Classes began last week at Howard Payne University, signaling the official start of the fall 2013 semester. New HPU Yellow Jackets transitioned onto campus earlier in the month with Jacket Journey, HPU’s new student orientation.
A variety of events were held on campus and around the community to introduce new students to their classmates, professors and the university they will call home for the next four years. After a week of games, picnics, Chapel services and other activities, Jacket Journey culminated with the university’s annual Serving With A Right Motive (S.W.A.R.M.) project.
Approximately 150 new students, upperclassmen and student life staff members participated in this year’s S.W.A.R.M. The volunteers, coordinated by Keep Brownwood Beautiful, completed community service projects at a variety of locations including Brownwood Area Community Garden, the Corinne T. Smith Animal Shelter and Lake Brownwood.
Stephen Gober ’07 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department was appreciative of the group’s efforts in cleaning the area surrounding Lake Brownwood.
“The bike trail and the lake shore both show a significant improvement and the team out here is very grateful for all the hard work HPU students provided,” he said.
According to Dr. Brent Marsh, vice president for student life and dean of students, S.W.A.R.M. is typically the highlight of Jacket Journey.
“Our goal is to help new students be more familiar with the surrounding community and be aware of various opportunities to serve,” he said. “The S.W.A.R.M. event is fun because the new students get to serve shoulder-to-shoulder with returning students and make lasting memories while helping others. This entering class of students is an amazing group, and I look forward to seeing the impact they’ll make on campus, in the local community and beyond.”
Pictured above: HPU students serve at the Brownwood Area Community Garden for the university’s annual Serving With A Right Motive (S.W.A.R.M.) project.
Pictured below: HPU students clear debris near Lake Brownwood.
