Monthly News Archives: May 2016

HPU New Braunfels Center raises more than $13,000 during 24-hour giving event

big give 2016BROWNWOOD – May 27, 2016 – Howard Payne University’s New Braunfels Center recently took part in The Big Give S.A., a 24-hour fundraising event for nonprofits in the San Antonio area. The center raised $13,455 from 94 donors during the event, exceeding its goal for funds raised and number of donors.

“This was our second year to participate in The Big Give and we are pleased to announce that we more than doubled our donor base from last year,” said Christy Meinecke, HPU’s major gifts officer for the south-central region.

HPU, with its flagship campus based in Brownwood, has maintained a presence in the New Braunfels community since March 2012. Since that time, HPU’s New Braunfels Center has served more than 100 students in its graduate and undergraduate programs.

HPU alumnus Bob Knoll, CEO of Millennium Packaging/Supplize, offered the university the use of a facility in New Braunfels as a home for the center to grow during the next several years. The building is located off Interstate 35 at 4102 Loop 337 and is being remodeled to include administrative offices, classrooms, a conference room and study areas to accommodate the planned expansion of HPU. Classes will be held in the new building beginning in fall 2016.

According to Meinecke, all funds raised during The Big Give S.A. will fund the start-up costs of the new facility.

“We were very thankful to see the support from the HPU community, alumni from both New Braunfels and Brownwood, and community friends,” she said. “We are more than halfway to our goal of $200,000 for the new facility start-up costs and can’t wait to see the doors open this August.”

HPU is now enrolling for the fall 2016 semester. To learn more about becoming at student at HPU’s New Braunfels Center, visit www.hputx.edu/newbraunfels, call (830) 629-2366 or e-mail newbraunfels@hputx.edu.

###

Cutline: During The Big Give S.A., HPU New Braunfels students were asked to write messages encouraging donations. Pictured is Shelli De La Garza, sophomore from Seguin.

Twenty receive HPU Alumni Association Scholarship

Alumni Association logoBROWNWOOD – May 27, 2016 – Howard Payne University’s Alumni Association recently awarded the HPU Alumni Association Scholarship to 20 students for the 2016-2017 academic year. The scholarship is presented annually to relatives of HPU alumni as selected by the association’s Scholarship Committee.

This year’s recipients include Stephen Bailey, freshman from Georgetown; Caleb Bostick, freshman from Brownwood; Bryan Bourque, freshman from Alvin; Jacob Bowren, freshman from San Antonio; Paul Chandler, freshman from Mount Pleasant; Madelyn Deviney, freshman from Bulverde; Kailey Doering, freshman from Little Elm; Katherine Hailey, senior from Bangs; Rebecca Hamilton, senior from Nocona; Chanda King, freshman from Childress; Lindsey Krueger, freshman from Howe; Holly Leatherman, junior from Tolar; Rachel Lilley, freshman from Comanche; Anna McBride, freshman from Eldorado; Madison Miller, freshman from Granbury; Taylor Reid, junior from Harper; Lauren Tipton, freshman from Brownwood; Bailey Waller, senior from Weatherford; Eli Williams, freshman from May; and Spencer Wolverton, sophomore from Desoto.

Alumni Association Scholarships are awarded annually to selected new students who have earned an average grade of “B” or above in high school or returning students who have maintained a GPA of 2.5 or above in their college coursework. Scholarships will be considered only for students who have at least one relative as a current dues-paying Alumni Association member.

“HPU is thankful for members of the Alumni Association whose dues make it possible to award these scholarships,” said Stephen Sullivan, director of development and alumni relations. “It’s exciting to welcome new students who are carrying on a generations-long legacy in their families by choosing to attend HPU.”

For more information, visit www.hputx.edu/alumni/alumnischolarship or contact HPU’s Office of Alumni Relations at (325) 649-8044.

Registration open for HPU’s Summer Scholars and Young Scholars day camps

Summer and Young Scholars Brain Games for webBROWNWOOD – May 24, 2016 – Registration is now open for Howard Payne University’s Summer Scholars and Young Scholars day camps to be held July 18-22 from 9 a.m. to noon each day. The programs, open to all students in first through sixth grades, feature innovative instruction in a variety of subjects including robotics and 3D printing. The theme for this year is “Brain Games” in honor of the 2016 Summer Olympics.

