PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Oct. 14, 2026) – When people talk about Prairie View A&M University’s famous alumni and former students, a few familiar names tend to lead the conversation. But the story of The Hill reaches far beyond the names that typically make the lists.

From helping shape the future of space exploration to serving in the military, advancing civil rights and building influential media businesses, more than 87,000 alumni of PVAMU have made their mark across generations and industries.

This Homecoming, take a closer look at some of the figures brought to life by the University’s Special Collections and Archives Department whose stories add new chapters to PVAMU’s rich history. Their journeys offer another reminder that the legacy of PVAMU is not defined by a handful of famous names, but by the many ways Panthers have made a difference.

Frederick Douglass Patterson: An educator who helped shape higher education

Frederick Douglass Patterson

Frederick Douglass Patterson, Ph.D. (1919)

Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson’s ’19 legacy extends across higher education and beyond. He served as president of Tuskegee Institute and founded the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), helping establish a lasting source of support for historically Black colleges and universities.

Patterson’s work helped strengthen educational opportunities for generations of students, leaving an enduring mark on institutions dedicated to expanding access to higher education.

His story is one of the many connections between Prairie View and the broader history of Black education in America.

Shirley Holland-Hunt: A Panther reaching for the stars

Shirley Holland Hunt

Shirley Holland-Hunt (1981)

Prairie View’s legacy reaches beyond Earth, too.

Shirley Holland-Hunt ’81, a PVAMU alumna recognized for her work at NASA, has built a career contributing to the nation’s space exploration efforts. NASA has highlighted her leadership and contributions, recognizing her as an aerospace trailblazer.

Her story offers a glimpse into the many ways Prairie View graduates contribute to fields that shape the future, including the exploration of space.

Major Lowell Henry Cleaver Sr.: A connection to the Tuskegee Airmen

The Tuskegee Airmen hold a distinguished place in American military history. Among the names is Major Lowell Henry Cleaver Sr. ’39, who graduated from Prairie View with honors.

Major Lowell Henry Cleaver, Sr.

Major Lowell Henry Cleaver, Sr. (circa 1939)

His inclusion offers an opportunity to explore the connections between Prairie View’s history and the service members who helped break barriers in the U.S. military.

Lt. Gen. Calvin Waller: A leader in the U.S. Army

Calvin Waller ’59 rose to the rank of lieutenant general in the U.S. Army, reaching one of the highest levels of military leadership.

Lt. Gen. Calvin Waller

Lt. Gen. Calvin Waller (1959)

His career represents another example of the many professional paths represented in the history of Prairie View and its community.

Waller’s story also offers an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Black military leaders whose service helped shape the nation’s armed forces.

Percy Sutton: Civil rights, broadcasting and the Apollo

Percy Sutton’s career spanned civil rights, law, politics and media.

Percy Sutton

Percy Sutton

A lawyer and activist, Sutton participated in the Freedom Rides and served as legal counsel to Malcolm X. He later became a prominent political figure in New York, serving as Manhattan borough president.

Sutton also helped build a pioneering Black-owned media business. Through Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, which he co-founded in 1971, Sutton helped expand Black ownership and influence in radio. His work was also connected to the celebrated “Showtime at the Apollo” television program.

His story reflects the many ways influence can extend beyond one profession, connecting civil rights advocacy, public service, business and entertainment.

Christia Adair: A trailblazer for voting rights

Christia Adair ’15 was a suffragist and civil rights activist whose work helped shape the fight for equality in Texas.

Christia Adair '15

Christia Adair (2015)

A leader in Houston’s NAACP, Adair advocated for civil rights and voting access during a period when Black Texans faced significant barriers to political participation.

Her story is a reminder that history is shaped not only by those who hold public office, but also by people who organize, advocate and work to change the communities around them.

The stories behind the legacy

These stories represent just a portion of the people and experiences that make up PVAMU’s history. Some are widely recognized, while others may be less familiar to today’s Panthers.

This Homecoming, as the University celebrates 150 years of history, the stories are a reminder to keep looking beyond the names everyone knows. The legacy of The Hill is still being discovered, shared and carried forward.

This feature was developed with research provided by Prairie View A&M University’s Special Collections and Archives Department.

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Sources and further reading

Frederick Douglass Patterson

Shirley Holland-Hunt

Major Lowell Henry Cleaver Sr.

Lt. Gen. Calvin Waller

Percy Sutton

Christia Daniels Adair