The Willson Lectures
The annual Willson Lectures at Texas Wesleyan University are made possible by a gift from the late Mavis Terry Willson and the late J.M. Willson of Floydada, Texas.
In 1946 the Willsons provided an endowment to bring outstanding speakers to the campus. Through the years, these speakers have delivered messages that have challenged and inspired thousands of Texas Wesleyan University students and faculty members.
Endowed Professorships
The Bebensee University Scholar Professorship was created in 1996 through a bequest from the Leo Robert Bebensee Estate to honor Mr. Bebensee as a life-long educator. The Bebensee University Scholar is an individual with the potential to set a model for good University teaching and research and to foster those attributes in their colleagues.
The McCann University Professorship was established in 1996 through a bequest from the Ralph and Sue McCann Trust. The McCann University Professorship is designed to celebrate faculty strength by allowing for enhanced professional development.
The A.M. Pate History Professorships were established in 2012 through a bequest from the estate of A.M. Pate. The Professorships will honor Mr. Pate’s love of history and teacher-scholars dedicated to teaching history.
Robing and Hooding Convocation
From the time this institution was founded in 1890, a strong bond has united members of the faculty with members of the student body. This close relationship has developed because of the desire of the faculty to teach more than the subject matter and because Texas Wesleyan University students have wanted to learn and understand the beliefs, philosophies, and attitudes of the instructors and professors. Throughout the more than 100 years of the University’s history, it has been recognized that if the student is to receive an education and if the faculty is to maintain an appropriate perspective on that process, this relationship must exist.
The Robing Ceremony, an academic convocation that had its beginning in 1927, expresses this warm and interdependent relationship between faculty and student. By asking a faculty member to vest them, the graduate acknowledges the importance of this crucial interpersonal process. The Hooding Convocation, a companion ceremony for graduate students, is also held previous to commencement. These ceremonies have made significant contributions to the rich heritage of the University and are a vital part of the concluding activities of the student’s educational career.
Graduate students eligible for graduation and participation in the Hooding Convocation may select a graduate faculty member who has been meaningful to them for vesting of the Hood at the Hooding Convocation preceding the graduation program. Persons to vest the student must be eligible to wear academic regalia. Persons eligible include all graduate faculty, full or part-time, and staff who hold faculty rank.
Graduation Ceremony
A graduation or “commencement” ceremony is held at the end of the spring and fall semesters to honor those students who have completed the graduation requirements for their degree. During the graduation ceremony, specific mention is made of special honors. At the end of the summer semester, a commencement is held to honor nurse anesthesia and nursing practice students who have completed their graduation requirements for their degree. For exceptions to the graduation policy, students should refer to the section titled “Participation in the Graduation Ceremony/Walking Guidelines” in the “Graduation (Degree) Requirements” section of this catalog.
Alumni Association
Membership in the Alumni Association is extended to all graduates and former students of the University. The association promotes the welfare of the University and its alumni and encourages continued alumni involvement through special events, volunteer opportunities, reunion programming and philanthropic initiatives.
The alumni association is invested in the success of the University’s students and provides student programs including the Graduation Gift program, the alumni scholarship program, TAG (Thanking All Givers) Day and Commencement pinning. Students can apply annually by January 31st for the Legacy Scholarships.
The Alumni Office is located in the Oneal-Sells Administration Building and has an open door policy to all alumni and future alumni.
Scholarship Funds
Texas Wesleyan University awards scholarships to students for academic excellence, talent, and special skills or needs. Recognizing outstanding performance is one of the highlights of our educational community. Students interested in receiving information on scholarship awards should refer to the “Financial Aid” (p. 33) section in this catalog.
The University graciously accepts contributions toward scholarship resources. Donors may make gifts to underwrite the University’s annual scholarship budget. In addition, donors may make gifts to establish named endowed scholarship funds. These funds are invested by the University so the resources may grow and provide ongoing income for scholarship awards.
There are many ways to make gifts for scholarship purposes. Often gifts of property and stock may be used to establish endowed funds and can have tax advantages for the donor. To discuss opportunities for giving or ask questions about the scholarship funds at Texas Wesleyan University, please call the Office of Advancement at (817) 531-4404.
Fine Arts Events
The Music and Theatre Arts departments and Fine Arts faculty provide a variety of visual and performing arts events for the campus and external community, including interesting theatre and musical theatre productions, musical concerts and recitals, and art exhibitions. A professional, experienced faculty of performing and visual artists supports student growth in a creative, energetic and collaborative context. The result is an artistic season of integrity celebrating the cultural life of the University and community, all within the context of a liberal arts program.
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