Three Generations, One University

When Kate Voss tried out for the Six White Horses during her first semester at Hardin-Simmons, she had exactly one horseback riding experience: a childhood trail ride. But she’d learned something important from her grandmother and cousin’s stories — Hardin-Simmons was a place where students discovered new strengths and stepped boldly into opportunities they never imagined.

Kate Voss with her grandparents, Charlene and Bill Voss.

Kate graduates this December with a degree in digital media, completing a journey her grandmother began in 1960. Between them stand 65 years, three family members, and countless performances, games, and traditions — each one weaving the Voss name into the fabric of HSU.

Where It All Began

Charlene Smith Voss was an HSU student in 1960. Her time at Hardin-Simmons University — including leadership in the band — helped ignite a family legacy now carried on by her granddaughter, Kate.

The story begins with Kate’s grandmother, Charlene (Smith) Voss ’60, a member of the Ex-Cowgirls — a spirited organization that embodied the HSU tradition of its era. Growing up in Abilene, Kate often heard her grandmother speak fondly about her college years, planting seeds that would bloom decades later.

“I always knew about HSU, since I grew up here in Abilene and HSU is a huge influence on the city and the community,” Kate says. “Making the decision to come here was definitely the right choice.”

The legacy deepened with Kate’s cousin, Jayton Voss, who played football for HSU and graduated in 2022. Their stories helped Kate understand that Hardin-Simmons is a place where family ties run deep and memories last lifetimes.

A High School Day That Changed Everything

Kate’s decision to attend HSU was crystallized during an autumn afternoon in high school. She attended a Cowboy Band “high school day” — joining the band for an entire home football game and halftime performance.

“I knew I wanted to join a band in college, but after seeing how unique the Cowboy Band is and seeing all of the traditions they continued, I knew I wanted to be part of that,” she recalls.

Kate Voss and fellow Cowboy Band members representing Hardin-Simmons University at the London New Year’s Day Parade, showcasing HSU tradition and Texas spirit on an international stage.

While honoring her family’s legacy, Kate has carved out her own distinct path. Cowboy Band traditions — earning nicknames, learning the repertoire, and performing alongside returning alumni — became foundational to her HSU experience. The London New Year’s Day Parade stands out as a favorite memory, especially the moment a spectator asked to buy her hat. But perhaps Kate’s most courageous move came during her first semester when she tried out for the Six White Horses. With only a single childhood trail ride to her name, she had almost no equestrian experience. Yet when she saw that tryouts were open to all students, she decided to take a chance.

A Chance Taken, A Legacy Continued

Kate Voss with one of the iconic Six White Horses — a historic Hardin-Simmons University equestrian tradition. Despite having almost no riding experience when she arrived at HSU, Kate earned a place on the team through determination and the program’s supportive training.

Kate’s decision to try out for the Six White Horses during her first semester marked a turning point. What began as a leap into the unknown quickly became the foundation of her confidence, community, and calling at HSU.

“I ended up making the team that year, and despite my lack of experience, Debbie and her team were willing to give me a chance and let me learn how to ride,” Kate says. “If it hadn’t been for Debbie’s support and faith in me, I never would be who I am today.”

That moment — being believed in and given space to grow — captures something essential about the HSU experience.

And the story comes full circle: the Ex-Cowgirls organization, once her grandmother’s group, now provides scholarships that helped make Kate’s education possible. Over the last four years, Kate has joined the Ex-Cowgirls who are able to attend Homecoming to hear the stories of their time at HSU and their excitement for the university’s future.

“Even though I am not directly involved in either of the groups they were in, their legacy has allowed me to make connections of my own and create my own legacy,” Kate reflects.

Looking Ahead

Kate Voss performs on the field with Hardin-Simmons University’s “World-Famous” Cowboy Band, a hallmark of HSU tradition known for its signature sound, Western heritage, and multigenerational alumni involvement.

As she prepares to graduate, Kate already knows how she’ll keep the Voss-HSU connection alive. She plans to return and play with the Cowboy Band as an alumna, help with the horses when needed, and, perhaps, the greatest testament of all, encourage any future children to consider Hardin-Simmons.

From Charlene in 1960 to Jayton in 2022 and now to Kate in 2025, the Voss family demonstrates what it means to be part of the HSU community across generations.

When Kate walks across the graduation stage this December, three generations of Voss family pride will walk with her. And somewhere in Abilene, perhaps another young student will hear the Cowboy Band play and begin to wonder if they, too, might become part of an HSU legacy.