Founders Day Chapel on Tuesday

Yearly, student leaders and the Reunion Class that is being honored gather to pay tribute to some of the early leaders and benefactors of HSU.

The leaders include Dr. and Mrs. James Simmons, the first major donor and a New York Baptist pastor whose name is a part of the university; their son, Dr. Robert Simmons, who continued support to the college; Dr. and Mrs. O. C. Pope, an early day president (1898-1901); and Dr. and Mrs. Jefferson Davis Sandefer. Sandefer served for 31 years (1909-1940) as president, longer than any other leader of HSU.

Director of Alumni Relations and Vice President for Advancement Britt Jones is helping organize the event.  

“Student leaders will join with alumni and students in presenting a meaningful and polished tribute to the founders of HSU upon whose shoulders we now stand,” Jones said.

Student Government President Erin Hagood will be presiding. Current student body members lead this observance, including a memorial prayer led by a Baptist Student representative and the observance concludes with a stirring rendition of taps, followed by the HSU anthem.

2017 marks the 80th Founders Day ceremony. The first observance, held in April of 1938, was broadcast by radio station KRBC. The practice of presenting medallions to 50-year graduates was begun in 1967. Medallions are now presented at a Golden Reunion Luncheon which follows the chapel service.

The Golden Reunion Chapel Service which includes the Founders Day Observance is being held in Logsdon Chapel as part of the usual weekly chapel series. The entire HSU community is invited.

“This year, the Founders Day Observance is incorporated into the Golden Reunion Chapel. The returning graduates are recognized in chapel and are greeted by student leaders,” Jones said

The entire Golden Reunion, including the Chapel Service, is sponsored by the HSU Alumni Association.

“The people honored today – members of the class of 1967 and the founding leaders – have paved the way, with the Lord’s blessing, for today’s students to have the opportunity for a remarkable HSU experience. Together, we can continue to thank our Lord Jesus for how His hand still blesses Hardin-Simmons. And today’s students can emulate the Golden Reunion class members by remaining connected for life to HSU,” Jones said.

Dr. Gene Hendrix will be speaking the Founders Day chapel.

“I’m excited about the reunion and honored to be asked to speak at chapel. It brings back memories of working chapels for Central Staging – setting up and running sound or follow spots,” Hendrix said.