Link Magazine - Spring 2019

D R . CO RY H I N E S ’ 97 NAM E D H P U P R E S I D E NT

T H E M AG A Z I N E O F H OWA R D PAY N E U N I V E R S I T Y SPRING 2019

Y E STE R DAY, TO DAY AN D FO R E VE R

H P U AT 130 ( 1 8 8 9 -201 9 )

In This Issue

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G R E E T I N G S F R O M D R . PAU L W. A R M E S , INTERIM PRESIDENT

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2 Campus News 15 Alumni Association Update

Dear friends,

16 Howard Payne University Artifacts: Dr. H.L. Cravens, 1940s-1990s

As you may have heard, and will read on page 2, Howard Payne University has named Dr. Cory Hines ’97 as the university’s 20th president effective April 1, 2019.

18 What I Love About HPU 20 Cover Story – Yesterday, Today and Forever: HPU thanks God for 130 years of provision and looks forward to the future

This is truly an exciting moment in HPU’s long and treasured history. As an alumnus, Dr. Hines is intimately familiar with HPU and its commitment to offering students a distinctively Christian higher education. I have had opportunities to meet with Dr. Hines and look forward, as can you, to the new heights HPU will soar under his capable leadership.

26 Rooted: HPU community provides a place for spiritual and personal growth 30 A Life of Learning for Lives of Service: HPU’s Dr. Brad Lemler teaches the application and influence of Christian principles in business

The upcoming year will be a time of new beginnings and opportunities. While we have certainly faced some challenges this past school year, we have also been reminded of God’s faithfulness to Howard Payne University and her mission. We have all come to affirm with the Apostle Paul, that “… He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion …” (Phil. 1:6, NIV). God is not finished with any of us and, as we follow Him, we find that He helps us to remember – we are not alone.

True to His promise, the Lord has been faithful to call to our minds His goodness at times we might be prone to forget.

As HPU celebrates 130 years in 2019, the “Yesterday, Today and Forever” article on page 20 takes a more in-depth look at God’s faithfulness to HPU throughout the years. There is certainly much for which we can be thankful. Even the recent Steven Curtis Chapman concert on campus (see page 4) focused on the theme of remembrance.

Though my time at HPU has now drawn to a close, I will always have special memories of this fine university. I am thankful to the mighty, faithful God we serve. Let us bless His name forever.

Grace and peace,

Dr. Paul W. Armes

DR. PAUL W. ARMES PHOTO BY AMY PITMAN; STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN PHOTO BY JARVIS GREEN

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” – John 14:26, ESV

32 “To help others as someone helped me”: Glenda Huff looks back on a career of ministering through financial aid 36 Embracing the HPU Mission: Social work director teaches students to approach career field with Christian mindset 38 Student-Athlete is Back Home at Howard Payne 40 A Better Vantage Point: HPU graduate reflects on spiritual lessons learned while rock climbing 42 In Memoriam 44 Alma Mater

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Inside Back Cover: HPU Websites and Social Media Back Cover: Student Perspective

Office of University Marketing and Communications: Kyle Mize Assistant Vice President for Communications Coby Sauce, MBA ’14 Director of Media Relations and Online Communications Jarvis Green Graphic Designer/Web Editor Rebekah Sterling ’18 Communications Assistant/ Web Editor Seth Rainey Student Intern Design and layout

by Kyle Mize and Jarvis Green Cover art

by Abi Brown, HPU junior

The Link is published by the Office of University Marketing and Communications at Howard Payne University Articles may be reprinted with permission Correspondence: link@hputx.edu or The Link Office of University Marketing and Communications Howard Payne University 1000 Fisk Street Brownwood, Texas 76801 325-649-8009

Campus News Dr. Cory Hines ’97 named Howard Payne University’s 20th president HPU graduate receives unanimous support of Board of Trustees Note: Due to the timing of this late-breaking news, this announcement is included in the current issue of the Link and an expanded feature story about Dr. Hines and his family will follow in the fall issue.

By Kyle Mize

Howard Payne University has named Dr. Cory Hines as the institution’s next president, the 20th in HPU’s 130-year history. The announcement was made following a special called meeting of HPU’s Board of Trustees on March 18, at which the board voted unanimously in favor of Dr. Hines’ appointment. He began work at HPU on April 1.

A 1997 graduate of HPU, Dr. Hines has a broad range of experience in higher education administration. Before moving to the post of vice president of enrollment at Dallas Baptist University, he served that institution in other capacities as vice president in the areas of advancement, graduate affairs, external affairs, and alumni and community relations.

He taught at DBU and provided leadership in the creation of several graduate programs there. Active in Baptist life, he also has experience in ministry, having served as executive pastor and student pastor at Ferris Avenue Baptist Church (now The Avenue Church) in Waxahachie.

He earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in religious education from HPU, followed by the Master of Arts degree in Christian education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2000 and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in leadership studies – higher education from Dallas Baptist University in 2012.

“Dr. Hines’ combination of education and experience

Dr. Cory Hines is pictured with his wife, Melinda, and children, Mackenzie (far left) and Caleb (far right).

PHOTOS BY THE OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

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makes him a perfect fit for Howard Payne University,” said Pastor Ray Still, chair of HPU’s Board of Trustees. “As our institution continues to seek to glorify God and prepare our students to fulfill His calling on their lives, Dr. Hines will provide the kind of leadership needed for the next stage in HPU’s long, distinguished history.”

Dr. Hines and his wife, Melinda, have two children, Mackenzie and Caleb. The family currently resides in Waxahachie and will relocate to Brownwood. Dr. Hines expressed his eagerness to renew his relationship with HPU and the Brownwood area.

“Howard Payne University had a lifechanging impact on me as a student, and I’m honored to have been chosen to lead my alma mater as president,” he said. “My family and I are eager to come back home to Brownwood and plant our lives here.”

The March 18 announcement is the culmination of a process that began in the summer of 2018, following the retirement of Dr. Bill Ellis as president and his transition to the role of chancellor. To assist HPU’s search committee, the university enlisted the executive search firm of CarterBaldwin of Atlanta.

“The search process yielded a wide range Dr. Cory Hines speaks to an assembly of HPU students, faculty and of applicants from across the U.S.,” said Dr. staff shortly after his appointment as the university’s 20th president.

David Lowrie, chair of the search commit“Their diligence is a testament to their commitment to our tee, member of HPU’s Board of Trustees and senior pastor university and the monumental importance of their task.” of First Baptist Church in Decatur. “We are grateful to Dr. Paul W. Armes, longtime educator, administrator our associates at CarterBaldwin for their help in securing and minister, served as HPU’s interim president since June such an impressive pool of candidates, and we are thankful 1. His service to HPU ended on March 31. to God for His leadership through this entire journey. We “Howard Payne University has great days ahead,” Dr. couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”

Armes said. “Dr. Cory Hines is already part of the universi In addition to Dr. Lowrie, committee members from ty family and brings a proven track record of excellence and the Board of Trustees were Ronnie D. Andrews ’83, busieffectiveness in the field of faith-based higher education. We ness executive from Houston; Marc Dingler ’84, attorney are at a very exciting moment of HPU’s history. Surely God’s from Midland; Carter M. Sharpe, insurance executive from hand of blessing is on this university.”

Brownwood; Jonathan “Jonny” Snow ’06, executive recruiter Pastor Still expressed his thanks to Dr. Armes for his from Waxahachie; and Lesley Collier Wyse ’72, retired edservice to HPU. ucator from Boerne. Representing HPU employees on the “On behalf of the entire HPU family, I offer my graticommittee were Dr. Kylah Clark-Goff, dean of the School tude to Dr. Armes for his willingness to step into this role of Education and professor of education; Lynn Humeniuk, and serve our university with characteristic warmth, wisdom director of the criminal justice program and associate proand grace,” Pastor Still said. “As he returns to retirement, he fessor of criminal justice and sociology; and Hunter Sims, takes with him our best wishes and lasting appreciation.” athletic director.

Additional information about Dr. Hines, including de “The members of the search committee devoted many tails about his inauguration, will follow in the weeks ahead. hours and countless prayers to this process,” said Pastor Still.

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Steven Curtis Chapman’s “Great Adventure” returns to Mims Auditorium Acclaimed Christian musician gives special performance for HPU family Story by Kyle Mize Photos by Jarvis Green

“ These songs are ways to remember the moments God has given me.”

– Steven Curtis Chapman

When Steven Curtis Chapman first performed at Howard Payne University, the fall 1989 semester had just begun and the release of Chapman’s third album – More to This Life – was still a few weeks away.

Three decades and 21 albums later, he returned to HPU’s Mims Auditorium on February 1 for an intimate evening of songs and stories recapping a journey that began in Paducah, Kentucky, and, along the way, became one of the most distinguished careers in Christian music history.

The concert event, which also included a pre-show reception and snacks afterward, was presented free of charge to HPU personnel, board members, students and guests through the generosity of Ronnie ’83 and Teri (Davis) ’83 Andrews as a show of appreciation for the university’s faculty and staff.

Chapman, whose music has been honored with 58 Dove Awards and nearly 11 million albums sold, gave a solo performance drawing

from the breadth of his work, ranging from early material such as “My Redeemer is Faithful and True,” “For the Sake of the Call” and “The Great Adventure” to more recent songs such as “Do Everything” and “Love Take Me Over.” The theme of remembrance was a central thread throughout the concert, which also featured the performance of his latest single, “Remember to Remember.”

Chapman’s good-natured humor was evident throughout the performance, particularly in stories about his childhood (the incongruity of learning to play Johnny Cash’s murder/prison classic “Folsom Prison Blues” as a six-year-old), fledgling career (forgetting lyrics onstage at the Grand Ole Opry) and early stardom (his late-1980s hairstyle).

His wife, Mary Beth, occupied a central place in his reminiscences and served an inspirational role in the songs themselves “because she’s been with me on the journey.”

Introducing “I Will Be Here,” Chapman recounted that the couple has traveled along “mountaintops and valleys deeper and darker than we could have imagined.” He spoke of the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness through life’s joys and sorrows, holding onto His promise “that He’s working all these things together for our good and His glory.”

Chapman communicated his family’s passion for adoption and shared information about Show Hope (showhope.org), the non-profit organization established by the Chapmans to help orphans find loving

Steven Curtis Chapman “stings ’em” with Kevin Kirk, MBA ’14, associate vice president for enrollment management.

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Above: Steven Curtis Chapman performs a dynamic, inspirational concert at HPU in February.

