Colleagues of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) led by Interim Dean James M. Palmer, gathered with friends in the Carden-Waller Building on May 25 to toast three retirees: Gail Long, Lloyd Hebert and Vivian Vaughn. Together, they devoted 73 years of exceptional service to Prairie View A&M University.
The foyer of CEP was set-up with white linen table cloths covered with streams of lavender satin ribbons and was decorated with fresh floral arrangements. Hydrangeas, roses, and flowers in blues, purples, yellows, pinks, seeded Eucalyptus, Curly Willows, Baby’s Breath, and Dusty Miller were used as centerpieces for the honorees. 
Other tables had quotable retirement musings, like “Off the clock,” “Time for adventure,” Live, love, laugh,” “NO,” and “Doing what I want, when I want”. Guests were able to write personal retirement wishes, suggesting interesting “Bucket List” ideas for the retirees. Scrolls were put in tall glass apothecary containers for Long, Hebert, and Vaughn. “I really appreciate the thoughtful and very well done event,” said Lloyd Hebert.
Interim Dean and Director Palmer opened the reception, asking people to share a few words of remembrance. Some of those who shared and were in attendance included: Alfred Parks, Neal Baines, Freddie Richards, Phyllis Earles, Jocelyn Whiting, former CEP Administrator/Dean Linda Willis, former CEP Interim Administrator/Emeritus Benny Lockett, former CEP 4-H Program Leader Beverly Spears, former CEP Assoc. Administrator Alfred Wade, Albert Glover, former CEP Program Assistant Tanglia Nichols, Larneatha Bowdre, and a host of Extension and University personnel.
Committee Members: James M. Palmer, Claudine Gee, Ophelia Theodore, Diane Turner, Inez Simien, Monica Brown, Liza Azarm, Craig Warner, Joice A. Jeffries, Ryan Harris and Annette Bowdre, Chair.
Student Workers: Madhu Kumari, Sydney Hurst, Aaron Stripling, Jaimee Cameron and Justin Hunter, working with Committee, all chipped in to arrange flowers, decorate the Foyer, set-up the refreshments and execute the celebration.
The lively event paid homage to Long, Hebert, and Vaughn whose retirements were effective May 31, 2017. “Thank you (CAHS) for making our retirement such a grand occasion,” stated Hebert.
Retirement Profiles:
Gail Long, Assistant Director for Staff Development & Special Projects (34 years of service)
Last Book Read: Master Life and Dreams From My Father
Studied at these universities: Tuskegee University and Prairie View A&M University
On the night stand: Hearing the Voice of God
Favorite snack: Avocado and crackers
First destination place after retirement: Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands
Best advice ever received: Wisdom is a virtue, use it.
Love, love, love: The Lord, my family, encouraging others to develop their talents, gifts and abilities
The best thing you can tell others: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 (NIV)
What you know for sure: We are here for a purpose . . . Find yours.
Person you would most like to meet: Former President Barack Obama
Will miss about job: My co-workers and the relationships that we developed to accomplish the mission of the College
Lloyd J. Hebert, Program Specialist, Community Economic Development (23 years of service)
Spouse: Adrienne Hebert
Last Book Read: Texas Enterprise Fund Report
Studied at these universities: Lamar University, and Prairie View A&M University
On the night stand: The phone is always next to me, even in the bedroom.
Favorite snack: Boudin sausage
First destination place after retirement: Austin, Canyon Lake
Best advice ever received: Eight words “There’s nothing to it…But to do it!
Ideal Day: Everyday
Love, love, love: I love people and problem solving.
The best thing you can tell others: “Have respect for self, others, and life!”
What you know for sure: God expects you to give Him your Best before He calls you home.
Person you would most like to meet: I wish I could have met my idol, the late Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, a Civil Rights Activist.
Will miss about job: I will miss the way that the public responded positively to Prairie View A&M University and Extension expertise.
Vivian Vaughn, Laboratory Animal Technician (16 years of service)
Last Book Read: Bible
Studied at these universities: Jamaica School of Agriculture and Prairie View A&M University
On the night stand: House phone
Favorite snack: Fresh fruits, especially apples and bananas.
First destination place after retirement: Jamaica, Jamaica!
Best advice ever received: Help everyone you possibly can.
Ideal Day: Work hard, then go home and put my feet up.
Love, love, love: Family, travel and Jamaican food.
The best thing you can tell others: “Be humble (Humble calf sucks the most milk).”
What you know for sure: There is a God.
Person you would most like to meet: Former President Barack Obama.
Will miss about job: I will miss coming to work.
Joice A. Jeffries, Ph.D.
Program Specialist, 4-H and Youth Development
jojeffries@pvamu.edu
(936) 261-5012