Monthly News Archives: March 2017

HPU’s Mock Trial teams win top witness and attorney awards at regional tournament

BROWNWOOD – March 29, 2017 – Two Mock Trial teams from Howard Payne University recently competed at a regional tournament at The University of Texas at Dallas, bringing home awards for top witness and top attorney. This was HPU’s second full year of competition and third appearance at regionals.

The first team was comprised of Guy D. Newman Honors Academy majors Amy Baskin, senior from Brownwood also majoring in psychology; Jordan Hahn, freshman from Burnet also majoring in social science global studies; Katherine Hailey, senior from Bangs also majoring in social science jurisprudence; Tyler Olin, sophomore from Howe also majoring in social science jurisprudence; Skyler Schoolfield, senior from Aledo also majoring in social science jurisprudence and Spanish; Caleb Throckmorton, senior from Early also majoring in management; and Jacob Vincent, junior from Hartley also majoring in history.

The second team included Guy D. Newman Honors Academy majors Jessica Catlett, sophomore from Alleyton also majoring in social work; Toni Gibbs, sophomore from Waco also majoring in social science jurisprudence; Kaitlyn Harrison, junior from Watauga also majoring in athletic training; Lainee Hasty, junior from Runaway Bay also majoring in psychology; Andie McCoy, sophomore from Whitehouse also majoring in social studies composite; Isaac Sommers, senior from Boerne also majoring in English and social science jurisprudence; and Karla Zachary, sophomore from Elgin also majoring in social science jurisprudence.

Gibbs won an award as a top witness, scoring 17 out of 20 possible points, and Sommers won an award as a top attorney, scoring 19 out of 20 points.

Mock Trial is a simulation of trial court cases. Students are given a hypothetical case to argue, and they must prepare a case strategy, learn case law, and memorize affidavits and testimony to effectively ask and answer questions. In order to be successful, the team spends hours rehearsing their arguments, preparing questions and answers for witnesses, and utilizing the rules of evidence. Participation in Mock Trial helps prepare students for careers in a variety of fields, including law, criminal justice, forensic science and even theatre.

At the regional tournament, each team competes in four rounds, representing first the plaintiff and then the defense. Teams include students acting as attorneys and witnesses, and each round is a full trial against a competing team. Rounds take approximately three hours and are judged by real-life judges and lawyers. Awards are given to the top witnesses, attorneys and teams.

“This was our best showing yet, with teams winning multiple rounds,” said Lorianna Kelley, assistant professor of government and Mock Trial sponsor. “I am so proud of our students this year. They have taken a brand new program and turned it into a highly competitive team, all within a few short years. Their success this year is indicative of their hard work and dedication to the team.”

HPU’s Walling to present senior recital

Aaron WallingBROWNWOOD – March 27, 2017 – Howard Payne University senior Aaron Walling of Georgetown will present a recital on Thursday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m. The recital will take place in the university’s Grace Chapel and is free to the public. All are encouraged to attend.

Walling will graduate this May with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a minor in music. After graduation, Walling plans to begin work toward his doctoral degree specializing in physical therapy at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.

Walling is a student of Corey Ash, associate professor of music and director of bands. The recital includes a wide repertoire representative of different musical periods and styles. Walling will perform on trumpet, flugel horn and cornet. During the finale of the recital, a brass choir will join him.

“Although Aaron is not a music major, he has been a major component of what we have done in the instrumental music department for the past four years,” said Ash. “I am excited by his love for music and I hope that everyone will come out to support him as he finishes up his time at HPU.”

For more information, contact HPU’s School of Music and Fine Arts at 325-649-8500.

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Cutline: HPU senior Aaron Walling will present a recital on Thursday, March 30.

HPU hosts fourth-annual Spring into Health Fair

Ellises and BuzzsawBROWNWOOD – March 24, 2017 – Howard Payne University recently held its fourth-annual Spring into Health Fair which included health screenings, demonstrations, exhibits, games and a variety of giveaways for HPU students, faculty and staff.

