Howard Payne University celebrated their Homecoming Weekend October 28-30th with more than 30 events, including the longest known parade in the university’s history.

New this year, HPU’s Homecoming featured a Bonfire and Fireworks Show on the Bayou. This event took place at 9 p.m. on Friday, October 28th at Riverside Park in Brownwood. In addition to the bonfire and fireworks, various HPU student organizations provided games and activities for attendees.

The HPU Homecoming Parade took place on Saturday, October 29th, at 10 a.m. and featured over 40 floats from the campus as well as organizations and businesses within the community, celebrating this year’s “The HPU Family Tree” theme.

“We always say that HPU is a family and that is never more evident than during Homecoming each year,” said Laura Benoit, associate director of alumni relations.

Jaclyn Bonner, senior from Lytle, and Adriana Mata, junior from San Angelo, were crowned Howard Payne University’s Homecoming Queen and Princess. Bonner and Mata, as well as all the members of HPU’s Homecoming Court, were featured during the halftime show of the Homecoming Game. The Howard Payne Yellow Jackets lost 41-6 to the McMurry War Hawks on Saturday, October 29th at Gordon Wood Stadium.

Howard Payne University recognized 10 individuals during the Homecoming 2016 celebrations. This year’s honorees include Dr. Vernon Holleman ’53, Distinguished Alumnus; Robert Morrison ’82, Distinguished Alumnus; Dr. Brad Collins ’01, Outstanding Young Graduate; Emily Gore ’09, Outstanding Young Graduate; Martha Dufresne ’71, Coming Home Queen; Dwain Bruner, Medal of Service; Stephen Haynes, Grand Marshal; Dan McGhee ’71, Sports Hall of Fame; Greg Nixon ’06, Sports Hall of Fame; and Dr. Adrian Gil, Dr. José Rivas Distinguished Service Award.

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