Howard Payne University recently welcomed alumni and other guests to campus for Homecoming. This year’s Homecoming included Yellow Jacket Preview and Family Weekend.
“It was a blessing to see the campus filled with the HPU family during Homecoming weekend,” said Dr. Kalie Lowrie ’06, associate vice president for communications and alumni engagement. “We were able to honor several outstanding alumni, welcome prospective students and reconnect with many friends and family. We want to express special appreciation to our sponsors and our volunteers for helping to make Homecoming a success.”
Over 1,000 students, alumni and friends enjoyed additional weekend events including the Homecoming parade, HPU Family Picnic, the Alumni Choir Concert, Cobbler on Campus, Homecoming pep rally and more.
The HPU Alumni Association sponsored prize money for the parade float winners, which were announced during the game. The winners were Delta Chi Rho (First Place), Pi Theta Chi (Second Place) and Delta Epsilon Omega (Third Place).
The 2024 Homecoming Court was announced during halftime. Named Homecoming Queen and King were Regan Noel, a business marketing major from Crosby, and Jack Shackelford, a finance major from Midlothian. The titles of Homecoming Princess and Prince went to Hannah Noel, a business management major from Crosby, and Blaine Onick, an accounting major and Christian studies minor from Rockport.
Other Homecoming Court nominees were Trevor Bowers, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences major from Bangs; Brenna Douthit, nursing major from Waxahachie; Peyton Lowe, mathematics major and business minor from Gunter; Amada Menchaca, kinesiology major and Spanish minor from Blanket; Luke Moss, English and Bible major from Brownwood; Diondray Parker, kinesiology and youth ministry major from Borger; Georgia Simmons, kinesiology major and communications minor from Bogata; and Ryleigh Watson, communication major from Rio Vista.
“Homecoming was a wonderful time for our students,” said Kailee Torgerson, director of student leadership and engagement. “The entire week was filled with exciting events in the midst of late nights with students building parade floats. I am grateful for all who invest deeply into the university. It is a special time each year getting to celebrate with our students, families, alumni and friends!”
Also honored at halftime were HPU’s 2024 alumni honorees: Lauren Browning ’10, Outstanding Young Graduate; Rev. Robert Cuellar, Dr. José Rivas Distinguished Service Award; Steve ’77 and Carla ’77 Evans, JAM Faithful Servant Award; Loretta Houston ’74, Coming Home Queen; Wilbert Rogers ’75, Medal of Service; Kathy Strawn ’70, Distinguished Alumna; and Dr. Joe Young, Grand Marshal.
As a part of Yellow Jacket Preview, prospective students were able to attend many Homecoming events. Dr. Ben Martin ’04, associate vice president for enrollment management, was excited for prospective students to be a part of Homecoming weekend.
“Homecoming is always a great event that showcases Howard Payne University,” he said. “Prospective students and their families can see the quality of academics, future career opportunities and the communal connections that makes a lifetime impact. Homecoming 2024 was a great success for all the potential students who attended, and it allowed them to observe all that Howard Payne University has to offer.”
HPU thanks the following businesses for their support of Homecoming. The title sponsor is Citizens National Bank. Gold sponsors are Bruner Auto Family; Chick-fil-A of Brownwood; City of Brownwood; City of Early; HPU Alumni Association; Kohler; Underwood’s Bar-B-Q; Wendlee Broadcasting; and Willie’s T’s. Navy sponsors are Dr Pepper Bottlers, Brownwood, Inc.; Painter & Johnson Financial; Robnett Integra Insurance Agency; and United Supermarkets. White sponsors are MCBank Early; P.F. & E. Oil Company; Smith & Sharpe Insurance Agency; and TexasBank.
For more information about HPU, please visit www.hputx.edu.
