Clifton Fifer, 1978 graduate of Howard Payne University and resident of Kerrville, gave an educational, entertaining presentation on the history of buffalo soldiers at Black History Luncheon held recently on the HPU campus. The event, co-hosted by the African American Alumni Chapter and the Black Student Association (BSA), was part of the university’s Black History Month observances in February.

Fifer, a longtime educator, has studied the history of buffalo soldiers and given presentations around the country for more than 40 years. The audience of 60 in the Mabee University Center’s Bullion Suites included students, alumni and university personnel.

“It was an honor to have Clifton back to campus to share his engaging and informative presentation about buffalo soldiers during our Black History Luncheon this year,” said Dr. Kalie Lowrie ’06, assistant vice president for alumni relations. “Clifton opened our eyes to a part of our country’s history that is not always well-known about the sacrifices of many who laid down their lives for our freedom. We are thankful for alumni like Clifton who are willing to come back to HPU and share their knowledge with our campus community.”

Other program participants included Dr. Dale Meinecke ’98, vice president for advancement; Brandon Osborne, junior psychology major and BSA president from Corsicana; Ayanna Roy, sophomore Honors Academy and clinical/counseling psychology major and BSA member from Katy; and Tim Whetstone ’81, African American Alumni Chapter president from Houston.

Fifer taught in the Kerrville Independent School District for 33 years, including 21 years as a teacher and coach. Accolades he received include being named the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Teacher of the Year; the first Golden Apple Award as Kerrville’s Teacher of the Month, presented by the Kerrville Daily Times; the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award of Excellence; Region 20 Teacher of the Year; the National Citizenship Education Teacher Award for Texas VFW District 13; the George Bush Outstanding Education Award, presented to Fifer by Barbara Bush; the Kerrville Treasure Award; and being selected as Kerrville’s Citizen of the Year by the Kerrville Daily Times.