Among the new events this year was a relay on campus featuring HPU representatives Drs. Bill and Diana Ellis, HPU president and first lady; Dr. Kylah Clark-Goff, dean of the School of Education; Braxton Harris, head football coach; Hunter Sims, athletic director; and Dr. W. Mark Tew, provost and chief academic officer.

Following the race, the Honorable Stephen Haynes, Brownwood mayor, and Draco Miller, mayor pro tem, addressed the crowd about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

The event was organized by Teresa Cavitt, adjunct instructor in HPU’s School of Education and student in the university’s Master of Education in Sport and Wellness Leadership degree program.

“The health fair was a collaborative effort by so many campus leaders also known as ‘wellness champions,’” she said. “It wouldn’t have been the success that it was without their efforts.”

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Cutline: HPU’s Spring into Health Fair featured a relay among HPU representatives. Drs. Bill and Diana Ellis, HPU president and first lady, posed with Buzzsaw, the university’s Yellow Jacket mascot, following the race.

HPU’s Walker Memorial Library to host book sale

library book sale 2017BROWNWOOD – March 24, 2017 – Howard Payne University’s Walker Memorial Library, through the Friends of the Library group, will host a book sale Thursday, March 30, and Friday, March 31. The sale is open to the community from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.

A large selection of books, including duplicate titles and books the library does not traditionally carry in the academic collection, will be available for purchase. Paperbacks and hardcover books will range from $.50 to $1 with rare books varying in price. Additional items include VHS tapes and duplicate HPU yearbooks. All proceeds will benefit students through library improvements.

“The Friends of the Library Book Sale is a great opportunity for the community to step into the library and see the recent updates and discover what we offer,” said Alexia Riggs, HPU’s dean of libraries. “We look forward to this event every year and hope that everyone who attends finds the perfect book!”

The goal of the Friends of the Library group is to promote interest in the library and support for its collections and programs. Anyone is welcome to join with memberships ranging from $10 to $100. Library memberships are available to HPU alumni and members of the Friends of the Library group. More information on these membership opportunities will be presented at the sale.

For more information, contact HPU’s Walker Memorial Library at (325) 649-8602 or library@hputx.edu.

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Cutline: HPU senior Emily Wright, student worker in the university’s Walker Memorial Library, sorts books for the upcoming sale.

HPU to celebrate Easter with Resurrection Week services

Mike Satterfield

BROWNWOOD – March 23, 2017 – Howard Payne University will host Resurrection Week, an annual spring revival event, April 10 through 12. The services, open to the community as well as HPU students, faculty and staff, are scheduled before Easter each year and intended as a time of spiritual renewal.

This year’s speaker, Mike Satterfield, is the founder of Field of Grace Ministries and teaching pastor at Fielder Church in Arlington. Satterfield has a tremendous passion for God’s Word coupled with a love for God’s people. He has a contagious spirit of generosity that flows through every facet of his ministry. Having received his mandate from God, Satterfield obediently fulfills his calling communicating spiritual truths to all audiences, both students and adults. He is an effective communicator with fresh and original illustrations. God has given him the ability to engage the audience with his skilled use of words and his warm personality. He combines both to reflect the vitalizing truths laid out in God’s Word in a relevant message to the world. He and his wife, Rhonda, live in Arlington with their two children.

The Darnell Band from Austin will lead worship at each service. The Darnell Band formed in the fall of 2012 as the main worship band for The Austin Stone Community Church’s south campus. Led by worship leader and songwriter Daniel Darnell, the band desires to lead God’s people in worship through passionate, theologically sound and musically rich songs. The band’s aim is to see the name of Christ lifted high and glorified, both in the band’s music and in the members’ lives. In addition to Darnell (vocals and guitar), band members include Ross Nesselrode (lead guitar), Tim Pool (bass) and Ruben Gonzalez (drums).

The Darnell Band

“Mike Satterfield has spoken at HPU several times and we’re always greatly blessed by his words,” said Corey Ash, director of bands and Chapel coordinator. “We’re also looking forward to welcoming the members of The Darnell Band for their first appearance at HPU. It’s going to be a powerful week as we worship our risen Savior.”

Resurrection Week services are Monday and Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Each will take place in HPU’s Mims Auditorium. For more information, contact Ash at 325-649-8502 or cash@hputx.edu.

