By Jordan Givens | Howard Payne is buzzing with excitement as we grow closer to the official welcoming of our new president. The week is slowly creating a name for itself as everyone prepares for the many events and recognitions that will take place. The first event of the week will be a cookout hosted by our honored president himself.
The cookout will be at the president’s home, which is located down the road from campus, on Tuesday Sept. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. The menu includes pulled pork, tacos, nachos, s’mores, mac and cheese and much, much more. There will also be a chance to win a 32″ Roku Smart TV and a Jacket Pass. Students can RSVP at www.hputx.edu/cookout.
Next up is the inaugural chapel service on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. in Mims Auditorium. Later that afternoon the official Inauguration Ceremony will be at Mims at 2 p.m. This exciting week will wrap up at the Inaugural Family Tailgate, which will be Saturday, Sept. 21 at Gordon Wood Stadium. The tailgate is from 11 a.m to 1:30 p.m.
There will also be a pastoral prayer breakfast, faculty and staff reception, and a Yellow Jacket preview event for prospective students. Dr. Hines’ goal for this exciting but busy week is not to celebrate himself, but instead to “first and foremost, honor the Lord, and then also celebrate this special season at Howard Payne University and all that the Lord is doing on our campus.” (Lowery).
All are invited to come and show support for our new president during this special time.