McMurry University Announces In Person Commencement Schedule Honors Charlie and Betty Hukill With Honorary Degree

May 5, 2020, Abilene, Texas – McMurry University is pleased to announce a two-part, in-person commencement schedule for the graduating class of 2021. The commencement weekend begins Friday, May 7 and concludes on Saturday, May 8, 2021.

David Bailey, a 2004 alumnus, will address the graduating seniors on Friday as this year’s commencement speaker. As a successful alumnus and business leader, Bailey will inspire and propel McMurry’s class of 2021 to success. Currently, he serves as Executive Vice President and Senior Lender in Abilene and CEO of the Eastland Region for First Financial Bank. Bailey is a committed servant leader holding numerous positions in the Eastland church and community. He currently serves as second vice president on the McMurry Board of Trustees.

Well known Abileneians Charlie and Betty Hukill have been named as the 2021 honorary doctorate recipients. Charlie, Professor Emeritus of Theatre at McMurry, served the university for 33 years before his retirement in 2018. Seemingly never missing a beat since his career began in 1979, Charlie has designed scenery for 118 productions, lights for 109, directed 71 productions, and acted in 45. Betty, synonymous with the Paramount Theatre, served as the Executive Director from 1990-99 and 2003-2018. An active and faithful thespian, she has contributed her talents to everything from directing, scripting and judging, to performing and MC’ing. Though retirement has taken Charlie off of the faculty list and Betty off of the directory at the Paramount, they still remain active in the community and at McMurry. Charlie is serving as a member of the McMurry Board of Visitors and Betty chairs McMurry’s Women’s Leadership Conference. The Hukill’s will be presented with the honorary Doctor of Arts on Friday, May 7.

Friday’s commencement ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m and will be held in Kimbrell. Thirty-three graduates will be recognized as well as the presentation of the honorary doctorate and the Bennett Faculty award. The commencement ceremony on Saturday begins at 9 a.m. and will feature a rolling schedule throughout the morning. Only invited guests may attend ceremonies.