Four years after freshman move-in, the Honors Residential College dorms remain home to many graduating seniors today. While many students started looking for off-campus housing for their freshman or sophomore years, some seniors found the community of Memorial and Alexander Residence Halls worth sticking around for.

Centerton, Ark., senior Gracie Lawhon is graduating with her bachelor’s in biology; however, unlike the majority of students, she is the first in her family to graduate. She currently serves as the student outreach specialist for the student organization First in Line and is a Trailblazer Scholar.

In the final weeks before graduation, time feels different for students preparing to walk the stage. Outside Pat Neff Hall, caps and gowns hang from arms while seniors in suits and white dresses stop to take turns for one more picture in front of the building which has framed their time at Baylor.

Meet Sam Henderson, assistant professor of theater and film, who serves as the reader that announces names during graduation. His voice has swept graduates across the commencement stage using his skills as an accomplished actor and professor since 2021.