappa Pi Gamma Sorority, a Sigma Lambda Chi little Sister, a devoted Sunday School teacher at Faith Lutheran Church, and a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education.

Recipients for the scholarship must be professing Christians who demonstrate a significant financial need. They must maintain a 2.5 grade point average and be students in good standing, free from any disciplinary action.

Mulligans will be on sale for $5.00 apiece, and if last year was any indication, quite a few golfers will be checking their wallets for extra cash as the day wears on. Participants will unwind and talk about the "one that should have dropped" at the post-tournament luncheon where HSU Athletic Director, John Neese will announce the winners.

Proceeds of the tournament benefit the Cowboy Club, but the real value to participants is the fellowship they enjoy with old friends, many of whom they only see once each year at this event. HSU Golf Coach David Sherman still has openings for teams and within teams, so give him a call at 670-1374 to share in the fun.


New Champs proudly stand in front of their first-place trophy
at the Faculty Staff Golf Tournament

The annual Faculty and Staff Golf Tournament wrapped up after 18 holes at Diamond Back Golf Club on Jun 14th. Bragging rights were on the line for 48 duffers as they checked and rechecked scorecards (sometimes using all ten fingers). The results were close, but indisputable. As scores were announced, players were reminded of the impermanence of all things corporeal as Meredith Stone's defending championship team was displaced at the top of the leader board by the laser-guided putters of Leland Harden, Cameron Moore, Sharon Green, and Jeff Goodin.

The complete results follow:

New Champs
Jeff Goodin
Cameron Moore 62
Sharon Green
Leland Harden

Meredith Stone
Joe Alcorta 63
Al Pickett
Travis Frampton

Lonnie Jordan
Shane Williford 63
Gary Stanlake
Sherwyn McNair

Terry Davis
Richard Garner 64
Wayne Roy
Paul Chonko

Ray Roberts
Melanie Orsak 65
Travis Seekins
Charles Garraway

Scott Burkhalter
Jason Koch 66
B. W. Aston
Don Ashmore

Jesse Fletcher
Steve Barrows 68
Tom Copeland
Chuck Sartor

David Jones
Cheryl Davis 68
Charles White
Ken Lyle

Harold Preston
Corby Flanagan 68
Susan Keeling
Don Williford

Mike Garrett
Wade Ashby 68
Joseph Bailey
Steve Jenkins

Alan Wartes
Chris Thibault 69
Bill Ellis
Ben Johnson

Bernie Waldmann
Trish Trifilo 70
Merlin Morrow
John Snapp

"Miss Cul"

For 59 years, Dorothy Aileen Culpepper, or Miss Cul as she was affectionately known, influenced the lives of countless students, faculty, and staff as dormitory director at Hardin-Simmons University. Although she had no children of her own, she was a mother figure to countless young girls, and served as counselor, nurse, chaperone, seamstress, and friend to generations of students who lived away from home for the first time. As frugal with money as she was mindful of her students, she managed her personal finances as a final gift of love to the University that had been so central to her life.

Dorothy Kiser, university registrar says, "Miss Cul gave her life to the university in every sense of the word. She lived for the students who studied here, and they were the central concern in her life for almost six decades. She truly led a selfless life to benefit others,"

Miss Culpepper arrived on the Hardin-Simmons University campus for the first time as a transfer student in 1938. After graduating in 1940 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, she taught and served as principal in the Ira Independent School District, then at Spur ISD. During World War II, she helped fill the nation's need to keep aircraft rolling off the assembly lines as a "Rosie the Riveter" for Consolidated Aircraft in Ft. Worth.

At the end of the war, HSU President Dr. Rupert Richardson asked her to become Assistant to the Dean of Women at HSU. He had seen the loving, yet firm way she worked with students as a student floor chaperone, and wanted someone with her depth of commitment and Christian values taking care of HSU's girls.

Miss Cul was mentor, counselor, disciplinarian, and life coach to the 6,000 students who lived at HSU during her administration, first as Assistant to Dean of Women, and later as Dormitory Director. She listened to confidences, concerns, watched curfew times, and hem lengths, and even helped the girls cope with tragedy. One such incident happened just after she assumed her duties in 1944. A young woman in the dorm had three brothers in the war, and all were killed in action. "I got the messages and had to tell her three times," she recalled. Miss Cul had found her purpose in life, and was one of those blessed souls who made a real difference in so many lives.

