Monthly News Archives: November 2017

HPU’s University Singers and Concert Choir to present Christmas concert

MessiahPosterBROWNWOOD – November 30, 2017 – The University Singers and Concert Choir of Howard Payne University will present a Christmas Concert Thursday, December 7, at 7:30 p.m. at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church in Brownwood. The program is free of charge and open to the public.

The choirs will perform selections from Handel’s timeless work titled “Messiah.” The Festival Chamber Orchestra, a group of area and collegiate musicians, will accompany the choirs.

Featured soloists for the concert are soprano Dr. Celeste Church, professor of music and dean of institutional research and effectiveness; mezzo-soprano Danielle Rosborough, 2008 HPU alumna; tenor Dr. Gregory Church, professor of music; and baritone Dr. Iwao Asakura, associate professor of music at Tarleton State University in Stephenville.

The University Singers, Concert Choir and Festival Chamber Orchestra are under the direction of Dr. Christopher Rosborough, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities.

“Bringing this specific work to Brown County has been a dream of mine since 2016 when I became the choral director at HPU,” said Dr. Rosborough. “It is a brilliant and festive composition that crosses many cultural and generational gaps.”

Dr. Rosborough also said that it is the goal of this combined choir to cultivate an ensemble of singers within the community and university who strive to offer a high level of artistry, while advocating for great choral music in Brownwood and its surrounding areas.

Coggin Avenue Baptist Church is located at 1815 Coggin Avenue in Brownwood. For more information, contact HPU’s School of Music and Fine Arts at 325-649-8500.

###

Cutline: HPU’s University Singers and Concert Choir will present a Christmas concert on Thursday, December 7, at 7:30 p.m. at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church.

Three HPU El Paso students awarded Nassar scholarship

Dr. Nassar and scholarship recipientsBROWNWOOD – November 29, 2017 – Three students from Howard Payne University’s El Paso Center were recently awarded the Dr. Richard W. Nassar Annual Scholarship. Dr. Nassar, who holds an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from HPU, is a faithful supporter of the university and its students.

Three deserving students are chosen to receive the scholarship each year. This year’s recipients are Roberto Elizalde, senior Christian studies major, Bernadette Rowlison, senior Christian studies major, and Brandon Rutkowski, freshman Christian studies major. Each student received a $500 scholarship.

Dr. Nassar, a published author and poet, was born in Lebanon and immigrated to the United States in 1975. He is an active member and ordained deacon of El Paso’s First Baptist Church. Dr. Nassar has focused his ministry on establishing a dialogue between Christians, Muslims and Jews.

The scholarship recipients recently had the opportunity to meet Dr. Nassar.

“It was an honor to greet and listen to Dr. Nassar,” said Rowlison. “He is very inspirational. His Christian faith is solid and gracious, especially considering the horrific trials his family went through in the Middle East. He is filled with grace rather than hate. He is one of those people you meet and realize that you are in the presence of greatness.”

Rutkowski expressed his appreciation for the scholarship.

“Through the events surrounding Dr. Nassar’s scholarship and meeting with him, God proved His providence and blessings,” he said. “None of this would have been possible without God’s guiding hand and Dr. Nassar’s compassion.”

To learn more about scholarship opportunities at HPU’s El Paso Center, call 915-533-8500 or email hpuelpaso@hputx.edu.

###

Cutline: Three students from HPU’s El Paso Center were recently awarded the Dr. Richard W. Nassar Annual Scholarship. Standing, left to right: Roberto Elizalde, Dr. Richard Nassar and Brandon Rutkowski. Seated: Bernadette Rowlison.

HPU’s Pre-College Music students to perform at railroad museum

Pre-College Music & Art Program Logo reduced for webBROWNWOOD – November 28, 2017 – Howard Payne University’s Pre-College Music students will hold their Christmas performance on Saturday, December 2, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Martin & Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum in Brownwood.

“Students in the program will present some wonderful vocal and instrumental Christmas selections to family and friends,” said Diane Owens, director of the program and adjunct instructor in the School of Music and Fine Arts.

The Martin and Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum is located across from the Depot at 700 E. Adams Street in Brownwood.

The Pre-College Music and Art program serves the Brownwood community by offering music lessons to children and adults. For more information, contact Owens at 325-649-8501 or dowens@hputx.edu.

