Howard Payne University alumni, students, personnel and friends gathered on April 1 to celebrate the HPU Spring Family Reunion. The weekend’s festivities included a 5K run/walk, outdoor games, food, alumni reunions, live music and a reunion lunch at Underwood’s BBQ. Yellow Jacket Preview, a prospective student event, was also held in conjunction with the reunion that morning.
“The HPU Spring Family Reunion was a wonderful day in the life of our university,” said Dr. Kalie Lowrie, assistant vice president for alumni relations. “I was so encouraged to see alumni from around the country participate in the 5K that morning, plus a great group of students and alumni on campus. The music and activities that afternoon mixed with the beautiful weather made for a great time for current students, alumni, friends and family. This is a growing tradition on our campus and I look forward to building upon it in the years to come.”
A new addition this year’s celebration was the Alumni Virtual 5K. Participants in the 5K had the option of walking or running from any location, allowing alumni from across the country to participate. More than 100 runners, walkers, and participants joined in the 5K from four states and 24 cities. Alumni and friends used #HPU5K to tag photos on social media, which added a fun connection on the day of the event. Also, more than 40 participants ran or walked the 5K on the HPU campus, including student groups such as the women’s basketball team. The top three times were held by first-place freshman Deaven Connelly, second-place Charles Lewis ’21 and third-place freshman Reagan Noel. All three winners received gift cards and certificates from the Alumni Association. Funds raised through the 5K will be used by the Alumni Association to support annual events such as Spring Sing, Homecoming and a graduate dinner for new alumni.
Another new event was the Reunion Lunch at Underwood’s BBQ. Alumni and friends gathered for lunch at Underwood’s restaurant – a well-loved local eatery frequented by alumni.
The Reunion Celebration was held on HPU’s Old Main Park and featured live music, outdoor games, bouncy houses and food. Musical performances included an HPU student group called the Chris Ewen Experience, featuring Isabel Clevenger, Padi Mangwiro, Payton Chumbley, Conner Benoist, Chris Ewen and Nicole de la Houssaye; Sun City, including Anthony Arreola ’13, Micah Jaynes, Conner Baker and Erik Segura; and an acoustic performance by Christy Patton. Hosting booths featuring games and food were 11 student and alumni groups including the Alumni Association Board of Directors; Baptist Student Ministry; Chi Alpha Omega; Delta Chi Rho; Delta Epsilon Omega; Gamma Beta Phi; Hispanic Alumni Chapter; HOSA – Future Health Professionals; Pi Theta Chi; Student Association of Social Work; and Young Alumni.
Alumni, friends and the community are encouraged to save the date for Stinger Spectacular on October 13-14, 2023, which will include Homecoming, Yellow Jacket Preview and Family Weekend. The schedule of events will be released in June and registration will open in August. For more details, visit www.hputx.edu/spectacular.