Daily, throughout her life, she would write at least ten letters of encouragement, advice, counseling, congratulations, and good cheer to students, faculty, staff, and even those whom she didn't know. A letter from Miss Cul is many an alumna's most treasured gift. Kiser notes, "I was the recipient of many of her precious letters over the years. When I need a word of encouragement, all I have to do is pull out one of those letters."

One would be hard-pressed to find a more loyal alumna or former faculty/staff member. In 1986, Miss Culpepper was awarded the John J. Keeter Jr. Alumni Service Award, the highest honor given by the HSU Alumni Association. She was named Former Staff Member of the Year in 1993-94, and in 1998, the Aileen Culpepper Endowed Scholarship was established in her honor. In 2002 the University yearbook was dedicated to her.

In an expression of love and thanksgiving, Hardin-Simmons honored her in a way that may be unique for a dormitory director. The university awarded an honorary doctor of humanities degree during commencement ceremonies in 2003. Astonished at the honor, Miss Cul insisted that she was as ordinary as anyone could possibly be, but the legions of women who grew up under her watchful eye disagree.

Miss Cul stayed active on the campus, since her retirement in 1985, with the University Women's Organization, the Former Faculty staff Administration Fellowship, and working where needed. She was an active member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.

"The intangible quality at Hardin-Simmons that engenders such love is sometimes difficult to put into words," says Leland Harden, vice president of institutional advancement, "but one has only to look at the life of Aileen Culpepper to see a true expression of this quality. This gift is something she would characteristically do because she believed, with every fiber of her soul, that students should be prepared for life with love, good manners, and solid moral values."

Students study devotional selections to begin the first day of camp

The Texas Fellowship of Christian Athletes is holding its annual summer retreat at Hardin-Simmons University for the 23rd consecutive year, as over 400 student athletes from schools across Texas come to learn and to discuss topics critical to youth. Rodney "Fastball" Ashby, camp director, said this year he wants students to "'Get Focused.' Just as they focus on the critical elements of their sport, we want them to understand the need to keep a strong focus on their spiritual life, too. We hope to teach them ultimate reliance on God's Word."

Mornings begin with contemplative time as campers spread out over the expansive front lawn for individual reflections, devotionals, and inspirational selections from the Bible. Students participate in small group sessions, called "Huddles," compete in athletic activity and competitions, attend assemblies, and share perceptions during guided discussions called "Buzz Groups." Buzz group topics included: "Date or Wait" a discussion of dating considerations, "Garbage in, Garbage Out" referring to internet culture, and "Tattoos" the culture of body art and why it may not be a positive thing. He admits that the popular perception of today's youth isn't particularly positive. "It's me, me, me. I believe our youth leadership can help change that by serving others first."

Campers are already leaders at their local schools, and attend to enhance their understanding of faith, its role in athletics, and its influence on peers. "We teach the principle of influence," says last year's director, Ben Johnson, "The influence a Christian athlete can have as a leader extends far beyond wins and losses on the field." Organizers hope that students will return home with campus leadership activities planned for the coming year, and with the knowledge that being a witness for Christ is a "duty for life."

Texas churches send strongly committed youth to the annual camp to strengthen faith and leadership amid innovative themes, outlandish costumes, and enthusiasm you have to see to believe. Organizers put their hearts, souls, and imagination into the week-long event to keep it current and edgy, as Johnson says,"This is my eighth year as camp director and I spend months on my knees in the months leading up to camp seeking His presence at camp and His plan for camp. But I've witnessed so many students returning to their campuses in the fall inspired, equipped, and enthusiastic as they confidently serve Christ greater. That keeps me coming back!"

A camper makes notations on the day's music lesson

A premiere regional summer music program now in its eighth year, the 2008 festival spotlights students from California, Illinois, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Austin, Wichita Falls, and Midland/Odessa, as well as many talented performers from Abilene. The curriculum features three symphony orchestras, chamber music, composition, conducting, world music ensemble, music history, music theory, technique class, performance class, master class, camper mixer, recreation, and a grand finale concert at the Abilene Civic Center.

Campers treat the Grand Finale audience to a performance of Respighi's "Pines of Rome," often referred to as a "visual feast for the ears." Those who think classical music isn't exciting will travel on the notes of one of Respighi's most famous compositions from the gardens of Villa Borghese, to the catacombs of Rome, to the Janiculum, to the Apian Way. The dramatic imagery of the piece will leave the audience wanting to hop the next plane to Italy to see it for themselves.

