Monthly News Archives: July 2019

Members of Howard Payne University’s Concert Choir and University Singers recently performed in Austria with six other choral groups.

HPU’s contingent of 23 performed with a mass choir, numbering almost 100 singers, and a chamber orchestra in a performance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Requiem” at the historic Votivkirche. The renowned composer was born in Salzburg, living and performing in Austria for most of his life. This historical context lent significance to the experiences of attendees.

“A part of my heart will always be in Austria, especially Salzburg,” said Dr. Christopher Rosborough, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities. “To host this trip was an immense honor and I know that, for those in attendance, minds were sharpened, hearts were changed and eyes were opened. There is nothing more empowering to the musician and scholar than to experience first-hand the history of a specific composer. In our case, a musicological wellspring such as Austria holistically filled each of us.”

Student Taylor Davis commented on the experience of performing abroad at a historic site.

“This trip was absolutely incredible,” said Davis. “To sing alongside six other groups in the Votivkirche in Vienna was absolutely magical and I was left in tears at the end of the concert. Austria is such a kind, beautiful country and I feel as though my life and view of the world have changed significantly after going.”

The ensemble performed under the direction of Dr. John Dickson, director of choral studies at Louisiana State University. Dr. Dickson is familiar to HPU, having served as the featured clinician at the university’s first annual Conducting Workshop held in the spring of 2018.

HPU students included Rebekah Barnett, a junior from Frisco majoring in musical education; Taylor Davis, a senior from Alvin majoring in musical education; Madelyn Deviney, a senior from Bulverde majoring in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and English; Preston Ezzell, a freshman from Brownwood majoring in engineering science and music education; Joseph Lahmann, a junior from Killeen majoring in business and systems development; Ryan Miles, a junior from Goldthwaite majoring in vocal performance; Amanda Moore, a freshman from Euless majoring in elementary education; and Suzanne Schad, a senior from Briggs majoring in music education.

HPU alumni, faculty and staff included Joy Renée Blackstock ’07; Kayla Chadwick ’19; Jessica Jones ’06; Cathryn Rasbury ’15; Danielle Rosborough ’08, database manager; Beverly Ross ’76; Natalie Stephens ’19; and Katelyn Zimmer ’19. Dr. Rosborough led the group from HPU and performed along with choir members. Also accompanying the group were six members of the HPU University Singers, Gary Butka, Angie Calfa, Ann Harris, Bill Slaymaker, Ann Slaymaker and Brent Rosborough.

Applications are still being accepted for the fall 2019 semester at Howard Payne University (www.hputx.edu/apply). For more information about HPU, including the wide range of available financial aid options, contact HPU’s Office of Admission at 325-649-8020 or by e-mail at enroll@hputx.edu.

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Cutline: Pictured are members of HPU choirs in front of the Austrian cathedral, Votivkirche.

A scholarship at Howard Payne University has been created in memory of Nanda Wilbourn, the longtime Brownwood educator who passed away on July 24. Her family requests that donations be made to this scholarship in lieu of flowers. The scholarship will assist students pursuing teaching and/or coaching degrees.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund is asked to contact HPU’s Office of Institutional Advancement at 325-649-8006 or visit www.hputx.edu/give. When giving online, under the “Designation” heading, please select “Other” and type “Nanda Wilbourn memorial scholarship.” Gifts by mail can be sent to: Office of Institutional Advancement, Howard Payne University, P.O. Box 2369, Brownwood, TX 76804. The office is located at 803 Center Avenue in Brownwood.

“Nanda Wilbourn was an immeasurable influence on countless lives,” said Dr. Cory Hines, HPU’s president. “This scholarship is a wonderful tribute to her memory and will extend her influence to students still to come.”

The memorial service for Nanda Wilbourn will be held on Friday, August 2, at 2:00 p.m. at Brownwood’s First United Methodist Church. The service will be preceded by visitation on Thursday, August 1, at 6:00 p.m. at Heartland Funeral Home in Early.

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Howard Payne University recently named Dr. Dale Meinecke to the position of vice president for development. The 1998 HPU graduate oversees the university’s efforts in fundraising, alumni relations and other operations in the Office of Institutional Advancement. He began his new role on July 1.

Dr. Meinecke has a wide range of experience in higher education. Through various roles, he has worked to build relationships, grow programs and enhance student success. He returns to HPU from Dallas Baptist University, where he served as professor of leadership and director of the Master of Arts in Leadership program. He previously served at HPU as assistant vice president for external affairs from 2012 to 2017, strengthening the university’s presence in New Braunfels and El Paso. Earlier service at HPU also includes experience on the football coaching staff and as chapel coordinator. Through his work at HPU’s extension centers and in DBU’s leadership program, he developed fundraising skills that will serve him well in his new role.

