Around Campus – Summer 2026

Cast members drummed up excitement for McMurry Theatre’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” with a sword-fighting flash mob at the bi-annual Health and Wellness Fair on February 26.

The show opened the same day in Ryan Little Theatre and ran through February 28, transplanting Shakespeare’s story into a 1990s grunge aesthetic while preserving the Bard of Avon’s original dialogue.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program achieved a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for first-time test takers in 2025, placing it among the top nursing programs in Texas.

The Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing was the only program in Abilene to reach this milestone in 2025. Out of 63 BSN programs statewide, McMurry was one of just eight to earn a perfect first-time pass rate. Across all 138 registered nursing education programs in Texas, only 11 programs achieved this distinction.

Gamma Sigma hosted its first “Tacky Prom” during Greek Week, inviting the campus community to dress in playful, over-the-top styles for an evening of dancing and student-selected song requests.

The event served as a fundraiser, with proceeds supporting local thrift organizations, including the Salvation Army, and featured awards such as Tacky Prom King and Queen.

On November 14, 2025, Lace Archambeau, a sophomore art major, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor after a trip to the emergency room revealed a large mass deep within her brain. Due to the tumor’s size and location, doctors have been unable to remove it completely without risking vital brain function. Archambeau has since undergone complex brain surgery, ICU stays, and extensive neurological care.

In response, the Abilene arts community, led by McMurry Art Department faculty and students, held a day-long fundraiser on April 10 to support Lace’s travel expenses and medical treatment at MD Anderson. Local artists, members of the Center for Contemporary Arts, and the McMurry community donated artwork and participated in the sale and auction.

Held at the Amy Graves Ryan and Chapin Clay buildings, the event featured a fine art exhibit and sale, a silent auction, raffles, a music recital hosted by the Department of Music, and private ceramics lessons led by instructors. The fundraiser raised $10,000 in support of Archambeau’s care.

Held on April 19, Delta Beta Epsilon hosted the Delta Olympics, where students competed in events such as tug-of-war, swimming, volleyball, limbo, and watermelon-eating contests.

The games were established three years ago when alumna Ashlynn Quillan ’25 introduced the idea as a way to foster connections among fraternities and sororities on campus. Open to all students, the event invites spectators to cheer on their favorite clubs while encouraging greater involvement in Greek Life.

In celebration of back-to-back Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship seasons, members of the McMurry University football program were honored with the presentation of conference championship rings on Saturday, May 2.

The football banquet at Potosi Live brought together current players, coaches, parents, and a strong showing of alumni for an evening reflecting on the program’s recent success. In addition to the ring ceremony, awards recognized standout performances, leadership, and contributions that defined the 2025 championship season.

Completing their championship season on October 5, the women’s soccer team captured the SCAC Tournament title with a 1-0 shutout victory over Concordia in a fiercely contested final.

The team received its championship rings on May 3, 2026, at the annual soccer banquet.

Asia Brown’s senior art exhibition brought her hometown to Gypsy Ted Gallery II on April 29. Through photography, Brown guided viewers through the sights of a city she describes as vibrant and diverse, rich in culture, and steeped in tradition.

A reception followed her artist talk, where her family served homemade Creole jambalaya alongside a king cake shipped directly from New Orleans.

Throughout April 17, the Academic Symposium for Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Works featured honors thesis presentations, student panels, a keynote address by Dr. Tina Bertrand, poster presentations, an art competition, and performances in theatre and music.

Classes were suspended to encourage full participation by students and faculty.

Located next to Carleton Chapel in the Garrison United Methodist Campus Center, the Friends Closet and Pantry offers access to food for those experiencing food insecurity and professional attire for interviews and internships.

Operated by Religious and Spiritual Life, the closet is restocked with needed items every three to four days. With approximately 20 visitors each day, the Friends Closet and Pantry is one of campus’s most-used student resources.

Psi Chi partnered with 21 on- and off-campus organizations, including the Veterans Club, Greek Life, Student Success Coaches, U.S. Army Recruiters, and Abilene Therapy Dogs, to provide students with resources, activities, games, and snacks ahead of finals week.

Held April 29 in the Garrison United Methodist Campus Center, the event featured nail painting, cornhole, cup pong, a prayer labyrinth, board games, a craft sale, and more.

At the Night of Distinction, held April 24 in the Mabee Room, the Alumni Association celebrated honorees whose professional excellence and servant leadership reflect the values of McMurry University.

Distinguished Alumni Award honoree David Osborn ’83; Honorary Alumni Award honoree Dr. Robert Wallace; Young Alumni Achievement Award honoree Nathan Worley ’12; and Ann Spence Servant Leadership Award honoree Rev. Marty CashBurless ’78 were among those recognized.

Outstanding Alumni Award honorees in their respective disciplines included K.O. Long ’70, Kirsten Mauritsen ’15, Barry Haenisch ’71, Kayln Qualls ’05, and Dr. Greeley Myers ’93.

On April 13, State Representative Stan Lambert surprised Dr. Paul Fabrizio at the last McMurry Student Government meeting of the year, honoring the longtime professor ahead of his May retirement. Lambert presented Fabrizio with a proclamation and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in his honor.

What appeared to be a routine meeting quickly became a tribute. Coordinated by MSG President Garrison Shin, the event began with Lambert addressing students on political topics before shifting his focus to Dr. Fabrizio. Lambert then invited Fabrizio to the podium to be celebrated for his career and legacy at McMurry.

McMurry University officially welcomed the Class of 2026 into the McMurry Alumni Association at The Mill on May 1. Faculty, staff, graduates, and their families gathered for an evening of fellowship, highlighted by President Murray’s toast honoring the graduates’ accomplishments and welcoming them into their next chapter as alumni.

The evening closed with prize drawings featuring televisions, gift cards, McMurry merchandise, a Mill Silo rental, a Ninja Creami, and more.