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Alumni News and Notes - 2009PVAMU Capital Campaign EXTEND THE VIEW Closes: $30 Million Goal SurpassedThe successful completion of the university's first-ever capital campaign, EXTEND THE VIEW: Shape Tomorrow Today ended Dec. 31, 2008. As of November 2008, the campaign raised $32.2 million for the university's endowment, exceeding its goal of $30 million. Started in 2003, the campaign received generous contributions from alumni, faculty, staff and supporters of the university. Corporations, foundations and prominent members of the national, state, local business and philanthropic communities also donated to the historic campaign. "Reaching and surpassing a capital campaign goal is a significant university milestone; however, the true significance of this campaign is the ability it gives the university to enhance academic programs and provide scholarships for students," states Vice President for Research and Development Willie F. Trotty, whose office helped implement the five year campaign. Throughout the campaign, thousands of PVAMU alumni responded with donations and pledges. With the onset of the overwhelming alumni and corporate responses, the university plans to continue its fundraising initiatives with an upcoming campaign designed to benefit the university's athletics programs, buildings and facilities Prairie View A&M Honors It’s Past With New Historical MarkersPrairie View A&M University celebrated the unveiling of its newest historical markers during this year’s homecoming activities. The markers were erected to commemorate The Rosenwald-Prairie View Training School and Alumni Hall. Both buildings once stood on the university’s campus and the markers will preserve the memory of the buildings and educate future generations of Prairie View A&M students, alumni and friends. Several former students and alumni of The Rosenwald School gathered to witness the historic ceremony. When asked about her memories and time spent as a student at The Rosenwald School, Jessie Blackwell-Palmer, class of 1959 stated, “School was quite enjoyable and failure from teachers was not an option.” Immediately following the historical marker ceremony for The Rosenwald School, attendees marched to the ceremony for Alumni Hall, which once stood on what is currently known as Alumni Field. Rosenwald Training SchoolThe Rosenwald-Prairie View Training School was constructed at 50 feet by 78 feet in 1925. The one-story red brick building was constructed with the most modern features of the day and contained four rooms, a playground, a sports field, a garden plot and a teachers’ kitchen, which provided space for home-science demonstrations. The building also featured large glass windows and a separate room for industrial training. Over the years, the school became an accredited 12-year public school with a highly skilled teaching staff and a supervising principal. A source of pride in the community, the school was also the first brick school house powered by electricity in Waller County. One of the few accredited public schools in Texas that offered education to African American students, the Prairie View Training School provided education to children from the Prairie View community and across Texas. Furthermore, the school not only furnished opportunities for student education and development, but also served as a laboratory for training teachers from Prairie View A&M University. Alumni HallBuilt in 1973, Alumni Hall was built to serve as the primary dining hall and banquet facility for the University’s campus. It was named in honor and recognition of the legacy, accomplishments and dedication of the numerous living and deceased graduates and former students of Prairie View A&M University. Constructed at a cost of $4,535,500, the contemporary split-level structure featured student lounge areas, 20 seminar rooms, 26 restrooms, several administrative suites and a spouting water fountain. It was specifically designed as a place where students could dine, as well as conveniently relax and congregate together. The “West Wing” section of the hall was often used for large formal events, career fairs and numerous special programs. The building featured 12,000 square feet of study and casual lounge space and contained well appointed lobbies with exhibit areas on the mezzanine level. The facility also contained the President’s dining room, which featured special lighting, paneled walls and carpeted floors. Class of 1960The Class of 1960 sponsored a class planning meeting on December 27, 2008 in Houston. In planning for their 50th anniversary celebration as former students of PVAMU, this particular class is partnering with our current junior student body to develop a host of activities for 2010. Those classmates attending the December meeting included: Calvin Bluiett, President; George Gipson, Secretary; Lois Davis Flim, Alice Gooden Seals, Eddie Jenkins, June Samuels Brailsford, Robert Simpson, Carrington Stewart, Henry Wagner, Eddie