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Week of Monday, April 6, 2026
Vol. 11, Issue 7


Conquering Presentations By: Janaya Buckley
As the spring semester of 2026 draws to a close, it is certain some students will receive a project that they either must present individually, or part of a group. Though this is definitely easier said than done, as more than half of the total population struggles with public speaking. Be that as it may, there are ways to make the experience easier on the presenter. The first step to overcoming anxiety is preparation. Being prepared for something rather than doing it at t

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4 hours ago2 min read


Easter By: Brett Briggeman
It is now the time of year when the Easter holiday is right around the corner. For Christians, we hold this weekend in high esteem as the most important week for our faith apart from the birth of Christ. We celebrate Good Friday, remembering the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for the sins of the world. We sit and rest in the silence of Holy Saturday, wrestling with the same thoughts and fears of the disciples, sympathizing with their grief. And then we rejoice on Res

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Apr 23 min read


Tips and Tricks: A Good Character By: Janaya Buckley
Are you interested in writing your own story, or maybe you just want to make a character for fun and are confused on where to start? Well, there is so much advice out there on how to write, and do it well. However, writing a character is harder than it looks. Once a writer has an idea for a book, they’ll need a solid character to go along with it. First, define what the character wants. A character’s motivation is central to the story- it's what commands them and gives them a

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Apr 24 min read


Self-Diagnosis; Valid or Not? By: Janaya Buckley
In an age where mental health is becoming more recognized and researched; diagnosing and finding treatment for disorders is still difficult for many to achieve. This why self-diagnosis has become more and more common. As defined— self-diagnosis is a process of documenting and identifying a mental health condition without the help of a medical professional. Individuals who self diagnose claim they have a certain disorder without consulting with a doctor. In modern society,

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Mar 272 min read


Tracks Review By: Brett Briggeman
The Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) Department of Theatre will participate in a student-led theatre production process and series known as Director’s Cut . The purpose of the series is to allow students to have the opportunity to practice and demonstrate skills learned in class. As student-led productions, these shows go beyond classwork but are not as complex or as fully realized as a mainstage production. The most recent addition to the Director’s Cut Series is Tracks ,

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Mar 276 min read


The Hobbit Book Review By: Brett Briggeman
For many readers, The Hobbit is more than a fantasy adventure. It is an invitation into a world that feels alive with meaning. It tells the story of a quiet hobbit who enjoys comfort, routine, and the peace of home, yet suddenly finds himself drawn into an unexpected journey alongside a band of travelers seeking to reclaim something that was lost. Along the road they encounter strange lands, mysterious creatures, moments of danger and surprising acts of courage. What makes

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Mar 203 min read


Making the Most of Spring Break: Productive Tips By: Delani Bauer
Hardin-Simmons University’s (HSU) Spring Break takes place March 9 through March 13. It is important to use the break to relax, rewind and be productive with your time. As many students leave the HSU campus and are traveling home, it is important for them to travel safely. Students from all over Texas, other states and across the country are represented at HSU, meaning many have traveled long distances. No matter the distance or method of transportation, it is important t

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Mar 202 min read


Marvin’s Room Review by: Brett Briggeman
The Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) Department of Theatre has returned, putting on a play that encompasses the unknown of our lives and reminds us that life is full of ups and downs. Marvin’s Room is the Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Play and the John Gassner Award for Best New American Play. Written by Scott McPherson, this tender and funny play is about family, love, resentment, healing, dying and

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Feb 193 min read


The Impact of Artificial Intelligence: Part Two: A Students Perspective By: Brett Briggeman
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most controversial topics of our time. Many look at this technology with excitement and intrigue, believing that it will help usher us into a new age of progress and success. Others look at AI and are extremely skeptical as to its benefit to humanity or believe that it poses a serious risk to modern society. Last week, professors at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) presented their personal opinions on AI, as well as how they
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Nov 25, 20253 min read


Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month by: Brett Briggeman
November carries a quiet weight for men around the world. Many men have labeled the month as “Movember,” growing mustaches in solidarity for men’s health; not just physical, but mental. Beneath the playful whiskers and fundraising runs, lies a message that is anything but lighthearted, men are struggling, and too many are doing it in silence. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men account for nearly 80 percent of all suicide deaths in the Unit