###

HPU to host Open House for newly remodeled science labs

BROWNWOOD – November 28, 2017 – Howard Payne University’s School of Science and Mathematics will host an Open House this Thursday, November 30, to celebrate the newly remodeled science labs in HPU’s Winebrenner Memorial Hall of Science. The come-and-go event will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in rooms 210, 211 and 212 of the facility, located at 1108 Center Avenue. The community is invited to attend and refreshments will be provided.

“We’re excited to unveil to the community three beautifully remodeled science labs,” said Dr. Pamela Bryant, professor of chemistry and dean of the School of Science and Mathematics. “We’re thrilled to be able to invest in our current and future students, including the students in our biomedical sciences program, with this newly updated learning environment.”

Winebrenner Hall, dedicated in 1962, contains classrooms, labs and offices for the School of Science and Mathematics. The facility is named for Dr. O.E. Winebrenner, former science department head, who served at HPU for more than 40 years.

For more information, contact HPU’s School of Science and Mathematics at 325-649-8400.

###

HPU’s Symphonic Band and Concert Choir to present Christmas Celebration concert

BROWNWOOD – November 27, 2017 – Howard Payne University’s Symphonic Band and Concert Choir will present a Christmas Celebration concert Thursday, November 30, at 7:30 p.m. This free concert will be held in the university’s Mims Auditorium and is open to the public.

“We hope that many will make the walk over to Mims Auditorium after the Brownwood Christmas parade and join us for a fun evening of celebration through music at HPU,” said Corey Ash, associate professor of music and director of bands.

The musical selections will get the Christmas spirit in full swing as the students perform many Christmastime favorites. Selections include “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson; “The Christmas Song” arranged by John Higgins and featuring Stephen Goacher, professor of music, on alto saxophone; “Symphonic Prelude on Adeste Fidelis” by Claude T. Smith; “White Christmas” arranged by John Moss; and many more.

There will be a reception following the concert in the band rehearsal hall of HPU’s Davidson Music Complex. The HPU Student Brass Quintet will provide music at the reception.

Everyone is encouraged to bring a canned food item as a donation for admission. All canned goods collected will go to Good Samaritan Ministries of Brown County to aid those who need a helping hand this holiday season.

The HPU Symphonic Band is under the direction of Ash and the HPU Concert Choir is under the direction of Dr. Christopher Rosborough, assistant professor of music.

“We are excited to share our music again this Christmas season while celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ,” said Ash. “We hope that you may know the joy of the greatest holiday gift of all time, Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.”

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

HPU to celebrate birth of Christ through “Lessons and Carols”

Lessons and Carols Poster 2017BROWNWOOD – November 21, 2017 – Howard Payne University’s School of Music and Fine Arts will present its annual tradition of “A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 1, at St. John’s Anglican Church in Brownwood. The service includes Scripture readings about the prophecies and fulfillment of the coming Christ, in coordination with music that reflects the passages.

HPU faculty and staff members will read the Scriptures and the university’s Heritage Singers will perform the musical selections with Dr. Allen Reed, retired professor of music, accompanying.

The event is based on the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College, Cambridge, first held on Christmas Eve 1918. The service was first broadcast in 1928 and has broadcast annually, with the exception of 1930. In the United States, the service airs on approximately 300 radio stations.

The Heritage Singers are under the direction of Dr. Christopher B. Rosborough, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities.

“The service of Lessons and Carols is a poignant reminder of the prophecies and their fulfillment of the coming of Christ,” said Dr. Rosborough. “With the busyness of this time of year as well as the bits of turmoil we see in the world around us, this service provides an opportunity for contemplation as we focus on the tangibility of our Messiah.”

St. John’s Anglican Church is located at 700 Main Street in Brownwood. For more information about the event, contact HPU’s School of Music and Fine Arts at 325-649-8500.

###

Cutline: HPU will present its annual service of Nine Lessons and Carols on December 1 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Brownwood.

HPU’s Marissa Godbey to present senior recital

Godbey senior recital 2017BROWNWOOD – November 20, 2017 – Howard Payne University student Marissa Godbey will present a senior recital Tuesday, November 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the university’s Grace Chapel. Admission is free for this recital and the public is encouraged to attend.

Godbey, a mezzo-soprano from Austin, is a music education major from the studio of Dr. Celeste Church, professor of music and dean of institutional research and effectiveness.

“There will be art songs and arias in various languages as well as an interesting yet spooky contemporary piece titled ‘Will the Wind Whisper?,’ written and composed by Elaine M. Ross,” said Godbey. “This piece was premiered in 2000 by Dr. Celeste Church, one of my dearest professors and mentors. I am proud to perform the same piece at this recital.”

