By: Tucker Wilson
May 11 – Hours before they ceremoniously crossed the stage during the Prairie View A&M University’s official virtual commencement ceremony on May 9, the 24 College of Agriculture and Human Sciences graduates and eight Dietetic Interns were celebrated May 8 at a virtual reception in their honor.
Reception organizer, Mrs. Jacklyn Sanders, wanted to do something special for the graduates despite our inability to assemble. “Students have missed out on so much already, so we as a college decided to continue our tradition of having a graduate reception, and to do something just to show that we care, and we understand their accomplishment is worth celebrating despite the challenges the Coronavirus has presented.”
The virtual event, which at its height had more than 100 participants made up of graduates, faculty, staff, friends, and family members, was a first-of-its-kind for the college. The reception included moments of grandeur as both the Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs, Gerard D’Souza, and Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Professor, Kwaku Addo, donned full regalia. They provided words of encouragement to the graduates. D’Souza emphasized that generational crisis is not new, but, like others before, they too can emerge empowered. “You folks have the Coronavirus crisis. The world will never be the same, and we will never be the same, but this should empower you to realize that you are entering a workforce fresh from the experience of living through a global pandemic, and that should be very powerful knowledge for you.” D’Souza continued, “you are equipped with all the knowledge bestowed by your faculty, your advisors, and your fellow students.” Addo urged graduates to maintain a connection to the university and college. “As you begin this new chapter, don’t forget about PVAMU and, more importantly, the college. Please come back and contribute as proud Alums of this great college and this university.”
Graduates heard from peers and faculty members, including Professor and Dietetic Intern Program Director Sharon McWhinney, who told graduates, “Go forth, grab all of the opportunities life affords you.” The hour-long reception also allowed graduates to reflect on memorable moments on “The Hill.” Master of Human Sciences Graduate, Mokeitha Williams, gave a powerful and emotional acknowledgment of Adjunct Instructor, Ronald Briggs, whom she praised for providing snacks to students. Williams said, “Those snacks meant more than substance for my physical body; it meant we see you, we see you pressing, pursuing, we see you battling and sacrificing. We acknowledge your hunger, not just for food but for knowledge and your hunger for a better future for you and those you hold dear. We acknowledge you, and we stand behind you fully, we encourage you, we listen to you, we push and teach you, not just in theory but in practice until we were able to reach our intended goal which was to obtain our degree.”
Reception Committee member Wash A. Jones said, “This is an example of how teamwork and technology can make it possible to overcome a setback and turn that setback into a marvelous, creative experience. We all came together and created what I would call a memorable masterpiece.” Fellow committee member, and adjunct professor, Misha Chakraborty, added,
“Philanthropy isn’t just about big gifts; it’s about participation. It is about the grace that comes from working together.”
The virtual format did not hamper excitement nor emotions, as the program included heartfelt messages, humorous insight, and a video tribute to the graduates and interns. (Click Here to See CAHS Graduate Video) Guests were able to comment and express compliments via the platform’s chat feature as they participated in the program.
In his closing remarks, Jones added, “I’d like to end with a special quote: Confucius is credited with saying, ‘If you want to plan for a year, plant rice; if you want to plan for a decade, plant trees; if you want to plan for a lifetime, educate people.’” He continued, “I believe that the education our students have received at PVAMU prepares them for a lifetime of excellence, and I hope that their memories of ‘The Hill’ will be cause for a lifetime of celebration.”
The Coronavirus may have forced a new way of doing many things; some of the innovation to which we’ve defaulted may remain in place long after the battle against the virus is won.
For More information about this reception contact:
Mrs. Jacklyn Sanders: Instructor jssanders@pvamu.edu