PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (May 11, 2020) – This weekend, more than 25,000 guests tuned in across three digital platforms to watch Prairie View A&M University’s virtual celebration for the Class of Spring 2020. The hour-long tribute, themed ”Stronger Together,” was a nod to the resilience of the Panther Nation. It kicked off with well-wishes from John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), Elaine Mendoza, chairman of the TAMUS Board of Regents, and PVAMU President Ruth J. Simmons.

In her message to students, President Simmons spoke directly to spring graduates who missed out on a traditional commencement ceremony. “Like every other sector, education has been disrupted and transformed, perhaps permanently, by this [COVID-19] contagion. Such an occurrence could have delayed or even curtailed your progress toward degree completion. The fact that you are celebrating your graduation is a testament to your determination, flexibility, and adaptability. These are qualities that you have honed over the past several weeks and, believe me, they will take you far in life as you face both obstacles and opportunities.”

Several student leaders and notable alumni, including Mr. and Miss PVAMU, current and former Student Government Association presidents, award-winning artists, and a player in the National Football League, offered well wishes to the Class of Spring 2020.

Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs James M. Palmer led the conferring of degrees to a total of 873 candidates (731 bachelor’s, 137 master’s, and 5 doctoral) for the spring semester. “We would not be here without the scholars and mentors responsible for teaching and guiding our students. We are proud that faculty go beyond the duty of instruction and that this PV tradition is over 143 years strong,” he said.

The celebration concluded with an invitation from the president of PVAMU’s National Alumni Association to join one of the university’s chapters nationwide and a benediction from Rev. Charles H. Lewter, IV, dean of the Johnson-Phillip All Faiths Chapel.

The university is proud to note that PVAMU’s spring 2020 alumni have accepted jobs at several area hospitals, school districts, and Fortune 500 companies.

If current COVID-19-related restrictions banning large gatherings are lifted, PVAMU’s spring 2020 graduates have been invited to participate in the summer commencement ceremony tentatively scheduled for August 2020.

The virtual celebration can be viewed below and on PVAMU’s official YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/pvamu.

To read about some of PVAMU’s notable spring 2020 graduates, visit www.pvamu.edu/academicaffairs/commencement/graduates.