Hardin-Simmons First Year Celebration to Honor First-Time Freshman and Transfers

Freshman, upperclassman, faculty and staff gathered in Logsdon Chapel for First Year Celebration to recognize first year freshman and transfers’ accomplishments for the 2014-2015 academic school year.

Bryana Johnson, freshman ELAR 7-12 major from Klondike, Texas, said, “I felt that the first-year celebration was a worthwhile event and a good new tradition. I think this is a great incentive to encourage students to put forth more effort to do well in their academic lives.”

The 2014-2015 academic year saw 339 first-time freshman and 138 first-time transfer students. Audrey Barlowe, freshman nursing major from Plano, Texas, said, “Hardin-Simmons is a wonderful place to grow as a person and to grow in a career field. It’s a wonderful place and a lot of people will tell you they love it here.”

The average freshman grade point average was 3.14, those involved in the mentoring program had an average 3.33 GPA and freshman in the honors program had an average 3.84 GPA. 38 freshman made the President’s list requiring a 4.0, 31 freshman made the Dean’s list requiring a GPA between 3.75-3.99 and 15 students made honor roll with a GPA between 3.6-3.74.

Emily Fitzhugh, freshman social work major from Abilene, Texas, said that, “Professors are super intentional and want you to do well. I feel like the professors care and me and want to see me in class.”

David Offner, Freshman Math major from Fort Worth, Texas, received special recognition for his involvement in the Holland School of Mathematics and Science. He has been working on research with Dr. Davis, and is the top student in calculus just as a freshman.

Offner said, “It was a surprise. Dr. Davis told me he was going to nominate me for something, but I had no idea what it was. When I found out today I was excited and joyful, but it was kind of overwhelming getting recognized like that.”

Guest speaker Dr, Jennifer McClusky, Associate Vice President/Director, Center for Academic Success & First-Year Experience from Maryville University, gave students an encouraging speech concerning the challenges Freshman face and how to overcome them.

McClusky said, “Determine what your own set of personal values are and learn to articulate why you believe that. Identify ways that you can be intentional and meaningful in your involvement on campus. Help other accomplish what you have accomplished.”

More information about HSU can be found at https://www.hsutx.edu/.