His wife, Christy (Crawford) Meinecke, also a 1998 HPU graduate, is a native of Brownwood. They have been married for 20 years and have two daughters, Katie and Claire.

“Dr. Meinecke has great character, expansive knowledge and a deep commitment to Howard Payne University,” said Dr. Cory Hines, HPU’s president. “I am very pleased to welcome the Meineckes back home to HPU and look forward to the great things God will accomplish through Dr. Meinecke’s leadership of our advancement office.”

Applications are still being accepted for the fall 2019 semester at Howard Payne University (www.hputx.edu/apply). For more information about HPU, including the wide range of available financial aid options, contact HPU’s Office of Admission at 325-649-8020 or by e-mail at enroll@hputx.edu.

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The Howard Payne University Woman’s Club presented the prestigious Yellow Rose Award to HPU alumna Tracey Carrier of Brownwood during the club’s annual Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon, held near the end of the spring semester. Carrier was given a commemorative plaque and bouquet of yellow roses.

The Yellow Rose Award is given annually to a woman who has exhibited exemplary leadership within her sphere of influence, who has exhibited fiscal, emotional or physical support to the life of the university and who represents Christian values and beliefs foundational to HPU.

Carrier, a 1989 HPU graduate, doubled-majored in education and the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom, now the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy, and was involved in many areas of campus life. During her time as a student she worked in the admission office, was a Hatton W. Sumners Scholar and participated in Student Foundation, all while paying her way through college. Carrier served as junior class president, was HPU yell leader for two years, was on the Homecoming Court her junior and senior year and was named Homecoming Princess and Miss HPU her senior year.

In 1988, Carrier married her husband, Will ’89. They have two adult children – William Hunter and Beth Anne. The couple owns Willie’s T’s, which has been based in Brownwood since its opening in 1990. The Carriers have been faithful supporters of HPU, Brownwood and Early.

Carrier currently mentors several HPU students alongside Dr. Mitzi Lehrer, part-time alumni and development assistant, and also serves in the youth ministry at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, where she has been a member for 30 years.

“Tracey is so very deserving of this honor,” said Dr. Lehrer. “She truly has a servant’s heart. She relates very well to all ages. She always seems to have just the right words to encourage or comfort someone.”

The guest speaker for this year’s luncheon was Pam Erickson, HPU alumna and author of “You First, Me Second … Getting to the Heart of Social Responsibility.” Erickson oversees Operation Blessing’s procurement and corporate relations staff in the daily acquisition of food, medical and relief supplies for both domestic and international programs.

For more information about the HPU Woman’s Club, visit www.hputx.edu/womansclub.

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Howard Payne University awarded degrees to 120 graduates during its spring 2019 Commencement ceremony at the close of the semester.

Dr. Cory Hines ’97, HPU president, and other university representatives conferred the degrees.

Students must have a 3.55-3.69 grade-point average to graduate Cum Laude; a 3.70-3.84 GPA to graduate Magna Cum Laude; and a 3.85-4.0 GPA to graduate Summa Cum Laude.

Graduates included:

Allen
Brianna Marie Weaver – Bachelor of Arts in English language arts (high school), Summa Cum Laude

Alleyton
Jessica Claire Catlett – Bachelor of Science in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and in social work, Summa Cum Laude

Alvarado
Natalie Marie Stephens – Bachelor of Arts in music (voice) and in psychology (general), Magna Cum Laude

Amarillo
Jaylin Lee Parker – Bachelor of Science in exercise and sports science (personal trainer)

Arlington
Emma Danielle Reed – Bachelor of Arts in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and in family studies, Summa Cum Laude

Austin
Riley Glyn Morrison – Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing and Bachelor of Science in engineering science, Cum Laude
Tamela Louise Walker – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in business administration

Bangs
Jacob Thomas Perry – Bachelor of Science in engineering science
Jordan Lisa Pitman – Master of Arts in theology and ministry