“Each class is designed to stimulate students by using hands-on learning activities as well as challenging students with curriculum not normally taught in the classroom,” said Dr. Julie Welker, director of the programs, professor of communication and chair of HPU’s Department of Communication Studies. “We want to keep our students’ minds engaged and their bodies active.”

In the Summer Scholars program, students entering fourth through sixth grades will study robotics, 3D printing, science and physical education. The Young Scholars program is designed for children entering first through third grades and the campers will receive instruction in robotics, science, music and physical education.

The programs, designed to be fun as well as educational, will be held in HPU’s Winebrenner Memorial Hall of Science. Program participants will also have supervised access to HPU’s gym, climbing wall and other campus locations.

Cost for the Summer Scholars and Young Scholars programs is $100 per student and includes a souvenir, snacks and supplies. The deadline for registration is July 15.

Online registration is available at www.hputx.edu/summerandyoungscholars. For more information about the Summer Scholars and Young Scholars programs, contact Dr. Welker at (325) 649-8508 or via e-mail at jwelker@hputx.edu.

###

Cutline: Summer Scholars and Young Scholars camps, HPU’s popular summer programs for children, will take place July 18-22. This year’s theme is “Brain Games” in honor of the 2016 Summer Olympics.

HPU alumnus named 2016 Class 6A Assistant Coach of the Year

mark nickolsBROWNWOOD – May 24, 2016 – Howard Payne University alumnus Mark Nickols was recently named the 2016 Class 6A Assistant Coach of the Year by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. He serves as assistant basketball coach at San Angelo’s Central High School.

According to the San Angelo ISD website, Nickols helped his team reach the playoffs for the second straight year this season. They finished the season with a record of 21-12. He will be recognized this month at the annual convention of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.

“At HPU, I really appreciated the small classes and professors who truly cared about my success,” said Nickols.

Nickols said it was Coach Troy Drummond’s friendship with San Angelo’s Coach Jaime Boswell that led him to begin his career at Central High School.

Drummond serves as head men’s basketball coach, head golf coach and associate athletic director for operations at HPU.

“I am very proud of Mark for taking an opportunity and making the most of it,” said Drummond. “When Coach Boswell got the job at San Angelo Central and was talking to me about his assistant position I really thought that Mark would be a great fit. Mark is an exceptional young man with a great work ethic. I’m so very happy for him and his family and wish him all the best.”

A 2010 HPU graduate, Nickols is the son of John and Barbara Nickols of Brownwood. John Nickols serves at HPU as assistant professor of history and political science and special assistant to the athletic director.

###

Cutline: HPU alumnus Mark Nickols was recently named the 2016 Class 6A Assistant Coach of the Year by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. Photo courtesy of San Angelo ISD.

HPU New Braunfels 5K raises more than $16,000 for facility renovation

Buzzsaw and PetittBROWNWOOD – May 20, 2016 – Howard Payne University’s New Braunfels Center hosted its inaugural HPU 5000 event last Saturday at New Braunfels’ Landa Park. The walk/run 5K race garnered participation from 155 registered runners and support from 28 local businesses. The event raised a total of $16,150 for the center which will be used in the renovation of a facility for students.

“It was such an exciting event,” said participant Beth Hall, HPU NB supporter. “They did a great job of putting it all together. I run a lot of 5Ks every year and this one was by far my favorite. I look forward to the seeing the lives HPU NB will change in our community through its new facility.”

The runner with the fastest time was Xenophant Petitt of New Braunfels who won a $250 gift card, t-shirt and cap from Gruene Harley Davidson. There were also drawings for prizes such as frozen yogurt, sport watches and tubing and rafting trips.

“The race exceeded our expectations for funds raised and number of participants,” said Christy Meinecke, HPU major gifts officer for the south-central region. “The morning was full of energy and excitement and it was encouraging to see HPU NB students and alumni as well as community friends supporting HPU’s work in New Braunfels.”

