Around the State: Rick Perry speaks at UMHB lecture

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor welcomed former Gov. Rick Perry as the featured speaker for the 2024 McLane Lecture, Nov. 6. Perry spoke to the crowd of UMHB students, faculty, staff and special guests about his faith and life in public service. “In 1964, I gave my life to Jesus Christ. At 14, the Holy Spirit dealt with me, and I had that warming of my heart,” he said. He explained after he became a pilot in the U.S. Navy, “it became abundantly clear to me that the checklist I’d been given as a young man—the Holy Bible—will show you how to govern and conduct your business” in all walks of life. The lecture series’ namesakes Elizabeth and Drayton McLane Jr. also were awarded Honorary Doctorate of Humanities degrees for their long-time commitment to Christian higher education at UMHB. The McLanes are major benefactors to many health and education institutions, including UMHB, having made the largest gift in the history of UMHB in 2012 to assist with the construction of Crusader Stadium. This was the 20th McLane Lecture. Rick Perry joins other notable McLane Lecture speakers, including George H.W. Bush, Barbara Bush, Marcus Lutrell, Joe DePinto, George W. Bush, Chuck Norris, George Foreman, Mary Lou Retton and Franklin Graham.

On Nov. 6, East Texas Baptist University hosted its annual Legacy of 1912 Society Luncheon—welcoming ETBU retirees, Legacy of 1912 Society members, and endowed scholarship donors to campus. The Legacy of 1912 Society is comprised of alumni and friends who, through thoughtful estate planning and other forms of planned giving, ensure resources will be available to support ETBU far into the future. Miss ETBU, Molly Segrest, a junior ministry and mental health major, and ETBU Tiger Baseball player Ben Lea, a senior business administration major, each reflected on their ETBU experiences and the impact that scholarships have had on their academic journeys and personal growth. Vice President for Advancement and Administrative Affairs Scott Bryant delivered a charge to attendees, highlighting the impact of their generosity. He emphasized each gift provides financial support, but also creates lasting opportunities for students, transforms lives, and positively influences their families and communities. Bryant shared stories of students whose journeys have been made possible by such gifts, underscoring how donor contributions empower the university to uphold its mission and invest in future generations.

In her short time at Howard Payne University, Bible major Vitoria Biazi has discovered HPU is a special place where she belongs. Biazi is a transfer student from São Paulo, Brazil. She began her journey to HPU in the summer of 2023 when she served as interpreter for a mission group in Brazil. During this mission trip, she met HPU alumni Woody and Miki Martin who told Biazi all about their time at HPU. Growing up, Biazi dreamed of studying abroad. While talking with the Martins, she revealed this dream, and they encouraged her to look into Howard Payne. As she researched, she became more interested, and after a campus visit in October 2023, committed to making her dream a reality. “I was so scared coming in that I wouldn’t know anyone, and nobody would know me, but God is putting people in my way that want to help me and get to know me,” she said. “The people here are welcoming me with open arms to be my adopted family.” When she was young, Biazi was interested in the Bible and understanding its meaning, though she wasn’t interested in pursuing a career in ministry. In fact, she wanted to be a veterinarian. As she grew, people around her encouraged her to go into ministry and study the Bible, so she decided to pursue a career in ministry. “God called me into this field of study and has made a place for me in ministry. I want people to love the word of God the way I do,” she noted.

Houston Christian University’s Alumni Association hosted the Spirit of HCU Awards Dinner, Nov. 9, in the McNair Cultural Arts Center, honoring alumni, faculty and staff for their contributions to the university, their work and the lasting impact each recipient has had on the community. This year’s award recipients included Rick Redding, Distinguished Alumnus Award; Marsha Griffith Eckermann and Lijo V. Joseph, Meritorious Service Alumnus Awards; Avin Brownlee, Hallmark Award; Gabby Livier Zacamitzin, Emma Key Faithful Servant Award; and Bryan Brody, Emerging Alumnus Leader Award. Each honoree was inducted into the HCU Alumni Association Walk of Honor.

Assisted by faculty and staff members, Donnie Brown, Wayland Baptist University’s executive director of spiritual life, and Donna Hedgepath, Wayland’s president, recently presented Bibles to incoming freshmen. They distributed 304 Bibles on the university’s Plainview campus, with more than 330 sent to university external campuses for distribution to first-time students. For some, this gift marks the first Bible they’ve ever owned. Brown recalled a unique encounter with a student eager to receive her first Bible. “She approached me and asked, ‘When will I get my Bible?’ Her distribution time was set for the following day, but since she would be traveling for a game, we went to my office right then to ensure she got her very own copy,” Brown said. “She was so excited to receive it, and it reminded me of the lasting impact that one small act of faith can have on a young person’s life.” Each Bible, a blue leather-bound edition of the New International Version, comes with a personal note, inviting students to explore their faith alongside their academic pursuits.

Area residents and visitors are invited to attend the 40th annual Community Thanksgiving Feast at Howard Payne University, on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place at HPU’s Mabee University Center. North Lake Community Church in May will lead and coordinate the event. The traditional Thanksgiving meal will consist of turkey, dressing and all the trimmings. For those unable to join in person, volunteers will deliver meals in Brownwood and Early, with a maximum of 10 delivered meals per household. To help support the Thanksgiving meal, send checks payable to the “Community Thanksgiving Feast,” to Katrina Lynn, Howard Payne University, 1000 Fisk Street, Suite 210, Brownwood, TX 76801, or bring donations to the Mabee Center on Thanksgiving Day.