Houston Christian University (HCU) hosted its 2022-2023 Spring Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 13, in the Linda and Archie Dunham Theatre, marking its 57th year of awarding degrees to graduating seniors.
“What began as an idea in the hearts of our founding fathers led to the establishment of Houston Baptist College in 1960. With the strong foundation built upon, the institution has become the renowned, national and comprehensive University it is today,” HCU Provost Stanley Napper told the audience of parents, friends and supporters.
Rev. Garry Blackmon, Chair of HCU’s Board of Trustees joined Dr. Napper in presenting degrees at each commencement ceremony held throughout the day.
Degrees were awarded in honor of 488 spring semester graduates, including undergraduate and graduate students, bringing the number of students who have received degrees from Houston Christian University since the institution’s first commencement in 1967 to a total of 25,517 graduates.
In his commencement speech, HCU President Robert Sloan commended students for reaching a great milestone in their lives in completing their degrees and charged them to think of and serve the needs of others in every aspect of their lives.
“The exhortation I have for you this morning is to develop a mentality, a mindset, a way of looking at the world in terms of other people that says you are going to take a great interest in the needs of others. You are going to reflect the mind and lifestyle of Christ,” said Dr. Sloan.
He noted that this kind of mindset isn’t always successful in the world and that it may not make you popular or make you a lot of money or make you a celebrity. But the kind of mindset that thinks about the good of others is a mindset that reflects the humility and lifestyle of Christ.
“I promise you, if you live your life that way – If you have a habit of mind of serving, giving, loving, sharing, divesting yourself of your own selfish prerogatives – I promise you that one day, God will completely vindicate that type of lifestyle. And one day you will be standing before God and he will do, as Jesus said in the parables, he will say to you, well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things, enter into the joy of my Kingdom,” concluded Dr. Sloan.
Convocations for the various colleges were held in three different ceremonies throughout the day.