BROWNWOOD – October 19, 2026 – Howard Payne University (HPU) recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of events recognizing Hispanic heritage, language and community.
HPU student organizations Amigos Unidos and Student Activities Council joined together to host a Hispanic Heritage Festival on Oct. 5, at the Ben and Bertha Mieth Outdoor Pavilion. The evening included live music from the HPU Latin Jazz Band, authentic Mexican food, crafts, games and more. Dr. Danny Brunette-López, professor of Spanish, department chair and sponsor of Amigos Unidos, helped coordinate the event.
“The Sixth Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival at Howard Payne University was a beautiful gathering that celebrated Hispanic culture through authentic foods and aguas frescas, inspirational Latin jazz, Hispanic-themed art and paintings, lotería, gritos and dance,” said Dr. Brunette-López. “What began years ago as a small celebration in Fambrough’s has now grown into the largest Hispanic cultural festival on Howard Payne’s campus.”
During the festival, HPU alumnus Alek Mendoza ’22, teacher at Brownwood High School, shared about the importance of preserving Hispanic heritage and the Spanish language. HPU students Ariah Aguirre, junior biology major from Brownwood, and Gabriela Jaramillo, freshman nursing major from Edinburg, also spoke at the celebration.
“The festival holds a special significance for our university,” said Dr. Brunette-López. “We get to come together during Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the rich contributions of influential Hispanics of the United States and beyond, celebrate our traditions and heritage, and appreciate the beauty of the Spanish language.”
Dr. Cory Hines, HPU President, made a video appearance during the festival to share about the significance of celebrating Hispanic heritage and how it relates to HPU’s core value “Focused on Community.”
“I am deeply grateful to the Howard Payne University administration for its unwavering support and recognition of this important celebration,” said Dr. Brunette-López. “I also extend my sincere appreciation to Amigos Unidos and collaborating departments for making this year’s festival such a tremendous success. Their generosity, enthusiasm and commitment demonstrate what can be accomplished when we come together as a community to celebrate Hispanic culture, fellowship and our shared place in God’s Kingdom.”
The HPU Hispanic Alumni Chapter hosted a Hispanic Family Breakfast on Oct. 3 as part of HPU’s Homecoming celebrations. The breakfast featured a student testimonial from Iza Harrison, junior allied health major from Priddy, and a keynote address from David M. Natividad ’98, 2026 Dr. Jose Rivas Distinguished Service Award recipient.
A scholarship breakfast was held on Sept. 19 to recognize students who received Hispanic scholarships this academic year. The event was hosted by the HPU Hispanic Alumni Fellowship. Students who received these scholarships include Kenzie Estrada, John Field, Nathaniel Garza, Iza Harrison, Braiden Hurlbutt, Abigail Levant, Andon Mata, Jazzlyn Moreno and Isaac Pina.
ABOUT HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY
Howard Payne University, founded in 1889, is a Christ-centered liberal arts university in Brownwood, Texas, dedicated to preparing students for lives of faith, leadership and service. With more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs across six schools, serving three locations, HPU combines academic excellence with meaningful personal connection in a close-knit campus community.
Guided by its five core values — centered on Christ, focused on community, called to service, committed to excellence and dedicated to stewardship — Howard Payne prepares students through rigorous academic programs, vibrant student life, competitive athletics and service opportunities that equip graduates to make an impact in their communities and professions.