Howard Payne University hosted alumni and friends on November 22 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 founders of three endowed scholarships at HPU were also recognized during the program. Dr. Donnie ’75 and Sande Auvenshine established the Auvenshine-Pullen Endowed Scholarship, Dr. Ronny ’87 and Robin ’87 Marriott established the Marriott Family Endowed Scholarship, and Marlon ’90 and Sherry Prichard established the Marlon, Sherry and Grace Prichard Endowed Scholarship.

 The 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 2024-2025 fiscal year.

 “We were honored to express our gratitude to alumni and friends who have invested in HPU to provide scholarships for very deserving students,” said Dr. Dale Meinecke ’98, vice president for advancement. “God’s blessings are evident through the generosity of our supporters. The Legacy Luncheon allow us to express our gratitude for the people He uses to do His work.”

 A panel discussion featuring the Marriotts and junior Vitoria Biazi was led by Dr. Kalie Lowrie, associate vice president for communications and alumni engagement. The Marriotts established a scholarship to benefit ministry students at the university. They talked about their desire to pay forward the blessings they received through scholarships when they were students. Biazi is an international student from Brazil and the recipient of scholarships that makes her education possible. She shared about the impact of scholarships on her life and how God is using HPU to prepare her for a future in vocational ministry.

 During the event, remarks were given by Dr. Cory Hines ’97, HPU president; Charles Lewis ’21, director of development; Biak Sang, junior ministry major from Richardson; Tori Petersheim, a graduate student in the youth and family ministry program; and Dr. Meinecke. HPU alumnus Dr. David Strawn ’71 led in prayer during the program. Music for the event was provided by Victoriano Cooper, a senior biomedical science major from Early.

 Student scholarship recipients were also in attendance at the luncheon and sat with donors connected to their scholarships.

 Six additional scholarships were established in 2024-2025 whose founders were unable to attend the luncheon. The scholarships include the Guy and Nancy Garner Endowed Scholarship, the Jimmy & Katie Hart Endowed Scholarship Fund, the McKnight Family Endowed Scholarship, the Vernon D. Holleman Endowed Scholarship, the McClure Family Scholarship and the Sigma Alpha Sigma Jacket Co-Eds Scholarship.

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