Houston Christian University (HCU) hosted its 2023 December commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 16, in The Linda and Archie Dunham Theater, marking the 58th year degrees have been awarded to graduating students.
HCU Provost Stanley Napper presided over the ceremonies and paid tribute to HCU’s founding fathers for the inspiration that led to creation of the University, and then invited parents to stand to be acknowledged for the role they played in the lives of graduation candidates.
HCU Board of Trustee Chair Garry Blackmon announced the board of trustees official approval of degrees before the Deans and faculty from each college and school announced the names of the graduates.
Diplomas were presented to 313 fall semester graduates 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 25,961 graduates.
HCU President Robert Sloan congratulated graduates on earning their diplomas and reaching a great milestone and marker in their lives but pointed to a greater marker in human history – God becoming flesh and dwelling among us through His son, Jesus Christ.
Dr. Sloan issued a special charge to graduating students in his commencement remarks.
“Let your life be a marker, let your life be a symbol, an insignia and a signal that God has done something dramatic through Christ Jesus that has changed you and affected you and live your life in the reality of the Living God who has revealed himself through Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Sloan.
Commencement ceremonies concluded with the singing of “Hail the Orange and Blue, led by Elizabeth Lee ’24 (9 a.m. ceremony) and Dr. Kevin Klotz (11 a.m.ceremony) and “Grand Choeur,” a recessional song led by Theodore Salome and accompanied by University organist, John Kirk.