More than 1,000 alumni, community members and other friends of Howard Payne University, as well as HPU faculty, staff and students, attended the university’s Homecoming this past Friday and Saturday to honor and celebrate HPU’s many “Timeless Traditions.”
Generations of alumni were welcomed home to relive memories of their time spent at HPU. Among the events was the popular Homecoming Parade featuring student-designed floats and other attractions. Several participating organizations based their floats on various campus traditions. The winning float, created by the Delta Chi Rho sorority, paid tribute to HPU’s annual Christmas on the Plaza event.
A variety of receptions and reunions were held throughout the weekend. Among those, the Golden Graduate Luncheon celebrated the 50-year reunion of the Class of 1965. Each returning alumnus/alumna from the class received a certificate from Dr. Bill Ellis, HPU president.
The university recognized 10 honorees during the annual Alumni and Sports Hall of Fame Banquet held Friday evening. Following the banquet, hundreds gathered at HPU’s Muse Plaza and Mall for Cobbler on the Campus and a pep rally.
“It was an honor to meet and become friends with so many HPU alumni over the course of Homecoming 2015,” said Stephen Sullivan ’11, ’14, director of development and alumni relations. “The event was a great success and we’re so thankful for all of those who came to campus to celebrate with us.”
Pictured at top: Students ceremoniously beat the Freshman Drums in the hours leading up to the football game kickoff.
Pictured above, Drs. Bill and Diana Ellis, HPU president and first lady, wave to onlookers during the Homecoming parade.
Alumni friends gather outside HPU’s Mims Auditorium prior to Homecoming Convocation.
Many future HPU Yellow Jackets enjoyed the opportunity to meet Buzzsaw, HPU’s mascot, during Homecoming.
