Richard Beck book release
A book release party for Richard Beck’s new book will be held at Seven and One Books, 1138 N. 2nd St., at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28. The book is titledThe Book of Love: A Better Way to Read the Bible.

McMurry to add gymnastics
McMurry University will add men’s and women’s gymnastics in the fall of 2027. As part of the program’s development, McMurry is currently conducting a national search for a head coach of gymnastics, with a target hire date of Summer 2026. Click here to read McMurry news release.

HSU celebrates Western Heritage
Hardein-Simmons University will present its 44th annual Western Heritage Day on Thursday, April 23. Walk-in registration will be available at the event in front of Mabee Gymnasium or at the Headquarters table on Anderson Lawn. Activities are free to all Big Country day care providers and primary-aged students and schools. Western Heritage Day is an annual educational event designed to immerse children of the Big Country in western culture as it might have been in Abilene during the 1800s.

Howard Payne University SWARM Events offer incoming students one-stop enrollment
Incoming Fall 2026 Howard Payne University students are invited to one of several upcoming SWARM pre-enrollment events. Click here to read HPU news release.

REMINDER

The public is invited to hear Ricky Harrison, newly named Dean of Students at McMurry University, at the monthly meeting of the Abilene Association of Congregations on Wednesday, April 22. The meeting begins with lunch at 11:45 a.m. at Highland Church of Christ, 425 Highland Ave. Click here for details.

HSU named “Military Friendly”
Hardin-Simmons University has been named a 2026–2027 Military Friendly® School.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve those who have served, supporting military-connected students through dedicated resources, financial assistance programs, and a community rooted in faith and purpose.” Click here to read more.

Holy Family hosting safety workshop
Holy Family Catholic Church, 5410 Buffalo Gap Road, will host Texas TVTP Training Program safety workshop 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 24. Click here to read more about the workshop. Click here to register.

Classical guitarist featured at Heavenly Rest
Classical guitarist Stacy Arnold will be featured in the Chamber Music Concert Series at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander St.
The free concert will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday, April 19, in the church nave. Arnold is a concert soloist, recording artist, and educator. He has toured throughout the United States. His concerts are characterized by selections that represent the entire history of the guitar, with an emphasis on the music of Spain and Latin America. 

St. Vincent Parish hosting diocesan event
St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church, 2525 Westview St., will host a Diocese of San Angelo gathering on April 18. The Diocesan Inter-Parochial Bilingual Ultreya will be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include talks, music, and food. For more information, call Jesse Rico at 325-725-6578.

HPU to reschedule April 15 Chris Tomlin concert due to weather
Howard Payne University is rescheduling the Chris Tomlin concert originally planned for Wednesday, April 15, due to weather concerns. The university will announce the new date when it becomes available. Individual and group ticket reservations for the April 15 concert will be honored for the future event. For more information or questions, email communications@hputx.edu.