BROWNWOOD – December 5, 2019 – Howard Payne University expresses gratitude to its supporters for surpassing the institution’s goals for GivingTuesday, the global day of giving held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. With a total of $68,303 received on December 3, HPU raised more than triple its goal of $20,000 and received gifts from 177 donors, 77 more than the university’s goal.
“HPU was blessed by a strong showing of support from alumni and friends,” said Dr. Dale Meinecke, vice president for development. “There’s an excitement for the university’s new direction and a heightened sense that HPU’s best days are ahead. The response by both regular givers and many new donors shows that people want to be involved in something bigger than themselves.”
Dr. Meinecke noted that, on social media, numerous alumni shared heartfelt reflections on HPU’s positive impact on their lives academically, professionally and spiritually.
“They encouraged fellow alumni and university friends to give in order to secure these same life-changing experiences for the next generation of Christ-centered servant leaders,” he said.
Donors had the opportunity to give to HPU’s Annual Fund, student scholarships, campus improvements and the renovation of the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom building, which houses the university’s prestigious Guy D. Newman Honors Academy.
“There’s a clear vision right now as directed by our new president, Dr. Cory Hines, and our Board of Trustees that makes it easy for donors to connect one of their passions with God’s purposes for HPU,” Dr. Meinecke said. “There was also motivation for supporters to give because of a $10,000 matching gift and then an additional $5,000 matching gift. With the matching gifts, every dollar given was doubled up to $30,000.”
HPU’s communication to prospective donors in advance of GivingTuesday emphasized how all gifts, regardless of size, would benefit students.
“The gifts from our donors will go to secure HPU as an outstanding academic community where students can retreat to the heart of Texas and receive a genuinely Christ-centered, quality higher education,” said Dr. Hines. “With these funds, we will be able to offer more scholarships to students and improve learning and living spaces that will enhance the student experience. We are also grateful for those who gave toward renovating the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom building, home of the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy, which equips and trains many of HPU’s best and brightest students. We are truly grateful to every donor who partnered with us to make this day a huge win for our students.”
GivingTuesday began in 2012 as a response to Black Friday and highlights the importance of giving to non-profit organizations that serve their communities.
Prospective donors who were not able to give on GivingTuesday can still donate and support HPU’s students by visiting www.hputx.edu/give.
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Cutline: Howard Payne University expresses thankfulness for the support shown on GivingTuesday.