Howard Payne University was recently awarded a $1 million gift by the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation to establish the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Endowed Scholarship Fund. The fund will provide scholarships for HPU students who demonstrate the character associated with the foundation’s founders, John and Lottie Mabee, such as a strong work ethic, volunteerism, generosity, integrity, honesty, humility and charity.

“This $1 million gift is an expression not only of the Mabee Foundation’s extraordinary generosity but also the founders’ vision for helping those in need,” said Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president. “HPU students will benefit from the impact of this gift for generations to come.”

Scholarship awards of $10,000 each will be made annually to at least four students who are enrolled full time, reside in Texas or one of several surrounding states, and maintain a 3.0 GPA. HPU’s administrative leadership team will make the selections each year. Students can apply through the university’s Office of Financial Aid.

Dr. Dale Meinecke, HPU’s vice president for advancement, said the gift will serve as an ongoing extension of the Mabees’ commitment to serving others.

“It is amazing to me that John and Lottie Mabee’s vision from years ago to bless others will result in perpetuity HPU students receiving an outstanding Christian education and developing into servant-leaders who we hope like the Mabees give back to their communities,” he said.

Howard Payne University and the Mabee Foundation have partnered together through the decades on projects such as HPU’s Mabee University Center, several campus improvement projects through the years and, most recently, the renovation of the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom building. The gift for scholarships celebrates 75 years of philanthropic work by the Mabee Foundation in Texas and surrounding areas. Since 1948, the Mabee Foundation has given over $1.5 billion for philanthropic work toward bettering communities in areas such as education, health and religion.

“John and Lottie Mabee cared about giving people a ‘leg up’ to help them improve their situation and better their lives,” said Michael Goeke, executive director of the Mabee Foundation. “They also were valued and principled people. HPU represents the values of John and Lottie Mabee and we believe this scholarship fund will help many HPU students gain valuable experiences and knowledge that will lead them to live full, successful and purposeful lives.”

Applications for admission to HPU are still being accepted for the fall 2023 semester, scheduled to begin Aug. 21. To apply, visit www.hputx.edu/apply.