Right: Chapman’s first concert at HPU is profiled in the September 8, 1989, issue of Daniel Deviney ’92, member HPU’s Yellow Jacket newspaper.

families. After relating his encounters with adoption – which Chapman said formed the “most profound experience of the Gospel” he had found – he switched from guitar to piano to perform a medley of “When Love Takes You In” and “Who You Say We Are.” Near the end of the concert, he gave the audience an opportunity to make requests, which led to performances of “Be Still and Know,” “Speechless,” “No Greater Love” and others. A jokester in the balcony bellowed “Go West Young Man” (a hit by Michael W. Smith), and Chapman reacted with mock annoyance – and then, with a grin, worked the words “Go west young man” into his next song, “Long Way Home.”

Chapman said he enjoys taking requests and learning what songs are audience members’ favorites.

“The fact that you know these songs and they’ve been a part of your life amazes me and humbles me,” he said.

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daughters, Chapman said, “These songs are ways to remember the moments God has given me.” At the song’s conclusion, he added, “The dance will go on, the story is unfolding – we trust God with every chapter.”

After a reprise of the hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” Chapman expressed his appreciation for the audience – “Thank you for letting me be a part of the Howard Payne unfolding story” – before his hit “Dive” brought the concert to an energetic close.

Attendees shared their gratitude for the Andrews’ kindness in providing the rare experience with Chapman.

“I was overwhelmed by the generosity of Ronnie and Teri Andrews in bringing Steven Curtis Chapman to Howard Payne,” said Dr. Kristen Hutchins, associate professor of biology. “What a gift to worship together in Mims Auditorium with such an incredibly talented musician! His songs are an encouragement to see God’s faithfulness.

It was such an honor to be there and to share those moments with our HPU family.”

of HPU’s Board of Trustees, was an HPU sophomore when Chapman first performed here in 1989:

“Almost 30 years ago, I had never heard of Steven Curtis Chapman, so I did not know what to expect when he walked onto the stage. The songs he sang spoke truth to me and left an impression that I wanted to remember, so after the concert I purchased two of his cassettes.

“Over the years since that concert, both of my kids grew up listening to his songs, allowing his music to continue to have a positive impact on me and my family.

“My wife (Audra Caldwell Deviney ’92) and I had the opportunity to attend his recent concert at HPU with our daughter, Madelyn, who is an HPU student. It was such a blessing to not only hear his music and story but to speak with him about his first performance on the HPU campus so many years ago and how his music has had such a positive impact on our family.”

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HPU speaking sessions celebrate crossroads of faith and academics

By Coby Sauce, MBA ’14

Embracing true Christian higher education is less about integrating faith with learning than it is about recognizing that the two are already inherently joined – no “integration” required. The study of science, history, math, English – every subject – is also the study of God the Creator.

With this in mind, Howard Payne University has instituted a new one-semester, intensive speaking series during which representative faculty and staff members share with their colleagues how they are incorporating this “life of the mind, life of the Spirit” philosophy into their teaching and/or administrative work. The personnel speak on how their areas of oversight function at the crossroads of the mind and the Spirit to teach and work from a biblically informed, Christian worldview that goes beyond simply allowing a Christian emphasis to fostering it.

Staff members from a wide range of the university’s offices and academic programs have presented to their peers with more sessions from others across campus planned throughout the semester.

Additionally, two colleagues in Christian higher education from North Greenville University in South Carolina recently joined HPU personnel for a professional development day on

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THEME ARTWORK BY JULIE (WALLACE) MIZE ’96 PHOTOS BY REBEKAH STERLING ’18

Colleagues in Christian higher education from North Greenville University recently joined HPU personnel for a professional development day on engaging the mind and the Spirit. Pictured are Dr. Gene C. Fant Jr. (left), president of North Greenville University, and Dr. H. Paul Thompson Jr., dean of North Greenville’s College of Humanities and Sciences and chair of the History Department.

the topic of engaging the mind and the Spirit.

Speaking on the HPU campus were Dr. Gene C. Fant Jr., president of North Greenville University, and Dr. H. Paul Thompson Jr., dean of North Greenville’s College of Humanities and Sciences and chair of the History Department. Both emphasized that truly Christian higher education is about much more than praying before class.

Dr. Fant said that Christian educators have unique access to ideas and concepts in their content areas as illuminated by the light of Christ.

“You ought to understand the philosophical framework of your discipline through a light that others in your discipline who are not Christ followers cannot comprehend,” he said. “If I have the mind of Christ, I have the mind of the One who has helped us to understand the reality that He has prepared for us. I have access to ideas, understandings and perceptions that others (non-Christians) do not.”

He went on to say that students are hungry for spiritual conversations.

“Not only that, they are hungry for you to have spiritual conversations about your discipline,” he said. “There’s nothing that is ‘second class’ about being Christian in higher education.

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“You ought to understand the philosophical framework of your discipline through a light that others in your discipline who are not Christ followers cannot comprehend.”

– Dr. Gene C. Fant Jr.

You have true academic freedom in that you can talk about things here that you would be called on the carpet for at a state university.”

Dr. Thompson taught for 13 years in public education before entering a career in Christian higher education.

“Making the transition to a place of being able to merge my faith with my discipline has not been arduous,” he said.

“It’s been a joy. There is a wholeness now that I never had before professionally or personally.”

The two most powerful, life-changing experiences a person can have, said Dr. Thompson, are a personal encounter with Jesus Christ and a high-quality education.

“We are at ground zero in Christian higher education to merge those two intentionally and explicitly,” he said. “That’s a really, really powerful thing.”

Dr. W. Mark Tew, then HPU’s provost and chief academic officer, said all HPU faculty and staff, regardless of their individual roles, are responsible for teaching the students in some way.

“Our prayer is that as we perform our jobs, we recognize that they are more than a series of tasks,” he said. “We have the opportunity every day to present and model to the students God sends our way the image of people who are seeking to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives.”

It is exciting to know that we have been placed where we can help prepare the next generation of leaders, Dr. Tew said.

“We recognize that we can accept that challenge and shape and mold students in such a way that they go from here knowing that their careers are their calling to serve God so that they can use their gifts and talents that we’ve helped them fine-tune,” he said. “We pray they use these not just to make a living for themselves but as a means to a far greater end – that is to share the love of Christ in everything that they do.”

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Senior Emma Reed, president of the Christian Association of Student Leaders, introduces members of the CASL committee.

Student committee plans 2019 CASL conference hosted by HPU

By Rebekah Sterling ’18

HPU welcomed more than 200 student representatives to campus in January for the 2019 Christian Association of Student Leaders (CASL) conference.

CASL was formed in 1998 by the Texas Baptist universities and is hosted each year by one of those institutions. The association is designed to develop and strengthen college students in their campus leadership roles and relationships with Christ. This year’s event was coordinated by a student committee organized and assisted by Dr. Magen Bunyard, vice president for student life and dean of students.

“Our students did a wonderful job of prayerfully and thoughtfully selecting all the elements of the conference including speakers, roundtable discussion and workshop topics, meals, activities and the schedule,” she said. “I am very thankful for their hard work and commitment to making decisions that honored God and helped equip their peers for excellence in service.”

Members of the CASL committee were Keith Baker of Houston; Caleb Kostreva of Clifton, Colorado; Spencer Wolverton of DeSoto; Foga’a Solomona-Afoa of Pearl City, Hawaii; Sawyer Fisher of Bertram, who served as the conference coordinator; and Emma Reed of Arlington, who served as president of the association.

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HPU’s baseball team and staff pose at the airport in Honolulu upon their arrival.

HPU baseball team travels to Hawaii

By Seth Rainey, HPU senior

On Jan. 30, Howard Payne University’s baseball team traveled to the state of Hawaii to start the season versus NCAA Division II Hawai’i Pacific University Sharks. Also accompanying the team on the trip were several HPU faculty and staff members.

The team played a series of five games beginning Feb. 1 against the Sharks during the course of three days on the island of Oahu.

“This trip was a phenomenal experience for our players,” said Stephen Lynn, head baseball coach. “We are very thankful for all those who helped to make this trip happen.”

The student-athletes also had educational opportunities during the road series. Dr. Matthew McNiece ’03, director

Hildebrand honored at concert in Cleburne

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of the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and associate professor of history and government, arranged a one-credithour course offered to the players while in the state.

As part of this opportunity, the team visited historical sites, such as Pearl Harbor, and were able to meet locals at team events.

“We want students, as much as possible when they travel, to feel empowered to find the parts of that place or that culture that are most interesting to them and study in their own way,” he said. “These students got to see touristy sites, but I think the background they had from the class made them look for what is important in their experiences.”

Dr. Jennifer McNiece ’02, assistant professor of government, director of international study and academic travel and acting Brand Chair, noted that the group from HPU received positive feedback from those they encountered while travelling and were excellent representatives of the university.

“I couldn’t have been more impressed with the way that coaching staff and players comported themselves while traveling,” she said. “They truly were, from beginning to end, excellent ambassadors for how Howard Payne University students are expected to conduct themselves.”

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HAWAII PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAURA BENOIT; RAY HILDEBRAND EVENT PHOTO BY DR. DON NEWBURY ’61

Music legend Ray Hildebrand ’62 (second from left) was honored in November at a concert held at Field Street Baptist Church in Cleburne and organized with the assistance of Dr. Don Newbury ’61. Hildebrand was recognized for his pioneering contributions to contemporary Christian music and received commendations from state and local officials as well as HPU and other institutions. He is pictured with (from left) Darrell ’72 and Becky ’72 Miles with Leroy ’65 and Linda Larson.

Visiting Carole Chong ’82 (second from left), athletic director at Trinity Christian School in Kailua, are Laura Benoit, HPU’s director of alumni relations; Debbie Childs, HPU’s director of university events; and Shannon Sims, wife of HPU’s athletic director, Hunter Sims.

By Seth Rainey, HPU senior

Over the past four and a half years, the HPU El Paso Center has experienced 72 percent enrollment growth and a 52 percent increase in scheduled credit hours.

HPU Alumni Association El Paso Chapter president, and Roxanne Jurado, the Alumni Association El Paso Chapter vice president.

The HPU El Paso Center also is celebrating the service of several of its staff members during the spring of 2019.

Bertha Valle ’09, El Paso Center administrative assistant and financial aid coordinator, marked 23 years with the university and Matt Rutkowski, admission counselor, marked seven years with HPU. Dr. Stephen Kovach, Christian studies professor, marked 10 years with the university and Dr. Adrian Gil, director of the El Paso center and professor of business, marked four and a half years of service at HPU.

For the second consecutive year, the Hunt Family Foundation, a private family foundation supporting non-profit organizations and initiatives that focus on the Paso del Norte region, awarded $10,000 to the HPU El Paso Center. The grant monies will be used for scholarships for students majoring in business (both undergraduate and graduate) during the 2019-20 academic semesters.