HPU’s TaShana Hooker to present senior recital this Thursday

TaShana Hooker March 2017BROWNWOOD – March 22, 2017 – Howard Payne University senior TaShana Hooker from Carrollton will present a recital on Thursday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m. The recital will take place at Grace Chapel in the university’s Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center. The recital is free to the public and all are encouraged to attend.

Hooker is a music education major with a focus on the clarinet. She is from the studio of Stephen Goacher, professor of music, and will graduate in December 2017. Hooker was a recipient of the HPU Woman’s Club Yellow Rose Scholarship in the spring of 2015 and the Servant Leadership Award in the spring of 2016.

“I have enjoyed TaShana’s work in my clarinet studio for the past four years,” said Goacher. “A gifted musician, her playing displays depth and clarity. We look forward to presenting her in a senior recital.”

Hooker’s repertoire includes a clarinet sonata by Paul Hindemith and Victor Babin’s eight “Hillandale Waltzes.” Dr. Elizabeth Wallace, chair of the Department of Music and professor of music, will accompany Hooker on the piano.

For more information, contact HPU’s School of Music and Fine Arts at 325-649-8500.

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Cutline: HPU senior TaShana Hooker will present a senior recital on Thursday, March 23.

HPU to host 21st annual Spring Sing

Spring Sing 2016BROWNWOOD – March 21, 2017 – Howard Payne University will host its 21st annual Spring Sing event this Friday and Saturday with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Tickets for the family-friendly event are $5 each and the community is welcome to attend.

Three Howard Payne University student organizations will take part in the production, each performing an original musical skit. Participating groups are Chi Alpha Omega, Delta Chi Rho and Pi Theta Chi.

“Spring Sing is a popular event on campus each year,” said Joshua Snow, director of student activities. “The groups have rehearsed their performances for several weeks and each is really creative and unique.”

Tickets may be purchased at the door on the evening of the performances or online at www.hputx.edu. The doors open at 7 p.m. each evening.

For more information, contact HPU’s Office of Student Activities at 325-649-8305.

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Cutline: An HPU student organization performs in Spring Sing 2016.

Sponsors announced for HPU’s Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon

Dr Shirley Cothran BarretBROWNWOOD – March 21, 2017 – The Howard Payne University Woman’s Club will host its annual Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon on Thursday, April 6, with area businesses and individuals serving as sponsors for the popular event. The ticketed luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Bullion Suites of HPU’s Mabee University Center.

Sponsors include Big Country Ford (Gold sponsor), Sally Porter (Gold sponsor), Bangs Flower & Gift Shop, Brownwood Regional Medical Center, Citizens National Bank, Creative Image Laser Solutions, Painter & Johnson Financial, Deborah Cartwright, Dr. Diana Ellis, Mary Johnson, Dr. Mitzi Lehrer and Karen Dodds, Sarah McAlpine, Jarene Price and Ann Towery.

The guest speaker for this year’s luncheon is Dr. Shirley Cothran Barret. A former Miss America, Dr. Barret has more than 40 years of experience as a keynote. She has spoken at numerous events and organizations including churches, women’s workshops and retreats, state education organizations and conventions. Dr. Barret has also appeared on many television shows, been a contributing author to magazine articles and was a contributing author for Thomas Nelson’s “The Woman’s Study Bible – Spring 1995.”

During the luncheon, the Woman’s Club will announce the recipient of the Yellow Rose Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year as well as honor one of the guests with the prestigious 2017 Yellow Rose Award.

Luncheon tickets are $25 and a limited number are still available. For ticket information, visit www.hputx.edu/yellowrose, e-mail womansclub@hputx.edu or call 325-649-8007.

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Cutline: The HPU Woman’s Club will host its annual Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon Thursday, April 6, with guest speaker Dr. Shirley Cothran Barret.

HPU to close for Spring Break

BROWNWOOD – March 10, 2017 – Howard Payne University will be closed for Spring Break next week, March 13-17. No classes will be held and administrative offices will be closed.

The university will reopen and classes will resume at 8 a.m. on Monday, March 20.