Around the State: Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor crowned

Miss Nursing Student Association, Sophie Stockton, was named Miss Mary Hardin-Baylor 2025, Oct. 19, in the annual Miss MHB Pageant. Stockton is a 20-year-old sophomore nursing major with a minor in Christian studies from Houston. The reigning Miss MHB, Mia Hanks, crowned Sophie Stockton at the end of the evening’s contest. Also recognized were the fourth runner-up, Jordan McBee, Miss Independence Village; the third runner-up, Kelsiy Kniffen, Miss College View; the second runner-up, Brighton Koenig, Miss Student Event Planners Association; and the first runner-up, Londyn Weinzapfel, Miss Campus Activities Board. The Miss MHB Pageant recognizes young women who demonstrate self-confidence, personality and inner beauty.

A group of 12 students and two faculty members from Christ University campuses in Bangalore and Lavasa, India, arrived at Wayland Baptist University’s Plainview campus for a two-week cultural and academic exchange program. The group will participate in a variety of activities designed to foster cross-cultural understanding and promote learning, especially in the areas of environmental and economic sustainability. They also will engage in academic observation—attending Wayland classes, chapel services and student life activities, while staying in on-campus residences. Highlights of their visit include a tour of Wayland’s Abraham Art Gallery, a visit to the Bayer Lubbock facility and a hike through Palo Duro Canyon to explore its environmental history. With a strong emphasis on global engagement, Christ University frequently collaborates with international institutions to provide its students and faculty cross-cultural experiences. Its curriculum blends academic rigor with social responsibility, preparing students to contribute positively to society.

East Texas Baptist University celebrated homecoming by welcoming alumni and friends to campus Oct. 18-19. ETBUstudents and alumni gathered for a special homecoming chapel service to honor award recipients. Since 2010, 106 alumni have received ETBU’s Golden Blazer as a symbol of leadership, spiritual authority and God’s blessing. The 2024 Golden Blazers are Conner Combs, Geraldine (Neely) Schwartz and Vic Schwartz. This year’s Alumni Awards honored Jack Terell with the Unsung Hero Award, Judson LaGrone with the Young Alumnus Award, George Moore with the J. Wesley Smith Achievement Award, Catherine Crawford with the Alumni Achievement Award, and Harold and Mildred Sadler were honored with the W.T. Tardy Service Award. Alumna Linda Massey was honored with the Golden Lightkeeper Award, a distinction reserved for alumni who graduated more than 50 years ago and have made lasting impacts in their vocations, church and communities. ETBU seniors Noah Mink and Skylar Bussing were crowned the 2024 Homecoming King and Queen at the homecoming football game. The king and queen were nominated for embodying the qualities of a Christian leader, scholar and servant.

Howard Payne University’s Student Speaker Bureau speech and debate team competed at their season opener at the University of Texas at Dallas DFW Swing tournament on Oct. 4-6. Freshman Riley Burden won the International Public Debate Association open debate division and was named top IPDA speaker at the tournament. Katelyn Simswas the fifth place IPDA speaker and a quarterfinalist. HPU Student Speaker Bureau won third place debate sweepstakes with only three debaters. HPU competed against 13 universities, including Texas Christian University, UT Dallas, Texas Tech University, Southern Methodist University and Arizona State University. In individual events, Burden won second place in impromptu speaking and third place in extemporaneous speaking. Sims won sixth place in informative speaking. Katie Richards placed fourth in persuasive speaking and fifth in programmed oral interpretation. Also competing in the tournament was senior Matthew Campos.

The Keston Center for Religion, Politics and Society presents its fall lecture, a panel conversation, “Baylor in Deeds—Interfaith and Intra-Faith Harmony: Strengthening Leadership for Women Globally through Sports,” at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 29 in the Armstrong Browning Library and Museum and online via Zoom. The panel will discuss their experiences working with universities in Pakistan, particularly in Lahore, in an interfaith context to strengthen women’s leadership and coaching skills as part of a program funded by a U.S. State Department grant. The grant helps support women through sports activities, leadership workshops and virtual professional learning communities. Five Baylor and University of North Carolina Wilmington professors launched the leadership program in Lahore, Pakistan. To learn more about the in-person event or to register for the Zoom Webinar visit library.web.baylor.edu/kestonfalllecture.

Ronny Marriott, president of Texas Baptists, led Dallas Baptist University’s Oct. 7 chapel service. Considering Texas Baptists’ emphasis on “God’s Kingdom Agenda,” Marriot asked chapel participants to think about what God’s kingdom is and what it could look like. Marriott discussed truths that act as piers for the foundation of God’s kingdom, supporting those walking in faith: working together in unity, loving like Jesus and sharing the gospel.

Hardin-Simmons University will host the 2024 Dr. James B. Simmons Dinner Nov. 15, at 6:30 p.m. at The Statler Hotel in Dallas. The dinner will honor Sen. James Lankford for his leadership and public service, reflecting the legacy of James B. Simmons. The Simmons Award recognizes those who use their talents to break barriers and demonstrate courage in their fields. Lankford has served the people of Oklahoma since his election to the U.S. Senate in 2014, following four years in the U.S. House of Representatives. Before Congress, Lankford worked more than 20 years in ministry, including 15 years as director of Falls Creek Youth Camp. Lankford lives in Oklahoma City with his wife Cindy and their two daughters. RSVP at https://connectnow.hsutx.edu/register/Simmons.

Anniversaries

First Baptist Church in Hereford celebrated 125 years Oct. 13.

Glorieta Adventure Camps marked the 75-year legacy of what historically was known as Glorieta Baptist Assembly with a Kingdom Impact Celebration, Oct. 11-14. About 400 guests participated, including 70 former Glorieta staff, their children and others with longtime ties to the encampment. The event featured tracks for alumni, families, day campers and youth. Hall Hill, director of Glorieta Conference Center from 2006 to 2016, was the worship leader.