Two hundred thirty-six new and returning students at Howard Payne University were involved in the new student orientation weekend Jacket Journey, held Fri., Aug. 21 – Mon., Aug. 24.

The four-day Jacket Journey schedule for the new first-year and transfer students included the following events and experiences: President’s Picnic with a more than 450 students and family members in attendance; general sessions focusing on topics such as residence hall living and HPU traditions; small group sessions; an ice cream float reception with HPU President Dr. Bill Ellis, First Lady Dr. Diana Ellis, and faculty and staff; a praise service led by the Baptist Student Ministry; community service activities; a scavenger hunt;  and a street party.

The new Director of Student Activities Natalie Stary is a 2003 graduate of HPU and went through new student orientation 10 years ago as a student. Reflecting on the weekend, she said, “It is an honor to be back at HPU welcoming in the new class of Yellow Jackets.  Jacket Journey weekend was a huge success.  The weekend was full of Howard Payne history, learning how to sing our Alma Mater, and why everyone on this campus hits tennis balls with golf clubs (playing Jacket Golf).  Our faculty members were so gracious to give up part of their weekend to come and share not only academic information but also spend time investing in the incoming students.  The Jacket Journey students walked away from this weekend with a lot of information and great memories, and hopefully some of them will be lucky enough to come back 10 years later and share those experiences with a new class of Yellow Jackets.”

A group of 11 student leaders, known as the Student Planning Committee (SPC), planned and implemented the many events for the incoming students. The SPC, advised by Natalie Stary and Dr. Brent Marsh, assistant vice president for student life and dean of students, was divided into six work groups as follows: Co-Directors – Caroline Fields and Remington Reed; Registration – Megan Kavanagh and Jessica Silva; Special Events – Jerrett Dawson and Kinsey Scroggins; Leaders and Secret Service – Kara Keeley and Chris Parolini; General Assemblies – Leeanne Beldsoe and Joshua Williams; and Recreation – Skyler Maley.