At Houston Christian University’s (HCU) 2025–2026 Spring Commencement ceremonies, the University celebrated the academic achievements of graduating students and the institution’s enduring Christian mission during its 65th year of operation and 60th year of awarding degrees.
HCU President Robert Sloan opened the ceremony by congratulating graduates and reflecting on the significance of commencement day. He noted the University’s continued growth, which now requires commencement exercises to be divided into four indoor ceremonies each year. Sloan encouraged graduates to remember not only the pageantry and celebration of the day, but also its connection to Ascension Thursday on the Christian calendar.
Drawing from biblical passages in Acts, Hebrews, Ephesians, 1 Corinthians, Revelation, and 1 Peter, Dr. Sloan described the Ascension of Jesus Christ as a foundational moment in Christian theology — emphasizing Christ’s exaltation, kingship, victory over evil, and continuing intercession for believers. He connected these themes to the graduates’ future responsibilities, warning them against worldly temptations and urging them to remain faithful to the values and teachings they had received from family, professors, ministers and scripture.
In one of the central challenges of his address, Sloan warned graduates about spiritual dangers they may face after leaving the University, stating, “Your adversary the devil prowls about like a roaring lion seeking who he may devour.” He urged students to remain vigilant and grounded in their faith, adding, “Don’t let the lures and temptations of this world drag you into the lion’s net.”
Sloan concluded by encouraging graduates to dedicate their talents and education to Christ, reminding them that they were “more than conquerors through Christ” and that nothing could separate them from the love of God.
Following the presidential address, HCU Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Stanley Napper highlighted the University’s history and achievements. Reflecting on the institution’s development since its founding in 1960 as Houston Baptist College, Napper said, “Keeping Christian principles at the forefront, the university has retained its character as it has grown.”
“Keeping Christian principles at the forefront, the university has retained its character as it has grown,” Napper said.
Napper announced that 537 graduates would be honored during the morning ceremony. With this graduating class, the total number of degrees awarded by Houston Christian University since its first commencement in 1967 reached 28,435. He also recognized the faculty, deans, and academic leadership who assisted in conferring degrees and acknowledged that some graduates listed in the commencement program were unable to attend in person.
The ceremony concluded with preparations for the formal awarding of degrees, celebrating both the graduates’ accomplishments and the university’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence grounded in Christian faith.