Howard Payne University invites the community, students, alumni, personnel and friends to HPU’s campus for the Spring Family Reunion on Saturday, April 1. The day’s festivities will begin at 9 a.m. and feature a 5K run/walk, outdoor games, food, alumni reunions, live music and a reunion lunch at Underwood’s BBQ.

“We are excited to host the Spring Family Reunion for the third year in a row to provide an opportunity for alumni and community members to be part of campus life,” said Dr. Kalie Lowrie, assistant vice president for alumni relations. “From a 5K to reunions, games and booths hosted by alumni and student organizations, there will be activities for everyone. We have also added a reunion lunch at Underwood’s BBQ, a well-loved place our alumni frequent.”

The day will begin with a new event this year, the HPU Alumni Association Virtual 5K, at 9 a.m. Alumni and friends can register for $40 to receive a dry-fit shirt and bib. Students are also encouraged to participate for $10 per person. A student group will help host the 5K on campus, or individuals can participate from anywhere around the country. This event is a fundraiser for the Alumni Association to fund event-related projects such as Homecoming floats, Spring Sing prize money, a graduate dinner, welcome bags for incoming students, and many other initiatives throughout the year. Individuals can register at https://www.hputx.edu/alumni/hpu-virtual-5k-2023/

Another new event this year is the Reunion Lunch at Underwood’s BBQ. Alumni and friends are invited to gather for lunch at the beloved Underwood’s restaurant. Space will be reserved in the dining room for the HPU family.

Then, festivities will continue with the Reunion Celebration, featuring live music, outdoor games, bouncy houses and food, beginning at 1 p.m. in HPU’s Old Main Park, near the Newbury Family Welcome Center on Austin Avenue. Several alumni groups and student organizations will host tables, including the Alumni Association Board of Directors; Chi Alpha Omega; Delta Chi Rho; Delta Epsilon Omega; Gamma Beta Phi; Hispanic Alumni Chapter; HOSA – Future Health Professionals; Pi Theta Chi; Student Association of Social Work; and Young Alumni. Musical performances will feature an HPU student group, an ensemble including Anthony Arreola ’13 and Micah Jaynes, and an acoustic performance by Christy Patton.

Registration for the HPU Spring Family Reunion is free, but registration is encouraged. Visit www.hputx.edu/familyreunion to register to attend and for more information.