The Howard Payne University El Paso Center celebrated the opening of its new facility at the First Baptist Church in El Paso on April 29. Dr. Bill Ellis, HPU president, gave a special address to the attendees of the open house and Dr. Stephen Kovach, professor of Christian studies for the El Paso Center, offered a prayer of dedication. As part of the celebration, Blanca Gamez, a 2009 graduate with a double major in Christian studies and business management, shared an inspiring story of how her HPU education from the extension center has made a remarkable difference in the life of her family. A special award was given to Bertha Valle, office manager, for her almost 20 years of dedicated service to the extension center. The award was presented by Dr. Ellis and Dale Meinecke, HPU assistant vice president for external programs and church relations.
The extension center’s new home allows for easier access for students all across the El Paso region to attend. Several new courses will be offered next fall as the HPU El Paso Center makes new strides for the future. The Chamber of Commerce, represented by Alicia Ward, held a ribbon cutting and presented the El Paso Center with its own “star” of El Paso.
Pictured from left to right are Dr. Bob Nickell, associate pastor of First Baptist Church in El Paso; Christy Meinecke, HPU admission counselor; Alicia Ward, El Paso Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Carmen Santana, professor of business; Dr. Diana Ellis, HPU first lady; Dr. Stephen Kovach, professor of Christian Studies; Dr. David Lowrie, pastor of First Baptist Church in El Paso; Dr. Bill Ellis, HPU president; Dale Meinecke, HPU assistant vice president for external programs and church relations; Robyn Lowrie, pastor’s wife, First Baptist Church in El Paso; Bertha Valle, office manager of HPU El Paso Center; Erick Jimenez, HPU El Paso admission counselor; and Clinton Wolf, First Baptist Church member.
Pictured from left to right are Dale Meinecke, HPU assistant vice president for external programs and church relations; Bertha Valle, office manager of HPU El Paso Center; and Dr. Bill Ellis, HPU president.