One of the larger ensembles rehearses for the Grand Finale

The Grand Finale, scheduled for 3:00, Jun 14, is one of four performance opportunities open to Abilene residents. The music begins with a faculty concert June 11th at 7:00 p.m. in the Woodward-Dellis Recital Hall on the HSU campus, and continues with the ArtWalk Student Concert at the Civic Center June 12th at 6:00. The Student Chamber Music Recital follows on June 13th at 7:00 p.m. in Woodward-Dellis. There is no charge to the public for any of the performances.

The ASMF has enjoyed generous support in the form of grants from the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, the Community Foundation of Abilene, Dian Graves Owen Foundation, the Downtown Revitalization Program of the Tax Increment Finance District, the City of Abilene, Taylor County, the Gamma Phi chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, and the Theta Lambda chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Raul Diaz learns that his was the winning entry

The judges, representing HSU's Enrollment Services and Marketing departments, announced the selection live on a remote KRBC broadcast on the HSU lawn. Diaz receives a one-year full-ride scholarship to HSU valued at $17,400 for his inspired production. Diaz was shocked when his name was announced, and said, "This is wonderful, I've always wanted to be able to make my own way, and this lets me get started on my degree without putting a burden on my parents." It was a long ride from Lubbock for Diaz who said, "I couldn't stop thinking about the possibility of winning on the way down here. Then I remembered what my dad always told me, to 'let go and let God,' and I did that."

Raul gives his father a hug as emotions take over

Graduating high school seniors were given the challenge of crafting a 60-second video with the theme, "What I'll do with my HSU Diploma." "Raul's video created a compelling atmosphere to show how he would make use of his diploma from HSU," said Leland Harden, HSU's vice president for Institutional Advancement and one of the judges, "He displayed thought, focus, and wit in his presentation that made him stand above the rest."

"What an honor," says Coronado High School principal Eric McKnight, "Anthony is one of the most dedicated individuals I know. Whether it's academics or football, he pays close attention to detail. He has continued to workout in the weight room since the end of football last November, even though it is not required of seniors. He is committed to work hard, in the classroom and on the football field."

"This is a great collaboration with KRBC and an awesome opportunity for high school students to contribute to the energetic atmosphere of our campus," says Amanda Etter, HSU marketing director, "Incoming students begin to feel connected, be a part of the creative environment that makes our University unique, and show us what they want to do with their degree. Above all, these students truly want to make an impact on the world, all with an education enlightened by faith."

The 12 HSU students chose to become a Pedometer Partner as part of a class project involving community service. The group raised $1,600 to purchase equipment and supplies, including pedometer kits for each classroom. With the pedometers, the children will measure steps taken and miles walked, increasing activity levels. Classes also incorporate the pedometer numbers into math, science, and geography lessons.

"The goal of the Pedometer Partner Program is to address the childhood obesity epidemic in our community through teaching kids a fun, simple way to get the activity they need," said Marka Riddle, registered dietician at Hendrick Medical Center. "We are excited to have this group of HSU students make the Pedometer Partner Program a reality for another one of our local schools."

Linda Carleton, director, presents the award to Dr. Turner

The W. Craig Turner Award is in recognition of Dr. Craig Turner's vision for a community of neighbors helping neighbors and his willingness to lend his leadership and support for the development of a community renewal program in Abilene, Texas. The establishment of Connecting Caring Communities (CCC) is a direct result of Dr. Turner's generosity in sharing the success of the pilot program at HSU with the entire Abilene community. CCC now exists to further develop the renewal of neighbors helping neighbors and mutually enhancing relationships as the foundation for a sustainable community.

The award will be given to an outstanding person, family, or partner who exemplifies the practice of this vision in a remarkable way. The recipient will be determined by the board of directors from nominations made by staff or others directly involved with one of the three Connecting Caring Communities strategies: Caring Team, Haven Houses, or Internal Care Unit (Friendship House) neighborhoods.

The CCC board of directors chose to honor Turner as he takes a new role outside of Abilene. Turner has been an invaluable resource, supporter, partner, and encourager for CCC since its inception. Dr. Turner said he was humbled by the honor and grateful for the great work Connecting Caring Communities is doing in Abilene.

The McRae firm has served higher education since 1984 and has conducted 47
presidential searches for independent and church-related institutions. Jon McRae will serve as our Lead Consultant and will be on campus in the next few weeks to meet with the Presidential Search and Search Advisory Committees, and representatives of other constituencies.

Nominations and expressions of interest should be directed to Jon McRae and
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Email: jma@jonmcrae.com
770-272-9040

Zachary

A member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society, she received the Holland Medal for the Speech-Language Pathology Outstanding Graduate Award this spring.