In addition to Meinecke, the 5K planning team consisted of HPU NB Master of Business Administration graduates Matt Lotz, Kevin Wartsbaugh and Tara Roussett, as well as Dr. Chuck Grear, adjunct instructor of history.

“I was excited and honored to help coordinate the 5K because I believe that quality Christian higher education is needed in Comal County and this race served to continue those efforts with all proceeds going for our new building,” said Roussett. “This is such an exciting time for the growth and expansion of HPU.”

Buzzsaw and NB personnelHPU alumnus Bob Knoll, CEO of Millennium Packaging/Supplize, offered the university the use of a facility in New Braunfels as a home for the center to grow during the next several years. The building is located off Interstate 35 at 4102 Loop 337 and is being remodeled to include administrative offices, classrooms, a conference room and study areas to accommodate the planned expansion of HPU. Classes will be held in the new building beginning in fall 2016.

The university looks forward to eventually building a permanent campus in the community as part of the Veramendi development project.

“Veramendi is proud to be partnering with Howard Payne University, and we were excited to see such a great turn out on Saturday in support of HPU,” said Tiffany Lacey, vice president of ASA Properties, the Veramendi developers. “We are particularly proud of 12-year-old Rylie Blackmon, who ran for Team Veramendi and placed first in her division.”

A number of local and area businesses served as sponsors for the race. Sponsors included:

Title Sponsors – Supplize and Veramendi

Gold Sponsors – Express Lube, HMT Engineering and Surveying, Krueger Construction and McKenna Foundation

Silver Sponsors – Chick-fil-A, Comal Custom Homes, Premier Dental Center, Raba Kistner Consultants, Rockin’ R, Rougeux & Associates, Seidel Construction, Soleus Running and Treetop Pediatric Dentistry

Bronze Sponsors – Dr. Stephen C. Bennett, DDS; CgM and Associates Architects; Big Frog; Eden Hill, Edward Jones, Kevin Wartsbaugh; Gruene Harley Davidson; J&R Gymnastics; Mark Hamtpon Century 21, Randall Morris & Associates; Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt; The Merchant Network; Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union; Rodney Roussett, MA, LPC, PA, Psychotherapist; and Schlitterbahn

For more information about the HPU New Braunfels Center, call (830) 629-2366 or e-mail newbraunfels@hputx.edu.

###

Cutlines: Xenophant Petitt of New Braunfels was the fastest overall racer at the HPU New Braunfels Center’s inaugural 5K race held last Saturday. He is pictured with Buzzsaw, HPU’s Yellow Jacket mascot.

Personnel from HPU’s New Braunfels Center are pictured with Buzzsaw, HPU’s Yellow Jacket Mascot, during Saturday’s 5K race. Pictured left to right are Dr. Dale Meinecke, assistant vice president for external affairs and assistant professor of Christian studies; Whitney Hooper, assistant director of admission for extension centers; Ginger Taylor, New Braunfels Center receptionist; and Christy Meinecke, major gifts officer for the south-central region.

HPU New Braunfels Center graduates two

Roussett hoodingBROWNWOOD – May 20, 2016 – Two students from Howard Payne University’s New Braunfels Center participated in the university’s Commencement ceremony in Brownwood on May 7. Tara Roussett of Canyon Lake and John Kublank of New Braunfels graduated with Master of Business Administration degrees.

“We are proud of these graduates and their successes,” said Dr. Dale Meinecke, HPU’s assistant vice president for external affairs and assistant professor of Christian studies. “Both have left their mark on HPU NB and we look forward to what is still to come from each of them as they continue to serve at the university.”

Kublank was voted vice president of the HPU New Braunfels Alumni Chapter for the coming year and Roussett serves as a member of the university’s Advisory Council for the New Braunfels Center.

Kublank and MeineckeAlso completing degree requirements from HPU’s New Braunfels Center were Darryl Fresne of New Braunfels, MBA student, and Francene Larrabee of New Braunfels, undergraduate business administration major. Fresne and Larrabee will take part in HPU’s December Commencement ceremony.

###

Cutlines: John Kublank, left, recently graduated from HPU’s New Braunfels Center with a Master of Business Administration degree. He is pictured following the Commencement ceremony with Dr. Dale Meinecke, HPU’s assistant vice president for external affairs and assistant professor of Christian studies.