White Pierce, Barbara Holts White, and James White. Class of 1961The Class of 1961 is off to a great start in planning for their golden anniversary celebration at PVAMU! Classmates gathered for a planning meeting during the 2007 and 2008 National Alumni Association conventions and more recently at homecoming 2008. Class officers are: George Wooley, President; Benny Lockett, Vice President; Lois Ford-Brown, Secretary; Dahl Storms, Treasurer; William McConico, Financial Secretary; Dr. Garland Mc Ilveen, Parliamentarian; Kanzetta Allen, Historian; and Willie McCumby, Chaplain. Congratulations to all of you in your efforts to realize a memorable celebration in 2001. January, 2009PVAMU Band First To March in Rose Parade On New Years DayPrairie View A&M University’s Marching Storm Band and Black Foxes dance troupe performed in the 2009 Rose Parade, New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. The 120th Rose Parade, themed “Hats Off To Entertainment”, took place Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009 at 8 a.m. (Pacific Standard Time) in Pasadena, California. The Rose Parade was broadcast on ABC, NBC, Univision, HGTV, Travel Channel, RFD-TV as well as KWHY and KTLA in the Los Angeles area. The Parade was seen in more than 200 international territories. In addition to making its first appearance in the Rose Parade, Prairie View A&M University’s Marching Storm Band and Black Foxes dance troupe served as the Parade’s lead band. PVAMU Community Witnesses Presidential InaugurationThe Spring semester is always an exciting time at Prairie View A&M University. A delegation of Prairie View A&M University students and staff attended President-elect Barack H. Obama’s inauguration on Jan. 20, 2009 in Washington D.C. The names of 45 PVAMU students will be recorded in the annals of history as attending the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America. Our thoughts are with the nation’s First Family and we extend to them, our very best wishes. The university also offered an on-campus live viewing of the inauguration ceremony, which was available to all university students, faculty and staff. The Brazos Valley African-American National Heritage Society MuseumThe African-American Heritage Society Museum Recognition Banquet was held on January 21, 2009 at the College Station Hilton Center Hotel. Alumni Willie (1952) and Mell Pruitt (1952) are outstanding citizens in the greater Bryan/College Station metroplex. We applaud these distinguished graduates for their leadership as founders of the African-American National Museum. February, 200951st Annual Minister’s Conference - February 3rd-4th"Relevant Preaching, Restoration, Reformation, Revitalization” February 5, 2009 February 12, 2009 Spring Career FairMore than 100 of America’s top companies, government agencies, and graduate schools are set to participate in the 2009 Spring Career Fair at PVAMU. The Career Fair is an opportunity for students and alumni seeking employment to meet with recruiters. The job fair will be held on February 18th and 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 o’clock p.m. For more information, contact the Career Center at 936 261- 3570. Pantherland DayPantherland Day is scheduled for Saturday February 21, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 o’clock p.m. This event is a prime opportunity for prospective students to meet with faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students to consider PVAMU as their first choice for college. For reservations and information, please call the Office of Recruitment, Marketing and Special Programs 936-261-1081 or e-mail recruitment@pvamu.edu. Gospel ExtravaganzaFebruary 22, 2009 The History of African-Americans in FashionFebruary 23rd and February 27th, 2009 Dr. George C. Wright, PVAMU President Book ReviewDreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama PVAMU Student Entrepreneurs Expo and ExhibitFebruary 26, 2009 Book Reflections - Entering the Promised Land by Mr. Willie Alexander,February 26, 2009 An Evening with Dick GregoryFebruary 26, 2009 Buffalo Soldiers National Museum 9th Annual Benefit Gala Dinner and Silent AuctionOn February 27, 2009, the ninth annual benefit gala and silent auction will be held at the JW Marriott Hotel, located 5150 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056. The theme of this year’s event is “Honoring Our Vietnam Veterans”. The cost for the event is $60. For more information, please call (713) 942-8920. Captain Paul J. Matthews (alumnus, Class of 1968) is founder of the museum. March, 2009Founder’s DayFounder’s Day and Honors Convocation will take place on Wednesday March 25th at 10: 00 o’clock a.m. in the William “Billy” Nicks Sr. Building. Further details will be forthcoming. President’s VisitsThe President of Prairie View A&M University, Dr. George C. Wright is planning to visit several alumni chapter nationwide, the period extending from March through December, 2009. PVAMU Names Buildings and Colleges for PVAMU Alums Don Clark