McMurry University will celebrate Commencement on May 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Kimbrell Arena. The ceremony will feature distinguished guest speaker Rev. Dr. Clayton Oliphint.
“Commencement is a powerful reminder of the hopes and dreams our students carry with them,” said University President Dr. Lynne Murray. “Presiding over my first graduation here is an incredible honor. I’m thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of these remarkable students as they prepare to make their mark on the world.”
More than 160 students will have degrees conferred, including associate and bachelor’s degree recipients.
Rev. Dr. Clayton Oliphant, the featured commencement speaker, is a respected pastor, author, and community leader. He has served as senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Richardson, Texas, since 2001, growing and leading a vibrant community of over 6,000 members. A 1983 graduate of Austin College, Oliphant earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southern Methodist University.
He coauthors The Basics Bible study series, a widely used, three-part curriculum published by Abingdon Press. Known for its accessible approach to Christian discipleship, the series has been embraced by congregations across the country. In addition to his ministry, Oliphint is a trustee and director of the Texas Methodist Foundation. He has held leadership roles with the United Methodist Church’s Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships.
His dedication to service has been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2007 Richardson Network of Community Ministries Vision Award, the 2013 Richardson Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award, and the 2016 C.C. Young Servant Leadership Award.
During the ceremony, McMurry will also confer two honorary degrees. Dr. Richard Drum will receive an honorary Doctor of Education, and Mary Esther Paquet Bynum will receive an honorary Doctor of Education posthumously.
The university’s Baccalaureate service will be held Friday, May 9, at 5:30 p.m. in Radford Auditorium. The speaker will be Rev. Josh Stueve ’11, an alumnus of McMurry and ordained minister.
Contact
Nicholas Ocheltree, Director of Integrated Communications
ocheltree.nick@mcm.edu
325-793-3800, ext.1013
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