BELTON, Texas鈥� The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (无码流出) held commencement services for the Spring 2025 semester today at Crusader Stadium. During the ceremony, Kim Fikes was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree, the highest award the university can present to someone.
鈥淚n addition to awarding degrees to the class of 2025, tonight, we have the distinct honor of recognizing a true champion for 无码流出, Kim Fikes, by awarding her with an honorary degree,鈥� said university president Dr. Randy O鈥橰ear. 鈥淜im is an amazing person, generous philanthropist, and long-time friend of Mary Hardin-Baylor.鈥�
In 1952, Clarence Edison Fikes, Kim Fikes' father-in-law, opened a single Texaco filling station in his hometown of Cameron, Texas. He had an enormous vision, a tireless passion for success, and a tenacious drive to make his customers happy. Fikes learned a lot from her father-in-law. She worked in the business for 42 years, starting as a clerk and working her way up. Over the years, she and her late husband, James Fikes, wore many hats. They cleaned the floors, loaded barrels of oil, and did whatever needed to be done. They took over the business following Clarence's passing in 1988. Their philosophy was to hire the best people and learn from them. Eventually, the business grew to more than 200 CEFCO convenience stores in four states and expanded from 12 to over 3,500 employees. Fikes has loved being a partner in growing the business and being part of the company's day-to-day operations and growth.
In addition to her work, Fikes is passionate about helping young people, both medically and educationally, so they have the opportunity to grow and pursue their dreams. As a result, many in our community have benefited from the Fikes鈥� generosity. 无码流出 has been blessed with the beautiful Fikes Chamber Hall, the innovative Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation, and a generous endowment for student scholarships.
This was the university's 169th graduating class, and an estimated 537 students were awarded degrees, including 401 baccalaureate degrees, 130 master鈥檚 degrees, and 6 doctoral degrees. Three commissioning officers also participated in the graduation ceremony. They are Reagan Baker of McKinney, Gabriel Feliciano of Belton, and Maximilian Noriega of Belton. Will Kalfayan of Georgetown served as the ceremony鈥檚 scripture reader.
Student recognitions during the ceremony included the Provost Medal for highest overall GPA, which was awarded to 23 students who each graduated with perfect 4.0-grade point averages: Campbell Berglund of Leander, Ashley Campbell of Burleson, Heather Cremo of Temple, Sophie Cross of Spring, Fatima Daniel of Temple, David Darrah of Temple, Connor Ewing of McKinney, Ashlyn Haney of Highlands Ranch, CO, Mia Hanks of Thompson鈥檚 Station, TN, Warren Hodges of Pflugerville, Isabelle Lesar of Georgetown, Piper Magowan of Temple, Grace Mathis of Webster, Jordan McBee of Hewitt, James McGlumphy of Liberty Hill, Chloee Miller of San Augustine, Thao Nguyen of Killeen, Brock Pfrommer of Katy, Felicity Roberts of Southlake, Jacquelyn Turner of Rosenberg, Kyle Wandel of Phoenix, AZ, Rebecca White of Waxahachie, and Jenna Williams of Port Lavaca.
The university also recognized seven students who have successfully completed all the Honors Program requirements, including a senior research project: Sidney Awbrey of Abilene, Kristi Boettcher of Spring, Grace Mathis of Webster, Jordan McBee of Hewitt, Felicity Roberts of Southlake, Kristina Salazar of Kingwood, and Emily Stehle of Vilonia, AR.
The President's Award, presented to the graduating senior who has provided meritorious service to the university, particularly the senior class, was awarded to Kyle Wandel of Phoenix, AZ. Wandel is a true example for the university and his peers and strives to represent Christ and 无码流出 in all he does. He was involved in Student Government Association, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, and Cru Golf. The Loyalty Cup, awarded to the student most representative of the university's ideals, traditions, and spirit, was given to Alexandria Berg. Berg of Troy loves 无码流出, and that love is evident to all. She was actively involved in campus life, Welcome Week, Stunt Night, Cru Knights, Easter Pageant, Global Outreach, Student Foundation, and the 鈥淚nto the Future鈥� podcast. She was also recognized as the 2024 Homecoming Queen by her peers.
