By Loretta Fulton

Next week will be a busy one on Abilene’s college campuses as Abilene Christian, McMurry, and Hardin-Simmons universities start classes on Monday, Aug. 24.

The opening of the fall semester always brings a lot of ceremony as students are greeted for the first time or as they return to class. ACU will kick things off with its 121st Opening Assembly set for 11 a.m. Monday in Moody Coliseum. The traditional Parade of Flags will be a highlight, along with the lowering of a huge American flag from the top of Moody Coliseum. Guest speaker will be Luke Norsworthy, a 2002 graduate who is a speaker and author from Austin. 

ACU Opening Assembly Parade of Flags

Hardin-Simmons University will hold its Fall Convocation at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, in Behrens Chapel. Click here to RSVP.

“All students, faculty, staff, alumni, university friends, and the general public are welcome,” the invitation reads. 

Guest speaker will be Phil Wilson, a 1990 Hardin-Simmons graduate and Chief Executive Officer of Ascendant Energy. Wilson has served as Texas Secretary of State, Executive Director of the Texas Department of Transportation, and General Manager of the Lower Colorado River Authority. 

While a student at HSU, Wilson was a recipient of the George Skiles Anderson Medal, awarded to a senior male with three or more years in residence at HSU who has excelled in character, personal development, and service to the university. As an alumni, Wilson was selected to be a member of the HSU Hall of Leaders.

McMurry will hold its Fall Convocation at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, in Radford Auditorium. 

“In addition to the welcome and opening message from the President, Dr. Lynne Murray, Convocation will also include a welcome from McMurry Student Body President Daniel Friday,”  said Ricky Harrison, Dean of Students and University Chaplain. 

McMurry University campus

A special Welcome Week Chapel will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, for Incoming students. McMurry’s Opening Chapel for all students will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25. Those services will be held in the University Chapel inside the campus center. 

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene