HSU Community Gathers for Convocation, Welcomes 2026-27 Academic Year

As students, faculty, and staff gathered in Behrens Auditorium for Hardin-Simmons University’s annual Convocation ceremony, President Bruntmyer marked the beginning of the 2026-27 academic year. The longstanding tradition invites the university community to pause at the start of classes and reflect on the opportunities, challenges, and growth that lie ahead while looking to Christ-centered examples of leadership and service.

As students, faculty, staff, and friends gathered in Behrens Auditorium for Hardin-Simmons University’s annual Convocation, the ceremony marked the beginning of a new school year, full of potential and hope.

The longstanding tradition invited the university community to pause at the start of classes and reflect on the opportunities, challenges, and growth that lie ahead while looking to Christ’s love and example of leadership and service.

Eric Bruntmyer, president of HSU, welcomed new and returning students and acknowledged special guests in attendance. Worship and prayer ensued before President Bruntmyer introduced the convocation speaker.

With faculty in full regalia as the backdrop on stage, the convocation address was given by former alumnus, Phil Wilson ’90, CEO of Ascendant Energy. ​‌

Wilson began by asking his listeners to try and describe themselves without naming a single job, degree, or accomplishment. Not an easy task considering how often we get asked about or defined by the things we do.

From there, Wilson laid out four points on how to transform your identity into more than what you do.

1. Collect people, not accomplishments
2. Ask, listen, learn, and be humble
3. Learn to say yes, because no is easy
4. It’s okay to fail and it’s better to be trustworthy

A two-time cancer survivor in his 20s and 30s, Wilson learned the value of friends who are there for you through thick and thin, when all the accolades and job titles fade away. He credits his wife Kristen and multiple friends for showing up and being present with him in his darkest hours.

Because his people carried him along the journey, Wilson encouraged the audience to find their people because the people you surround yourself with will not only be there for you but also form you.

“Who are you when the titles are all stripped away?” said Wilson emphatically. “Be who you are.”

Wilson closed his address by reminding students that a meaningful life is not measured by titles, achievements, or accolades, but by character and relationships.

As the HSU community begins a new academic year, Wilson’s challenge to pursue humility, embrace opportunities, value people, and remain trustworthy provided a timely foundation for the months ahead. For students just beginning their journey and those preparing for what comes next, his message was simple: invest in who you are, not just what you do.