Monthly News Archives: April 2013

Chassidy Carroll honored with HPU Spirit of Social Work award

BROWNWOOD – April 30, 2013 – Howard Payne University’s Social Work Advisory Board recently presented the Spirit of Social Work award to Chassidy Carroll, a 2008 HPU graduate and co-founder of Hope Home Ministry of Brownwood. Carroll received the award for “many years of outstanding social work service helping others.”

Hope Home is a non-profit, faith-based transitional home for young women who are released from juvenile correctional facilities. The program focuses on teaching girls the life skills they need to become responsible adults and giving them true hope through a growing relationship with Jesus.

“I’m so grateful that God has allowed me to be a part of His work in the lives of the young women we serve,” Carroll said. “Seeing Jesus transform their hearts and watching them realize their worth, often for the first time, is a beautiful thing.”

HPU’s Social Work Advisory Board is comprised of individuals throughout the community who have an interest in the social work profession and HPU’s social work program. The board annually presents a Spirit of Social Work Award to an individual whose career reflects an outstanding contribution to the social work profession. It has been awarded to other individuals in the local community who have collaborated with the social work program and to distinguished program graduates.

“It is amazing to witness someone who has a vision for a specific ministry in college who then steps out in faith to create a service to address that need,” said Dan Humeniuk, director of HPU’s social work program. “Chassidy’s story of the founding and operation of Hope Home Ministry is truly inspirational.”

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Photo cutline: Dan Humeniuk, director of HPU’s social work program, presents Chassidy Carroll with the 2013 Spirit of Social Work award.

Five HPU seniors honored at annual Sumners Banquet

BROWNWOOD – April 30, 2013 – Five graduating seniors in the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom honors program at Howard Payne University were recently honored during the annual Sumners Banquet held on the HPU campus.

The Hatton W. Sumners Foundation Scholars honored during the banquet included Charity Chambers, of Derby, Kan.; Gabi Guerrero, of Red Oak; Landon Hankins, of Decatur; Kait Kelm, of Lindale; and Kelley Miller, of Paradise. The students dined with members of the Foundation, the HPU Board of Trustees and Academy of Freedom Board of Directors, as well as Sumners Scholar alumni from HPU, before receiving plaques and expressing their gratitude to the Foundation.

Current HPU Sumners Scholars present at the banquet included Catherine Mullaney, a junior from Boylston, Mass.; Jessica Ramirez, a senior from Bangs; and Robin Scofield, a junior from Naples, Fla. Liz Rogers, a junior from Grand Junction, Colo., was studying abroad in London at the time of the event.

The Sumners Scholar program provides a generous scholarship of $5,500 per semester for two years. Students are selected after an in-depth application and interview by the trustees of the Sumners Foundation.

“Sumners Scholars not only receive significant financial assistance but, more importantly, the opportunities to attend lecture series by national figures and participate in public policy seminars and student leadership conferences,” said Dr. Justin Murphy, Brand professor of history, dean of the School of Humanities and director of the Academy.

Named for its founder, former Congressman Hatton W. Sumners of Texas (Democrat, 1912-1947), who served as the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation is dedicated to the study, teaching and promotion of self-government.

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Photo cutline: Five HPU seniors were honored during the annual Sumners Banquet. Left to right: Charity Chambers, Gabi Guerrero, Kait Kelm, Kelley Miller and Landon Hankins.

Five HPU seniors honored at annual Sumners Banquet

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Photo cutline: Five HPU seniors were honored during the annual Sumners Banquet. Left to right: Charity Chambers, Gabi Guerrero, Kait Kelm, Kelley Miller and Landon Hankins.

HPU students recognized as 2013 Young Maston Scholars through HSU

BROWNWOOD – April 26, 2013 – Two Howard Payne University students were recognized recently as 2013 Young Maston Scholars during the T.B. Maston Lectures in Christian Ethics, an annual conference hosted by Hardin-Simmons University’s Logsdon Seminary.

Trent Gainey, a junior biblical languages major from Kermit, and Joshua Puckett, a senior Bible major from Hobbs, N.M., were nominated for the honor by Dr. Donnie Auvenshine, dean of HPU’s School of Christian Studies, and other HPU faculty members.

“Trent and Joshua are outstanding examples of the caliber of those studying through HPU’s School of Christian Studies,” Dr. Auvenshine said. “They daily live out their commitments to Christ in everything they do. We could not be prouder of their accomplishments.”

The Young Maston Scholar designation is awarded by Hardin-Simmons University in conjunction with nominations made by HPU and other Texas Baptist-partnering universities in an effort to recognize outstanding undergraduate students for their interest in, engagement with and integration of Christian ethics.

Nominations are based upon a student’s demonstrated faithfulness to the ethical example of Christ; a commitment to Christian ethics lived out in theological inquiry and academic excellence; an established reputation among peers for ethical Christian leadership; and an articulated clarity in an occupational expression of ministry, though it is not required to be in a congregational setting.