Six HPU El Paso students were awarded center-specific scholarships. The three recipients of the 2018-19 Dr. Richard W. Nassar Annual Scholarship were Santiago Mejia, Beatriz Munoz and Everado Hernandez, pictured (near right) with Dr. Nassar. Three more HPU El Paso Center students, Kacie Greseth, Fernando Fernandez and Janet Carrillo were recipients of the of the 2018-19 HPU El Paso Center Scholarship, pictured (far right) with Priscilla Macias,

HPU New Braunfels Center Highlights

By Seth Rainey, HPU senior

Dr. Eric Covington, assistant professor of Christian studies, published his first book in August 2018,

EL PASO PHOTOS COURTESY OF HPU EL PASO CENTER; NEW BRAUNFELS PHOTO BY HEATHER NIX PHOTOGRAPHY

In December 2018, HPU’s New Braunfels Extension Center celebrated the graduation of eight students. Two of these students earned MBA degrees, four earned bachelor’s degrees in business and two students earned bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice. Summer 2018 graduates were also recognized and they included two MBA students, two criminal justice students and a business student. Pictured are graduates and New Braunfels personnel (front row, left to right) Emily Dixon; Dr. Ben Martin ’04, assistant vice president of the New Braunfels Center; Kirstin Henderson; Nicole Drummond; (back row, left to right) Joseph Torres; Travis Kiers; David Blevins; Pat Akers; John Hjort; Raul Medina; and Dr. Eric Covington, assistant professor of Christian studies.

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Functional Teleology and the Coherence of Ephesians in German publisher Mohr Siebeck’s Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament series. This series, according to its website, “is marked by a historical-philological character and an international orientation that transcends exegetical schools and subject boundaries” and serves to publish “outstanding writing by up-and-coming young researchers.” The book is a revised version of Dr. Covington’s doctoral thesis, completed at the University of St Andrews in 2016, which examines the New Testament Epistle to the Ephesians through the categories and concepts of ethical teleology.

After launching campus Chapel services in the fall semester, the New Braunfels Extension Center hosted its first spring Chapel on February 11. On March 28, the campus also participated in the Big Give, an online fundraising day for San Antonio-area organizations. HPU New Braunfels is also organizing the Scholarship Dash, a 5K run/walk on Saturday, May 4, to fund campus scholarships.

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HPU El Paso Center Highlights

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HPU family gathers for Homecoming 2018 HPU hosted approximately 750 alumni and area guests on campus in early November for Homecoming 2018: The Carnival of Blue of Gold. The event featured new activities including food trucks and carnival games and returning favorites such as the Homecoming Parade, the bonfire and the fireworks display.

Laura Benoit, director of alumni relations, said the event was a great success thanks to the many volunteers and community sponsors.

“It was exciting to welcome a large group of HPU alumni and other guests from the community,” she said. “Our volunteers worked hard to make sure the event was fun for everyone and, of course, we couldn’t have a successful event without the many wonderful businesses who partnered with us to make Homecoming a special time for the HPU family.”

Gold-level sponsors included Brownwood-Area Chamber of Commerce, Bruner Auto Group, Underwood’s Cafeteria, Visit Early Texas, Wendlee Broadcasting and Willie’s T’s.

Navy-level sponsors were Brookshire’s, Dr Pepper Bottling, Marsh & McLennan Agency – Brian Borovay and Daniel Prescott, Mills County State Bank, TexasBank and United Supermarkets.

White-level sponsors included Adidas, Citizens National Bank, Double H Mercantile, PF&E Oil Company and Porter Insurance Agency.

Partner sponsors were Painter & Johnson Financial and Smith & Sharpe Agencies.

Save the dates! Homecoming 2019 – “Yesterday, Today and Forever” – is slated for November 1-2, 2019. Look for the ad on page 14. More details will be available in the upcoming months.

1. Buzzsaw welcomes alumni back to campus for Homecoming 2018. 2. Sareta Delgado, Andrea (Peaster) Culpepper ’16 and Diann Prickett, staff members from HPU’s Office of Institutional Advancement, serve at the Cobbler on the Campus event. 3. HPU’s Department of Theatre presents Missing Link. 4. HPU 2018 Homecoming royalty includes (left to right) Angelica Ramirez, Queen; Karen Coppock Dodds ’64, Coming Home Queen; and Sarah Ramos, Princess. 5. Daniel Baker College alumni gather for a reunion. 6. HPU’s fireworks display is a hit among current students and alumni alike. 7. Students beat the Freshman Drums.

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PHOTOS BY THE OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

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Homecoming 2018 Honorees Dr. Benjamin Abraham ’74, Distinguished Alumnus Hope Hohertz Doremus ’10, Outstanding Young Graduate Milton McGee, Medal of Service Karen Coppock Dodds ’64, Coming Home Queen Dwayne Grooms ’65, Grand Marshal Marvin “Doc” Utecht ’70, Sports Hall of Fame James Williamson ’70, Sports Hall of Fame Dr. Jimmy Garcia ’71, Dr. José Rivas Distinguished Service Award 7 H OWA R D PAY N E U N I V E R S I T Y

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8. Parade participants embrace Homecoming’s carnival theme. 9. Dr. Paul Armes, then interim president, congratulates honoree Dwayne Grooms ’65. 10. Trishawn Townes is among the HPU student-athletes participating in the Homecoming Parade. 11. Current HPU athletes gather with sports alumni at the Letterman’s Breakfast. 12. Ray Hildebrand ’62 and Julie (Wallace) Mize ’96 visit at the football game. 13. Homecoming Honorees, along with their families, are honored during the HPU football game. 14. HPU student Alek Mendoza speaks during the Hispanic Fellowship Breakfast. 15. HPU’s Concert Choir gives a special performance. 16. Friends from the Class of 1968 pause mid-reunion for a photo. 17. Rev. Candace Smith ’71 (left) greets friends Jody ’71 and Lesley Collier Wyse ’72. 18.

Lily (left) and Avery Maddox, daughters of Jay ’12 and Alexa (Ward) Maddox ’04, stop for a photo in front of HPU’s Jesus statue.

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PHOTOS BY THE OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

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M A R K YO U R C A L E N D A R : NOVEMBER 1–2, 2019

Nominations for Homecoming 2019 honorees will be accepted through June 1, 2019.

Nominate online now at www.hputx.edu/alumni/homecomingnominations. If you would like to host a reunion, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations as soon as possible.

Space is limited and fills up quickly. To see Homecoming details as they become available, visit www.hputx.edu/homecoming.

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Alumni Association Update Lifelong lessons: Bobbette Brooks Bell ’87 reflects on how HPU prepared her for the classroom and beyond

By Rebekah Sterling ’18

PHOTO BY HEATHER NIX PHOTOGRAPHY

Bobbette Brooks Bell ’87, Alumni Association president, has many treasured memories of her time as a student at Howard Payne University. She fondly remembers getting popcorn at Dr. Newbury’s house, roaming the halls of Veda Hodge Hall and the anticipation of Homecoming weekend. But most memorable to her are the many ways that HPU prepared her for her future – academically and spiritually.

“One of the greatest takeaways from my time at Howard Payne is the superior education that I received as a student,” she said, “but my professors also did an outstanding job of stretching my spiritual growth.”

Bell graduated with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education.

Since then, she has spent 32 years in public education, 29 of those as a classroom teacher. She currently works as a librarian at Salado High School. Bell emphasized that HPU absolutely prepared her for her role in education.

“I feel like no other university could have prepared me better to walk into the classroom as a firstyear teacher,” she said. “My professors taught me the fine balance of taking my message of faith into the public school and how to have compassion for the students in the classroom. I learned to be fair with my students, because that's how I was treated by the HPU faculty.”

Bell emphasized that her professors always challenged her to do her best – something that has become an important feature of her own teaching style.

“The faculty were certainly committed to helping us pursue excellence,” she said. “Because the faculty at Howard Payne forced me to be my best, I walked into my classroom H OWA R D PAY N E U N I V E R S I T Y

expecting the best from my students. I knew, in the end, that was what my students would hunger for, what would equip them to be successful and what would make them feel good about themselves.”

The influence HPU had on Bell’s future was not limited to moments in the classroom. Her involvement on campus also provided her with invaluable life lessons and lifelong friends.

“The skills that I learned in leadership roles through my involvement with Delta Chi Rho and Student Foundation have proven critical in my career, even though they weren’t really part of my academic education,” Bell said. “The people of Howard Payne are its greatest asset. I made some of my life’s best friends at HPU. They had, without question, the greatest influence on my experience.”

Being an active member of the HPU Alumni Association has allowed Bell to maintain these friendships and to build new relationships with the entire Yellow Jacket family. Most importantly, it has allowed her to be of service to HPU in a significant way.

“I believe my role as part of the Alumni Association is to honor HPU with my time, talent, treasure and voice,” she said. “Our enthusiasm and support of HPU adds value to our careers, degrees and, most importantly, Howard Payne University. It is important for alumni to be active in the Alumni Association because, as students, we depended on HPU for our future. As alumni, HPU depends on us for her future. It is our responsibility to ensure that she continues to ‘tower in her might.’”

To find out more about the HPU Alumni Association and related activities, please visit www.hputx.edu/alumni.

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19 40s-1990s

s Dr. H.L. Craven

by Dr. Robert Mangrum, professor of history and government and university historian

DR. ROBERT MANGRUM PHOTO BY KYLE MIZE; ARTIFACT PHOTOS BY SETH RAINEY AND REBEKAH STERLING ’18

Dr. Henderson Lamar Cravens Jr. served on the faculty of Howard Payne University for 39 years.

Born May 27, 1920, in Big Lake, he was the son of parents whose careers were in education. Both his parents were graduates of what was then Howard Payne College. He graduated from Brownwood High School and attended HPC during the 1947-48 year. After receiving his B.A. degree from what was then North Texas State University in 1950 and his M.A. degree in 1951, he completed a doctorate at the University of Northern Colorado in 1961.

He began his teaching career at HPU in 1956 with economics classes and then expanded to include business courses. Later he was also teaching history and political science courses. At that time he was named chair of the political science department. He was named dean of the School of Social Sciences and to the J.D. Sandefer Chair of Political Science in 1985. In May 1991, he stepped down as dean and was named to fill the Dr. Othal Brand Chair of Free Enterprise and Public Policy.

Dr. Cravens was a part of the Democracy-in-Action program as well as a faculty member of the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom. He also served on many university committees including curriculum and catalog. Twice nominated for the Piper Professor Award for Outstanding Teaching, he was also the recipient of the Lasso yearbook dedication in 1974. He received the university’s Medal of Service Award in 1986 and the Distinguished Service Award in 1988.

