Monthly News Archives: October 2017

Senior recital recently presented by HPU student Judy Pack

BROWNWOOD – October 31, 2017 – Howard Payne University’s Judy Pack, a music instrumental all-level certification major from Fort Worth, presented her senior flute recital on Tuesday, October 24. The recital was held in the university’s Grace Chapel.

Recital selections included “Suite de Trios Morceaux, Opus 116” by Benjamin Goddard, “Sonata No. 3, Opus 1, No. 4” by George Frederic Handel and “Slow Tears for Alto Flute and Piano” by Rhonda Larson. Dr. Elizabeth Wallace, chair of the Department of Music and tenured professor of music, accompanied Pack on the piano.

Pack is from the studio of Stephen Goacher, professor of music. He offered his thoughts on Pack’s recital.

“The programmatic variety afforded by performing both the concert flute and the alto flute gave Judy’s program exceptional interest,” said Goacher. “Few students have worked more diligently to make a public presentation representing the sum of their academic career.”

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Scholarships awarded to four HPU pre-college music students

Pre-college NSF scholarship awards 2017BROWNWOOD – October 30, 2017 – Four students from Howard Payne University’s Pre-College Music and Art Program were recently awarded scholarships at the 19th Annual Music Scholarship Awards in Eastland during the town’s RipFest. The scholarship awards were presented by the Nancy Seaberry Frost Arts Endowment (NSF Arts).

Students who received scholarships were Angie Calfa (16), a voice and piano student from Santa Anna; Christopher Ivy (7) and Kyle Ivy (13), piano students from Brownwood; and Sarah Ann Reeves (14), a piano and voice student from Bronwood. The four scholarship recipients are students of Diane Owens, director of HPU’s Pre-College Music Program.

“We are so honored that our young students received this recognition,” said Owens. “We are also thankful for the opportunities for study that the scholarships provide to these students.”

NSF Arts has awarded hundreds of music scholarships and sponsored more than 100 concerts across Texas since 1999. NSF Arts is a proud sponsor of many youth music programs in the state that provide concert tickets and music education experiences for Texas school children.

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Cutline: Four HPU pre-college music students were recently awarded each a scholarship presented by the Nancy Seaberry Frost Arts Endowment at the 19th Annual Music Scholarship Awards in Eastland. Pictured clockwise from left are Sarah Reeves, Kyle Ivy, Angie Calfa and Christopher Ivy.

HPU Concert Choir and Heritage Singers to present fall concert

BROWNWOOD – October 27, 2017 – Howard Payne University’s Concert Choir and Heritage Singers will present a fall concert next Thursday, November 2, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the university’s Grace Chapel.

Titled “Abba’s Child: Longing for the True Self,” the concert will feature a selection of songs about finding oneself through a contemplative seeking of Christ as the core of one’s being. Abba is the Aramaic word for “father.”

“In each portion of the concert, we will traverse the darkness, call upon the name of the Lord and ultimately arrive with our Abba like a child at home,” said Dr. Christopher Rosborough, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities.

Songs in the first portion of the concert include “Lamentation of Jeremiah” by Z. Randall Stroope, “Weep O Mine Eyes” by John Bennett, “E’en So Lord Jesus Quickly Come” by Paul Manz, “His Yoke is Easy” by G.F. Handel and “I Will Be A Child of Peace” by Elaine Hagenberg. The second portion includes “Daemon” by György Orbán, “O Vos Omnes” by Tomás Luis de Victoria, “Remembering” by Joan Szymko and “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need” by Mack Wilberg. The final portion of the concert includes “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” by Michael Tippett, “Ballade to the Moon” by Daniel Elder, “Lullaby” by Daniel Elder, “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel” by Moses Hogan and “Let Me Hide Myself in Thee” by Craig Courtney.

Dr. Rosborough will conduct the program and Dr. Elizabeth Wallace, chair of the Department of Music and tenured professor of music, will accompany the groups on piano. Abraham Cooper, senior from Early, will accompany the Heritage Singers on piano on one selection.

The mission of the HPU choral program is to “Change lives by the power of the Holy Spirit, through the unification of word and song.” For more information about the concert, call the School of Music and Fine Arts at 325-649-8500.

