Audrey Simpson, a Howard Payne University senior from Cuero, has been awarded the Frederick W. Fischer Helping Hands Scholarship for 2018, administered by Cuero ISD.

Simpson is a marketing major and a member of HPU’s softball team. She is also active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a softball representative, and is a member of HPU’s branch of Phi Beta Lambda, the university level of Future Business Leaders of America.

The annually awarded scholarship is named for longtime Cuero resident Frederick W. Fischer who donated $1 million to Cuero ISD for a performing arts center and left the remainder of his estate to the school district. It is available to graduates of Cuero High School attending a college, university or technical school, along with graduating seniors of the high school. Recommendation from professors or instructors is required as well as active community involvement on the part of the applicant.

Since arriving at HPU, the university’s unique community has affected Simpson personally and academically.

“I love that everyone knows everyone and that the professors here really care about you,” she said. “They care about your success and that’s huge, because at larger colleges that’s not as common.”

She also received the scholarship in 2017. Not only is the scholarship a significant financial benefit for Simpson, it has been a tangible recognition of her academic success.

“This makes me feel good about all of the work that I’ve put in to studying,” she said. “I can’t express how grateful I am for this scholarship.”

Applications are being accepted for the spring 2019 semester at Howard Payne University (www.hputx.edu/apply). HPU offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships for students from Brown County and surrounding counties. For more information about HPU, contact HPU’s Office of Admission at 325-649-8020 or by e-mail at enroll@hputx.edu.