The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor held commencement services for the fall 2021 semester on Dec. 3 at the Bell County Expo Center, and several students from east Williamson County were among the graduates.
Earning bachelor degrees were Hutto’s Peyton Nicole Jacobs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing majoring in nursing; Denalyn Isabel Quevedo with a Bachelor of Science in biology, and Kailyn Faith Strain with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication; and Taylor’s Marisa Reyes with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing majoring in nursing. Receiving a master degree was Hayden Wilder Ball with a Master of Business Administration majoring in business administration.
This was the university's 165th graduating class, and a total of 417 students were awarded degrees, including 333 baccalaureate degrees, 45 master's degrees and 39 doctoral degrees.
UMHB President Randy O'Rear commended students for their dedication and determination to finish their degrees and celebrated the accomplishments of the class of 2021.
"Parents and family members, I know you are excited that this day has finally arrived, and I know how proud you are. Thank you for trusting UMHB with your graduate and for being a part of our Crusader family," he said. "Fifty-eight members of your class are the first in their family to earn a college degree, and 15 of the undergraduates in your class are graduating with a perfect 4.0. The youngest members of your class are 20 years old, and the oldest member of your class is 59 years young.
“We know you have bright futures ahead of you,” he added, “and we are excited to be sending another group of Crusaders out into the world. We are confident that you are prepared and will use your distinctive Christian education to help make the world a better place. Our country and our world certainly need people like you."
The President's Award for meritorious service went to Kailyn Strain, of Hutto.