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Nov 15, 20252 min read


Keith Urban Concert Review by: Brett Briggeman
On Oct. 9, I had the opportunity to go and see the country music legend and icon Keith Urban in concert for the first time. After years of listening to his music and falling in love with his style, I finally was there, in person, getting to see him work and it was beautiful. But before Keith Urban started playing, his show opened with three fantastic country music artists: Karley Scott Collins, Alana Springsteen, and Chase Matthew. One of the things that I enjoy the most a

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Nov 1, 20252 min read


Bullying Awareness by: Janaya Buckley
October is the month of National Bullying awareness in the United States, but awareness for bullying should not end there. Bullying does not only happen through elementary to high school, it can also occur throughout adulthood. Whether it be at the workplace, on a college campus, or elsewhere, bullying can cause significant trauma and damage to an individual over a significant period of time. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of what you can do if you or someone you know is

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Oct 31, 20253 min read


Fun Things to Do in Abilene By: Janaya Buckley
Whether you are a returning resident of Abilene, or if you are an entirely new face, You are probably aware that the West Texas...

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Oct 10, 20252 min read


Mental Health Matters By: Brylie Myers
College can be a lonely place for a lot of people. Between the pressure to succeed academically, adjusting to living independently and...

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Sep 19, 20253 min read


A Note from the Editor by: Marlee Sorrells
I have never been good at saying goodbye and this will be no exception. Working for The Brand has been one of the biggest blessings...

HSU Brand
May 1, 20253 min read


Staff Column: King of Kings by: Brett Briggeman
King of Kings (2025) is an animated Angel Studios production and began its theatrical run on April 11. The movie is directed by...

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Apr 25, 20253 min read


Studying: The Best Places and How to Make the Most of Them by: Delani Bauer
Where to Study: Studying goes well beyond just learning in the classroom or cramming information in your dorm room. Hardin-Simmons...

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Apr 18, 20252 min read


Staff Column: Rascal Flatts by: Brett Briggeman
Rascal Flatts is currently celebrating 25 years as a band, touring the United States of America on their Life is a Highway tour. ...

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Apr 11, 20253 min read


Beach Reach 2025 by: Brett Briggeman
This spring break, I had the opportunity to take part in a mission trip called Beach Reach. This was my second year taking part in the...

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Mar 28, 20254 min read


Things to do in Abilene by: Brett Briggeman
Abilene, though not a huge city like Dallas or Houston, has many distinctive opportunities for visitors, residents and college students...

HSU Brand
Mar 7, 20253 min read


The Brand Movie Column: The Forge by: Brett Briggeman
I love movies… However, sometimes a good movie is hard to find, especially if I am looking for a faith- based film that will edify my...

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Feb 28, 20252 min read


The Abilene Burger Brawl by: Brett Briggeman
The Downtown Abilene Burger Brawl began Jan. 15 and will last through Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. This competition features nine different Abilene...

HSU Brand
Feb 14, 20254 min read


Christmas Traditions by: Katie Caudle
At Hardin-Simmons University we celebrate Christmas by making our whole campus light up at the Christmas Lighting, but how do other...

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Dec 4, 20242 min read


A Piece of Encouragement by: Abbey Pardue
The school year is in full swing, and the fall semester is already speeding by. The hustle and bustle has already begun and the busyness...

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Sep 27, 20242 min read


Western Heritage Day by: Delani Bauer
On Thursday, April 25, Hardin-Simmons University will be hosting its 42nd annual Western Heritage Day. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. and...

HSU Brand
Apr 12, 20242 min read


The History of Easter by: Abbey Pardue
Easter is just around the corner and many are excited to celebrate. While Easter is a fun time with egg hunts, pretty pastel colors and...

HSU Brand
Mar 27, 20242 min read


Things To Do Over Spring Break by: Abbey Pardue
Spring Break is coming up quickly, and while some of us will be spending time in the mountains or at Disneyland, others of us will be at...

HSU Brand
Mar 7, 20242 min read


Lent: A Season of Prayer by: Abbey Pardue
This year, with Lent beginning on Valentine’s Day and occurring during a leap year, I am excited to see what new opportunities and...

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Feb 23, 20242 min read


My Experience at TMEA by: Lauren Sincerney
This past weekend, Hardin-Simmons University music students attended the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Convention in San...

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Feb 16, 20243 min read


Woyzeck Review by: Brett Briggeman
Last Saturday, Hardin-Simmons University’s theater students put on a student-directed theater production, Woyzeck. This Director’s Cut...

