BROWNWOOD – August 5, 2021 – The African American Chapter of the Howard Payne University Alumni Association recently honored the late Theresa Hall-Hosey, a 1973 HPU graduate, during the organization’s 35th reunion. As part of the recognition, a new bench located in front of Veda Hodge Hall, HPU’s women’s residence facility, was fitted with a plaque in memory of Hall-Hosey.
The dedication ceremony was attended by chapter members; family of Hall-Hosey; friends of the university; Dr. Cory Hines ’97, HPU president; and HPU personnel. Robert Rockwell ’79, chapter president, said that Hall-Hosey was an important member of the organization in its early days.
“Theresa Hall-Hosey was one of the first people to help start our reunion and we wanted to recognize her for her contribution,” said Rockwell. “It was an honor to have her name placed at Howard Payne to be memorialized. A special thank you to Dr. Hines for allowing this to take place and being so supportive.”
Hall-Hosey graduated with a degree in physical education. Following her graduation, she taught high school health and physical education in San Antonio, Corpus Christi and Sealy. She met and married Ernest I. Hosey and the couple went on to live and work in Victoria, Texas.
Wherever she went, Hall-Hosey was active in her community and HPU organizations. She served as financial secretary of the HPU Junior Mission Society and Reunion Choir. She also served as a committee member of the Calhoun County Library Board. Hall-Hosey passed in 1989, leaving a legacy of love and care for those around her.
“We’re so glad to honor Theresa Hall-Hosey,” said Dr. Hines. “The positive impact of her life is an excellent example of what HPU alumni can offer our world.”
Following the ceremony, the organization held a reunion at HPU’s Doakie Day Art Center. The organization also elected new officers: Timothy Whetstone ’85 as president, Charles Marshall ’75 as president-elect, Melody Rockwell as secretary and Gladys Murray ’80 as treasurer.
In addition to the new bench dedicated in her honor, Hall-Hosey is memorialized through the Theresa Hall-Hosey Scholarship. For more information about the scholarship and the African American Chapter of the HPU Alumni Association, visit www.hputx.edu/aaaa.
###
Cutline: Pictured at the Theresa Hall-Hosey bench dedication ceremony are Otis Fields, LJ Clayton, Robert Rockwell, Timothy Whetstone, Gladys Murray, Dr. Cory Hines, Gary Hopkins, Robert Morrison, Wilbert Rogers and Lori Clayton.