BROWNWOOD – May 16, 2024 – Howard Payne University recently celebrated its most recent graduates with Commencement ceremonies on May 11. Dr. Cory Hines, president, and other university representatives conferred the degrees. An honorary Doctor of Divinity degree was presented to Ray Still, senior pastor at Oakwood Baptist Church in New Braunfels and former HPU trustee. The Honorable Draco A. Miller of Brownwood presented the charge to the graduates.
Commencement was preceded on May 10 by the Chime Out ceremony, an HPU tradition in which graduating seniors pass a chain of ivy to underclassmen, symbolizing the passing of authority, responsibility and privileges to those students who remain on campus to carry on the traditions of the university.
Applications for admission to HPU for the fall 2024 semester are being accepted. Please visit www.hputx.edu for more information about the university.
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Photo #1: Graduating seniors, accompanied by underclassmen, participate in HPU’s annual Chime Out ceremony.
Photo #2: The Honorable Draco A. Miller gives an address to the graduates during HPU’s Commencement ceremony.
Photo #3: Pastor Ray Still (center), former chair of HPU’s Board of Trustees, received an honorary doctorate in recognition of his service to the university. He is pictured with Dr. Donnie Auvenshine, vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Cory Hines, president.
Photo #4: Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president, poses for a photo with graduate Caleb Wheelington.
Photo #5: Graduates celebrate their accomplishment with a photo following HPU’s Commencement ceremony.