Howard Payne University issued the following news:
Students from Howard Payne University's Guy D. Newman Honors Academy recently attended a public policy lecture through the Institute for Policy Innovation. Ajit Pai, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, spoke on the topic "Preserving a Free, Open and Innovative Internet."
The event was underwritten by the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation. The HPU students, designated as Sumners Scholars, are selected for a competitive four-semester program after an in-depth application and interview by the trustees of the Sumners Foundation. The foundation provides a $7,500-per-semester stipend for its participating students to be used for tuition, fees, books or room and board. Additionally, the students are invited to attend annual leadership and policy analysis conferences, such as this one, to supplement their learning.
HPU Sumners Scholars attending the lecture were Jessica Catlett, junior from Alleyton; Rachel Hughes, senior from Llano; Augusta Johnson, senior from Gatesville; Joel Justice, senior from Brownwood; Tyler Olin, junior from Howe; Emma Reed, junior from Arlington; Isaac Sommers, senior from Boerne; and Rachel White, senior from Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
Named for its founder, former Congressman Hatton W. Sumners of Texas (Democrat, 1912-1947), who served as the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation is dedicated to the study, teaching and promotion of self-government.
"We're extremely grateful to the Sumners Foundation for its ongoing support of HPU students as well as for its commitment to promoting programs that increase understanding of civic responsibility and personal potential," said Dr. Matthew McNiece, director of HPU's Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and chair and professor of history and government.
More information about the Academy and the Sumners program may be found at www.hputx.edu/academyand www.hputx.edu/sumners, respectively.