An international champion checker player, he was crowned king of Texas checker players 35 times and, at one time, was ranked third in the world for his highest finish in national competition.

Dr. Cravens passed away on November 12, 1994. He was survived by his wife, Mickey, and two children.

Dr. Don Newbury ’61, then president, noted at the time of Dr. Cravens’ death: “He was the patriarch of our family, a master teacher and a friend of students and colleagues alike.”

Holly Holmes ’97, a student in Dr. Cravens’ class the semester he died, related how he had, in the last hours of his life, drafted a test for the class to take the following Monday.

“When I remember Dr. Cravens I will remember him walking into class wearing his plaid jacket and drinking a Dr Pepper,” Holmes said in 1994. “I’ll remember him ‘interpreting’ his handwriting on the board and standing behind his podium taking roll. I’ll remember Dr. Cravens as he was – a gifted professor, a professor who taught us a great deal. In the end he taught us about perseverance and the joy of doing something you love … He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”

Pictured clockwise from top left: • • • •

Dr. Cravens’ class/office schedule for the spring 1984 semester Southwest Scene clipping, July 11, 1971 Brownwood Bulletin clipping, September 28, 1992 Undated flier for on-campus event at which Dr. Cravens would play checkers against multiple students simultaneously • Dr. Cravens’ Doctor of Education hood, received in 1961 from the University of Northern Colorado, on display in HPU’s Packer Administration Building

Dr. Robert Mangrum has published an account of HPU’s history titled For Howard Payne My All: 125 Years of Christian Higher Education and Service, 1889-2015. The book, which took 17 years to write, celebrates the university’s history since its founding in 1889. It is available for $30 on DVD or USB flash drive at HPU’s Spirit Store in the Mabee University Center or at www.hputx.edu/store. All proceeds from the book’s sales support an academic scholarship at HPU. 16

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H OWA R D PAY N E U N I V E R S I T Y

B Y J E S S I C A C AT L E T T, H P U S E N I O R

“For Howard Payne My All” – thank you!

I have so many reasons to love Howard Payne. From the first time I came to Howard Payne, I could tell that this place made up a family. Before that first tour, I was a high school senior whose mother was forcing her to tour a school that she had never heard of. I did not want to be touring HPU. Even though I did not want to be there, my attitude completely changed the minute I stepped on campus. I know it sounds crazy, but I could feel the presence of God on campus.

Every interaction I had was confirmation that Howard Payne was the place for me. Of course, when PJ Gramling is the first person you meet, how could you not love HPU? I also loved the fact that HPU is a smaller campus. I was graduating from a class of ten people and did not want to be a student that was just a number to a professor. I wanted to be able to have relationships with my professors. I needed to know that they cared about me and that they wanted to push me toward success. During that tour it was evident that the professors and the staff here truly want what is best for the students.

There were several months between the day I first toured and the day I moved into Veda Hodge Hall. On move-in day, August 19, 2015, I was absolutely terrified. I almost threw up in the car on the way to HPU. There were so many times when I almost asked my mom to turn the car around and take me home. But something held me back. When I wanted to turn the car around, I remembered that feeling I had every time I toured HPU. I can’t put that feeling into words. It’s the feeling you get when you have had a hard day, and then you come home and someone you love gives you a hug – a hug that makes the day better. I felt like I was at home, and from that moment I knew I was welcomed into the Howard Payne family.

I have matured and grown so much since August 19, 2015, and I believe that is largely due to the fact that the Lord placed me at Howard Payne.

What I love most about Howard Payne is that I found a community and

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H OWA R D PAY N E U N I V E R S I T Y

I FOUND A COMMUNITY AND E N V I R O N M E N T T H AT ENCOURAGED GROWTH I N M Y WA L K W I T H T H E L O R D .

environment that encouraged growth in my walk with the Lord. Having that community is invaluable to me. My life would not be the same were it not for the family I found here and the opportunities provided to me. I have been given the opportunity to love and serve others through the BSM. I have been able to travel the world through the Model UN program. I have been able to attend leadership conferences and meet incredible people through the Sumners Scholarship program. Most importantly, I have been encouraged to listen to the Lord and to strive to become the person He created me to be.

Jessica Catlett (pictured at left at Walker Memorial Library) enjoys HPU’s friendly, supportive environment. She is also pictured at the Hub, home of HPU’s Baptist Student Ministry (above), and with friends at Grace Chapel (below).

PHOTOS BY JARVIS GREEN

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STORY BY COBY SAUCE, MBA ’14 ARTWORK BY ABI BROWN, HPU JUNIOR

YESTERDAY, HPU THANKS GOD FOR 130 YEARS OF PROVISION AND LOOKS FORWARD TO THE FUTURE

he author of Hebrews penned one of the most awe-inspiring verses in the Bible.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, ESV).

“Yesterday” in this verse spans back before creation (John 1:1) and “forever” promises that He will reign for all eternity (Revelation 11:15). The “today” part of the verse is as true in the present time as it was more than 2,000 years ago: Jesus Christ is alive and at work in the hearts of those who place their trust in Him (Ephesians 3:17).

Hebrews 13:8 is also the verse through

which Howard Payne University draws inspiration for its 2019 Homecoming theme: Yesterday, Today and Forever. HPU, celebrat-

TODAY AND FOREVER ing 130 years in 2019, takes this opportunity to reflect on its history and anticipate its future while thanking God for His everlasting love and faithfulness.

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YESTERDAY Among those who are a vital part of HPU’s past and who contribute mightily to the university’s present and future are the dedicated men and women serving on HPU’s Board of Trustees. The university is blessed by the group’s leadership and campus involvement. Three trustees share their thoughts in this article’s sidebars.

REV. CANDACE SMITH ’71, HPU TRUSTEE: While attending Howard Payne, God dramatically influenced the spiritual trajectory of my life as He did for countless others of you. When my alumni friends

In 1889, God placed the vision for HPU into the hearts and minds of the university’s founders. Dr. John D. Robnett and Rev. Noah T. Byars had no way of knowing how God would use their obedience to Him. Early benefactor Edward Howard Payne, Robnett’s brother-in-law, could not have known that the effects of his support would span more than a century and counting.

The men were simply being faithful to God. Alumni throughout the generations have displayed this same faithfulness through contributions, the referral of new students and regularly remembering HPU in their prayers. These alumni who give so freely of their time, talents and treasures are as much a part of HPU’s present and future as they are of the past.

It’s impossible to reflect on HPU’s past without also remembering the many men and women who have served as the university’s faculty and staff throughout its history. The accumulated time and effort HPU personnel have poured into students’ lives over the years is immeasurable.

Thanks to God’s provision and the faithful people who comprise the university’s “yesterday,” HPU continues in its important Kingdom work.

spend time together, we celebrate the ways the Lord has worked within our lives, our calling and our families.

Old Main, looming large in HPU’s history

The impact all over the world of those who have attended HPU is immeasurable.

Countless alumni prayed for you and

me as students. These alumni, who believed God had placed His hand on our school, got up early in the morning asking Him to work

Now we must do the same.

I think of Solomon, who stood at the altar

and raised his hands before Heaven, asking God, “May you watch over this Temple night and day, this place where you have said, ‘My name will be there’” (1 Kings 8:29, NLT).

Our place is HPU. God’s name is here.

As alumni, we must be on our knees

thinking of our special place and about the

Celebrating a national championship in 2008

students God is calling to impact the world.

We must pray for the Holy Spirit to fill every life with His calling and purpose.

Through our prayers, God “is able to

do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20, NIV).

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Celebrating the new name in 1974

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LADY JACKETS PHOTO BY DERRICK STUCKLY/BROWNWOOD BULLETIN

powerfully within HPU.

TODAY Naturally, the HPU of today looks quite different than the Howard Payne College of 1889. But the university’s mission still harkens back to the founders’ original intentions: preparing students for lives of service to God and humanity.

The university accomplishes this mission through intentionally engaging the life of the mind and the life of the Spirit. Since God is the creator of all things, the study of all academic subjects is done in ways that glorify Him and direct students toward His holiness.

HPU personnel continue to invest in the lives of students outside of the classroom. Working at HPU is a ministry. Whether in the classroom, through interactions with one of the campus offices, at an event or just walking around campus, students know they are valued and can see God’s love at work.

ROBERT MORRISON ’82, HPU TRUSTEE: I try to read my Bible every morning and every afternoon. Through these daily readings, God has shown me that some of His greatest work happens during times of adversity. HPU has gone through struggles throughout the years, but God’s blessing and favor on our university is evident.

I see this in a special way in my

interactions with current Howard Payne students. There is the perfect mesh of personalities and diversity on campus.

Worship at Chapel

When I am at Howard Payne, students come up to me, smile and say “Hello.” They often remember my name and will greet me the next time they see me.

Students have a great attitude about

Howard Payne’s future. I even interact with OTHER PHOTOS BY THE OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS OR FROM HPU ARCHIVES

some students on social media and they are very positive about the changes they are seeing on campus. As we went through the recent search for the university’s 20th president, it was inspiring to hear the

Fun at HPU’s recent Wellness Fair

students’ concerns and dreams for Howard Payne’s future. The Lord is working at and through Howard Payne.

May you be blessed with enough.

First day of class, spring 2019

H OWA R D PAY N E U N I V E R S I T Y

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FOREVER PASTOR RAY STILL, CHAIR, HPU BOARD OF TRUSTEES: The writer of Hebrews gives us great confidence and security to know that our Lord and Savior’s generous grace and abundant love never change. However, the work He started is always adapting to the changing landscape of the world.

Over the decades at HPU, changes have

been many but the mission of influencing and educating our students for the glory of God has not changed. I pray it will never change. Like other institutions of Christian work, HPU has navigated through times of rough and challenging waters. By God’s

The people and campus structures that comprise HPU as we know it will one day fall away. The university itself is far from eternal, but the work God has done and continues to do through HPU will last forever. We know this because He has been kind enough to allow us a glimpse of this Kingdom work this side of eternity.

Students who encounter Jesus Christ for the first time at HPU have gone on to become missionaries both at home and abroad, through which God has reached a countless number of people. Family trees have forever been altered because one family member came to know Christ in an HPU Chapel service, classroom or residence hall.

Even those who knew Jesus before they arrived at HPU have learned essential lessons about experiencing a more intimate walk with Him. Notably, students throughout the years have learned to approach their future careers as a calling from God. Jesus says in Matthew 24:35 (ESV), “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

To be certain, the Lord’s work is the only thing eternal about the university. We look forward to many more years in His service here at HPU and thank Him for 130 years of faithful provision.

grace and guidance, we have, and will, continue to endure. The days ahead are exciting times for our university with the coming of a new president and the incredible challenge of ministering in our world today.