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Feb 8, 20242 min read
Finals Week Tips
By Reece Hester As the lovely winter holidays approach, and some are preparing to graduate, there is still much work to be done. Before...

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Dec 10, 20232 min read
How Differences are Unified in Thanksgiving
By: Brett Briggeman Thanksgiving is a federal holiday in the United States and is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November....

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Nov 24, 20232 min read
Missions in Cambodia
By: Reece Hester I am a psychology major with a minor in communications, a senior graduating this December, and I love life. As a...

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Nov 4, 20233 min read
Freshmen in SING
By: Brett Briggeman During homecoming weekend here at HSU, many different activities took place. These ranged from tailgates to multiple...

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Oct 26, 20232 min read


The Making of Homecoming By: Abbey Pardue
Hardin-Simmons University Homecoming on Oct.14, was a major success. After all the planning and preparation, all of the efforts across...

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Oct 19, 20232 min read


Mental Health and Suicide Awareness By: Reece Hester
Suicide incidences and mental disorders are increasing across the United States. Between the ages of 15-24, suicide in the U.S. was the...

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Oct 12, 20232 min read


A Seasonal Reminder of God By: Abbey Pardue
October is here, and we all know what that means. Fall is in full swing,school is in session, our tans are fading, the pools are closing...

HSU Brand
Oct 12, 20232 min read


My Tips for Avoiding Mosquito Bites By: Marlee Sorrells
Despite the weather going back and forth from warm to cold, mosquitoes are beginning to show up and bite people. While most people...

HSU Brand
Apr 24, 20232 min read


My Easter Traditions By: Abbey Pardue
With Easter right around the corner, I have found myself reminiscing on what my Easters looked like as a kid. Things look a little...

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Apr 7, 20232 min read


A Spring Break Breakdown Where There Were No Kentucky Buc-ee’s By: Mari Lacefield
*This story is intended to be a humorous retelling of a spring break adventure* Spring break: a time for a college student to relax,...

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Apr 7, 20234 min read


Sally Hemings’ Room Uncovered. By: Alex Guillory
As the end of National Women’s History Month approaches, I would like to highlight a lesser-known female figure of the United States. Her...

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Apr 1, 20232 min read


HSU Students’ Favorite Girl Scout Cookies By: Abbey Pardue
Girl Scout Cookie season is in full swing and students have been grabbing boxes every chance they get. However, when a Scout walks up to...

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Apr 1, 20232 min read


Hidden Gems of Abilene by: Abbey Pardue
With midterms and the end of the school year sneaking up on students, I thought it would be nice to share some places that fellow...

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Mar 9, 20232 min read


Spring Sweets: Students Favorite Places to Get Ice Cream By: Megan Jewell
As the spring season is quickly approaching, it is a wonderful time of the year to enjoy ice cream. Hardin-Simmons University students...

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Mar 9, 20231 min read


Students Remember the Alamo Through Dodgeball By: Marlee Sorrells
SABERS hosted “The Battle of the Alamo” dodgeball tournament on Feb. 27 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Fletcher Fitness Center. Students signed...

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Mar 8, 20232 min read


Health Professions Job Fair Recap By: Onosetale Eimunjeze
On Nov. 2, Hardin-Simmons University hosted its annual health professions job fair in room 103 of the Johnson Building. Hardin-Simmons...

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Nov 14, 20222 min read


What are you Grateful for this Semester? By: Megan Jewell
It is almost Thanksgiving break which means we are over halfway finished with the semester. The tests are piling up, finals are almost...

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Nov 14, 20222 min read


Why Pluto Deserved Better By: Alex Guillory
I remember the exact moment in time when I learned that Pluto would no longer be considered a planet. Pluto officially deemed a dwarf...

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Nov 14, 20222 min read


HSSM Research Society Meeting Recap By: Kaitlyn Beutel
On Oct. 27, the Holland School of Sciences and Mathematics (HSSM) Research society held a meeting where Dr. Jackson, the Dean of the...

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Nov 4, 20222 min read


Carving vs Painting Pumpkins By: Megan Jewell
The fall season is a wonderful time to visit pumpkin patches and decorate pumpkins with friends. I decided to survey Hardin-Simmons...

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Nov 4, 20222 min read
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