HPU hosts fourth annual Spring Family Reunion

Howard Payne University celebrated its fourth annual Spring Family Reunion on March 23. The event’s festivities included music, games, food, a 5K run/walk and the Outdoor Vendor Market. Yellow Jacket Preview, a prospective student event, was also held in conjunction with the reunion that morning.

“We were thrilled with the response to the HPU Spring Family Reunion again this year,” said Dr. Kalie Lowrie, assistant vice president for alumni relations. “This is a growing tradition on our campus, which continues to draw more alumni, students and friends together for a great experience. Spring Family Reunion was truly a special day in the life of our university.”

Returning for its second year to the Spring Family Reunion fun was the Alumni Virtual 5K. Participants in the 5K had the option of walking or running from any location, allowing alumni from around the world to participate. More than 150 runners, walkers, and participants joined in the 5K from four countries and 26 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 60 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 student Evie Skolaut in first place, Jeremy Boucher ’07 in second place and students Maddy Harry and Kendall Watkins, who tied for third place. The winners received gift cards from the Alumni Association.

“The Alumni Association Virtual 5K raised more money for student-focused events and scholarships than last year,” said Dr. Lowrie. “It also expanded to a worldwide race with alumni and friends participating from three international countries, in addition to across the United States. We also had a strong group of students, alumni and community members join us on campus.”

The Reunion Celebration was held on HPU’s Old Main Park and featured live music, outdoor games, bouncy houses, vendors and food. Musical performances included HPU alumnus Brad Miles ’96, lead pastor at First Baptist Church Shallowater, and student band The Chris Ewen Experience – comprised of Conner Benoist, Wyatt Benoist, Payton Chumbley and Chris Ewen. All four students are also in HPU’s Heritage Chapel band.

A new part of this year’s celebration was the Outdoor Vendor Market, which featured handmade crafts from alumni, personnel and students. Vendors included Heirlooms Handmade Jewelry, Marlon’s Texas Art, Repurposeful Creations, Rocking Oak Woodworks and Rocking Oak Woodworks – 3D Printing.

Fourteen student organizations and alumni chapters had booths with food and games for all ages. Student and alumni groups hosting booths included the African American Alumni Chapter, Alpha Psi Omega, the Alumni Association, Chi Alpha Omega, Delta Chi Rho, Delta Epsilon Omega, Gamma Beta Phi, the Hispanic Alumni Chapter, the HPU Cheer Team, Ministerial Alliance, Pi Theta Chi, Student Government Association, Student Association of Social Work and the Young Alumni Chapter.

Alumni, friends and the community are encouraged to save the date for Stinger Spectacular on October 18-19, 2024, 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.