Howard Payne University recently hosted the Robnett Founders Dinner, an elegant banquet at which Dr. Leonard Underwood was celebrated as the first recipient of the Robnett Founders Award and $247,824 was raised for the renovation of HPU’s Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom facility. More than 400 attendees gathered for the dinner, held at the Brownwood Coliseum.

This was the first of an annual event established to honor an individual who has made a significant impact on the university and in the furthering of its work in the lives of students. Proceeds from the dinner each year, named in memory of Dr. John David Robnett, a founder of HPU, benefit a major project at the university. The Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom renovation was the project of focus for this year’s event, and several members of the Robnett family were in attendance.

Dr. Leonard Underwood (center) was the recipient of the first Robnett Founders Award. Pictured with Dr. Underwood are Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president, and Lesley Wyse, second vice chairperson of HPU’s Board of Trustees.

“The first annual Robnett Founders Dinner was such a wonderful celebration of Dr. Leonard Underwood and his longstanding commitment to our university,” said Dr. Cory Hines ’97, HPU president. “The entire HPU family is honored by his service and by the support of all who participated in this memorable event. Their investment in the Academy of Freedom renovation will benefit students for generations to come.”

The Academy of Freedom building houses the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy, and the Robnett Founders Dinner featured the involvement of Academy students and alumni. The renovation will be completed in May, on time and within budget. Faculty will move into offices during the summer and classes in the building will resume this fall.

The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, pastor of apologetics and cultural engagement at Plano’s Prestonwood Baptist Church and dean of spiritual development at Prestonwood Christian Academy. Other individuals participating in the program were Dr. Hines; HPU Board of Trustees officers Ronnie Andrews ’83 of Houston, Robert Morrison ’82 of Conroe and Lesley Wyse ’72 of Boerne; Honors Academy students Mariah Garcia, a junior from Aubrey, and Brooke Robbins, a senior from Kerrville; and Jay Allison, president and CEO of Comstock Resources, Inc., from Frisco. Participating by video were Isaac Sommers ’18 and Pat Weaver ’82, Honors Academy alumni from Tyler and Midland, respectively. Providing music were Stephen Cox ’10, Grammy-winning educator from San Antonio; Stephen Goacher, professor of music; Kevin Taylor of Abilene; and Gannon Phillips ’10 of Weatherford. The event was catered by Sodexo.

HPU expressed its appreciation to the event’s sponsors for helping to make the dinner such a success. Award Sponsors were Ronnie ’83 and Teri ’83 Andrews. Platinum Sponsor was Waldrop Construction.

Gold Sponsors were Jay and Jenny Allison; Steven and Teresa Beal; Brookshire’s Food and Pharmacy; Bruner Toyota; Marc ’84 and Kari Dingler; David and Wendy Grooms; Dwayne ’65 and Mrs. Barbara ’59 Grooms; HighGround Advisors; Woody ’80 and Miki ’80 Martin; Ben and Bertha Mieth; and Ray and Sandra Still.

Silver Sponsors were Capin Crouse LLP; David ’75 and Dr. Mary ’75 Carpenter; First Baptist Church Brownwood; Marlon ’90 and Sherry Prichard; and Texas Baptists.

Navy Sponsors were Ann Jones Real Estate; Daniel ’08 and Emily ’09 Attaway; Charles Boland, CPA; Deborah Cartwright ’73; Citizens National Bank; L.J. ’77 and Lori ’76 Clayton; Gene ’72 and Valeri ’73 Deason; Johnny ’63 and Karen ’64 Dodds; Mickey and Linda Eddins; Bill and Cecil Fishback; Guy ’74 and Nancy Garner, III; GuideStone; Neal ’65 and Sharon ’65 Guthrie; Wayne and Mrs. Kara Hamilton; Raymond and Marydel Harris; Dr. Cory ’97 and Melinda Hines; Jones Carpet; Kohler Brownwood; Dr. Robert and Cheryl ’91 Mangrum; MCBank; Dr. Dale ’98 and Christy ’98 Meinecke; Jake Montoya ’73; Mike and Jane Rodgers; TexasBank; Texas Clean; and Williamson Financial Services.

Providing table sponsorships were 3M Brownwood; Mike ’72 and Elizabeth Cochran; Coggin Avenue Baptist Church; Paul and Julieanne Dunne; Facilities Resource, Inc.; Brig. General Dr. Dan and Cynthia ’76 Locker; Dr. Ben ’04 and Ashley Martin; Bruce ’68 and Beverly ’67 Peterson; Robert and Sally Porter; David and Cindy Robnett; Dr. John Y. Robnett ’54; Texas GoldStar Real Estate; Dr. Robert ’13 and Clarissa Tucker; and Jody ’71 and Lesley ’72 Wyse.

A native of Brady, Dr. Leonard Underwood has been a Brownwood resident for more than 75 years. He operated the legendary Underwood’s Bar-B-Q for more than four decades until his retirement in 2001. His two sons continue to operate the family business. Dr. Underwood is a 1962 graduate of Texas A&M University and served as an officer with the U.S. Army Air Defense Command. He has served on numerous boards and civic committees such as ones supporting the Brownwood Independent School District, Good Samaritan Ministries and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He also served a term as president of Brownwood’s Chamber of Commerce. His three decades of service on HPU’s Board of Trustees include two terms as chairman. For 33 years, he has served on the Board of Directors of HPU’s Guy D. Newman Honors Academy. He was awarded the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from HPU in 1996. Dr. Underwood is a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Brownwood, where he serves as an active deacon.

Details about the second annual Robnett Founders Dinner will be announced in spring 2024. To make a gift for the Academy of Freedom renovation, please visit www.hputx.edu/give.