Spring Graduation 2025 by: Brett Briggeman

Hardin-Simmons University graduation commencement ceremonies will begin on May 9, at the Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N 6th St, Abilene, Texas, 79601. The event will be live streamed at www.hsutx.edu/live.

The College of Health Professionals, the Holland School of Math and Sciences and the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing will begin their ceremony at 10 a.m. 

The Kelley College of Business and Professional Studies, the College of Arts and Media and the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts will begin their ceremony at 2 p.m.

As the Spring Semester comes to a close, many students will be going home or will begin working in preparation for the Fall 2025 semester. However, many HSU students are celebrating a new and well-earned accomplishment: graduating from college. 

Madison Neil is a senior agribusiness major from Luella. She is part of multiple organizations on campus, such as the Gamma Beta Phi honors society, Six White Horses, Student Government Association and she is president of HSU Cowboy Country.

“I think my favorite thing about HSU is the community that I found here,” Neil said. “I’m super excited to use my skills from HSU to do my full time job as a full time wrangler down in Van.”

Neil also credits HSU for allowing her to grow in her faith. She encourages new students to dive headfirst into the college experience.

“HSU has been such a light in my faith.” Neil said. “The advice I would give to someone who just started college would be to go do everything. You never know what you can get yourself into that you’re gonna end up loving. And if we don’t have something or if the college that you go to doesn't have something, create it. That’s what I did.”

Marlee Sorrells is a senior communications sciences and disorders major from Lindale. She is the outgoing  Editor-in-Chief for The Brand newspaper, a member of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA) and also works for University Events and ACE Tutoring.

“I have loved going to HSU,” Sorrells said. “There is not a doubt in my mind that I am where I am supposed to be getting my education. I've been able to do so much more than I thought I would through the University. I love the community here, and the professors really collaborate with the students and allow for a welcoming learning experience.” 

Sorrells is excited for graduation, looking forward to the future and continuing her education on the graduate level.

“I'm looking forward to receiving my diploma and finishing my time as an undergraduate,” Sorrells said. “It is going to be so special walking the stage with my friends and celebrating with my family afterward. I'm also excited to go to graduate school in the fall. I will be attending Texas Tech Health Science Center in Lubbock to receive a degree in speech-language pathology.”

Sorrells also credits her growth in faith and in her personal relationship with God to her time at HSU.

“I really feel like my faith has become my own from my time at Hardin-Simmons,” Sorrells said. “It sounds cliche but I really did come into college believing everything my parents did and I'm proud to say that I have my own ever changing relationship with the Lord now.”

“My advice for someone starting their college journey is to dive headfirst into everything,” Sorrells said. “Stay on top of your classes, of course, but do not say no to the freshman dorm event or the Bible study on campus. Get involved with as much as you can handle. College will be whatever you make it, and you might as well make the most of it.”

Mikael Echeveste is a senior strategic communications major from Fort Worth. He has been, president of the student body, president of SANGRE (Latina Student Union), stampede wrangler for three years, former president of the Junior Class, president of the lacrosse club, former vice president and current member of Kappa Phi Omega, an RA for two years, a Media Service Student Worker and an avid intramural player. 

“My overall experience at HSU has been tremendous and life changing,” Echeveste said. “These past 4 years have been the most impactful and rewarding years of my life. My favorite part about being at HSU was the ability to grow spiritually and mentally. I also loved being able to make an impact on the campus by serving in various different positions on campus.”

Echeveste is excited to begin his time after college, pursuing his career in sports media. 

“I look forward to being able to start my career and have some free time to spend doing new and exciting things.” Echeveste said. “I plan on pursuing a career in sports media with the goal of capturing and promoting the best of athletes, coaches and sports as a whole.”

Echeveste also credits HSU for helping him grow in his faith and helping him begin a relationship with God. 

“My faith journey was extremely impacted by HSU! I came to Abilene with no faith. Since then I’ve been saved and found a church home. I have also been freed from so much pain and anger.”

“My advice for someone starting their college journey is to go all in.” Echeveste said. “Don’t be afraid to talk to people or get involved. College is about trying new things and meeting new people. Go support your Cowboys and Cowgirls at sporting events, concerts and chapel. Enjoy every moment and don’t forget to Thank God for HSU.”

Be sure to support our seniors through prayer and encouragement as they graduate and begin to pursue the Lord and their post-college lives.