Howard Payne University held Commencement for May 2010 graduates on Saturday, May 8, in the Brownwood Coliseum. One hundred forty-eight degrees were conferred by Dr. Bill Ellis, president of HPU. Of the graduates, 146 received bachelor’s degrees and two received master’s degree.

Three students graduated with 4.0 honors including Amber Armani, Olivia Berry and Brittany Hartman. This year, graduates wore colored tassels representing his or her disciplines. Each graduate processed within the school from which they received their degree, and the dean from their respective school came on stage to congratulate them.

Dr. Charles Foster Johnson, interim pastor of First Baptist Church, Brownwood, delivered the charge to the graduates.

Additionally, Chime Out was held on Friday evening by the J. Howard Hodge Memorial Bell Towers. This traditional ceremony symbolizes the passing of authority, responsibility and privileges from the graduates to the underclassmen of the university.

Pictures contributed by Kalie Lowrie: Above are HPU seniors and their Chime Out partners at the traditional Chime Out ceremony at Howard Payne University on Friday night. Front row (l to r): Debbie Utterback, Hilary Hogan, Marisa Bernens and Jessica Wilcox. Back Row: Roger Williams, Luke Kilmartin, Becky Utterback, Katie Curry, Carlee Ammons, Regan Hogan, Ryan Hogan, Robert Davis and Lindsey Lormand.  To right are twins John (left) and Matt (right) Hoover who participated in Howard Payne University’s Chime Out ceremony on Friday evening prior to graduation on Saturday.