In addition to receiving formal recognition during this year’s lectures, Gainey and Puckett participated in an auxiliary ethics retreat sponsored by the T.B. Maston Foundation, as well as an exclusive ethics roundtable with this year’s Maston Lecturer, Dr. Molly Marshall, president of Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Shawnee, Kan.

Both the Young Maston Scholar designation and the T.B. Maston Lectures in Christian Ethics seek to honor the legacy of Dr. T.B. Maston, longtime professor of Christian ethics and pioneering Baptist ethicist, known for his writing and teaching in the areas of biblical ethics, race relations, family life, the Christian life and vocation, church and state, and character formation.

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Photo cutline: Two Howard Payne University students were named 2013 Young Maston Scholars by Hardin-Simmons University. They are pictured with Young Maston Scholars from partnering universities. Bottom row (left to right): Joshua Puckett (HPU), David Bertrand (University of Mary-Hardin Baylor), Yvonne Harold (UMHB), Jorge Arias (East Texas Baptist University); Middle row: Deborah Isosaki (Baptist University of the Américas), Jordan Upchurch (ETBU); Top row: Matthew Molina (Wayland Baptist University), Kendra Holt (HSU), Venantie Uwishyaka (HSU), Adrianna Martinez (Baptist University of the Américas), Andrew Humphrey (Baylor University), Trent Gainey (HPU).

Photo and information in news release was provided by HSU Communications

HPU students complete criminal justice internships

BROWNWOOD – April 25, 2013 – Eight Howard Payne University students were recently honored for the successful completion of criminal justice internships. The students were recognized at the annual luncheon held at HPU’s Girling Center for Social Justice.

Students are required to complete 150 hours of service which reflects three credit hours toward their major in criminal justice. Internships include working with “at risk” students and adults at local, state and federal agencies as well as positions with law firms, law enforcement agencies and many other organizations that help students prepare for a future in the field of criminal justice.

“One of the best paths to future employment is for a student to intern at an agency or organization in his or her field,” said Lynn Humeniuk, associate professor of sociology and director of HPU’s criminal justice program. “Many HPU criminal justice interns have reaped the benefits of internships by building strong resumes and learning valuable insights from experts in the field. Our university is extremely blessed to have professionals who are willing to supervise our interns and, in the process, apply the valuable information students learn in the classroom.”

Participating students included Haleigh Caraway of Cisco, intern at Brown County Legal Aid; Senea Dillard of Cedar Hill, intern at Brown County Boys and Girls Club; Justin Jones of Austin, intern at HPU’s Department of Public Safety; Amy Martin of Brownwood, intern at Ron Jackson Juvenile Correctional Complex; Austin Mobley of Azle, intern at State of Texas Department of Public Safety; Linsey Reed of Alvin, intern at Ron Jackson Juvenile Correctional Complex; Justin Taylor of Early, intern at Brown County Sheriff’s Office; and Blaine Wynn of Rockwall, intern at HPU’s Department of Public Safety.

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Photo cutline: Criminal justice students from HPU recently gathered with mentors and faculty members to celebrate the successful completion of their internships. Left to right: Chief Paul Lilly, mentor, HPU’s Department of Public Safety; Lt. Bob Pacatte, mentor, HPU’s Department of Public Safety; Justin Jones, intern; Blaine Wynn, intern; Senea Dillard, intern; Austin Mobley, intern; Danny Willingham, mentor, Brown County Boys and Girls Club; Lynn Humeniuk, associate professor of sociology and director of HPU’s criminal justice program; Bobby Duvall, mentor, Brown County Sheriff’s Office; Linsey Reed, intern; Justin Taylor, intern; Delana Smethers, mentor, Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex; Chief Mike Corley, mentor, Brownwood Police Department; Lisa Ritter, mentor, Brown County Juvenile Probation Department; Lisa Marks, mentor, Brown County Legal Aid; and Laurie Lindsey, mentor, Brown County Legal Aid. Not pictured are interns Amy Martin and Haleigh Caraway.

HPU theatre to present “Dancing at Lughnasa”

BROWNWOOD – April 24, 2013 – Howard Payne University’s Department of Theatre will present “Dancing at Lughnasa,” at the HPU Theatre Thursday, April 25, through Saturday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 28, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students and free for all HPU faculty, staff and students.

Written by Brian Friel and first performed in Dublin, Ireland, in 1990, the play received a 1991 Olivier Award for best play of the year in Great Britain and a 1992 Tony award for best play on Broadway.

“As if echoing the uncertainty of spring weather, especially in central Texas,” said Nicholas Ewen, assistant professor of theatre, “this play is a mixture of unexpected humor, romance, turmoil, grief, loss and, ultimately, the sublime appreciation of finding your moment, however elusive or transitory, to abandon all worries and all reason simply to dance.”

HPU cast members include Katie Dobson, a senior from Rowlett; Gabi Guest, a sophomore from Midlothian; Tucker Hull, a junior from Brownwood; Brittany Martin, a sophomore from Goldthwaite; Jared Russell, a junior from Hillsboro; Audrey Smith, a junior from Brownwood; Alex Taliaferro, a sophomore from Haslet; and Jarrod White, a junior from Ben Wheeler. Crewmembers include Ewen, Ben Palmer, a senior from Van; and Dorie Walton, a sophomore from Lolita.

