Howard Payne University students recently had the opportunity to attend a Dallas lecture by Karl Rove, deputy chief of staff and senior advisor during the George W. Bush administration. The lecture was attended by Academy of Freedom honors students who have received the designation of Sumners Scholars.

The Sumners Scholars program, made possible by the generosity of the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation, is a highly competitive scholarship program for Academy students. Sumners Scholars receive invitations to colloquia throughout the year featuring some of the world’s most notable leaders.

“The Sumners program gives us an opportunity to be around people who are successful in the careers that we are interested in pursuing,” said Gabi Guerrero, a senior communication studies and Academy major from Red Oak. “These events are professional but give us the chance to hear from people like Karl Rove in a relaxed environment.”

Pictured above: HPU’s Sumners Scholars recently attended a lecture by Karl Rove, senior advisor and deputy chief of staff during the George W. Bush administration. Left to right: Dr. Julie Welker, professor of communication and chair of the Department of Communication; Landon Hankins, a senior from Decatur; Kelley Miller, a senior from Paradise; Karl Rove; Robin Scofield, a junior from Naples, Fla.; Catherine Mullaney, a junior from Boylston, Mass.; Gabi Guerrero, a senior from Red Oak; and Charity Chambers, a senior from Derby, Kan.