Tara Roussett, center, recently graduated from HPU’s New Braunfels Center with a Master of Business Administration degree. She is pictured during the hooding portion of the Commencement ceremony with Dr. Brad Lemler, left, interim dean of the School of Business, and Dr. Debra Powell, assistant professor of business administration.

HPU Phi Beta Lambda members advance to national competition

phi beta lambda 2016 for webBROWNWOOD – May 19, 2016 – Members of Howard Payne University’s chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, an international business honor society, recently attended the PBL 2016 State Leadership Conference at The University of Texas in Dallas. Five members advanced to the PBL National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, June 24-27.

Those advancing to nationals are Hannah Ball, junior from Justin, second place in information management; Allan Chehadi, senior from Austin, second place in Job Interviews; Jessica Harris, junior from Brownwood, second place in Management Concepts; Jody Loudamy, senior from Goldthwaite, second place in Business Presentation and third place in Entrepreneur Concepts; and Rachel Mahagan, senior from Georgetown, first place in Administrative Technology and second place in Computer Concepts.

Harris, Loudamy and Mahagan also competed at the 2015 PBL National Leadership Conference held in Chicago, Illinois, with Mahagan taking sixth place in the nation in Computer Concepts. Travis Moraga, sophomore from Little Elm, also competed in Chicago last year, but was unable to compete this year due to scheduling conflicts.

In addition to representing HPU in competitions, students had the opportunity to attend skill-building workshops.

“I’m really excited about the national conference this year,” said Loudamy, who serves as the chapter’s vice president. “We didn’t know what to expect before, but now we are ready.”

Phi Beta Lambda is the university division of Future Business Leaders of America, the largest career student organization in the world. Each year, the organization helps more than 200,000 members prepare for careers in business.

Mike Daub, associate professor of accounting, serves as the chapter’s adviser.

“I’m very proud of all of our Phi Beta Lambda members,” he said. “They represented HPU very well and I look forward to seeing them compete at the national competition.”

According to Daub, the mission of Phi Beta Lambda is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.

“I appreciate the goals that PBL has put into place to work toward fulfilling that mission,” he said. “One of these goals is to create more interest in and understanding of American business enterprise which coincides with our School of Business aim that ‘Students will gain an understanding and appreciation for the American Free Enterprise System as the force that has made possible the opportunity and realities of growth that American business has experienced.’”

###

Cutline: Members of HPU’s chapter of Phi Beta Lambda recently attended the PBL 2016 State Leadership Conference at The University of Texas in Dallas and advanced to the national competition. Left to right: Jody Loudamy, Mike Daub (adviser), Jessica Harris and Allan Chehadi. Not pictured are Hannah Ball and Rachel Mahagan.

HPU’s Zeta Beta named most outstanding chapter in Southwest District

KKP 2016BROWNWOOD – May 18, 2016 – Zeta Beta, Howard Payne University’s chapter of the Kappa Kappa Psi national band fraternity, recently received the D.O. Wiley Award as the most outstanding chapter in the Southwest District. The HPU fraternity competed against chapters from New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma to receive the award.

According to the organization’s website, the award is given to the chapter that best exemplifies the ideals of the national fraternity. Zeta Beta also won the award in 2011.

“This is a huge accomplishment and I’m proud of the men and women in the group,” said Stephen Sullivan, Zeta Beta adviser and alumnus who serves as director of development and alumni relations for the university.

Active Zeta Beta members for the 2015-2016 academic year included Alex Atkinson, senior from Haslet; Kayla Chadwick, junior from Tulia; Ryan Contreras, senior from Early; Jarod Dowling, freshman from Grandview; Joshua Farquharson, May 2016 graduate from Iowa Park; Evan Fleming, senior from Goliad; Melanie Hammond, senior from Springtown; Brady Hardin, junior from Fort Worth; Angel Hernandez, senior from Brownwood; Hayden Jacobs, junior from Lytle; Nathan Lacy, junior from Early; David Lambert, senior from Brownwood; Holly Leatherman, junior from Tolar; Alex Lemus, sophomore from Ballinger; Robert Martinez, senior from Copperas Cove; Travis Moraga, junior from Little Elm; Jakob Morgan, junior from Blanket; Crystal Ochoa, sophomore from Early; Ray Palousek, sophomore from Holland; Grant Saltar, sophomore from Plano; Sky Schoolfield, junior from Aledo; Gavin Paul Stewart, senior from Flower Mound; and Aaron Walling, senior from Georgetown.