I know our faithful God will pilot us through whatever lies ahead, showing us how we can be the university He wants us to be today, fulfilling our ultimate goal to glorify Him.

King David said in the scripture, ‘Who

knows what God might do.’ Get on board for the ride and see where God will take His university.

Daily reminder of service and commitment

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H OWA R D PAY N E U N I V E R S I T Y

ABOUT THE ARTWORK: ABI BROWN, HPU JUNIOR This opportunity has

YELLOW JACKET

been an amazing HAND, BOWL AND TOWEL FROM JESUS STATUE

J. HOWARD HODGE MEMORIAL BELL TOWERS

experience. I’ve definitely come out the other side with a deeper understanding and appreciation

STING ’EM!

of Howard Payne University. I didn’t

HEBREWS 13:8 IN GREEK

realize how much I would be learning about HPU’s history, traditions and even architecture. Who knew there could be so

BIBLE STUDY

much meaning in the simplest of things?

I transferred to HPU the fall of my

sophomore year, so there are a lot of experiences common among most students that I don’t share, such as freshman traditions like Jacket Journey and Chime In. Working on this design has given me the unique opportunity to come to appreciate HPU’s traditions in a new and unexpected way. It OLD MAIN TOWER

ICHTHUS SYMBOL, REPRESENTING CHRIST WORSHIP AT CHAPEL

made them that much more meaningful to me, and I have really come to see the value of our history as a part of our identity as a school.

What was especially exciting (and

challenging) for me was working on the right half of the design. The purpose of this portion of the design is to portray HPU today and into

DR. GUY D. NEWMAN, LONGTIME PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF HPU’S HONORS ACADEMY

STUDENTS AT MIMS AUDITORIUM IN EARLY DAYS

the future. I had to ask myself: What makes HPU what it is today? What about HPU is special? What aspects of HPU will last? There are elements such as the books and yellow jacket that represent education and our school spirit and, although these do have an incredible impact, I also wanted to represent

GARLAND FROM CHIME IN AND CHIME OUT, SYMBOLIZING HPU TRADITIONS

OLD MAIN

worshipping, the hand and bowl from the Jesus statue on campus and the ribbon of ichthus fish all represent aspects of HPU that will last: worship, servanthood and our pursuit

BOOKS

DR. JOHN D. ROBNETT, FOUNDER

the eternal impact of HPU. The students

of Christ.

RED BRICKS COMMON TO MANY OF HPU’S BUILDINGS

These aspects are, I think, what make

HPU special. Generations may pass, leaders, teachers, staff and students will come and go, but ultimately Christ and His cause go on forever. Our part in the building of His Kingdom will last through the ages.

H OWA R D PAY N E U N I V E R S I T Y

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HPU community provides a place for spiritual and personal growth

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By Rebekah Sterling ’18 “I liked getting to experience other states,” said Foga’a, “because, even though we’re all in the same country, every environment is different.”

Although she enjoyed experiencing different places, Foga’a admitted she was unsure about committing to a college.

“I knew college would be a four-year experience,” she said. “I’ve never lived anywhere more than a short amount of time so I was excited for it, but I also had doubts because I didn’t know how I would cope with it.”

Athletic training, which has had an important place in Foga’a’s life since high school, is the reason she initially chose to attend HPU. “One of my high school certified athletic trainers knew that I was interested in training,” said Foga’a. “He suggested Howard Payne, because that was where he previously worked. It was one of the first places I toured and it was the perfect fit for me.”

Foga’a is now in her second year in HPU’s

H OWA R D PAY N E U N I V E R S I T Y

PHOTO BY JARVIS GREEN

For most incoming students, the frequently asked question “Where are you from?” is a simple one to answer. They respond with the place they were born or where they attended high school. For others, however, the answer can be a little more complicated.

This was the case for Foga’a SolomonaAfoa, a junior athletic training major and biomedical sciences minor, who grew up in a military family.

“Before Howard Payne, I was a military child so we moved a lot,” said Foga’a. “I usually tell people I’m from wherever my dad happens to be stationed, but sometimes that can be confusing for them.”

Foga’a was born in California, but spent the first few years of her childhood living with her grandparents in American Samoa, a small island in the South Pacific. When she moved back in with her parents, she lived a life on the move. Foga’a and her family spent time in several different states including California, Hawaii, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

Story and art

Foga’a’s role as an RA has been an enriching part of her HPU experience.

Being an RA is sort of my ministry – to help new students and returners through different situations.

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“When I was a freshman, my RA was Angelica,” said Foga’a. “I think we bonded, because I always locked myself out of my room and she would have to let me back in.

She always invited me into her room and to church and encouraged me to go deeper into my own faith.”

After her freshman year, Foga’a applied to be an RA in Veda Hodge Hall, not realizing it would become the most influential part of her HPU experience.

“When I first applied,” she said, “I just thought of it as a job. I didn’t realize how it would help me grow and learn to deal with different people. Being an RA is sort of my ministry – to help new students and returners through different situations.”

Foga’a was apprehensive when she was initially hired, but over time has learned how to interact with her residents in a genuine way.

“Going into it, I was nervous because I only knew three people in my hall,” she said, “but it really helped me practice being intentional with people. I could see the difference between just saying hi to residents in passing and taking time out of my day to H OWA R D PAY N E U N I V E R S I T Y

PHOTOS BY JARVIS GREEN

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athletic training (AT) program. As an upperclassman, she has been assigned to a specific sport and trains under the supervision of a certified trainer. Her sport for this semester is softball.

“It’s an opportunity to get hands-on experience and to apply the concepts we learn in class and use them in the field,” said Foga’a. “It’s scary sometimes, but the certifieds (certified trainers) are good about guiding us while still providing us with an opportunity to think things through and problem-solve.”

One of the people who has made an impact on Foga’a since her arrival at HPU is Larry Wall, HPU’s assistant athletic trainer.

“He does a really good job making your time meaningful,” said Foga’a. “He’s always positive. If I’m having a bad day, by the time I leave I can usually say I’m having a good day.”

Although Foga’a knew that training would play a major part in her life, she did not foresee the influence that being a resident assistant (RA) would have on her. Foga’a was first introduced to residence life by Angelica Ramirez, a senior biology major and resident assistant for the campus apartments.

reach out to them.”

Foga’a, who is now nearing the end of her second year as an RA, expressed that Kelly Eason, resident director for Veda Hodge Hall, has also been a strong positive influence during the past couple of years.

“I love her,” Foga’a said. “She has really helped me open up and know when and where to do that. With Kelly guiding us and providing that small community for us among RAs, it’s a lot easier for me to confide in them. Our group has a lot of different personality types, which can be challenging, but it’s also really fun. I’m really proud to work with them.”

Foga’a’s involvement on campus has also largely contributed to her strong sense of community and spiritual growth. Since her freshman year, Foga’a has participated in Student Activities Council (SAC) and is a Jacket Ambassador. She also became a member of the Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) leadership team in fall 2018.

“This year I started on the BSM team,” she said, “and it has really challenged me as a leader. I have to walk beside other people and help them when they’re struggling.”

Keith Platte, HPU’s BSM director, has been an encouragement to Foga’a in her time on the leadership team.

“I’m grateful for Keith,” she said. “I think he’s perfect for his job. He always seems to

know when I’m doubting myself and will ask about my ministry or if I’m struggling with anything.”

Having been raised in a deeply faithbased culture, Foga’a believed her faith was pretty strong when she first arrived at HPU. She was pleasantly surprised by the way HPU and the Brownwood community have helped deepen her faith.

“The interactions I’ve had since coming to college have helped me take ownership of my faith and helped it grow,” said Foga’a.

“I’m really surprised with how much community and genuine relationships I’ve had since my freshman year, which is probably why I’m so attached to this place. The people here are amazing.”

After almost six semesters of living in Veda Hodge Hall, participating in student life and serving the student body in various ways, Foga’a has no doubt that she made the right decision in coming to HPU. She will graduate from HPU in December 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training and a minor in biological science.

She plans to apply to physical therapy school after graduation.

“I was afraid that once I hit the threeyear mark at HPU I would feel like it was time to leave again,” she said. “I’m a junior now and I don’t want to leave. I want to graduate from here.”

The interactions I’ve had since coming to college have helped me take ownership of my faith and helped it grow.

Foga’a enjoys being a part of HPU’s athletic training program.

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HPU’s Dr. Brad Lemler teaches the application and influence of Christian principles in business

PHOTO BY JARVIS GREEN

Dr. Brad Lemler emphasizes the role of faith in business.

r. Brad Lemler, dean of Howard Payne University’s School of Business and professor of accounting, had a bit of a winding route to teaching at HPU. He grew up in Indiana, attended college in his home state and spent time teaching, in various capacities, at 16 different universities across the United States.

“I was born and raised in northern Indiana and spent most of my life there,” he said. “I have also spent time teaching in Michigan, California and Texas. So I’ve been around a little bit.”

His studies at higher-level academic institutions have been quite diverse, similar to his career teaching. He initially earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting at Indiana University, later obtaining his doctorate in the same field at the same university.

“Those were so much fun,” he said with a smile. “I started to collect master’s degrees just for something to do.”

Dr. Lemler earned a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, focusing on agricultural policy, from Texas Tech University. Then, in a kind of homecoming, he earned a master’s degree in economics from the University of Notre Dame.

“I was born and raised 30 miles south of South Bend, and I figured if I had a Notre Dame degree I could root for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and they’d really be my team,” he said.

Dr. Lemler emphasized the role faith has played in his life, both as a professor and as an individual. However, faith and profession did not always have equal importance in his life as they now do. In the midst of teaching at Hillsdale College, located in Hillsdale, Michigan, he came to a realization regarding the nature of faith’s impact on life.

“One summer, I’m sitting there, probably reading the Internal Revenue Code, and this thought comes into my mind,” he said. “I know ten times more about the IRC than I do the Bible and, from an eternal perspective, is that wise?”

This realization sparked Dr. Lemler to pursue biblical knowledge, much in the same way he had been studying business and accounting. He studied and completed two theology degrees – a Master of Ministry and a Master of Arts in theological studies both from Bethel College, located in Mishawaka, Indiana.

“As I was studying, I became convinced of the value in preparing Christians for lives of service,” he said. “Not just pastors, but all Christians.”

H OWA R D PAY N E U N I V E R S I T Y

The importance of service, regardless of career or calling, influences Dr. Lemler’s method and mission behind teaching.

“At HPU, and any of the places I’ve taught, my mission is and has been to train up Christians for lives of service as business professionals,” he said. “But we also offer an environment that, if you’re a nonbeliever, if you haven’t embraced Jesus as your Savior, it is still the best possible place for you to study.”