and Roy PerryDuring its December 2008 meeting of The Texas A&M University System, the TAMUS Board of Regents approved the names of two alumni for the naming of a PVAMU Building and College. The Don Clark School of Juvenile Justice and Psychology and Texas Crime Prevention Center BuildingTo honor PVAMU alumnus and co-chair of the capital campaign committee Don Clark, the Board of Regents approved the naming of the building that houses the school of Juvenile Justice and Psychology and the Texas Crime Prevention Center. Situated on the far end of the campus, the facility houses the nation’s first Juvenile Justice PhD program and provides in-depth research on juvenile issues. The building also features a psychology clinic, a mock courtroom, and an auditorium, as well as an administrative office with support space. Alumni are invited to attend the dedication ceremony scheduled for Friday March 13, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. April, 2009NAFEOThe National Association Equal Opportunity in Higher Education will host the 35th Conference on Blacks in Higher Education from April 1- April 4, 2009 at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. Because of the great work they do, NAFEO is one of our favorite organizations. We look forward to being a part of the 2009 conference. For more information call 202.552.3399 or visit NAFEO’s website at info@NAFEO.org. Roy G. Perry College of EngineeringOne of the university’s oldest academic units will now bear the name of Roy Perry, class of 1978. The university will name its college of Engineering after Perry for his significant service to the university, which includes work on the university’s capital campaign. Prairie View’s Roy G. Perry College of Engineering is comprised of six departments: chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering, engineering technology and mechanical engineering. The college offers nine bachelor’s degrees, four masters and one doctorate program. Alumni are invited to attend the scheduled dedication ceremony tentatively scheduled for April 23, 2009. Save the DatePrairie View A&M University will be host it’s “Celebrating the View” Gala commemorating 132 years of excellence in teaching, research, and service on Saturday April 25, 2009 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. We are currently seeking underwriters and sponsors who are willing to invest in making this event a success. Your support will assist us in strengthening the financial resources that benefit our students for years to come. This is an event that you surely will not want to miss! For more information please contact 936 261-2130 or pvamu.edu/GALA2009. May, 2009CommencementCommencement at Prairie View A&M University is scheduled for May 16, 2009. Convocations for the 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. ceremonies will take place at the William “Billy” Nicks, Sr. Building at Prairie View A&M University 2009 Golden Anniversary Class - The Class of 1959This year, we are honored to recognize the class of 1959 as our Golden Anniversary Class. For several years under the leadership of Celestine Tisdale Barnes, this class has been actively involved in planning for their reunion at Prairie View A&M University. A number of special activities/programs are being planned for their enjoyment and participation during the May commencement and also during the homecoming ’09 festivities. During the Spring commencement the Class of 1959 will receive special recognition during the 9:00 a.m. Convocation Ceremony. It is anticipated that approximately 100 former students will gather for celebratory functions in May and October. This particular class has played a significant role in partnering with the undergraduate class who began their academic studies in 2005. Both of these classes will celebrate their milestone achievements on May 16th. Congratulations! Class of 1959 OfficersC. Barnes, President B. Johnson, Vice President A. Williams, Secretary D. George, Treasurer J. Rider, Parliamentarian K. McClellan, Historian D. Quaite, Chaplain B. Agnew, Chairperson, Class of 2009 Project L. Winslett, Jr. Chairman, The Legacy Endowment Fund C. L. Young, 50th Reunion Chairman July, 2009Capital Campaign CelebrationPrairie View A&M University will host a campaign celebration on Tuesday July 7, 2009 on the campus of the University. This event will provide an opportunity to share the campaign’s success with our alumni, friends, and corporate partners as well as demonstrate the campaign’s impact on PVAMU. During the celebration, there will be an unveiling of a donor wall to be permanently displayed in the Willie A. Tempton Memorial Student Center. National Alumni Association Annual ConventionThis year, alumni from across the country will converge on the campus of Prairie View A&M University to attend the National Alumni Association Convention from July 8 -11th. A full spectrum of programs and events are planned for your involvement and participation. We look forward to seeing you there! |