Couple shares astronomy interest with HPU Summer Scholars

A Howard Payne University alumni couple contributed to their alma mater this summer by sharing their passion for astronomy with several of the university’s youngest students.

Brad Riza, a retired U.S. Air Force chaplain, and his wife Joy, a retired science teacher, participated in the university’s Summer Scholars program for students entering fourth, fifth and sixth grades.

The couple brought special solar telescopes, allowing the students a rare view of the sun’s surface. Brad Riza, formerly director of missions for Paluxy Baptist Association and associate director of chaplaincy relations for Texas Baptists, now serves as resident astronomer for Badlands National Park in South Dakota.

HPU’s Summer Scholars and Young Scholars programs are held each summer on the university campus. The Young Scholars program is open to students entering first through third grades.

Julie Welker, professor and communication department chair at HPU, directs the programs each year.

“The Rizas’ presentation was a great way to kick off the weeklong camp and get the kids excited for learning,” she said. “We’re extremely grateful to alumni and other community members who invest in our students each year.”

Young Scholars teachers included Tasha Carter, art teacher at Early High School; Dalton Hutchins, assistant tennis coach with the Brownwood Independent School District; Sarah Langford, instructor of mathematics at HPU; and Nancy Romig, associate professor of English at HPU.

Teachers in the Summer Scholars program included Dalton Hutchins; Tami Hull, science teacher and robotics coach at Early Middle School; Kristen Hutchins, professor of biology and chair of HPU’s biological sciences department; and Frank Ritter, engineering, chemistry and robotics teacher at Early High School.

 “I am grateful for these teachers who devote their expertise to our summer camp each year,” Welker said. “Our students love the hands-on activities and getting to learn in a university environment.”