A panel of current HPU Sumners Scholars shared about their experience in a panel discussion.

Howard Payne University Sumners Scholars hosted the Sumners Social on January 20, providing information to prospective and current students about the Sumners Scholar Program. Information was shared about the scholarship program’s eligibility requirements, application process and benefits. The event was hosted in conjunction with the HPU Office of Admission as a part of the Yellow Jacket Preview day for prospective students. Around 40 attendees gathered as Sumners Scholars shared the opportunities of the Sumners program over free hot chocolate.

The Sumners Social concluded with a question-and-answer panel from current Sumners students: Maddie Duncan, majoring in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and psychology; Kellen McKee, majoring in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and biomedical sciences; and Addison Roden, majoring in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and finance. The students shared the value of the program and how it has impacted their education as they answered questions from the attendees.

“The Sumners Program offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance for our students to grow as civic leaders,” said Charles Lewis, HPU’s director of development and Sumners Scholarship coordinator. “Through events like the Sumners Social, we are able to raise awareness about this special partnership with the Sumners Foundation. We are so proud of our Sumners Scholars and eager to see this program continue to grow.”

Acceptance into the Sumners Scholar Program, created by The Sumners Foundation, is based on an assessment of academic excellence, a sense of civic responsibility and leadership potential. Each year, four to five sophomore-level HPU students are selected for the competitive four-semester program after an in-depth application and interview process by the trustees of the Sumners Foundation. Students of any major whose career aspirations align with the schedule are eligible for consideration. The Sumners Foundation provides a $7,500-per-semester scholarship for its participating students for tuition, fees, books, or room and board, alongside unique opportunities to hear from congressional and civic leaders at various events and seminars.

For more information, visit www.hputx.edu/sumners.