Abraham Cooper, senior from Early, will accompany Godbey on the piano.

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

###

Cutline: HPU’s Marissa Godbey will present a senior recital on Tuesday, November 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the university’s Grace Chapel. Pictured are Godbey (right) and senior Abraham Cooper (left).

HPU hosts local fifth graders for Texas Arbor Day activities

Texas Arbor Day Event (3)BROWNWOOD – November 17, 2017 – Howard Payne University recently hosted a group of fifth graders from Brownwood’s Coggin Intermediate School for Texas Arbor Day activities. The students participated in fun, outdoor experiences and attended a tree ceremony on campus. HPU hosted the event as part of the university’s Tree Campus USA activities.

Tree Campus USA, a national program created in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation, honors colleges and universities for their commitment to campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals.

The fifth graders, students from the classroom of Laura Scantling, created bird feeders from pinecones, made leaf and bark rubbings, enjoyed an outdoor-themed snack and listened as an HPU student read the book “The Tree Lady” by H. Joseph Hopkins. Renee Burks of the Texas A&M Forest Service also addressed the students before they helped spread mulch around a newly planted tree on HPU’s campus.

HPU groups assisting with the event included the School of Education, School of Science and Texas Arbor Day Event (5)Mathematics, Department of Facilities and Maintenance, Department of Public Safety, the Office of University Marketing and Communications, Beta Beta Beta and Delta Epsilon Omega.

Terry Pritchett, assistant vice president for facilities and planning, serves as chair of the university’s Campus Tree Advisory Committee.

Texas Arbor Day Event (2)“We would like to thank the Brownwood Independent School District, the Texas A&M Forest Service and the many campus groups who helped organize and facilitate this event,” he said.

Pritchett also expressed his appreciation to TXU for the donation of small trees given to the children at the conclusion of the event and to Dr. Jane Metty-Samons, associate professor of education at HPU.

###

Texas Arbor Day Event (1)Cutlines: Dr. Gregory Hatlestad, associate professor of biology at HPU, addresses a group of fifth graders during the university’s recent Texas Arbor Day celebration. Also listening to Dr. Hatlestad’s presentation is Buzzsaw, HPU’s Yellow Jacket mascot.

Fifth-grade students enjoy making bird feeders from pine cones and peanut butter during HPU’s Texas Arbor Day celebration.

Texas Arbor Day Event (4)Laura Scantling, fifth-grade teacher at Coggin Intermediate School, addresses her students as Buzzsaw and HPU student Micah Smith look on.

HPU student Rachel Henry assists fifth-grade student Andre Martinez with a craft project during HPU’s Texas Arbor Day festivities.

Jacklyn Lewis and Madeleine Goff, fifth-grade students at Coggin Intermediate School, create leaf rubbings during HPU’s Texas Arbor Day festivities.

HPU invites community to Thanksgiving Day lunch

BROWNWOOD – November 16, 2017 – The 34th annual Community Thanksgiving Feast at Howard Payne University for area residents and visitors 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 traditional Thanksgiving meal will consist of turkey, dressing and all the trimmings.

Those interested in volunteering their time can assist with serving food and beverages, boxing meals to go, delivering meals to homes and clean up. There are plenty of ways for everyone to serve the community at this event.

“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,” said Bill Fishback, associate vice president for business and human resources. “Many of the volunteers have helped for years, making serving others part of their annual Thanksgiving tradition.”

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.

###

HPU students among judges at local science fair

Montana Phelps and AshBROWNWOOD – November 15, 2017 – Three Howard Payne University students were among the judges at a recent science fair for students at Brownwood’s Cross Classical Academy. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade participated in the fair.

HPU judges included Paulo Flores, sophomore biochemistry major from Chandler; Montana Phelps, senior double major in engineering and chemistry from Wylie; and Richard Treviso, junior chemistry major from Dallas.

“We were all very impressed with the students’ exhibits,” said Dr. Kristen Hutchins, associate professor of biology at HPU. “They put a lot of effort and thought into their projects. I hope to see many of these same students at HPU in the years to come.”

For more information about Cross Classical Academy, visit www.crossclassicalacademy.com. To learn more about HPU’s School of Science and Mathematics, visit www.hputx.edu/scienceandmath.

###

Cutline: HPU student Montana Phelps, left, listens as Sarah Ash, a student at Cross Classical Academy, describes her science fair exhibit.