2025 December Commencement Awards

Winnie K. and D. M. Wiggins Medal

Recipient: Marlee Sorrells
Lindale, Texas
Bachelor of Behavioral Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Honors minor

The Winnie K. and D. M. Wiggins Medal is awarded to a senior graduating during winter commencement who has demonstrated academic excellence throughout their entire college career and exemplified outstanding character, personal development, and achievement during at least three years in residence at Hardin-Simmons University.

Marlee Sorrells exemplifies the heart of this award. Throughout her time at HSU, she demonstrated academic excellence paired with an unwavering commitment to serving others. Her work reflects a balance of intellect, compassion, and quiet determination that defines both a scholar and a servant leader.

Her passion for service, paired with a relentless pursuit of knowledge, is matched by a creative spirit and deep empathy for those she serves. Whether providing speech and language therapy, supporting families, or encouraging her peers, Sorrells consistently demonstrated insight, care, and a commitment to improving lives.

For her honors capstone project, she explored the impact of speech and voice disorders in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, reflecting both academic rigor and a calling to serve vulnerable populations with dignity and purpose.

Academic Foundation Medal

Recipient: Jordan Oberbillig
Lucas, Texas
Bachelor of Science in Human Sciences in Fitness, Recreation, and Sports Management, minor in Marketing

Established in 1999 by The Academic Foundation of Hardin-Simmons University, the Academic Foundation Medal is awarded annually to the graduate who has achieved the highest-grade point average and exemplifies the highest level of scholarly achievement.

Jordan Oberbillig was named to the President’s List for five consecutive semesters and graduates with a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average. An HSU scholarship recipient, he consistently demonstrated academic excellence throughout his undergraduate career.

Known among faculty and peers as loyal, determined, prompt, and responsible, Oberbillig is recognized for his ability to think ahead and adapt when circumstances change. In addition to his academic achievements, he was a member of the HSU Cowboys tennis team while also serving as a full-time tennis coach.

Despite personal adversity that delayed his studies, Oberbillig continued to excel in both academics and athletics. Throughout his journey, he kept faith at the forefront of his life and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to complete his degree at Hardin-Simmons University.

Graduate Studies Award of Excellence

Recipient: Dr. Callen Smith
Doctor of Physical Therapy

The Graduate Studies Award of Excellence recognizes an outstanding graduate student who has excelled academically, demonstrated character consistent with Hardin-Simmons University’s mission, and shown strong potential for professional impact.

Dr. Callen Smith distinguished herself through a deep commitment to learning, excellence in clinical reasoning, and professionalism in both the classroom and clinic. Known as an excellent communicator and team player, she demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with colleagues and patients alike.

She maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout the rigorous Doctor of Physical Therapy program, supported by exceptional time management and clinical reasoning skills. Clinical instructors noted her independence, initiative, and the trust she earned from patients, expressing confidence in her future impact on the physical therapy profession.

In addition to her academic and clinical achievements, Smith demonstrated outstanding servant leadership. Her service included volunteering at the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting; assisting individuals with disabilities at the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine and Joni and Friends Family Retreat; building wheelchair ramps with Boots on the Ground; adjusting wheelchairs during an international mission trip to El Salvador; and serving as president of the HSU Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2025.

Dr. Smith is the daughter of Brian and Juliet Weaver and the wife of Dylan Smith.