Howard Payne University will host its annual Spring Family Reunion on Saturday, April 5. The public is invited to join alumni, students and personnel for a day of fun on the campus, including music, games and food. Other events will include the dedication of the Bob Carter Athletic Park, Virtual 5K run/walk and Outdoor Vendor Market featuring handmade crafts and goods from local artisans. Admission to the event is free of charge and no registration is necessary. Individuals are invited to stop by the campus anytime during the events to join the festivities.
“HPU’s 4th annual Spring Family Reunion is a day to enjoy time on campus, meet students, connect with alumni and create an opportunity for our community to see the exciting things happening at HPU,” said Lindsay Badgeley, director of alumni relations. “There will be fun for all ages including live music, games, bounce houses, food and the Outdoor Vendor Market with unique handmade and customized goods. This will be an exciting day on campus, and we look forward to creating lasting memories for those who join.”
The HPU Alumni Association Virtual 5K run/walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the Mabee University Center on the HPU campus. Registration is $40 per person and a portion will go to support student-focused events and scholarships. Individuals can participate from home, with other alumni and friends in their area or on the HPU campus. Registration is still open and can be accessed at www.hputx.edu/springfamilyreunion.
The dedication of the Bob Carter Athletic Park will be held at 12:45 p.m. The new facility is home to HPU intramurals and is located across from the Doakie Day Art Center on Center Avenue. The field is named after Bob Carter ’73.
During the Reunion Celebration, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Mims Auditorium Pergola and Muse Mall and Plaza, individuals and families can enjoy live music, booths with food and games and the Outdoor Vendor Market.
Eleven student organizations and alumni chapters will have booths with food and games for all ages. Student and alumni groups hosting booths include the African American Alumni Chapter, the Alumni Association, Amigos Unidos, Delta Chi Rho, Delta Epsilon Omega, Gamma Beta Phi, the Hispanic Alumni Chapter, Hobby Hive, Jacket Alums in Ministry, Pi Theta Chi and the Young Alumni Chapter.
The HPU Alumni Association expresses appreciation to sponsors for the Virtual 5K including Business Sponsors ABW Real Estate; Axiom Manufacturing Service; Mark T. Bessent, Attorney at Law; Big Country Ford Lincoln; Brasher & Company; Bruner Auto Group; Circle B Bar Ranch; Early Glass & Brownwood Door; Grooms Seed; Hendrick Medical Center, Brownwood; Holland Hauling; Daniel and Emily Hutson; Dan and Jina Joss; Kohler, Inc.; Martin Earthworks; Rick Martin LPL Financial; Martinez Concrete Services; Paragon North Custom Cabinetry & Woodworks; Roberson Rent-All; Sliger’s Market; TexasBank; and Tunnell Construction.
Family Sponsors include Woody and Miki Martin; Dr. Dale and Christy Meinecke; Courtney Schisler and Joseph Schisler; and Jeff and Kristy Mitchell.
A Student Welcome and Registration Months (SWARM) event will also be held in conjunction with the Spring Family Reunion. Incoming students who have been accepted and made a deposit to attend HPU will have the opportunity to schedule classes, map out their academic journey with academic advisors, meet other incoming students and get connected on campus. Interested students can contact the Office of Admissions at visit@hputx.edu or 325-649-8020.