On Tuesday, September 16, the Howard Payne University family celebrated 135 years of the student experience in recognition of the first day of classes held in Brownwood on September 16, 1890.

“God has been so faithful to our university over the last 135 years, and it was wonderful to celebrate this milestone together as an HPU family,” said Dr. Cory Hines, university president. “We are thankful for all those who joined us in prayer and celebration for all God has done and all He will do.”

The morning began with 135 minutes of prayer from 7:45-10:00 a.m., which led into a chapel service for Encounter week. Alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends were invited to utilize a prayer guide during that time to reflect on God’s faithfulness in the past, pray for the current student body and administration and look to the future of what God will do.

The HPU campus shared cake during the lunch hour, and then gifts were given to students that evening at the Encounter worship service, where a group photo was taken. Alumni and friends of the university also gave gifts of $1.35, $13.50, $135 and more to celebrate the day.