June 3, 2016
MARSHALL NEWS MESSENGER: (6/3/16) - Dallas friends LaNell Humphrey and Millie Wheeless might have graduated from Baylor University years ago but the two were back on a college campus Thursday as they attended East Texas Baptist University's Hilltop University Senior Conference.
"I had two granddaughters graduate from ETBU so I'm so happy to be here," Humphrey said. "I have been very interested in this university and even more so since I learned of the students here helping out with the building of that (Habitat) house and that the university plans to build and remodel even more around town."
Hilltop University is a "homework-less" and "exam-less" spiritual renewal conference for senior adults. The conference began on Wednesday and ends today and includes presentations by guest speakers, meals, concerts and other entertainment.
ETBU spokesman Mike Midkiff said about 270 seniors attended this week's event.
Wheeless said the Bible conference was a big draw for her.
"That was my favorite part," she said.
Humphrey said everything this week has been great.
"The food has been fantastic," she said. "The speakers have all been wonderful. I really enjoyed Robert Morris, a TV pastor out of the Dallas area."
Wheeless said she especially enjoyed Thursday's entertainment, comedian Dennis Swanberg.
"He made me laugh and laugh," she said. "But he still had a powerful message of, continue to have friends over and be active and to always keep going."
Fellow Hilltop University attendee Mary Mustarde from Tyler agreed Thursday that each aspect of the event had been wonderful.
"This is my first time and it's been wonderful, just a real blessing," she said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it and the staff here is so nice."
Mustarde said her favorite speaker so far was D.L. Lowrie.
"He is such a wonderful minister," she said. "Everything here has been excellent."
Hilltop University concludes today with a luncheon.
(Used by permission www.marshallnewsmessenger.com, story by MNM reporter Bridget Ortigo)