The goal, Dr. Lemler stated, is the application of biblical principles to the field of business where it makes sense to do so.

“That’s what we’re looking for, those times when it’s the most natural thing in the world to do,” he said. “A great

“As I was studying, I became convinced of the value in preparing Christians for lives of service. Not just pastors, but all Christians. thing about HPU is that we’re really open to doing that.

It’s encouraged. It’s supported. That’s something I really appreciate.”

Dr. Lemler emphasized that the other faculty and the environment that Brownwood and HPU provide to students help to ensure the quality of the education that is provided to HPU’s business students.

“This is a safe place where if you try something and fail,” said Dr. Lemler, “we will pick you up, dust you off and set you back on your way. We’ve got good people to start off with, but then we’ve put those good people in an ideal setting to foster cooperation and collaboration. I think that just really helps us get the most out of things.”

STORY BY SETH RAINEY, HPU SENIOR

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“To help others as someone helped me” Glenda Huff ’76 looks back on a career of ministering through financial aid Story by Kyle Mize

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PHOTOS BY JARVIS GREEN

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hen Glenda (Gober) Huff ’76 was right out of high school in 1972, considering options for college, the first place she visited at Howard Payne University was the financial aid office.

That first stop on campus was even more significant than she knew at the time. As events would unfold, that office would become her place at HPU for more than four decades.

This spring, Huff will retire as director of student aid, bringing to an end one of the longest-running tenures among current HPU personnel. Huff’s total of 43 years of full-time service is second only to Bobbie Price, certification coordinator and graduation assistant, who has served at HPU for 47 years.

When Huff’s four years as a student worker are taken into account, she and Price actually arrived at HPU the same year.

Though many things have changed through the years, Huff says a few things have remained constant.

“Our office still deals with families and students who need our care, our understanding and our guidance,” she says. “We’re still working with two very sensitive areas – folks’ children and their money. We make every effort to demonstrate our willingness to help and to make people feel comfortable and welcome in our office.”

A native of Richland Springs, Huff was the valedictorian of her graduating class and planned to go to Tarleton State University, up the road in Stephenville.

“Back then, if you were valedictorian, you got free tuition at a state school, and that’s just where everyone told me I needed to go,” she remembers. “I didn’t know anything about Howard Payne except that it was private and expensive, and I didn’t have a lot of money.”

One day that July, the coach from her high school mentioned that he was taking another student to visit HPU and suggested that Huff ride along with them. Despite her reservations about the financial obstacles and whether the visit would do any good, she did go with them that day and made one stop on campus.

“The only place I really went that day was the financial aid office.”

At the time, the office was located on the second floor of Walker Memorial Library.

“I’ll never forget,” she says, “I walked in there and I thought, ‘I’ll pick up some forms and we’ll leave.’ I didn’t

“To be effective in our office, you have to feel a calling. You have to feel that our work is a form of ministry. If you don’t, you get bogged down in the day-to-day pressures and the work load, and you lose sight of what your real purpose is.” know that opening that door and going into that office was going to change my life.”

She was warmly greeted by Spencer Lewis and Jim Valentine, who were then the director and assistant director of student aid respectively. They spent time with her and told her about a wide range of financial aid options including scholarships, grants, loan programs and on-campus employment for students.

“Those men were so nice to me that day,” she says. “I hadn’t even applied for admission, and they sat down and outlined everything for me. They showed me how I could afford it.”

That caring, helpful attention made a positive impression, and before long she received an update with a plan in place.

“About a week later, they sent me a letter that said, ‘Come back and talk to us, and we can put you to work right here.’”

Huff started right away, even before the semester started, and has been in the financial aid office ever since.

She enjoyed her days as a student at HPU in the early 1970s. She has vivid memories of registering for courses in the library and spending time in class learning from favorite professors. She still remembers the number of the room in H OWA R D PAY N E U N I V E R S I T Y

Veda Hodge Hall she shared with her friend Lavon Nelson (#319) and has her bill from her first semester as a student.

“It looks very, very small now,” she says, “but to me it was a lot of money.”

She remains grateful to the financial aid staff from her years as a student worker for the support and encouragement they provided to her. She says Alicia Daniel, Lana Wagner ’97 (who later became the university’s registrar), Aleta Chambers and Linda Chancellor were “fantastic, the cream of the crop.”

Through those experiences as a student worker, Huff learned the fundamentals of what would be her life’s calling.

“I learned that the main purpose of that office is to help students find sources of money to pay for college,” Huff explains.

“I learned that the office coordinates all the federal, state, institutional and outside sources of aid. I learned that the office has a unique opportunity to counsel students and get to know families in a way that’s not possible in other offices.”

She worked in financial aid all four years except for a brief time in spring 1976 for student teaching as part of her elementary education major. Wagner, who served as loan collections officer, left in February 1976 to stay at home with a newborn baby and, as spring Commencement neared, Huff LINK / SPRING 2019

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Glenda Huff still has the first invoice she received as an HPU student. Her charges for the fall 1972 semester totaled $958.00.

was offered the position.

“I went to work in May, right after I graduated,” she says. “I think I graduated on a Saturday and went to work on Monday.”

She and her fiancé, Joe Huff ’78, planned to get married in June 1976, so the full-time job became available at a perfect time. In subsequent months, she moved into new roles as positions in the office became available – first as assistant director and then, in November 1977, as director.

Harold Preston, who was then HPU’s business manager, offered her the job that she has held ever since.

“If it hadn’t been for Harold Preston …” she says. “He’s the one who took a chance on me.”

She credits former HPU staff member Grace Gray with being a particular help as Huff took on the new leadership role. Gray agreed to move from the business office to financial aid to assist.

“Grace Gray came over with me and started the same day I did,” Huff recalls. “She knew nothing about financial aid.

Harold Preston said, ‘I’ve got a good person to come over and help you.’ She graciously came and she and I learned together.

She didn’t have to move from the business office, but she did.

She was wonderful. She worked with me more than 20 years.”

Continuing from past to present, Huff is eager to credit her co-workers.

“I’ve had some phenomenal people to work with in this office. For instance, Lana Wagner worked with us for a long

time until she moved to the registrar’s office. Penny Gammill was here for years. Sandra Alexander worked two different times with us. There have been so many wonderful people.

Sometimes people will ask, ‘How have you done this so long?’

It makes it easier when you have people you like to work with, and there are extraordinary ladies who work in our office – Ferrisa Childs, Kim Pickard, Marsha Larremore and Lisa Haley. I’m very fortunate.”

From her days as a student worker through today, Huff has witnessed nearly half a century of HPU’s history. She has worked with seven presidents and two interim presidents. She remembers making copies in Old Main and having meetings in the “blue room” and the parlor in Veda Hodge Hall before the residence hall was remodeled. She mentions the “H” Pond and the Freedom Fountain, and laughs when recalling that the financial aid office was once housed in what was then HPU’s warehouse.

The last time she relocated offices was in fall 1984, when the Packer Administration Building opened and the financial aid office moved from its warehouse location. She’s the only person in the Packer building who has had the same office since the facility opened.

“It sounds silly, but you get attached to the buildings,” she says. “Sometimes I find myself walking around and I think, ‘You know, it’s been 40 years and it still feels like yesterday.’ Just the overall atmosphere, the people, the buildings. Howard Payne has such a rich heritage. You see where God’s hand has intervened and made things come together and placed the right people at the right time. Sometimes the history of Howard Payne is very humbling. You think of all the people before us. It would be wonderful to have a reunion of all the people who have been through here.”

Through the years, Huff has also gotten to know a vast number of HPU students. She grows attached to students as well as their families after spending so much time with them in preparing their financial aid packages. She remembers the names and faces from years past, which sometimes reappear sooner than she may expect.

Glenda Huff is pictured with, from left, Ferrisa Childs ’86, assistant director of student aid; Lisa Haley, financial aid advisor/new student coordinator; Marsha Larremore, financial aid advisor/grant and scholarship coordinator; and Kim Pickard, financial aid advisor.

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“Former students come back and bring their kids and ask, ‘Remember when I was here?” she says, laughing. “My initial reaction is, ‘You’re not old enough! What are you doing back here?’ It is gratifying when they bring their children back to me years later and say they want to bring them to Howard Payne.”

With each new wave of incoming students, the essential purpose of Glenda Huff’s team remains the same: To make an HPU education financially accessible to as many students as possible. From her perspective, as a person who has been busy at this work for more than 40 years, the key is remembering this process is about people, not spreadsheets, formulas or calculations. She refers to the “mutual goal” she shares with each family – to help each student get that college diploma.

“When I see a bunch of numbers on a page, those represent a lot of real-life people,” she says. “We’ve always tried to not think of students as statistics. There are so many stories there – they’re all so individual. Every day, no matter what I’m doing, I’m thinking, ‘This is affecting people.’ I feel such a responsibility to the students and to HPU to do the best I can.”

Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts, not every student who wants to attend HPU is financially able. Huff says the hardest part of her job is when every possibility has been explored and the financial obstacles are insurmountable.

Still, despite the challenges, she has a hard time giving up as long as there might be at least one more option left to pursue.

“Sometimes I’ll be working on a file and I’ll say, ‘I’m going to put this aside for a little while,’ and then a light bulb goes off and I’ll think, ‘I think this particular scholarship would work for this one!’ and I can go back and match it up. That’s always a good feeling when you can come up with something.”

Each new day brings new opportunities to assist students and their families, and Huff prepares for each day’s encounters.

“Each morning, I pray for God’s guidance,” she says.

“I pray that He will give me wisdom, discernment, understanding, compassion, patience and fortitude. I know that the decisions we make every day affect students’ lives.”

As her days as an HPU staff member draw to a close, Huff reflects on some long-ago lessons.

“As the years have gone by, it just becomes more and more evident to me that what I learned as a work-study student still holds true,” she says. “To be effective in our office, you have to feel a calling. You have to feel that our work is a form of ministry. If you don’t, you get bogged down in the day-to-day pressures and the work load, and you lose sight of what your real purpose is.”

She thinks of that day in July 1972 when she visited HPU’s financial aid office on her first visit to the campus.

“I have always felt that God guided my footsteps that day,” she says, “and His plan for me was to help others as someone helped me.”

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Making memories, making plans: A message from Glenda Huff HPU has been important in the lives of many members of my family. Joe came to Brownwood in 1974. He has an “Old Main memory” that on the first day that he came on campus, as he was leaving Old Main, I was coming up the sidewalk to enter Old Main. He said that he spoke to me and I ignored him, but it all worked out okay because we were married two years later!