Community invited to lunch at HPU Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Meal at HPU 2017 for webBROWNWOOD – October 27, 2017 – The 34th annual Community Thanksgiving Feast at Howard Payne University will once again usher in the holiday season for area residents and visitors. The meal is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at HPU’s Mabee University Center.

The tradition has been supported throughout the years by numerous individuals and organizations. Last year, more than 2,275 meals were served on campus and through the home-delivery program.

“The crisp mornings we have enjoyed lately remind us that it is again time to plan for a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends at HPU’s Mabee University Center,” said Bill Fishback, associate vice president for business and human resources. “This community-wide effort of neighbors caring for neighbors seems to be as important to those who serve as it is to those who enjoy the meal each year. Volunteers can help serve meals at the Mabee Center or deliver meals to those in Brownwood and Early who cannot join us on campus.”

According to Fishback, HPU has never charged for the meals at this event because of the generous donations from the caring people and organizations in Brown County. For several years, the balance remaining in the donation account after Thanksgiving was enough to pay a large portion of the bill for the following year’s meal. This year, there will not be as much as hoped. For the first time in many years, approximately $6,500 will need to be raised to pay for the food served this Thanksgiving.

“Thus far, the Lord has always met our need and I am believing the money will be there by the time the bills must be paid this year,” said Fishback.

The staff of Howard Payne’s Sodexo Food Service give up their holiday to prepare the meals. Numerous volunteers help serve.

“Many of the volunteers have helped for years, making serving others part of their annual Thanksgiving tradition,” said Fishback.

The traditional Thanksgiving meal will consist of turkey, dressing and all the trimmings.

“Last year, we served 625 meals at the Mabee Center and 1,650 meals were provided to those in the community who were unable to join us for lunch,” Fishback said. “The volunteers enjoy visiting with each other and our guests as they work to serve the meals as quickly as possible. Too often, we take for granted the fact that we are very blessed to live in a community where so many people willingly give their time and money to support this wonderful event. We look forward to being part of another joy-filled Thanksgiving Day as we also give thanks to the Lord for blessing us in so many ways.”

According to Fishback, volunteers do not need to call to let the university know they are coming.

“Volunteers simply need to show up at the Mabee Center at 10:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and we will put them to work,” he said.

The Mabee University Center is located at 1219 Fisk Street, on the HPU campus. Anyone unable to join friends and neighbors at the Mabee Center can have meals delivered to his or her home in Brownwood or Early by calling the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535 by noon on Monday, November 20.

To help support the Thanksgiving meal, please make checks payable to the “Community Thanksgiving Feast,” and send them to Bill Fishback at Howard Payne University, 1000 Fisk Street, Suite 210, Brownwood, Texas 76801.

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Cutline: The 34th annual Community Thanksgiving Feast will take place on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, at HPU’s Mabee University Center. All are invited and volunteers are welcome.

HPU concludes Homecoming 2017 activities

HC Bonfire 2017 for webBROWNWOOD – October 26, 2017 – Approximately 1,000 individuals arrived on the Howard Payne University campus last weekend for The Yellow Jacket Express – Homecoming 2017. HPU alumni, students, personnel and guests from the community enjoyed the many Homecoming-related events on campus and around Brownwood.

Among this year’s popular events was the Homecoming parade which featured several train-themed floats. Chi Alpha Omega designed this year’s winning float with Delta Chi Rho and Pi Theta Chi earning second and third place, respectively. The bonfire and fireworks display – held this year at the Bert V. Massey II Sport Complex – also drew a large crowd.

The Class Giving Challenge, a fundraising initiative, was a new event this year.

“We publicized the challenge for a week leading up to Homecoming to see which graduating class could raise the most money for the university,” said Laura Benoit, director of alumni relations. “We were proud to name the Class of 1975 as the winner of this year’s challenge.”

Several community sponsors contributed to the overall success of Homecoming 2017. Gold-level sponsors included Brownwood-Area Chamber of Commerce, Bruner Auto Group, Visit Early Texas, Underwood’s Bar-B-Q, Wendlee Broadcasting and Willie’s T’s. Navy-level sponsors were Dr Pepper, Marsh & McLennan Agency, Mills County State Bank and United Supermarkets. White-level sponsors included Citizens National Bank, Down Home Digital, Early Blooms & Things, Painter & Johnson Financial, PF&E Oil Company, Porter Insurance Agency and TexasBank. Partner sponsors were John Woolsey Ice House and Smith & Sharpe Agencies.