Balancing academics with a family, our honoree is married and has three children. She and her family are active members of Crescent Heights Baptist Church in Abilene. Serving as the only full-time staff employee for the Holland School, she coordinates activities for over 20 full-time and five part-time faculty members and supervises more than a dozen student workers. She is the daughter of Mary and the late Loyd Hazelton of Abilene and the wife of Russell Zachry.

Established in 1914, the Olsen Medal is awarded annually at Spring Commencement to the graduate who has the highest grade average, exemplifies the highest in scholarly achievement, and has completed 90 semester hours of residence credit at HSU.

Beth Craig was named the recipient of the Minnie L. Anderson Award. A mathematics major, with a minor in business administration, Craig distinguished herself in academics, athletics and service through tutoring other students. She was a member of the varsity soccer team for four years, earning academic all-region, and was named to the all-conference and all-tournament this year. She maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

Craig

She is a member of Gamma Beta Phi National Honor Society and a member of Kappa Mu Epsilon National Honor Society in mathematics. She has made the President's List each of her eight semesters at Hardin-Simmons. She has received The Dean's Scholarship, the Eiland Mathematics Scholarship and a Holland Scholarship. She was recipient of the Freshman Mathematics Award, the Burnam Award in mathematics, and the Holland Medal in mathematics. In addition to all of her academic and athletic activities, she has also taught Mother's Day Out classes. The Midland, Texas, native is the daughter of Jan and Ken Craig.

The award is presented to a senior woman who excels in character, personal development, service to the university, and completes three or more years of residence credit at HSU.

McKade Marshall, of Tuscola, Texas, an accounting major with a double minor in mathematics and computer science, is the recipient of the George Skiles Anderson Award. He made the President's list and the National Dean's List and was named in Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. He received the USAA All-American Scholar Award, the USAA Business Merit Award, the USAA Computer Science Award, and the Outstanding Freshman in Mathematics Award.

McKade

He served the Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society as President, served the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Fraternity as both Treasurer and President, and served as a member of the Freshman Leadership Council. He is a volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club and served as a student peer leader for New Student Orientation. For two of his college years, he was the full-time administrative director for the Jeff Berry Band. He also worked as an accounting intern for Action Professional Outsourcing and has built websites as a computer programmer for Christian Databases.

This semester concludes his service as chaplain for the Gamma Beta Phi national service honor fraternity, President of Students in Free Enterprise, and President of the HSU Student Congress. He is a member of the Texas Society of CPAs, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Association of Information Professionals.

The award is presented to a senior man who excels in character, personal development, service to the university, and completes three or more years in-residence at HSU. He is the son of Mary Atwell and Mark and Sherry Marshall.

Carrie Tippen, a Hedley, Texas, native and candidate for the master of arts in English, was named the recipient of the Hemphill Graduate Honor Award.

Tippen

The Hemphill Award is presented each May by the Graduate School to the student who excels in academic studies, possesses character and behavior consistent with the university's purpose, and exhibits potential for significant contribution to his or her chosen field. Endowed by Dr. Lee Hemphill and Mrs. Lunelle Hemphill, the award is presented each year at the May commencement and includes a plaque and cash award.

While pursuing her Master's degree, she served as the literary editor of the 2008 Corral, HSU's Student literary/Art publication. She also worked as a graduate assistant, tutoring undergraduate students in developmental writing courses. Her creative writing talent is evident in her poetry and thesis. Dr. Robert Fink judges her to be "one of the finest graduate students" he has known in his thirty-one years of teaching at Hardin-Simmons.
She is the daughter of Mrs. And Mr. Eddie Helm, and is married to Mr. Jay

I understand the hestitancy in blowing the school's own horn; there is the danger that prospective students will think they are guaranteed placement by coming to HSU. That's true anywhere. But, the folks at Holland must be doing something really, really well, because even exceptional students need outstanding undergraduate credentials to get into the medical disciplines. Congratulations to our pre-med (soon to be med) students! That's just remarkable!

Rex L. Nutt

He began his career during the years following the largest polio epidemic in U. S. history. Although a mass immunization program began in the late 1950s, Mr. Nutt was involved with the rehabilitation effort at the Warm Springs Foundation in Gonzales, Texas, for hundreds of individuals already afflicted with the polio virus and the resulting paralysis.

