BROWNWOOD – October 17, 2016 – Howard Payne University’s extended “family” of alumni, students, personnel, friends and community members will gather this month to take part in the university’s Homecoming 2016 celebrations. More than 30 Homecoming events, many of community-wide interest, are scheduled Friday, October 28, through Sunday, October 30.
Alumni and visitors may register for Homecoming events online. Some events require purchased tickets while many are free of charge. For complete details and the latest schedule information, visit www.hputx.edu/homecoming or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (325) 649-8044 or via e-mail at alumni@hputx.edu.
This year’s theme is “The HPU Family Tree,” honoring the university’s commitment to fostering a close-knit, familial environment.
“We always say that HPU is a family and that is never more evident than during Homecoming each year,” said Laura Benoit, associate director of alumni relations. “We’re excited to welcome everyone back to campus for this year’s festivities.”
New events this year include Bonfire and Fireworks on the Bayou at Brownwood’s Riverside Park at 9 p.m. on Friday. Also new this year is the Alumni Association Remembrance and Reflection, a time designated to gather in memory of alumni who have passed away throughout the year. The remembrance event will take place at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday at HPU’s Muse Plaza and Mall by the statue.
Additional events are highlighted below.
Performances of “Bone-Chiller!” will be held at the HPU Theatre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. each evening and on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and children. Tickets may be purchased through the Homecoming website or at the door on the evenings of the performances. Those who purchase tickets online for Thursday’s performance should contact the Office of Alumni Relations prior to the event at (325) 649-8044.
The photography of Julie Mize ’96 will be exhibited in the Dorothy and Wendell Mayes Art gallery located inside HPU’s Doakie Day Art Center. Gallery hours during Homecoming weekend are Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Golden Graduate Luncheon honoring the Class of 1966, sponsored by Wendlee Broadcasting, will be held Friday from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Richard and Wanda Jackson Conference Room of the university’s Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center.
The Homecoming Court will be presented during Homecoming Convocation at 2 p.m. on Friday in Mims Auditorium.
The Alumni and Sports Hall of Fame Banquet, sponsored by HPU’s Alumni Association, will be held Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Beadel Dining Hall of the Mabee University Center. During the banquet, the Homecoming 2016 honorees will be recognized. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.
Following the banquet on Friday will be Cobbler on the Campus sponsored by Underwood’s Cafeteria. This event begins at 7:30 p.m. at HPU’s Muse Plaza and Mall.
Saturday morning’s Decades Breakfast, sponsored by Willie’s T’s, begins at 8 a.m. During this time, alumni are invited to reunite with friends from their class decades in the Beadel Dining Hall of the Mabee University Center. Also at 8 a.m. on Saturday will be the Hispanic Fellowship Breakfast in Bullion Suites B and C of the Mabee University Center and the Letterman’s Breakfast in the Beadel Dining Hall.
HPU’s Walker Memorial Library will host an Authors’ Reception and Archival Display on Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The Homecoming Parade, sponsored by Bruner Auto Group, begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. The parade will begin at the Brownwood Coliseum, travel down Center Ave. and end at the university’s Doakie Day Art Center. The best areas to view the parade are downtown and on campus along Center Avenue.
Following the parade, a Pep Rally sponsored by Brownwood Chamber of Commerce will take place in HPU’s Old Main Park.
Little Jackets’ Nest, games and other free activities for children, will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday behind the Packer Administration Building.
A Family Picnic Lunch, sponsored by the Early Chamber of Commerce, will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Muse Plaza and Mall and Beadel Dining Hall.
HPU’s School of Music and Fine Arts will present a Choir Concert at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday in the university’s Grace Chapel.
A variety of departmental and student-organization receptions will be held Saturday afternoon from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. A complete list of participating departments and organizations is available online at www.hputx.edu/homecoming.
The HPU Yellow Jacket football team will play McMurry University at 4:00 p.m. Saturday at Gordon Wood Stadium. Prior to the game, beginning at 3 p.m., all HPU classes are invited to participate in a tailgate event featuring games, snacks and beverages. Additional tailgates will be held for the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy reception and African-American Alumni Chapter reception.
Married alumni will have the opportunity to renew their vows Sunday morning in HPU’s Grace Chapel. The service begins at 9 a.m.
A variety of reunions, athletic events and other events will be held throughout the weekend. A complete schedule of events and ticket prices are available online at www.hputx.edu/homecoming.
In addition to the sponsors mentioned above, HPU thanks the following business for their support: PF&E Oil Company, Mills County State Bank, Dr Pepper Bottling, United Supermarkets, Early Blooms & Things, Prosperity Bank, TexasBank, Citizens National Bank, Painter & Johnson Financial, Porter Insurance Agency, Robnett Integra Insurance Services, Kool Kreations Custom Boat Docks and Repair, and Smith & Sharpe Insurance.
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