PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (May 18, 2021) – Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) held its 139th Spring Commencement Convocation and a separate Recognition Ceremony for 2020 Graduates this past Friday and Saturday. For those who witnessed Saturday’s event, it was a history-maker and not just because of the record-breaking number of students sitting on the field in Panther Stadium waiting to get their degrees. President Ruth J. Simmons presented an honorary degree, her first time doing so as president of PVAMU.

Ruth and Dyson

Dyson receives an Honorary Degree during PVAMU’s commencement on May 15.

The prestigious honor was bestowed upon award-winning author, esteemed public intellectual and noted political analyst Michael Eric Dyson, Ph.D., who served as commencement speaker. Dyson is currently Centennial Chair and University Distinguished Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies in the College of Arts and Science and University Distinguished Professor of Ethics and Society in the Divinity School at Vanderbilt University.

PVAMU’s honorary degree is awarded selectively to individuals of exceptional academic, scholarly, artistic and philanthropic accomplishments who bring honor and recognition to the university. The honorary degree also identifies the persons’ exemplary service to humanity.

Prior recipients include:

  • The Honorable George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States;
  • Former United States Secretary of State, General Colin Powell;
  • General Julius W. Becton, Jr., 5th President of Prairie View A&M University;
  • Politician and Texas Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee Wilhelmina Delco; and
  • Educator and Civil Rights Activist Willa Beatrice Player.

Those who viewed Friday’s ceremony received a special treat as well. PVAMU alumna and award-winning comedienne, host and actress Loni Love delivered her oration to graduates and their families. President Simmons also bestowed upon Love the Presidential Medal. At the discretion of the president, the medal is awarded to exceptional individuals who have attained the highest levels of success in their respective fields and have made significant cultural, social, economic or scientific contributions that benefit society. Love is not only an EMMY and NAACP Image Award-winning co-host of “The Real,” but she also has a nationally syndicated radio show, “Café Mocha,” is an executive producer of TV programming, an actress and is well known for her philanthropic commitment.

Ruth and Loni

Love displays her Presidential Medal and certificate following PVAMU’s ceremony on May 14. // Twitter: Loni Love

A whopping 1,015 students applied to graduate this spring from PVAMU, making this semester’s graduating class likely the largest in the university’s 144 years. Last year, 1,739 students graduated in the spring, summer and fall in virtual ceremonies because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This weekend’s Recognition Ceremony was their moment to celebrate their achievements with an in-person event.

 

 

Read more about Dyson here and Love here.

-PVAMU-