THE INSIDER - SPRING/SUMMER 2023

2023 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISE Under Dr. Fennell’s nearly 15 - year tenure as President, the Texas College had previously hosted the annual commencement exercise at Caldwell Auditorium in Tyler, Texas. However, given the excitement surrounding the activity, Dr. Fennell and the Commencement Planning Committee opted for a new concept and change of venue for the 2023 Commencement Exercise — the campus of Texas College. Nestled behind Gilmore - Hartley Hall, the scene for the 2023 Commencement Exercise was beautifully set with over 1,000 seats that looked onto a large stage stunningly adorned with the Texas College seal. Respectively positioned on each side of the stage was a massive LED video wall and another stage for the Texas College Choir. With this picturesque backdrop set, the 2023 Commencement Exercise began at the stroke of 10:00 A.M. with a distinctive fanfare that led into the “War March of the Priests,” the classical musical arrangement traditionally associated with graduation. This shift in ambience to sacred academic formality was evident as the line of procession began, led by faculty, followed by the 2023 graduates and Golden Anniversary Class of 1973, and lastly the Commencement Exercise’s platform. Dr. Hamad Ali, Division Chair for Business and Social Sciences, posted the College’s mace, which signified the official start of the 2023 Commencement Exercise. 17 Da’Vontay Stevens, 2023 graduate, crosses the stage at the 2023 Commencement Exercise on Saturday, May 6, 2023.