During the early 1960s, Mr. Nutt returned to the Hermann School of Physical Therapy in Houston, where taught and published on a variety of subjects, including anatomy, functional anatomy, medical physics, therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation, and massage. After serving as director of this educational program, Mr. Nutt established his own private physical therapy practice in Houston, which he operated for more than 20 years before returning to Abilene to serve as Director of Rehabilitation at the State School.

Recognizing the need for more qualified rehabilitation personnel to serve the citizens of Abilene and its surrounding communities, he campaigned for the development of a physical therapy educational program in Abilene. In addition to his contributions to the development of the HSU physical therapy program, Mr. Nutt has lectured at Texas Woman's University in
Houston, the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas State University in San

Marcos, Odessa College, and Angelo State University. The Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) renamed its Outstanding Physical Therapy Student Award in Mr. Nutt's honor. Seven HSU students have received the Rex Nutt Outstanding Student Award out the eleven years that the award has been presented.

As the movement to develop a Physical Therapy program at Hardin-Simmons University gained momentum, he served on the initial advisory committee; was instrumental in recruiting Dr. William Gould, the first department head; and personally acted as the initial Director of Clinical Education to establish key clinical education sites for our students. Today, he continues to involve himself in classroom teaching and admissions interviews.

Mr. Nutt was also instrumental in building the professional rehabilitation staff at Abilene State School, where he worked for more than a decade before retiring in 2000. During his tenure at the State School, he developed a statewide program to attract Physical Therapists to the State School practice setting. He created a stipend program which hires individuals while they are still in school. In return, the graduate has a guaranteed job in the Habilitation Services Department at a State School in Texas. To date, seven Hardin-Simmons University Physical Therapy students have benefited from this program.

One of Mr. Nutt's most notable and life-changing contributions to the Abilene area has been his active participation with Disability Resources, Inc. (DRI). Mr. Nutt and his wife Joann, together with other parents of children with disability needs, formed this non-profit agency. The mission of DRI is to assist developmentally disabled individuals to achieve their full potential in a Christian environment. DRI has grown and now has its own campus providing residential housing, job training, and recreation. For many years, Mr. Nutt served as the Chairman of the Board of DRI, and although he has retired from that position, he still serves on the board.

Mr. Nutt received a Bachelor of Science from Abilene Christian University, a Master of Science from Texas Woman's University in Houston, Texas, and the Certificate of Proficiency from the Hermann school of Physical Therapy in Houston. He has served as an administrative elder at Highland Church of Christ for over 15 years, is an active member of the Abilene Rotary Club and a member of the club's Board of Directors since 1998, and volunteers as a mentor to one of the local middle schools. We, at Hardin-Simmons are honored to have the privilege of claiming Rex L. Nutt as one of our own. Acting upon the unanimous action of the Board of Trustees and the confirmation of the faculty, Hardin-Simmons University proudly confers the Honorary Doctor of Science degree upon Rex L. Nutt this 10th day of May, 2008.

The 10:00 a.m. ceremony confers degrees 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 confers degrees from the Kelly College of Business, the Irvin School of Education, and the School of Music and Fine Arts.

Dr. Bill Ellis, university provost, delivers the morning address and encourages candidates to "burn the ships." Taking a hint from Paul's admonition to put on the "whole armor of God," he uses a military metaphor to suggest how graduates might live their lives and advises them to pick their battles wisely, pack and prepare well for the campaigns of life, and commit completely to the cause.

Dr. Michael Whitehorn, senior vice president for student development, challenges the afternoon graduating class to "be true to yourself." How? "By knowing yourself, by knowing the principles by which you plans to live, and by having the awareness that while you cannot always control events, you can always control the reaction to events." Using the example of the ragged knight in Don Quixote, he encourages candidates to develop the capacity to love unconditionally and embrace life as a gift from God.

Compassionate healer and academic visionary, Rex L. Nutt receives the Honorary Doctor of Science during morning ceremonies. The founder of Disability Resources , Inc., advocate of physical therapy for the disabled, and private practitioner was the driving force behind the formation of the Hardin-Simmons University physical therapy program.

The graduating senior selected for the honor of presenting special music is clarinetist, Jeremiah McCurdy, student of Dr. Charles Coltman, assistant professor of clarinet and saxophone. He is accompanied by Shirley Anderson, adjunct instructor in piano.

A highlight Commencement at HSU is the recognition of top students whose academic record and service to the community are of special note. This spring the university honors the top graduate student with the Hemphill Graduate Honor Award, and the top undergraduates with the George Skiles Anderson Award, the Minnie L. Anderson Award, and the Olsen Medal.