December Commencement Awards
![A graduate looks out to the crowd during commencement ceremonies.](http://wis9.vivendaoriente.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/dec-2023-graduation-768x512.jpg)
![Jaidyn Hayes: The Winnie K. and D. M. Wiggins Medal](http://wis9.vivendaoriente.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Jaidyn-Hayes-300x276.jpg)
Jaidyn Hays with President Bruntmyer
Jaidyn Hays: The Winnie K. and D. M. Wiggins Medal
Awarded to the senior student graduating during the winter commencement for academic excellence throughout his/her entire college career. The medal will go to one who has spent three or more years in residence (including international study work taken through HSU) and who has excelled in character, personal development, and academic achievement.
![Paulo De Oliveira: The Academic Foundation Medal](http://wis9.vivendaoriente.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Paulo-De-Oliveria-300x272.jpg)
Paulo De Oliveira with President Bruntmyer
Paulo De Oliveira: The Academic Foundation Medal
Established in 1999 by The Academic Foundation of Hardin-Simmons University, the medal is awarded annually during the winter commencement to the graduate who has the highest grade average, exemplifies the highest scholarly achievement, and has completed at least 90 semester credits of residence credit at Hardin-Simmons University including international study work taken through HSU.
![Railee Shirley: Graduate Award of Excellence](http://wis9.vivendaoriente.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Railee-Shirley-300x248.jpg)
Railee Shirley with President Bruntmyer
Railee Shirley: Graduate Award of Excellence
The HSU Graduate School recognizes an outstanding graduate candidate at the December commencement exercises with the Graduate Award of Excellence. This award recognizes the graduate who has excelled in his/her academic studies, possesses character and behavior consistent with the university’s purpose, and exhibits potential for significant contribution to his/her chosen field. A committee of graduate program directors selects the recipient. This award is funded by an anonymous endowment.