Yellow Rose Luncheon
2023 Yellow Rose Award Recipient
Dr. Mitzi Lehrer
A Brownwood native, Dr. Mitzi Lehrer has been connected with Howard Payne for the majority of her life. Her uncle, Dr. Guy D. Newman, served as HPU president from 1955-1972. During those days, she remembers many visits to HPU and connecting with students, faculty, staff and “Uncle Guy.” Dr. Lehrer earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University, a Master of Science degree from Abilene Christian University and a Doctor of Education degree from Baylor University. She enjoyed a lifelong career in education, teaching in elementary schools in Brownwood, Abilene, Sweetwater, Rule and Fort Stockton. In 1996, she became a faculty member in HPU’s School of Education and taught elementary education courses for the next 20 years. She hosted students in her home, helped place student teachers across the region and loved taking students on study-abroad trips to London, England.
Following her retirement, Dr. Lehrer served at HPU as alumni relations assistant until 2022. In addition to her time as faculty and staff member, she has been an avid supporter of the HPU Women’s Club and HPU athletics, particularly women’s basketball. One of her favorite memories is watching the Lady Jackets win the NCAA Division III National Championship in Michigan in 2008. Dr. Lehrer is an active member of Coggin Avenue Baptist Church. She was married to the late Wayne Lehrer and has two children, Robert and Mary, and two grandchildren, Jake and Josh.
Mrs. Brandi Parrish ’96
Featured Speaker
This year’s featured speaker at the Yellow Rose Luncheon will be Brandi (Maguire) Parrish ’96. She and her husband, Kelly ’97, live in Kilgore and recently launched Pursuit Church, where she leads the student ministry. They have four children: Zachary, Noah, Joshua and AnnaFaith.
The Parrishes returned to Texas last year after serving as church planters in Colorado with the North American Mission Board. They planted four churches while serving there and recently launched Pursuit Church in Kilgore. She is passionate about planting the gospel, living in authentic relationships and serving teenagers. She teaches high school English and leads the student ministry at Pursuit Church. During her time at HPU, God gave her a passion for outreach and service, which is foundational for her life in ministry.
2023 Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon
11:30 a.m., Thursday, April 20, Mabee University Center
At the luncheon, three women will be recognized: the Yellow Rose Award Winner and the Yellow Rose Scholarship Recipients. All are women who embody the Christian values and beliefs foundational to HPU and are servant leaders to those around them. The event gives women from the community and friends of HPU the chance to acknowledge these women and to contribute to the Yellow Rose Scholarship Endowment.
Table Sponsorships | Available January 13, 2023
All table sponsorships directly fund the Yellow Rose Scholarship Endowment, which will benefit female students for years to come. Those wishing to sponsor a table at this year’s luncheon can call the Office of University Advancement at 325-649-8007. The deadline for table sponsorship is March 10. However, the popular event will have limited seating and those interested in attending are encouraged to reserve a table as early as possible.