By Emily Jenkins, Editor-in-Chief

During our UMHB ring ceremony tradition, I walked across the stage on the Luther Memorial lawn to receive my class ring from President Randy O’Rear, along with nearly 200 other December 2026 and May 2027 graduates on Sept. 18, 2026.

The last time I attended a Ring Ceremony was as a freshman for a couple of my seniors friends that made a big impact on my first year in 2024. It felt unreal to sit in front of Luther Memorial along with my fellow seniors and think that I am no longer a freshman. My time at UMHB is coming to an end and I have my whole life ahead of me. 

I was so happy that my mom, Carrie Jenkins, and my brother, Jared Jenkins, were able to come to this milestone, since the Ring Ceremony was part of Family Weekend. I also appreciated the live stream, so my fiancé, Tyler Paul, was able to watch the ceremony while he was away on a work trip. 

In addition to the special music provided by One Voice and the prayer by Abel Zavala, Senior Melissa Wilcox read Ephesians 3:14-21. Ephesians 3:20-21 says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” I am so thankful to be at a university that is Christ-centered with a high view of the Bible. 

After Brand Skaggs, UMHB Student Life vice president, spoke about the ring ceremony tradition, Tony Morales, 2002 UMHB alumnus, spoke about his ring ceremony experience. Senior Mia Davis talked about how far the senior class has come. The overarching theme was how much UMHB has given every student.

After each senior received their ring, Ben Smyser led the seniors and alumni in “Up With the Purple.” Then we put up our Cs as Abigail Russell, One Voice singer, led everyone in the Alma Mater. 

As the night ended, I took photos with my roommates and family and left with a sense of community and love for UMHB.

Photo by Marley Anthony