Joe worked part-time in the business office (1974-1976) and was later the HPU bookstore manager (1977-1982). He graduated from HPU in 1978.

Both of our sons, Michael and Marc, attended HPU. Amber graduated in 2004 with her bachelor’s degree and in 2017 with her master’s in instructional leadership. Two of my sisters, Marsha Larremore and Bonnie Adams, attended HPU and at one time all three of us worked in the Packer building (Bonnie in the president’s office and Marsha in the cashier’s office). I have had three nephews and two nieces attend HPU. Amber brought her three children to Homecoming this year so that they could begin to think about becoming Yellow Jackets.

My job often required long hours that included nights and weekends. My family has always been supportive and understanding of the time I spent at the office. I could not have done this job for so many years without Joe and his willingness to help so much at home.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 has always been one of my favorite verses: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (KJV). I think God led me to Howard Payne in July 1972 and He gave me a purpose. The “season” has now come for me to move aside and let someone else continue with that purpose and carry on the legacy.

I have been asked what I am going to do when I retire. First and foremost, I am going to do whatever Joe wants to do. He has been waiting patiently for me to retire for some years now. He has planned several trips that didn’t happen because something always came up at work or conflicted with some commitment I had. Secondly, I am also going to spend lots of time with our three grandchildren, Grayson, Avery and Taylor. And third, I love to read. After all of these years, I am finally going to have time to read something besides federal and state regulations, policies and procedures manuals and audit guides!

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fter working in secular social work higher education for eight years, Rachel Derrington knew she was called to something more.

“I always recognized the parallels between social work values and ethics and Jesus’ teachings but I couldn’t figure out a way to combine the two,” she said.

After praying over the situation consistently for two years, she received a call from Toni Damron, assistant professor of social work at HPU. “She got my number from a friend of a friend and told me she heard I had moved to the area from a colleague I had only met once,” said Derrington. “It was quite serendipitous.”

Derrington joined HPU’s faculty in 2018 from the University of Denver where she was employed as an adjunct faculty member and curriculum developer. Prior to that, she worked in child welfare, helping to place children with adoptive families and providing the families with post-adoptive support. She additionally worked for the federal government in child welfare policy analysis and marriage/family strengthening activities, and for the state government in Colorado providing policy communications for the state regulatory agency. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Denver and a Master of Social Work degree in policy and program management from the University of Denver

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Graduate School of Social Work.

Now, as assistant professor of social work and director of HPU’s social work program, Derrington is teaching students how they can lean on Christ – and HPU’s Christian mission – to make a big Kingdom impact in their future careers.

Social workers deal often with the darkest forces humanity has to offer – abuse, trauma and addictions among others. Perhaps no one is better equipped, therefore, to become a social worker than a Christian walking daily in the light of Jesus.

“Social workers are always dealing with the fallouts of evil in the world,” said Derrington. “If they are not rooted in Christ, are not relying on Jesus to empower them, it’s really hard to maintain a healthy balance in their lives and avoid burnout.”

Though a secular emphasis is often placed on social work, the field’s principles are in line with Christian values and the teachings of Jesus.

“Jesus taught us to take care of the vulnerable, the oppressed, orphans, displaced people,” said Derrington. “One of the values of social work is holding people in unconditional positive regard and protecting human dignity and the worth of people. That’s all in line with what the Bible tells us.”

Derrington, who lives in San Saba, spoke with her pastor, Sam Crosby of First Baptist Church of San Saba, about Jesus’ teachings.

“He said there are 13 references in the King James Version of the Gospels involving Jesus blessing or ministering to the poor,” she said. “Though opinions differ based on interpretations, some scholars argue that the Bible commands compassion toward those in need some 300 times.”

Christian social workers are better positioned to see God’s redemptive powers at work in the lives of the people with which they interact.

“Secularly, social work promotes the idea of empowering others to reach their full potential,” said Derrington. “When you add the Christian influences, social work is about reaching this potential within an individual’s relationship with Christ.”

Though the social work field can often be incredibly challenging, it is equally rewarding.

“Your entire life is centered around the principles of Jesus’ teachings,” said Derrington. “Your career, the way you relate to people in your personal life – even who you are in the community and in the world. Folks who have it in their hearts to serve and really want to model the life of Jesus will find that the social work field is a good way to accomplish that.”

It is also important, Derrington noted, to understand that H OWA R D PAY N E U N I V E R S I T Y

social work is as much about preventing evil in the world as it is about dealing with the fallout of it.

“Social work is also about promoting positive youth development and healthy relationships and strengthening marriages and parenting skills,” she said.

Those with a social work education are prepared to practice in organizations or institutions or to work with small groups or families. Careers include positions with adult protective services, child welfare, community organizations, schools, correctional facilities, prisons, hospitals and treatment facilities among many others. Social workers may also choose to go into politics, research, policy analysis or administrative roles.

“There are also opportunities to do international social work in any type of setting anywhere in the world,” said Derrington.

Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited program, such as HPU’s, and go on to graduate school may earn a master’s degree in social work in just one year.

Many may wonder if they have “what it takes” for a career in social work, but Derrington is certain that Christians do.

“You need a solid relationship with Jesus and a good understanding of how he taught us to treat others,” she said. “When put together with the concrete tools that social workers develop in higher education, there are really no limits on how you can impact positive changes in individuals, families, organizations and communities.”

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STUDENT-ATHLETE IS BACK HOME AT HOWARD PAYNE

By Abram Choate ’98, assistant director of athletics for athletic communications Xavier Haines attended, left and then returned to Howard Payne University – all the time knowing that HPU was the place where he wanted to be.

Now a junior, he is a native of Belton with a dual major in Christian education and secondary education with a minor in history. As a member of the HPU baseball team, he has also been a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) leadership team and Delta Epsilon Omega.

In 2017, Haines was a major contributor as a freshman, pitching in 15 games for the Yellow Jackets and recording 18 strikeouts. After one season at Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas, he is once again a contributor on the HPU pitching staff and in student organizations on campus.

What brought you to HPU? XH: Halfway through my

senior year of high school, I really felt led to pursue a life in ministry. I wasn’t sure exactly what that calling was, but I knew I wanted to get an education that would prepare me, and I also wanted to continue to play baseball. Howard Payne gave me that opportunity to do both.

During your first year at HPU, what was your experience with playing baseball? XH: I had actually

broken my leg the summer before my freshman year, so I came into the fall semester injured. I didn’t really do very well in the fall. I had to learn how to come back from an injury and learn how to perform at the college level. That adversity really helped prepare me for the spring.

What about your experience with your teammates and coaching staff? XH: Here, especially Coach [Robert]

What about your experiences away from the diamond with activities around campus? XH: My freshman year I

was very involved with BSM [Baptist Student Ministry] and 38

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If it was all going well, why did you leave? XH: Both

my parents had gotten jobs in the Kansas area, and we moved up there to be closer to family. With that and other financing and expense concerns, we decided that a year of community college would save us money and get me situated up there with family.

Was the plan always to come back to HPU? XH:

When I left, I kind of had it in the back of my mind to come back to HPU. I was looking at it but it wasn’t a foregone conclusion, because I was also trying to see if I could get a scholarship to somewhere in Kansas to go and play. But I kept feeling drawn to come back to HPU because it felt like home. It worked out financially and academically, so it all just added up, working out perfectly to come back.

Are you having the same experience here at HPU as you did the first time? How has it changed? XH: It

was one of those weird things where it’s the same but also different because I’m an upperclassman now. So instead of always looking for someone to pour into me, I am now able to pour into other people. I have been able to be a part of the leadership team for Delta Epsilon Omega, which I was involved with founding when I was at HPU before. I am also on Howard Payne’s FCA leadership team. It’s really cool because I get to be a part of an organization that’s looking to work with athletes but I also get to impact the rest of student body with my involvement in Delta Epsilon Omega.

What is your plan after graduation? XH: I feel like God

is leading me to teach at a high school, then work as a youth pastor at a church. I feel that God is calling me to bring my teaching skills to a startup church in a bi-vocational manner to take the burden off the church. That would free me up to pour my love into the students in and outside of the church.

Are there any final thoughts you would like to share?

XH: I love Howard Payne and I have really enjoyed my time

here. I’m just so happy I’ve gotten to come back. Howard Payne has been a second home to me and welcomed me the first time and the second time again with open arms. It is an amazing atmosphere here and I really appreciate it.

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PHOTO BY JARVIS GREEN

Anders and Coach [Stephen] Lynn, they really strive to make this a Christian program. Even though not everyone on the team might live by that, it is still preached and they really encourage people to go to church. It is really cool to see people actually live out their faith on the team and have coaches who push players to grow. A few players on the team have actually accepted Christ, which is a great experience to witness.

going to the Hub [the BSM facility]. That’s where I met a lot of my friends. I got to see the life of a freshman outside of baseball. Howard Payne provides an atmosphere where there are a lot of people who want to live lives that honor God.

“I knew I wanted to get an education that would prepare me, and I also wanted to continue to play baseball. Howard Payne gave me that opportunity to do both.�

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HPU graduate reflects on spiritual lessons learned while rock climbing STORY by Rebekah Sterling ’18 I know that, in the grand scheme of things, my view of God and His plan for my life is limited. Even so, I find comfort in knowing that God doesn’t try to hide Himself from His children – He reveals His heart to us in so many ways. He can even incline our hearts toward things that actually cause us to reflect back on Him. I’ve found this to be true in my time rock climbing, which began when I was a freshman at HPU. I took Beginner Rock Climbing in the spring of 2015 and afterward was hired as student worker at the HPU Outdoor Recreation Complex (ORC) where I worked until I graduated in May 2018. Since I began climbing, I have often been struck by the way my climbing experience has reminded me of God’s truth in my life. I’m grateful, if not at all surprised, that God provided a unique perspective from atop the rock wall, which has given me a better view of Him than I had before.

I’ve often heard students say they are afraid to climb because they can’t understand how they won’t hit the ground when they fall. I explain that the equipment they are using — from the belay device to the rope — is all designed to keep them safe. Even the shoes they are wearing are made to stick to surfaces that don’t look sturdy.

The same can be said of God’s promises.

Sometimes it’s easy for me to look at the world around me and think that the weight of my problems is too great a 40

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Rebekah Sterling ’18 began rock climbing as a freshman in the Beginner Rock Climbing class

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burden for God to bear. But Hebrews 10:23 (ESV) encourages us to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” I have to trust that, regardless of my situation, God’s promises will hold.