For more information, contact the School of Music and Fine Arts at (325) 649-8500.

HPU composer’s music performed in Washington, D.C.

BROWNWOOD – April 24, 2013 – The works of Dr. Elisabeth Greene, adjunct faculty member in Howard Payne University’s School of Music and Fine Arts, were recently performed in the Washington, D.C., area.

Dr. Greene collaborated with D.C.-area professionals to perform scenes from her opera, “Reading Lolita in Tehran,” at the D.C. Public Library in conjunction with the feature of the book by Azar Nafisi in the D.C. Reads program. Dr. Greene also gave a public presentation about the work to her audience.

Dr. Greene’s new bilingual opera “Ce que raconte le conte/How the Story Goes” premiered in March at the Lycée Rochambeau, a French international school in the D.C. area. The work retells familiar fairy tales in French and English, ending with a surprise modern twist. The work was commissioned by the French school for their presentation of Opéra Comique. The bilingual nature of the text, written by the composer, mirrors the students’ linguistic experience at a French school in the United States.

Greene teaches composition, music history and arranging at HPU. She is currently developing a variety of works for both voice and stage.

Cynthia Clawson Courtney honored with prestigious HPU Yellow Rose Award

BROWNWOOD – April 24, 2013 – Dr. Cynthia Clawson Courtney, 1970 Howard Payne University graduate and award-winning vocalist, recently received the 2013 HPU Woman’s Club Yellow Rose Award. The honor was announced at the Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon held on the HPU campus.

In addition to her Grammy Award in 1981, Dr. Courtney has been honored with five Dove awards and numerous Dove nominations. Her rendition of “Softly and Tenderly” was featured in the 1985 Oscar-winning motion picture, “The Trip to Bountiful.” She is a member of the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Dr. Courtney received a vocal performance scholarship to attend HPU where she was a member of the A Capella Choir and the Oratorio Chorus. She was also an original member of the HPU Heritage Singers. Dr. Courtney has remained a dedicated alumna, returning to the university numerous times to graciously share her gifts with the HPU family. She was chosen as HPU’s Distinguished Alumna in 1989, the Homecoming Grand Marshal in 1998 and, in 2007, she received an Honorary Doctorate from HPU, the university’s highest honor.

She and her husband, author and playwright Ragan Courtney, live in Houston. They have two adult children, Will and Lily.

The Yellow Rose Award is presented annually to a woman who exhibits exemplary leadership; who supports the university; and who represents Christian values and beliefs foundational to the university.

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Photo cutline: Dr. Cynthia Clawson Courtney (center) was honored with the 2013 HPU Woman’s Club Yellow Rose Award. She is pictured with her husband, Ragan Courtney, and Dr. Diana Ellis, HPU first lady.

Ashley Krueger named recipient of HPU’s Yellow Rose Scholarship

BROWNWOOD – April 24, 2013 – Howard Payne University sophomore Ashley Krueger, a music education major from Howe, was named the recipient of the HPU Woman’s Club Yellow Rose Scholarship for the 2013-2014 academic year. The award was presented at the annual Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon held recently on campus.

Krueger is involved in a wide range of campus activities. She is a member of the Yellow Jacket Marching Band, performs with the HPU Symphonic Concert Band and has played French horn for HPU’s Homecoming musical, choir concerts and University Singers concerts. She is an officer in Tau Beta Sigma, a national honorary band sorority. She is also active in the community, performing with various musical groups at First Baptist Church and other venues in the Brownwood area.

Krueger is the daughter of Mike and Amy Krueger of Howe.

The HPU Yellow Rose Scholarship is presented annually to a female sophomore at HPU who maintains at least a 3.0 grade point average, participates in extracurricular activities and exhibits leadership qualities representative of Christian values.

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Photo cutline: Ashley Krueger, center, was named the 2013-2014 recipient of the HPU Yellow Rose Scholarship. She is pictured with her mother, Amy Krueger, and Dr. Diana Ellis, HPU first lady.

HPU announces 18th annual “American Music Spectacular”

BROWNWOOD – April 24, 2013 – Howard Payne University’s School of Music and Fine Arts announces the upcoming performance of the university’s Symphonic Band in its 18th annual “American Music Spectacular,” The Struggle for Freedom. The event will be held Thursday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the university’s Mims Auditorium.

The concert will feature music by composers who have helped shape the American musical landscape. Composers to be highlighted include Claude T. Smith, Alfred Reed, Morton Gould and many more.

“This evening of Americana has become a true tradition within the Central Texas area,” said Corey Ash, director of bands at HPU. “It will be a great concert with a different touch as we approach the theme of our country’s struggle to become and remain free. We will celebrate the American spirit and those who have fought and struggled to help win our freedom and democracy.”

There is no charge for admission. A reception in the Davidson Music Complex, directly across from the auditorium, will follow the performance.

For more information, contact HPU’s School of Music and Fine Arts at (325) 648-8500.

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