PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (March 11, 2024) – March is not just another month for Prairie View A&M University; it’s a time to celebrate heritage, pride and the enduring legacy of HBCUs nationwide.
As part of the national “I Love My HBCU” campaign established by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund in 2014, PVAMU joins the annual celebration to honor its rich history and engage alumni in giving back to their alma mater.
The “I Love My HBCU” campaign serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of HBCUs and to encourage alumni to support their respective institutions through financial contributions, volunteerism and mentorship. PVAMU has actively participated in the campaign since 2018, showcasing its commitment to fostering a culture of philanthropy and community engagement among its alumni and supporters.
Lorie M. Proctor ’04
“When you think about the word ‘love,’ it’s a verb, and it should come with action,” said Lorie Proctor ‘04, director of the PVAMU Annual Fund and Alumni Giving. “Our desire is to engage and encourage our alumni to give back. Monies received in this campaign will go to the Forever Connected Fund, which houses unrestricted funds that serve the University. Unrestricted funds allow flexibility to make an immediate impact on university needs at that moment.”
This year, PVAMU has set an ambitious goal of raising $80,000 during the month of March to commemorate the significance of the date March 11, 1878, when the first students were enrolled at the University. Known as the “Unknown 8,” these founding students helped establish what would become PVAMU, and the University seeks to honor their legacy by rallying alumni to support its mission and programs.
HBCUs Drive Excellence
Understanding the historical context of Black enrollment at HBCUs provides valuable insight into the evolving landscape of higher education and the ongoing need for diverse funding sources. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, enrollment trends have fluctuated over the years, reflecting broader shifts in educational demographics and priorities.
Despite comprising only 3% of colleges and universities in the United States, HBCUs have an outsized impact on the economic mobility and professional success of African Americans, according to the U.S. Department of Education. HBCU graduates contribute significantly to various fields, with staggering statistics underscoring their influence. Notably, HBCUs produce 40% of all Black engineers, 50% of all Black teachers, 70% of all Black doctors and dentists, and 80% of all Black judges.
These statistics underscore the pivotal role that HBCUs continue to play in empowering Black individuals and communities, shaping the landscape of professional achievement, and fostering inclusivity and diversity in various sectors.
Show Some Love
The impact of the “I Love My HBCU” campaign extends far beyond fundraising. It serves as a platform for PVAMU to showcase its achievements, highlight the contributions of its alumni, and strengthen its ties with the community. Through various events, activities and digital outreach efforts, PVAMU aims to foster a sense of pride and belonging among alumni, students, faculty, staff and supporters.
“In addition to the financial contribution, we want alums to share the love they have for PV by telling how PV changed their lives,” said Proctor. “As an alumna of PVAMU, I am better because of the love this institution, the faculty and staff poured into me. I am forever grateful for the years I spent here as a student.”
As PVAMU celebrates “I Love My HBCU” month, it reaffirms its commitment to excellence in higher education. The campaign serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of HBCUs and the vital role they play in shaping the future of Black leaders and professionals.
“We are grateful to those alums who have continued to give over the years,” said Proctor. “Their contributions don’t go unnoticed or underappreciated. There is genuine love for PV being shown every day. Keep the love going and growing. We would also like to encourage monthly giving as this provides consistent and impactful support to students and the University.”
Are you ready to show some love? Visit the PVAMU “I Love My HBCU” website to learn more about how you can show your love for your favorite HBCU.
By Kerry Laird
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