HC Parade 2017 for web“Our sponsors are an integral part of Homecoming,” said Benoit. “We’re extremely grateful to our community partners.”

The Carnival of Blue and Gold, HPU’s Homecoming 2018 celebration, is slated for November 2-3, 2018. More details will be available in the months leading up to the event.

“We invite all HPU alumni and others interested in alumni events to subscribe to our monthly e-mail newsletter,” said Benoit. “We plan many fun events around the state throughout the year.”

For more information, or to subscribe to “The Gate” alumni e-mail newsletter, e-mail alumni@hputx.edu or call 325-649-8044.

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Cutlines: HPU students do the “sting ’em” hand gesture in front of this year’s Homecoming bonfire.

This year’s winning Homecoming float was the “It is Well with My Soul-train Express,” designed by the Chi Alpha Omega sorority.

Rev. Tim Skaggs addresses HPU Chapel crowd

Tim Skaggs at HPU for webBROWNWOOD – October 25, 2017 – Rev. Tim Skaggs, pastor of Brownwood’s Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, spoke at Howard Payne University’s Chapel service Wednesday morning. Skaggs serves as an adjunct faculty member in kinesiology at HPU and his wife, Jamie, serves as university nurse.

“Don’t let this culture be your identity because this culture is flawed,” he told the audience. “This world will let you down. There’s only one who will not let you down – Jesus Christ.”

The overall theme for HPU Chapel this semester is “Love God, Love Others.” To see the full slate of Chapel speakers, visit www.hputx.edu/chapel.

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Cutline: Rev. Tim Skaggs speaks at HPU’s Chapel service Wednesday morning.

HPU to host lecture on Baptist heritage and distinctives next Monday

Dr BebbingtonBROWNWOOD – October 24, 2017 – Howard Payne University will host guest speaker Dr. David Bebbington next Monday, October 30, for the William M. Pinson Jr. Lectures in Baptist Heritage and Distinctives. The lecture, which is free and open to the public, begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Richard and Wanda Jackson Conference Room of HPU’s Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center.

Dr. Bebbington, who serves as professor of history at the University of Stirling in Scotland, will deliver a lecture titled “William Carey: Pioneer in Missions.” The event is jointly hosted by HPU, the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Heart of Texas Baptist Network.

Dr. Bebbington is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. An undergraduate at Jesus College of the University of Cambridge, he began his doctoral studies there before becoming a research fellow at Fitzwilliam College. Since 1976, he has taught at the University of Stirling and has served as professor of history since 1999. He has also taught at the University of Alabama, Regent College in Vancouver, Notre Dame University, the University of Pretoria in South Africa and Baylor University.

His principal research interests are in the history of politics, religion and society in Great Britain from the 18th to the 20th century, and in the history of the global evangelical movement. He is widely known for his definition of evangelicalism, referred to as the “Bebbington quadrilateral,” which was first provided in his 1989 classic study “Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s.”

Dr. Bebbington is a longtime member of Stirling Baptist Church where he has held various positions of leadership. He is also a regular lay preacher for churches affiliated to the Baptist Union of Scotland.

Dr. Melody Maxwell, assistant professor of Christian studies at HPU, said it is an honor to have a scholar of Dr. Bebbington’s caliber on campus.

“I am excited that our students will get to interact with and learn from an expert on Baptist history,” she said.

In honor of Dr. Pinson’s significant service, the institutional ministries of the BGCT established the William M. Pinson Jr. Lectures in Baptist Heritage and Distinctives as well as an endowment fund to sustain them. Dr. Pinson, executive director emeritus of the BGCT executive board, served as executive director for 17 years prior to retiring in 2000. The lectures are held annually on the campus of one of the nine universities affiliated with the BGCT.

Dr. Don Fawcett, adjunct faculty in the School of Christian Studies at HPU, serves as network missionary for the Heart of Texas Baptist Network.

“We are honored to work with the Howard Payne University School of Christian Studies and the Baptist General Convention of Texas to host Dr. David Bebbington and this lecture on William Carey and his pioneering mission work,” he said. “This affords our local church leaders an opportunity to attend a relevant presentation offered by an accomplished scholar and churchman.”

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Cutline: Dr. David Bebbington will speak at HPU next Monday for the William M. Pinson Jr. Lectures in Baptist Heritage and Distinctives.

