Supporters of the Prairie View Nurses Alumni Chapter arrived early on Dec. 7 to the Crowne Plaza-Medical Center for the 28th Annual Phebia Sadberry Warren-Person Prayer Breakfast.

Newly-elected president Mattie Mason has wanted to carry on the purpose of this key fundraiser.

“My term is for two years,” explained the 1978 graduate of the Prairie View A&M University nursing program.  “My goal is, number one, to continue the legacy of the founders of supporting the students, retaining the students, and graduating the students.”

The prayer breakfast not only fed the more than 200 people who packed the ballroom, but it also supplied the souls of nursing alumni who say they rely on their faith to provide lifesaving and life-sustaining care.

“We are a 501(c)3, a nonprofit organization, and we accept donations,” Mason said. “This prayer breakfast is the way we operate our chapter and all of our functions.”

Dr. Betty Adams, dean of PVAMU’s College of Nursing, told the crowd that the 100-year-old nursing program is still producing quality nurses. The program is also drawing more notoriety and interested students who will need the prayer and support of the alumni organization.

“Presently, we are having more students [applying] than we can possibly admit. At the same time, we are cognizant that we must continue to have the faith and the sustainability to follow the proper protocol,” Adams shared.  “And most importantly of all, those who come into the fold can accept that the Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing is a special place. We admit students from everywhere, and many of our students are individuals who do need a special kind of attention. At the same time, we produce scholars.”

This fundraiser was started by Phebia Sadberry Warren-Person, known as a dedicated pioneer in the nursing profession.  Her daughter Vivica Warren and several other family members attended this year’s inspirational breakfast program.

“It’s very special. I was here at the beginning of the creation of this prayer breakfast and worked with my mother to get it all together, which is really her vision.  She was a strong Prairie View alum[na],” shared Vivica Warren, a life-long Houstonian.

“It feels really good,” said Warren. “I have not always attended, but to see after 28 years the number of people who come continuously and with the crowd that is here today, it meant a lot to us.”

Mason said she was glad to see the Warren family.

“It’s very special because Ms. Phebia had the vision, they were a part of the vision, and the vision continues.  They came out to support the vision of their mother,” she said.

Barbara Owens, a registered nurse who earned her BSN at PVAMU in 1987, served as the keynote speaker.  Her message to the nurses and supporters focused on faith and appreciation of a higher power that sustains them throughout their medical careers.

“I thank God for the miracles that he has performed in my life and the miracles He will perform in my life,” Owens said passionately. “We are the beneficiaries of the Kingdom of God.”

Mason said the community also benefits from the funds raised during this annual breakfast.

“Our newest goal now is to expand into the community.  To do things in the community as well as bridging the different generations,” Mason said, as she encouraged the general public to help the Prairie View Nurses Alumni through tax-deductible donations, which also supports their scholarships for PVAMU nursing students.

For more ways on which you can support the Prairie View Nurses Alumni Chapter, go to https://pvnursesalumni.org/donations.

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By Michael Douglas