By Loretta Fulton

Local universities will start classes on Monday, Aug. 26, but the campuses are already buzzing with activity.

Abilene Christian, Hardin-Simmons, and McMurry universities all have some form of welcoming events scheduled for the week of Aug. 20. And, since all three are church-affiliated, they also have opening chapel services scheduled.

At McMurry, that also means a return to the re-imagined campus center. Chapel services were held in Old Main while the Garrison Campus Center underwent a transformation. In the spring of 2024, an expansion, which cost more than $25 million, was completed. The expansion added a second floor and increased the square footage from 39,000 to 58,000.

Chapel services will be held in the Mabee Room in the campus center. The first one is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27. Ricky Harrison, a 2014 graduate of McMurry, is director of Religious Life and University Chaplain. He just completed his first year in that position after earning a master of divinity degree from Duke University and working in a church position. He is excited about getting back to a familiar, but revamped, space.

“We’re looking forward to kicking off the school year in this brand new space and being back in the center of campus,” he said.

War Hawk Welcome Week at McMurry begins Tuesday, Aug. 20, with transfer student orientation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities for other students begin Wednesday. A Welcome Home Fair is set for 1-3 p.m. Friday. Students will take part in a program to introduce them to organizations and resources in Abilene. 

At Hardin-Simmons, Stampede includes a president’s reception in the Logsdon reception room 2:30-3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21. An opening rally is set for 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Behrens Chapel. 

Other large events include fall convocation and a day of community service. Convocation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, in Behrens Chapel. The service day is scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 12, with check-in at 1 p.m. in Johnson Building Room 103. A free lunch will be served for participants, and the first 75 will get a free t-shirt. 

Wildcat Week at ACU will feature several highlights. New students will move in Tuesday, Aug. 20. A Goodbye Blessing for parents is scheduled 5-6 p.m. in Moody Coliseum. The day will be topped with a candlelight devotional at 9:15 p.m. in Beauchamp Amphitheatre. 

On Saturday, Aug. 24, students will get a tour of downtown Abilene, topped off by ACU Fest from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the campus mall area. They will learn about ACU organizations and local churches and institutions. 

Opening ceremony, with its colorful Parade of Flags from all states and countries represented at ACU will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26, in Moody Coliseum.

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene