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| Top: Springfest and Homecoming include crowd-pleasing step shows and parties. Center: Each year The Prairie View Trail Riders Association participates in the annual Homecoming parade. Bottom: Graduates of “The Hill” are proud productive people who generate influence and reverence in their respective fields. |
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High Points PVAMU’s Marching Storm is hailed as the first historically black college or university marching band to incorporate a percussion feature into its halftime performance. |
The Prairie View A&M Panther baseball team captured its first Southwestern Athletic Conference championship in the school's history and won back-to-back SWAC titles in 2006 and 2007. During the last five years, Prairie View A&M has made four consecutive appearances in the SWAC’s title game, finishing as the conference’s runner-up in 2005 and 2008.
In 1878, eight male students from rural parts of Texas came to what is now Prairie View A&M University seeking an education. They entered a wooden frame building named Kirby Hall and there they found a spirit - the spirit of Prairie View. Through the years this spirit has been handed down to each generation of Panthers and has created PVAMU traditions that can be found in every facet of University life.
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“Prairie View is an institution—a public institution. But an institution is an empty thing without the beating hearts and yearning souls of mortal men. And down the seventy-five years of Prairie View’s existence, men have lived and dreamed here until every blade of grass and every rock, in that wise primordial way in which the primitive earth knows and cares, has joined the choir invisible to bless their memory. For every man whose foot has touched this hallowed soil, has found a spirit, and has broadened and deepened it until what started out as an ambitionless meandering stream has become a purposeful river upon whose tide, now turbulent, now tranquil, floats the destiny of countless human hopes and dreams.” Dr. George R. Woolfolk |
PVAMU Traditions are diverse and have grown to include many special events:
Commencement exercises are one of the oldest traditions of the University. Graduation is a special highlight in the life of the students. The many colored robes and hoods of the faculty represent universities from around the world. The march across the platform to receive the well earned degree is a moment to always remember. Commencement is held at the end of the fall, spring and summer academic sessions. Speakers have included Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, PVAMU alumnus Roy Perry, alumnus General (ret.) Marvin D. Brailsford, Olympic Gold medalist and alumnus Fred Newhouse, Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson and others who are interested in the pursuit of knowledge, the betterment of students and the public good.
Honor’s Week is designated for students who have achieved outstanding accomplishments during the school year. Recognition for scholarship, student leadership, citizenship and
athletic prowess are among the achievements recognized. The week culminates in a special convocation.
Founder’s Day is celebrated annually by the Prairie View A&M University community on March 11. Although the 15th Legislature passed an act to establish the University on Aug. 14, 1876, the University did not open its doors until March 11, 1878. In 2006, PVAMU celebrated its 130-year anniversary.
Homecoming . . . a time for welcome and celebration . . . a time to reflect on the traditions and heritage of a great University. . . a time for the return of “Loyal Panthers” to their
alma mater to embrace the current University administration, faculty, staff, students, families and friends. The focal points of this week are the football game, homecoming
University family.
Springfest is held each year during the spring semester after the mid-semester examination period. A variety of cultural and social events are held throughout the week for students, staff and faculty. Highlights of the week’s activities are the step show and “after party.”
Mr. and Miss Prairie View A&M University titles are among the highest honors that are bestowed on a male and female student at Prairie View A&M University. The students who hold these positions are selected by a panel of judges in the annual scholarship pageants. The winners are formally recognized during the fall semester at the King and Queen’s Coronation Ball.
