BROWNWOOD – February 28, 2024 – Howard Payne University recently hosted a Black History Luncheon featuring a panel of HPU alumni who shared stories about their time at HPU and how it impacted them throughout their careers. The panelists were Rev. L.J. Clayton Jr. ’78 of San Antonio, Gary Hopkins ’81 of Austin, Robert Morrison ’82 of Montgomery and Wilbert Rogers ’75 of DeSoto. Coordinated by the African American Alumni Chapter along with the Office of Student Experience and the Office of the President, the event was part of the university’s Black History Month observances.
Clayton currently serves on the HPU Board of Trustees and is pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in San Antonio, where he has served as pastor since 2010. He is married to a fellow HPU graduate, Lori Helen Clayton ’76.
Recognition for Hopkins’ career in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid included being honored with the White House Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Executives in 2006. He was inducted in
to HPU’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1992 and in 2007 was recognized as one of the top 75 basketball players in the 75-year history of the Lone Star Conference.
Morrison’s distinguished career in education and administration includes leadership roles as teacher and coach, assistant and associate principal, and principal. He currently serves as the chair of HPU’s Board of Trustees. In 2019, he was recognized as HPU Sports Alumnus of the Year.
Rogers’ career includes 25 years in leadership roles with the Texas Youth Commission and more than 20 years as a high school administrator. He has also served as director of music at various churches within the Metro District of the United Methodist Church.
“These are outstanding alumni who were successful during their days as students and went on to lead distinguished careers,” said Dr. Kalie Lowrie ’06, assistant vice president for alumni relations. “We are blessed by their willingness to come back and share their experiences with our campus community. The African American Alumni Chapter has a rich history of giving back and leaving a meaningful legacy at our university. I’m thankful we had the opportunity to offer this experience for our students, faculty, staff and alumni.”
Tim Whetstone ’85 of Houston, current president of the African American Alumni Chapter, served as the moderator for the panel. Gladys Murray ’80 of Austin shared about the Theresa Hall-Hosey Scholarship that was established by the chapter to honor the legacy of the late Theresa Hall-Hosey ’73. This year’s recipients of the scholarship, Vivian Owinyo, sophomore from Abilene, and Aja Holmes, sophomore from Luling, were present and recognized.
Other program participants included Diondray Parker, sophomore from Portland, Texas; Rev. Ernest Kirk, from Brownwood; and Dr. Cory Hines ’97, HPU president.
For more information about HPU, please visit www.hputx.edu.
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Cutline: Participants in HPU’s recent Black History Luncheon included, from left, Tim Whetstone, Rev. L.J. Clayton Jr., Gary Hopkins, Wilbert Rogers, Robert Morrison and Dr. Cory Hines.