The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas held commencement services for the Spring 2022 semester on Saturday, May 7 at Crusader Stadium. This was the university’s 166th graduating class with 403 confirmed graduates.
Receiving a Bachelor Degree was Garrett Martin Wainwright of Fairfield, Texas who was awarded a BS in Biology Pre-Health Professions.
UMHB President Dr. Randy O’Rear commended students for their dedication and determination to finish their degrees and celebrated the accomplishments of the class of 2022.
“It is great to be together in Crusader Stadium surrounded by the family members and friends who have encouraged these graduates,” he said. “Class of 2022, 63 of you are the first in your family to graduate from college. 190 of you only took 3 years to graduate, and 24 of you are graduating with a perfect 4.0. The youngest members of your class, there are two of you, are 19 years old, and the oldest member of your class is 62 years young.”
“When you began your college journey, I know you probably expected some unforeseen twists and turns. But I doubt any of you expected the curveballs that you were thrown,” he continued. “During your time here at UMHB the world shut down due to Covid and Central Texas froze. For a period of time, you did not have the typical college experience. And yet, when you were asked about your time here, those are some of the moments many of you said have shaped you the most. You said you learned just how strong you really are, you found an extended family, and you realized how much you needed each other.”
Student awards given during the ceremony included the Provost Medal for highest overall GPA, which was awarded to 24 students who each graduated with perfect 4.0 grade point averages: Sydney Ashmore, Kathryn Brewer, Diana Chantaca, Katherine Clark, Kaden Cordell, Alexandra Corpuz, Annika Criss, Clayton Deaver, Elizabeth Franklin, Dannah Fritschle, Bayleigh Grogan, Cory Gunter, Summer Helbig, Holly Hernandez, Grace John, Emily Knorr, Scotlyn Lowe, Tanner Luce, Jade Ming, Kristen Robinson, Richard Underwood, Alexis Viering, Hannah Walton, and Grace Windle.
The Loyalty Cup, which is awarded to the student who is most representative of the university’s ideals, traditions, and spirit, was given to Dannah Fritschle. The President’s Award for meritorious service went to Kaden Cordell. The Honors Program Summa Cum Laude recipients were Kalina Brenchley, Dannah Fritschle, Emily Knorr, and Morgan Raines.
In addition, three UMHB students, Robert Galligan, Keaton McDonald, and Robert Stafford were commissioned as Second Lieutenants into the Army at a formal ceremony on campus Saturday morning. They were then officially sworn in at the commencement ceremony.