Bedford
Preston Todd Newman – Bachelor of Business Administration in management

Benbrook
Andrew Christopher Errico – Bachelor of Arts in history, Cum Laude

Brady
Janis Dianne Groves – Master of Arts in theology and ministry

Brownwood
Audrey Rose Binion – Bachelor of Arts in communication studies (public and media)
Kaitlyn Danette Bush – Bachelor of Arts in practical theology, Summa Cum Laude
Amber Marie Carroll – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in criminal justice
Kristen Leigh Herring – Bachelor of Science in elementary education (early childhood – grade 6)
Colton Don Horton – Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting
Colton Ross Jenkins – Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing
Hannah Celeste Justice – Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences, Magna Cum Laude
Joel Allen Justice – Bachelor of Arts in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and in history, Summa Cum Laude
Shelly LaDean King – Bachelor of Science in elementary education (early childhood – grade 6)
Amy Kresta – Master of Business Administration
Mark Allen Lacy – Master of Arts in youth ministry
Noah Parker Powell Marlin – Bachelor of Arts in communication studies (public and media)
Jennifer Yulissa Martinez – Bachelor of Science in elementary education (early childhood – grade 6), Cum Laude
Grace Victoria Milcherska – Bachelor of Science in elementary education (early childhood – grade 6), Summa Cum Laude
Travis Anthony Moraga – Master of Business Administration
Bailey Claire Myler – Bachelor of Arts in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and in social science (jurisprudence), Magna Cum Laude
Caolan Anthony O’Gorman – Master of Business Administration
Seth Robert Owen – Bachelor of Science in exercise and sports science (all-level certification), Cum Laude
Tanner Cole Pennington – Bachelor of Arts in social studies (composite), Summa Cum Laude
Stevie Ray Reneau – Bachelor of Science in engineering science
Victoria Nicole Sanchez – Bachelor of Science in psychology (general psychology)
Alicia Marie Tanguma – Bachelor of Science in exercise and sports science (general)
Stephanie Irene Tarigan – Bachelor of Science in mathematics, Summa Cum Laude
Anna Andrea Vallejo – Bachelor of Arts in social work
Tricia S. Webb – Bachelor of Business Administration in management
Katelyn Nicole Zimmer – Bachelor of Music in music education (instrumental)

Carlsbad
Kathryn Ann Grice – Bachelor of Music in music education (instrumental)

Cisco
Jaime Elizabeth Dodson – Bachelor of Arts in communication studies (public and media) and in psychology (family psychology)
Kaitlyn Renee White – Bachelor of Science in elementary education (early childhood-grade 6)

Clifton, Colorado
Caleb Josiah Kostreva – Bachelor of Arts in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and in social science (jurisprudence), Summa Cum Laude

Comanche
Kaeli Breann Goodgion – Bachelor of Arts in studio art
Meagan Michelle Hanson – Bachelor of Science in elementary education (early childhood-grade 6)

Corpus Christi
Paige Maria Bowers – Bachelor of Music in music education (instrumental)

Corsicana
Hailey Reenee Osborne – Bachelor of Arts in social science (jurisprudence)

Cuero
Audrey Joan Simpson – Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing, Summa Cum Laude

Dallas
Richard Treviso – Bachelor of Science in chemistry (biochemistry concentration)

Dayton
Cecily Noel McIlwain – Bachelor of Arts in cross cultural studies, Magna Cum Laude

DeSoto
Spencer Kelly Suzanne Wolverton – Bachelor of Science communication studies (public and media), Magna Cum Laude

Early
Abraham Fausto-Jorna Cooper – Bachelor of Music in music performance (piano) and Bachelor of Science in chemistry (biochemistry concentration), Summa Cum Laude
Tanya Renee Glasscock – Bachelor of Science in elementary education (early childhood – grade 6), Summa Cum Laude
Jacob Warren Ledbetter – Bachelor of Arts in history
Reid Dillion Longabaugh – Bachelor of Science in engineering science
Crystal Desiré Ochoa – Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice
Meagan Elizabeth Sessler – Bachelor of Science in elementary education (early childhood – grade 6), Magna Cum Laude
Oscar Manuel Taylor – Bachelor of Science in computer information systems development

El Paso
Everardo Hernandez – Master of Business Administration
Armando Ezequiel Monroy – Bachelor of Arts in Bible
Larry Moore – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Christian studies (composite)
Irene Shafer – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in business administration, Magna Cum Laude
Marina Ariana Sheets-Ochoa – Bachelor of Arts in social work

Elgin
Karla Grace Zachary – Bachelor of Science in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and in social science (jurisprudence), Summa Cum Laude

Forney
Brittany Nicole Cortez – Bachelor of Science in athletic training, Cum Laude

Fort Worth
Brooke Megan Gibbs – Bachelor of Arts in social work, Magna Cum Laude
Clifford Lawson Lunceford – Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting, Cum Laude
Reed Alexander Shelley – Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing, Summa Cum Laude
Matthew Taylor Smith – Bachelor of Arts in English language arts (high school)
Dylan Reid Vilaros – Bachelor of Science in business administration
Collin Patrick Wright – Bachelor of Science in exercise and sports science (general)

