June 1, 2016
MARSHALL, Texas (6/01/16) – The first day of Hilltop University: A Senior Adult Conference at East Texas Baptist University is a success. Senior adults from Texas and Louisiana are enjoying three days of fellowship, concerts, Bible study and preaching.
“It is going very well,” said ETBU Assistant Vice President for Advancement/Director of Alumni Relations Allison Peteet. “The campers seem to be very excited to be on campus because they get to be back at college and act like they are back in college.”
There are over 260 in attendance for the three-day, two night conference. Campers are staying in residential housing, eating meals in the Bennett Student Commons, and enjoying the beautiful campus surroundings.
Rev. Aaron Dickinson brought seven from his church, Swartz First Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana, to the conference. “I was looking for a regional event that our senior adults could attend because we do not have a conference like this one in Louisiana,” said Dickinson, who is an ETBU alum and Marshall Native. “I wanted to find a conference that offered more than fun and fellowship that would also give them something inspiring, to their faith.”
Campers on the first day enjoyed a concert Wednesday afternoon by the Hoppers, known as “America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music.” Also on the schedule on day one was a Bible Study led by Dr. D.L. Lowrie and preaching by Robert Morris. The evening concludes with a stop at the “Soda Shoppe” for 40’s and 50’s music as well as ice cream in the Huffman Student Activities Area.
Two concerts are on the schedule for day two. Humorist Dennis Swanberg will provide a “Laugh In” on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Guy Penrod will provide a vocal performance at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evening.
Chapel speakers for the senior adult conference include Robert Morris, James Robinson, ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn and D.L. and Alice Lowrie. Morris is the founding senior pastor of Gateway Church in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Robinson has delivered the Gospel in masses since 1962 through crusade evangelism and via television for more than 40 years. He is a former student and holds an honorary doctorate from ETBU. Dr. Lowrie is a beloved pastor, teacher, and author. Mrs. Lowrie is a master of blending wit and wisdom, supplying joy for the journey as she challenges Christians to discover and use their spiritual gifts for the Kingdom. Dr. Blackburn is the 13th president of ETBU and began his leadership of the university last June.
The conference concludes with lunch on Friday. A daily full conference off-campus rate is available for $75 per person, per day. Fee includes meals, concert tickets, and conference events for that day. Information can be obtained from the ETBU Office of University Advancement by calling 923.2068. One may also send an email to sroden@etbu.edu for information.