HPU’s Buitron to present senior recital this Thursday, October 26

BROWNWOOD – October 24, 2017 – Howard Payne University’s Dorian Buitron, a music instrumental all-level certification major from Floresville, will present a senior recital on Thursday, October 26, at 7:30 p.m. The recital will be held in the university’s Grace Chapel and there is no charge to attend. The public is invited and encouraged to come.

On clarinet, Buitron will perform “Opus 73 for Clarinet and Piano” by Robert Schumann, “Sonata for Clarinet and Piano” by Leonard Bernstein and “Canzonetta for Clarinet and Piano” by Gabriel Pierne. Dean Kiesling of Brownwood will accompany Buitron on piano.

“We will showcase Miss Buitron’s artistry in Thursday evening’s presentation,” said Stephen Goacher, professor of music.

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

HPU Student Speaker Bureau hosts British National Debate team

Freeland at debate podiumDebate teams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BROWNWOOD – October 23, 2017 – Howard Payne University’s Student Speaker Bureau speech and debate team recently hosted members of the British National Debate team. While on campus, the British team squared off against two Student Speaker Bureau members in an exhibition debate and led workshops on international affairs and debate skills.

HPU juniors Christopher Freeland of Bangs and Tyler Olin of Howe debated against British team members Rebecca Howarth and Richard Hunter on the topic “This house regrets social media.” The teams debated using the parliamentary debate format.

“We debated using parliamentary debate format, which requires four debaters, as opposed to the British Parliamentary debate format, which is the preferred style of debate in most debates in higher education outside of the United States. BP debate requires eight debaters,” said Dr. Julie Welker, HPU professor of communication, chair of the Department of Communication and Student Speaker Bureau coach. “It was valuable for our students to get an opportunity to compete against two seasoned debaters who are very skilled.”

HPU students and personnel, as well as several community members including prospective students, attended the exhibition debate. While there were no official judges for the event, audience members were given the opportunity to express their opinions of the debaters’ persuasiveness.

“Before the debate, we asked audience members to decide if they were on the affirmative or opposition side of the topic,” Dr. Welker said. “We asked again following the debate and many had changed their opinions. Debate is a wonderful forum for increasing civil dialogue about controversial topics.”

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Cutlines: HPU junior Christopher Freeland, at podium, argues for the affirmative on the topic “This house regrets social media.”

Members of HPU’s Student Speaker Bureau recently debated members of the British National Debate team. Left to right: Christopher Freeland (Student Speaker Bureau), Tyler Olin (Student Speaker Bureau), Richard Hunter (British National Debate team) and Rebecca Howarth (British National Debate team).

Jackson and Ramirez crowned HPU Homecoming Queen and Princess

Ramirez, Camacho and JacksonBROWNWOOD – October 20, 2017 – Djimonii Jackson, senior from Beaumont, and Angelica Ramirez, junior from Austin, were crowned Howard Payne University’s Homecoming Queen and Princess during a ceremony held today on campus.

Jackson, a business marketing major, is the daughter of Emanuel and Marsena Alexander and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Jackson. She serves as a senior class senator for the Student Government Association and as a resident assistant for HPU’s Veda Hodge Hall. Additionally, she is active with the Student Activities Council, is an honorary member of Chi Alpha Omega and plays on HPU’s women’s basketball team. She also served as a summer camp counselor at HPU. Upon graduating from HPU, she aspires to have a challenging and rewarding career that utilizes her knowledge and skills in marketing to further enhance the growth of a company.

Ramirez, the daughter of Jesus Ramirez I and Kimberly Ramirez, is a biomedical science major and cross-cultural studies minor. She is the chaplain for Delta Chi Rho, a resident assistant for Veda Hodge Hall and the outreach intern at Brownwood’s Coggin Avenue Baptist Church. Her career aspirations are to be a missionary nurse in a foreign country, helping others both physically and spiritually.

The Homecoming Court will be featured during the halftime show of the football game as HPU takes on Sul Ross State University this Saturday. The game begins at 4 p.m. at Gordon Wood Stadium.

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Cutline: Angelica Ramirez, left, and Djimonii Jackson, right, were named HPU’s Homecoming Princess and Queen, respectively. They are pictured with Esther Camacho, HPU’s 2017 Coming Home Queen.