By Kerry Laird
November 23 – Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) enjoys success, in part, due to generous contributions made by individuals from the private sector whose faith in educational opportunities has translated into success for thousands of student recipients.
On Nov. 10, the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences and PVAMU’s Development office hosted A Virtual Toast to the Myers, a celebration of philanthropy and scholarship honoring donors Dr. Deland and Eveadean Myers.
With nearly 50 people in attendance, Wash A. Jones, Ph.D., the event’s master of ceremonies, extended a “heartfelt thanks” to the Myers for their $100,000 scholarship donation to the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, which provides students with general education and study abroad funding.
Jones said that since 2016, scholarships and “generous donations” have allowed 52 CAHS students to study abroad—a number that leads the university.
“Basically, we’re just trying to give back,” Deland Myers said, speaking of his time at PVAMU. “You welcomed us with open arms. It doesn’t pay back half — even a minuscule — of what you’ve done for us. This gives us an opportunity to give back to something that we’re very passionate about.”
Deland Myers, Ph.D., a former PVAMU endowed professor, worked more than 30 years in academia, serving most recently as the Director of the Integrated Food Security Research Center for the CAHS Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Human Ecology. While his passion focuses on agriculture, his wife, Eveadean’s passion centers on studying abroad.
“We feel really blessed,” she said. “If it wasn’t for the grace of God, we wouldn’t be able to do this. My hope is that every PVAMU student would be able to study abroad.”
Eveadean Myers, J.D., has enjoyed a storied career involving the development and application of inclusivity and diversity programs that ensure equal opportunity education experiences for thousands of students.
Three CAHS scholarship recipients spoke during the event, expressing immense gratitude for the opportunities they have enjoyed due to donations similar to the Myers’.
“Because of my scholarship, I have not had to worry about how my tuition would be paid each semester…the peace of mind has been priceless,” Alex Robinson, a senior majoring in Agriculture with a concentration in Agribusiness, said. “I have been inspired to donate money to a scholarship fund when I
graduate.”
Acknowledging that the Myers’ contribution will continue to “impact students for years and years to come,” Vice President of Development Carme Williams presented the Myers with a handmade silk scarf and silk tie, stating, “You will forever have an impact on the university.”
“When we give, we support goals, we sustain dreams, we fuel visions,” CAHS Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs, Gerard D’Souza, Ph.D., said. “But, more importantly, we make a life by what we give. When we provide scholarship assistance, we put students at the threshold of something exciting.”