Howard Payne University Hosts Robnett Founders Dinner, Raises $447,000

Annual event honors Texas Baptists, features performance by Christian artist Chris Tomlin

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:16am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a microphone repeated in a tight grid pattern, representing the Christian music and worship at the Robnett Founders Dinner event.A vibrant celebration of faith, community, and higher education at Howard Payne University's annual Robnett Founders Dinner.Brownwood Today

Howard Payne University (HPU) hosted its fourth annual Robnett Founders Dinner on Tuesday, drawing over 400 attendees to the Brownwood Event Center. The dinner, which featured a special performance by Grammy Award-winning Christian artist Chris Tomlin, raised $447,000, with $247,000 designated for student scholarships. The event honored Texas Baptists (Baptist General Convention of Texas) with the 2026 Dr. John D. Robnett Founders Award for their decades of support for the university.

Why it matters

The Robnett Founders Dinner has become a signature annual event for HPU, celebrating the university's mission and values while recognizing individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact. The dinner's success in raising funds for student scholarships and honoring the longstanding support of Texas Baptists underscores HPU's strong ties to the local community and Christian higher education.

The details

The dinner featured a performance by Christian artist Chris Tomlin, who TIME magazine has called the 'most often sung artist in the world.' HPU President Dr. Cory Hines '97 presented the 2026 Dr. John D. Robnett Founders Award to Dr. Julio Guarneri, executive director of Texas Baptists, in recognition of the organization's $54 million in financial support to HPU from 1960-2025. The event was sponsored by a range of local businesses and organizations.

  • The Robnett Founders Dinner was held on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • Texas Baptists have provided financial support to HPU since 1960.

The players

Dr. Cory Hines

The president of Howard Payne University.

Dr. Julio Guarneri

The executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (Texas Baptists).

Chris Tomlin

A Grammy Award-winning Christian artist who performed at the event.

Dr. Dale Meinecke

The vice president of advancement at Howard Payne University.

Dr. John David Robnett

A founder of Howard Payne University, whom the Robnett Founders Dinner is named after.

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What they’re saying

“'The annual Robnett Founders Dinner has quickly become one of the most inspiring nights of the year for Howard Payne University. It's a blessing to watch God work, and we were amazed at the generosity of our friends who attended.'”

— Dr. Cory Hines, HPU President

“'This year, we were able to thank Texas Baptists for their decades of support for Howard Payne. The thousands of member churches that make up Texas Baptists have provided the funds and resources to launch the ministries of countless HPU graduates. To have the opportunity to say thank you to them, to raise money for student scholarships and the university, and to worship with Chris Tomlin, truly made this an unforgettable evening.'”

— Dr. Cory Hines, HPU President

“'It was a wonderful evening of celebration designed to glorify God. We are so thankful to all who attended, all who volunteered, and all who provided support. None of this happens without the generosity of our sponsors. They helped make the night a success.'”

— Dr. Dale Meinecke, HPU Vice President of Advancement

What’s next

The university plans to continue the Robnett Founders Dinner as an annual tradition, honoring individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to HPU and its mission.

The takeaway

The success of the Robnett Founders Dinner highlights the strong community support and Christian values that underpin Howard Payne University's work in providing affordable, faith-based higher education to students in Texas. The event's ability to raise substantial funds for scholarships while celebrating the university's history and partnerships demonstrates HPU's enduring relevance and impact.