HPU Press Release – The Howard Payne University Woman’s Club presented alumna Ann Jones of Brownwood with the prestigious Yellow Rose Award during the club’s annual Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon held recently on campus.

Dr. Diana Ellis, HPU first lady and Woman’s Club president, surprised Jones with a commemorative plaque and bouquet of yellow roses. The award is given annually to a woman who has exhibited exemplary leadership within her sphere of influence, who has exhibited fiscal, emotional or physical support to the ongoing of the university and who represents Christian values and beliefs foundational to HPU.

Jones and her husband co-owned a manufacturing company in Dallas and later, after selling the family business, moved back to Brownwood. In 2011, she opened her own business, Ann Jones Real Estate.

Pictured at top: The Howard Payne University Woman’s Club recently presented Ann Jones of Brownwood with the prestigious Yellow Rose Award.

Jones’ list of civic involvement and volunteer efforts is extensive. It includes affiliations such as Brownwood Community Concert Association Board, Brownwood Preservation Partnership, Arts Council of Brownwood, Keep Brownwood Beautiful, The Woman’s Club of Brownwood, Brownwood Garden Culture Club, Downtown Brownwood Association, Brownwood Coalition, Brown County Republican Women, Brownwood Bulletin Newspaper Advisory Board, Girl Scouts Heart of Texas Council, Board of Trustees for First United Methodist Church of Brownwood, Texas Christian Women’s Job Corps, Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross Board of Directors, Guy D. Newman Honors Academy Board of Directors and many more.

She impacts the lives of current HPU students through gifts to the Annual Fund, the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy Fund and the A Call to Send Campaign.

“Ann is a blessing to everyone who knows her,” said Dr. Diana Ellis. “I personally know she is truly an inspiration. The way she lives her life – faithfully serving and doing what needs to be done – is a gift she freely shares with others.”

The guest speaker for this year’s luncheon was Dr. Shirley Cothran Barret, former Miss America and noted speaker and author.

Dr. Shirley Cothan Barret, right, former Miss America and noted speaker and author, was the guest speaker at this year’s Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon at HPU. She is pictured with Dr. Diana Ellis, HPU first lady and Woman’s Club president.

For more information about the HPU Woman’s Club, visit www.hputx.edu/womansclub, e-mail womansclub@hputx.edu or call 325-649-8305.