Howard Payne University recently hosted alumni and friends at the Legacy Luncheon, a special event celebrating the impact scholarships and giving have on students and the campus. During the program, gratitude for support was expressed by university administrators, alumni and students. The event was held in the Bullion Suites of the Mabee University Center.

The Legacy Luncheon honored university supporters who have endowed scholarships, have been named to the Robnett Legacy Society because of their participation in planned giving or have become a part of the 1889 Society by giving $1,889 or more within the 2022-23 fiscal year.

For Dr. Dale Meinecke ’98, vice president for advancement, the event offered the university the opportunity to recognize these generous supporters.

“Alumni and friends of Howard Payne University make it possible to offer the life-transforming, Christ-centered higher education that the university provides,” said Dr. Meinecke. “It was an honor to host these special friends and say ‘thank you’ for their generosity.”

At the event, remarks were given by Charles Lewis ’21, director of development; Isabel Clevenger, a senior from Brownwood majoring in biomedical science and a scholarship recipient; Dr. Meinecke; and Dr. Cory Hines ’97, HPU president. Dr. Jerry Shields, pastor of First Baptist Church Brownwood, closed the luncheon in prayer.

Music for the event was provided by Isabel Clevenger; Victoriano Cooper, a senior from Brownwood majoring in music; Nicole de la Houssaye, a junior from Cleveland, Texas, double-majoring in general psychology and the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy; and Julie Ivy, a sophomore from Shiner majoring in Christian studies.

Dr. Hines also hosted two panel discussions as part of the program. The first panel was composed of two alumni couples who have endowed scholarships – Dr. Scott ’91 and Kriste ’93 Davis, and Steve ’72 and Sophia ’70 Faulkner. These panelists shared stories of their HPU memories and explained why they gave to support student scholarships at the university.

Steve Faulkner was excited for the opportunity to participate and share why he and his wife have an endowed HPU scholarship.

“HPU is a unique university where a majority of the students receive financial aid through scholarships,” Faulkner said. “Because of these scholarships, the faculty and staff can ensure that each student is able to pursue an education and graduate using his or her God-given talents, passions and calling. It has been an honor and a blessing to be a part of providing scholarships for students for years to come.”

The second panel was composed of current students who are scholarship recipients – Payton Chumbley, a sophomore from Cleburne majoring in criminal justice; Mariah Garcia, a junior from Aubrey triple-majoring in chemistry, criminal justice and the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy; and Patricia GaribayBartolo, a junior from Nolanville double-majoring in allied health sciences and the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy. They shared their gratitude for HPU and the scholarships that have helped make their college experience possible.

Garcia expressed how participating in the event inspired her.

“The Legacy Luncheon makes me feel proud to be a part of the HPU family and the legacy the university stands for and continues to build,” Garcia said. “Through the generosity and blessing of others, scholarships have allowed me to be a part of the Howard Payne experience that has grown me into the person I am.”

For more information about HPU visit www.hputx.edu.