New climbers aren’t the only ones who can be afraid to climb. Sometimes what keeps me from climbing is the fear of not being as good of a climber as someone else. I compare myself to others and suddenly something that should bring joy brings doubt. I have to remind myself that every climber has different strengths and weaknesses. In the Christian walk, each of us has gifts and abilities given to us by God. Just because my gifts don’t look like someone else’s doesn’t mean I can’t be obedient to what God has called me to do. 1 Corinthians 12:17, 18 (ESV) says, “… If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose.” God invites us to participate in His greater plan and equips each of us with exactly what we need to fulfill our calling and walk in obedience.

Rather than compare my gifts to those of others, spiritual or otherwise, I should allow the Holy Spirit to use them as He sees fit.

Climbing brings with it an element of risk that typically prevents me from climbing alone. However, even when there are situations in which I am able to safely climb by myself, I never really enjoy it as much as when I climb with my friends. I grow as a climber when others are there to keep me on the right route, encourage me to climb

farther than I think I can and catch me if I fall. Within the Church, this looks like a brother or sister in Christ who encourages and edifies me in my daily walk with the Lord.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV) imparts this wisdom: “Two are better than one … For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” Brothers and sisters, we need to stick close to one another – not just because it’s dangerous to go alone, but because the journey is so much more enriching when we walk together.

Walking alongside other Christians also means I don’t have to figure everything out on my own. In the climbing community the word “beta” refers to instructions or tips on how to complete a route. A climber who has successfully completed a route will give beta to someone who has never climbed that route before. Within the body of Christ, this would be wisdom from another believer who has gone before me and maybe even struggled with the exact same things that I am going through. I can avoid much heartache and frustration when I seek wise counsel from other Christians in all areas of my life.

Climbing is one of many opportunities that Howard Payne has given me to reflect on Christ. I came away with much more than a hobby – I gained a community I cherish, unforgettable experiences and a love for something that helps keep things in perspective.

I gained a community I cherish, unforgettable experiences and a love for something that helps keep things in perspective.

PHOTOS BY JARVIS GREEN

In Memoriam Howard Payne University is saddened by the loss of the following alumni and other members of the HPU and DBC families between the dates of August 16, 2018, and February 28, 2019.

HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI Billie Frances Allen,

October 13, 2018

Dr. Jimmy R. Allen ’48,

January 8, 2019 (Former Board of Trustees member, Distinguished Alumnus, Man of the Year)

Darlene Trent Anderson ’74, January 12, 2019 Wanda Blackburn Ashby, January 8, 2019 Milton W. Bailey ’45,

August 30, 2018

Sara Gray Baker ’69,

January 29, 2019 (Medal of Service, Grand Marshal, Woman’s Club Yellow Rose Award recipient, retired faculty/staff)

Orangerine Spud Barrs ’04, February 6, 2019 Jere Coon Blocker ’58,

October 29, 2018

Robbie Bludworth,

December 10, 2018

Ronnie K. Bostick ’63,

February 17, 2019

Fannie Rogers Brewer,

December 16, 2018

Wallace Brimer,

December 20, 2018

Dr. Frank L. Brister,

October 8, 2018 (Former faculty/staff) Aja Brunner, November 25, 2018 Tommy D. Butler III ’63,

January 4, 2019

Addie E. Little Clark ’53, December 19, 2018 42

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Dorothy Patterson Clay, January 13, 2019 Dr. Robert G. Collmer ’48, November 21, 2018 Frank Connell,

September 8, 2018

Sadie Cox ’50, August

19, 2018

Becky Rampy Dalrymple, September

14, 2018

Anthony “Tony” Daniel,

Sandra Bay Hall ’56,

August 26, 2018

Barbara Kyle Hallford,

October 31, 2018

Lawanda Brantley Harms, January 10, 2019 Pauline Cadenhead Hays ’38, October 7, 2018 Lucy Lopez Hernandez,

November 12, 2018 (Distinguished Alumna)

September 26, 2018

Adella Maddalun Holly ’69, January 8, 2019 Tommy Horton,

19, 2019

September 11, 2018 Charley Isom, August 16, 2018 Royce Jacobs, December 5, 2018

Georgia Savage Davis ’46, January 15, 2019 Emilio Diaz ’12, February Karen Stone Edwards,

November 9, 2018

Dr. William Ray Ellis ’50, September 14, 2018

(Grand Marshal)

Maria Cuellar Espinoza ’09, December 5, 2018 Ben Fain, October 20,

2018

Jerry L. Fisher ’74,

October 4, 2018

Dr. J.B. Fowler ’52,

August 21, 2018 (Former Board of Trustees member, former faculty/ staff)

Joanna Lewis Gassiott ’66, December 25, 2018 Dr. Joe Gerault ’77,

November 5, 2018 (Former faculty/staff)

Dr. Charles Grimland ’56, October 15, 2018 Dustin Hall, February 10,

2019

Mary Edmonson Jones ’63, August 27, 2018 Shirley Moore Kreiser,

December 29, 2018

Pauline Knowlton Lawhon ’42, October

15, 2018

Jack Levy, January 25, 2019 Billy Chris Lovejoy ’86,

October 9, 2018

Forrest J. Lykins ’59,

January 28, 2019

Bonnie Hicklin Martin ’72, September 20, 2018 Patrick May ’77,

September 12, 2018

Rhea Erwin Mayfield,

January 1, 2019

William McIntire ’66,

October 15, 2018

Jo Ellen Bell Mercer ’62, December 18, 2018

William H. Moos ’69,

December 7, 2018 (Former Alumni Association Board of Directors member)

Billy Moreland ’56,

January 27, 2019

Bobby Lynn Moreland ’59, February 7, 2019 Donald W. Parker ’70,

September 22, 2018 Isaac Pate, November 25, 2018 Bill Patterson ’68,

September 18, 2018

Dennis K. Peel ’76,

September 29, 2018

Howard Pierce ’57,

February 15, 2019

W.C. “Son” Pinkston,

January 26, 2019

Sheila Alexander Potts ’81, January 9, 2019 Virginia Roberts Powers ’54, September

29, 2018

Bennett Ragsdale ’72,

September 9, 2018 (Former faculty/staff)

William D. Reavis ’66,

October 3, 2018 (Former faculty/staff)

Garner E. Rice ’54,

October 13, 2018

William Rustenhaven ’56, February 1, 2019 Carol Ellison Senkel ’74, September 30, 2018 Weyland Snipes ’56,

February 19, 2019

Harry Sockol ’68,

January 2, 2019

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Thomas Sofge,

Alta Schoner Williams,

December 12, 2018 (Former faculty/staff)

September 24, 2018

Robert Gene Stanley ’64, January 11, 2019 David F. Stewart ’49,

Odie Windham ’62,

January 30, 2019

October 21, 2018

Weston Woods ’71,

December 12, 2018

Donald Wright ’52,

December 9, 2018

Rev. Lowell Wright ’47,

December 7, 2018

Evelyn White Zellars ’69, January 22, 2019 Buddy Zipp ’69,

October 5, 2018

David Stiles ’80,

Alan Thompson,

Patricia Thompson ’70, Ann Harty Treadway ’54, February 2, 2019 Mamie Creek Vance,

September 17, 2018

Martin Voorhies ’35,

October 27, 2018

Hazel Shelton Wall,

January 28, 2019

Gertrude Smith Watson ’64, January 5, 2019 Jo Ann Humber Wauson ’54, December 6, 2018 PHOTO BY REBEKAH STERLING ’18

(Former faculty/staff) Carl Weathers, August 26, 2018

Eleanor Henry White ’53, January 23, 2019 Daylon Whitehurst ’61,

October 16, 2018

October 29, 2018

Roberta Blair Powell,

August 17, 2018 (Coming Home Queen)

January 10, 2019

John A. Thomason ’39, February 6, 2019

Hillary Jackson,

September 15, 2018 DANIEL BAKER COLLEGE ALUMNI Doris McIntosh Allen ’41, August 28, 2018

(Coming Home Queen, also attended HPU)

Mary Turner Coker ’53,

December 7, 2018

Lois Cathey Hite ’41,

H OWA R D PAY N E U N I V E R S I T Y

Everett Nicholson ’51,

Nell Bledsoe Seider ’52,

HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY STUDENT

February 7, 2019

2019 (Sports Hall of Fame, also attended HPU)

January 6, 2019

November 28, 2018

David Wigley ’67,

Bill Little, February 24,

November 23, 2018

October 1, 2018

(Distinguished Alumnus)

ADDITIONAL HPU FACULTY, STAFF, BOARD MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

Linda Galbreath, October

13, 2018 (Friend)

Dr. Clarence Hildebrand,

September 11, 2018 (Friend, former faculty/ staff)

Edwin “Sonny” Hipsher,

October 28, 2018 (Friend)

Evelyn Tomlinson Homesley, September

20, 2018 (Friend) John Keyes, January 22, 2019 (Friend) Nicolas Luna, September 25, 2018 (Friend, former faculty/staff) Doxie Lou Marks,

January 31, 2019 (Friend)

Ethel Adams, August 17,

Dallas Marshall, December

Billy Bennett, October

Iris Ann Rudeseal,

2018 (Friend)

15, 2018 (Friend)

Hazel Myrick Bigbee,

December 3, 2018 (Friend) Wiley Boland, February 10, 2019 (Friend) Charles Bullion,

November 25, 2018 (Friend)

Virginia Daniel Collins,

September 15, 2018 (Friend)

23, 2018 (Friend)

December 18, 2018 (Friend)

Lois Brown Scott,

October 6, 2018 (Friend) Toby Snider, September 3, 2018 (Friend) Billy Williams, September 18, 2018 (Former faculty/staff) Sue Worley, October 3, 2018 (Friend) LINK / SPRING 2019

43

Alma Mater

High above old Bayou’s waters, out on Center’s heights Stands our noble Alma Mater, towering in her might Keep her colors ever floating, sing her praises due

44

LINK / SPRING 2019

H OWA R D PAY N E U N I V E R S I T Y

PHOTO BY JARVIS GREEN

Hail to thee our Alma Mater, hail the Gold and Blue

HPU Websites

Admission

www.hputx.edu www.hputx.edu/elpaso www.hputx.edu/newbraunfels www.hpusports.com

Facebook: @hputxadmissions Twitter: @hputxadmissions Instagram: @hputxadmissions

Athletics

General HPU Social Media Facebook: @hputx Twitter: @hputx Instagram: @hputx YouTube: Howard Payne University

Alumni Facebook: @hputxalumni Twitter: @hputxalumni Instagram: @hputxalumni

Facebook: @hpusports Twitter: @hpusports Instagram: @hpusports YouTube: @hpusports

P.O. Box 2369 Brownwood, Texas 76804

ST U D E NT PE R S P E C T I VE This photo was taken by Audrey Binion, a senior communication studies major from Sudan, Texas.