About 200 COVID-19 vaccines were administered on the East Texas Baptist University campus during a free clinic hosted by ETBU in conjunction with the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Harrison County community members, as well as university friends and family, were encouraged to stop by the clinic for convenient and easy access to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Marion County Judge Leward J. LaFleur connected ETBU with the Texas Division of Emergency Management to secure the vaccines, and he later visited the COVID vaccine clinic on ETBU’s campus in support of the effort. Members of the Army National Guard administered the vaccines and handled all patient information and registration. “As a Christ-centered institution we strive to follow the example of Jesus and demonstrate love and compassion for members in our community,” said Scott Bryant, ETBU vice president for advancement. “An important part of our mission as a University is being a good neighbor and caring for the members of our community. Hosting the free COVID clinic was a unique opportunity for ETBU to demonstrate care for the physical needs of the citizens of Harrison County. Our prayer is that Harrison County will soon be free of the COVID-19 virus.”
South Texas Children’s Home Ministries dedicated facilities in Victoria and Goliad on May 5. The Jack Green Counseling Center in Victoria is named for the longtime president of STCH Ministries, who was instrumental in starting the family counseling ministry. The office will serve as a regional counseling office where STCH Ministries counselors can minister to children, families and individuals. The Petty Acres Children’s Center in Goliad will serve as a multi-purpose building for the STCH Ministries Homes for Families campus. It will include staff offices, a counseling office, play therapy room, commissary, gym and meeting spaces that will be used by the moms and children in care.
Howard Payne University conferred degrees on the first five graduates of its School of Nursing during its May 8 commencement—Adrien Barrientos of Lewisville; Hanna Crow, Josie McClung and Ashley Strong of Brownwood; and Kira Teel of San Antonio. The Texas Board of Nursing reaffirmed program approval for the baccalaureate nursing program at HPU in 2020. Nina Ouimette is dean of the HPU School of Nursing.
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor awarded 415 baccalaureate degrees, 57 master’s degrees and 18 doctoral degrees at spring commencement on May 8. UMHB President Randy O’Rear presented the President’s Award for meritorious service to David Castles of Bullard. Miriam Osterlund of Midland and Stephen Rowe of Texas City received the Loyalty Cup, awarded to the students considered most representative of the ideals, traditions and spirit of the university.
East Texas Baptist University conferred 190 undergraduate degrees and 21 graduate degrees during three spring commencement exercises on May 8. ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn presented the President’s Award to Brock Garrison of Blossom, who graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Worship Studies degree. The award is presented to a graduate who is considered a Christian leader, scholar and servant within the campus and local community. Garrison, who maintained a 3.90 grade point average, has served as a leader on the worship team and as a youth ministry leader at Immanuel Baptist Church in Marshall. He participated in the marching band, symphonic band, concert choir, Hilltop Singers and Lampsato Worship Band. John Harris, dean of the School of Christian Studies and chair of the department of Christian ministry, was recognized as a Professor with Distinction for his service, scholarship, teaching and integration of faith and learning.
Thomas Kinnin, a junior from Early majoring in Christian ministry at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, was selected to give the message at the final chapel service of the 2021 spring semester. Kinnin is youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Holland. He urged students who have “fallen out of love with the church or even Jesus” due to a bad experience will give the church another chance and see the church for what it was meant to be. “If you’re struggling with the church, don’t run from it,” he said. Kinnin challenged students who are involved in church to be “devoted, authentic and loving,” wherever they are. “Even if you’re in a cashier job this summer, love people, be devoted to them, be authentic with them. Fellowship with them. Show them what the church is,” he urged.
Howard Payne University will offer a free six-part online seminar, “In the Beginning and Beyond: A Study of Genesis 1-4.” Donnie Auvenshine, vice president for academic affairs and professor of Christian studies at HPU, will teach the course. It is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on May 19 and 26 and on June 2, 9, 23 and 30 on Zoom videoconference. No academic credit will be granted, but the seminar will provide an in-depth study at no cost to participants. Registration is required. To register for the seminar, click here and complete the form.
A celebration of life service honoring Charles A. Tidwell is scheduled at 2 p.m. on June 5 at Agape Baptist Church, 3900 Southwest Blvd., in Fort Worth. Tidwell, professor of administration at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for 30 years, died Jan. 28. He was 89.
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