<< BackMessage from Institutional Advancement
New Beginnings … those of us in the Education profession have the unique opportunity to annually “begin again” unlike so many other professions. Seeing the excitement and wonder in the eyes of new students (which at times is augmented by the wide-eyed look often seen on the face of a Hill Country hart when illuminated by automobile head lamps) always seems to provide inspiration and renewed passion for my work at the university. In a sense we rediscover our purpose. Thomas A Kempis once said, “Life without a purpose is a languid, drifting thing; every day we ought to review our purpose, saying to ourselves, ‘This day let me make a sound beginning, for what we have hitherto done is naught.’” The new semester gives us opportunity to do just that.
When I think about the “beginnings” of Howard Payne University one name comes to mind, that of Dr. John D. Robnett, the founder of Howard Payne College. Dr. Robnett was president of the first HPC Board of Trustees and pastor of First Baptist Church of Brownwood. I can only imagine the passion that must have stirred his heart as he dreamed of educating students of the future. I think he would be amazed and very pleased with what has become of his dream.
As we begin again, I wanted to share with you a renewed initiative on which we are working in the Institutional Advancement area. A number of years ago, the Robnett Legacy Society, named in honor of Howard Payne University founder Dr. John D. Robnett, was established to recognize former students and friends of HPU who desire to make an investment in the future of quality Christian education. These investments may be in the form of a gift of cash, property, a trust or annuity, life insurance policies or other assets left to HPU through a person’s will and can be made to the general operating budget of the university or designated for a specific program or project.
Members of the Robnett Legacy Society mean a great deal to the university. Their vision for HPU’s future is being carried forward in an active way through their planned gifts to the university. Generous gifts from past alumni and friends have advanced the university by addressing physical needs, enlarging the university’s endowment and supporting student scholarships. The thoughtful plans of individuals who join the Robnett Legacy Society will help ensure the work begun in 1889 by Dr. Robnett will continue to benefit HPU students for decades to come. If you know someone who might be interested in becoming a part of Dr. Robnett’s dream of educating future generations of students or if you would like to become a member, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 325-649-8006 to let us know.
Whatever your hand finds to do today, I hope that you it brings great reward and satisfaction to your life and that students who walk these halls in the years to come benefit greatly from your dedication to Howard Payne University.
Sting ’Em!
Brad Johnson, Ed.D.
Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement