The Howard Payne University Woman’s Club presented Joyce Rowe, HPU alumna, with the prestigious Yellow Rose Award during the club’s annual Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon held recently on campus.

Dr. Diana Ellis, HPU first lady and Woman’s Club president, presented Rowe with a commemorative plaque and bouquet of yellow roses. The award is given annually to a woman who has exhibited exemplary leadership within her sphere of influence, who has exhibited fiscal, emotional or physical support to the ongoing of the university and who represents Christian values and beliefs foundational to HPU.

A native of Central Texas, Rowe met her future husband, Hal, in high school. The pair enrolled at HPU where he would soon propose marriage near HPU’s Veda Hodge Hall. The Rowes made their home in West Texas and she became a recognized teacher in the public school system, retiring after more than 20 years.

She is a dedicated friend and alumna of HPU, having served on both the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the HPU Board of Trustees. Additionally, she assists with the recruiting of prospective students and even accompanies many on campus visits. She impacts the lives of current HPU students through gifts to the Alumni Association, the Annual Scholarship Fund and the A Call to Send campaign.

She is very involved with her church in Lubbock, of which she is a charter member, and has served as a church pianist for more than 45 years. She and Hal, who passed away in 2012, have three children – Melissa Rowe, the late Greg Rowe and the late Kevin Rowe.

“Joyce is truly an inspiration,” said Dr. Ellis. “The way she lives her life – faithfully serving and doing what needs to be done – is a gift she freely shares with others.”

The guest speaker for this year’s luncheon was HPU alumna Donna Clark Love, an internationally recognized expert, trainer and motivational speaker in the areas of bully prevention, family systems and student assistance.

For more information about the HPU Woman’s Club, visit