###

Cutline: HPU’s Zeta Beta chapter of the Kappa Kappa Psi national band fraternity recently received the D.O. Wiley Award as the most outstanding chapter in the Southwest District. Zeta Beta members are pictured with the award and Tippy, the group’s penguin mascot.

HPU receives $25,000 from TexasBank through Doss Foundation

TexasBank donation 2016BROWNWOOD – May 17, 2016 – TexasBank recently presented $25,000 to Howard Payne University through the James and Dorothy Doss Foundation. The donation was part of $88,000 in scholarship funds that will be given to local and area high schools and colleges in 2016.

Within the past seven years, the Doss Foundation has given more than $600,000 to area educational institutions.

Greg Dodds, president and CEO of TexasBank, said the bank is proud to be affiliated with the James and Dorothy Doss Foundation, whose gift will give back to local students through HPU’s Heart of Texas Scholarship Fund.

“We believe that the Heart of Texas Scholarship has provided an opportunity for a quality university degree for an ever-increasing number of local students,” he said. “The scholarship provides these students with a $15,000 annual award and greatly helps to ease any financial burdens after college. The Board and Ownership of TexasBank value our relationship with Howard Payne University, and we are honored to support this institution and its students.”

Dr. Bill Ellis, HPU president, expressed the university’s gratitude toward TexasBank and the Doss Foundation.

“HPU aims to give back to the community through the Heart of Texas Scholarship Fund by demonstrating our commitment to local and area students,” said Dr. Ellis. “We’re thankful to have community partners such as TexasBank to make this a reality.”

HPU’s Heart of Texas Scholarship awards $60,000 to eligible students from Brown County and surrounding counties. The scholarship, paid over four years, is automatically awarded to students who are graduates of high schools in the Heart of Texas area, meet unconditional admission requirements and enroll full-time in the fall and spring semesters. Qualifying students will have graduated from high schools or homeschools in Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, McCulloch, Mills and San Saba counties.

For more information, contact HPU’s Office of Admission at (325) 649-8020 or via e-mail at enroll@hputx.edu.

###

Cutline: Greg Dodds, left, president and CEO of TexasBank, presents a $25,000 check to Dr. Bill Ellis, HPU president.

Four HPU students named Sumners Scholars

Sumners Scholars 16-17 for webBROWNWOOD – May 12, 2016 – Four students from Howard Payne University’s Guy D. Newman Honors Academy were recently named Sumners Scholars for the 2016-2017 academic year. Acceptance into the Sumners Scholar Program, created by the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation, is based on an assessment of academic excellence, a sense of civic responsibility and leadership potential.

This year’s recipients include Rachel Hughes, junior from Llano; Joel Justice, sophomore from Brownwood; Isaac Sommers, junior from Boerne; and Rachel White, junior from Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Several Academy students vie each year for a chance to be a part of the program. The foundation provides a $7,500-per-semester stipend for its participating students to be used for tuition, fees, books or room and board.

Sumners Scholars are provided with opportunities to attend annual leadership and policy analysis conferences to supplement their learning and expand their growth potential. While receiving the scholarship, students are required to maintain a 3.25 GPA and be in good standing with the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy.

Dr. Matthew McNiece, associate professor of history and government and chair of the Department of History and Government, serves as assistant director for the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy.

“The Academy is proud to recognize the achievements of these four students,” he said. “We also wish to express our gratitude to the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation for the countless opportunities they’ve provided our students over the years.”

For more information about the Sumner Scholars Program at HPU, visit www.hputx.edu/sumners.

###

Cutline: Four HPU students were recently named Sumners Scholars for the 2016-2017 academic year. Left to right: Rachel Hughes, Joel Justice, Isaac Sommers and Rachel White.