HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY
Office of Marketing and Communications

The Howard Payne University Women’s Club honored Brenda Newbury and Amaya Marshall at the organization’s Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon. Newbury, former HPU first lady who currently resides in Burleson, received the prestigious Yellow Rose Award. Marshall, a junior biology major from McKinney, was the recipient of this year’s Yellow Rose Scholarship.

Newbury is the wife of Dr. Don Newbury, former president of HPU, who now lives in Burleson and writes the weekly Idle American column, which is published in newspapers and on spiritofabilene.com.

The Yellow Rose Award is presented annually to a woman who has exhibited exemplary leadership within her sphere of influence, and who has played a significant role in the execution of the mission and vision of Howard Payne University.

“Brenda has made such an impact on so many individuals’ lives, including mine,” said Melinda Hines, first lady and president of the HPU Women’s Club. “The Women’s Club is so grateful for the opportunity to recognize someone as loving and generous as Brenda Newbury.”

Through the years, Newbury cared for many university students. She is known for her hospitality and generosity, having hosted more than 3,000 guests annually in her home during her time as first lady. She has also been a member of the Brownwood Women’s Club and Rotary-Anns.

“Brenda deserves to be recognized because she is a true example of what it means to serve something that is greater than herself,” said Christy Meinecke ’98, who attended HPU during Brenda Newbury’s time as first lady. “She really does reflect the light of Christ, and that’s a core value at Howard Payne.”