Garden Ridge
Camila Michelle Cotter – Bachelor of Music in music education (choral), Cum Laude

Georgetown
Nicole Elizabeth Ferrell – Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing, Cum Laude
Sydney Drew Spencer – Master of Business Administration

Goliad
Sarah LaRue Fernandez – Bachelor of Arts in history (secondary education)

Gonzales
Seth James Rainey – Bachelor of Arts in communication studies (public and media), Cum Laude

Graham
David Dean Groves – Bachelor of Science in engineering science

Hallettsville
Kade Louis Kahanek – Bachelor of Arts in history, Summa Cum Laude

Haltom City
Dayane Gutierrez – Bachelor of Business Administration in management, Summa Cum Laude

Harlingen
Cody Harrison Hughes – Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting, Summa Cum Laude

Hico
Johnny Aaron Serratt – Bachelor of Arts in practical theology

Houston
Phillip Obinna Kanu – Bachelor of Science in exercise and sports science (personal trainer)
Austin Taylor Scheaffer – Bachelor of Arts in history
Michael Dean Thomas – Master of Education instructional leadership

Howe
Tyler Adam Olin – Bachelor of Science in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and in social science (jurisprudence), Summa Cum Laude

Humble
William Noah Payne – Bachelor of Science in engineering science

Hutto
Noah Nathanael Acord – Bachelor of Arts in Bible

Kermit
David Tyrone Dingle – Bachelor of Science in biology

Kerrville
Christian Alexis Garcia – Bachelor of Arts in youth ministry

Kingwood
Gabrielle Trysten Roque – Bachelor of Science in biology

Lebanon, Oregon
Joshua Lynn Gerig – Bachelor of Science in business administration

Levelland
John Brenden Clanton – Bachelor of Arts in social studies (composite)

Lincolnshire, Illinois
Anthony John Heiser – Master of Education in sports wellness and leadership

Lindale
Graham Walters White – Bachelor of Science in kinesiology, Cum Laude

May
Larry Joe Owings – Master of Arts in theology and ministry
Isaac Ethan Williams – Bachelor of Arts in Christian education

Midland
Julie Jo Yarbro – Master of Arts in theology and ministry
Candace Shawn Stark – Bachelor of Arts in family studies

Midlothian
James Blake Laney – Bachelor of Science in business administration

Natalia
Andrew William Overmiller – Master of Arts in youth ministry

New Braunfels
Erica Lynn Akin – Bachelor of Science in business administration
Eduardo Hernandez – Master of Business Administration
Jordan Russell Sugg – Master of Education in instructional leadership

North Richland Hills
Lacey Mikelle Eagan – Bachelor of Science in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and in mathematics, Summa Cum Laude

Odessa
Jessica Megan Lee – Bachelor of Science in elementary education (early childhood-grade 6)

Round Rock
Shawn Michel-Alexander Brody – Bachelor of Science in computer information systems
(systems development) and in mathematics, and Bachelor of Business Administration in management, Summa Cum Laude

Rowlett
Gage Doran McClanahan – Bachelor of Science in business administration

Runaway Bay
Lainee Nichole Hasty – Bachelor of Arts in psychology (psychology and ministry) and in social studies (global studies), Cum Laude

San Angelo
Wesley Scott Haman – Bachelor of Arts in social studies (composite)
Erin Lenore McCleer – Bachelor of Science in family studies, Cum Laude

San Antonio
Sabrina Abagail Martinez – Bachelor of Science in elementary education (early childhood – grade 6), Cum Laude
Collin Rex Salyers – Bachelor of Arts in social studies (composite)

Splendora
Jesse James Paschal – Bachelor of Business Administration in management

Tulia
Kayla Denae Chadwick – Bachelor of Music in church music and worship, Cum Laude

Tyler
Connor Bradley Streit – Master of Education in sports wellness and leadership

Waco
Chandler Dillon Clark – Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing

Watauga
Kaitlyn Paige Harrison – Bachelor of Science in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and in athletic training, Summa Cum Laude

Whitehouse
Morgan Andie McCoy – Bachelor of Arts in the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and in social science (global studies), Summa Cum Laude

Wolfe City
Brandon Levi Fisk – Bachelor of Science in mathematics

Wylie
Brandon Davis Day – Master of Education in educational leadership

Applications are still being accepted for the fall 2019 semester at Howard Payne University (www.hputx.edu/apply). For more information about HPU, including the wide range of available financial aid options, contact HPU’s Office of Admission at 325-649-8020 or by e-mail at enroll@hputx.edu.

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