FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Release Date: May 16, 2007
Contact:
Bryce Hairston Kennard
Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (936) 261-2134, 2121
Fax: (936) 261-2139
E-mail: bhkennard@pvamu.edu
Web:
www.pvamu.edu U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison Inspires
Prairie View A&M’s Largest Graduating Class
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas--May 12--During Mother’s Day weekend, Prairie View A&M University conferred degrees on its largest graduating class ever. Nearly 800 graduates walked across the stage in the William “Billy” J. Nicks Building to receive their degrees during two history making ceremonies. This spring ceremony marked the university’s 126th commencement.
U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison delivered the commencement address for the morning ceremony and Texas A&M University System Board of Regents Chairman John D. White inspired graduates with a commencement address during the afternoon ceremony.
“Today’s set back may lead to tomorrow’s opportunity,” declared Hutchison after sharing a story of how her difficulty in finding a position with a law firm prompted her to ask for a position covering Texas legislative issues for Houston’s KPRC news station. Hutchison explained that her set back provided her with the skills and knowledge that led her to become the first woman elected to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate.
During her speech Hutchison also evoked the words and accomplishments of the late Texas congresswoman Barbara Jordan, Brown University President Dr. Ruth Simmons and retired Navy Three-Star Adm. and PVAMU alumnus David Brewer. She cited these individuals as accomplished graduates of historically black colleges and universities and challenged the graduating class to use their experience as inspiration to achieve goals and “never ever, ever give up.”
After her speech, President George C. Wright presented Hutchison with a special PVAMU Panther. The Panther honor is a highly coveted token of appreciation that is only bestowed to individuals selected by the president of PVAMU. Both U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and George H. W. Bush have the distinction of receiving a PVAMU Panther for delivering the commencement address for Prairie View A&M University.
During the university’s afternoon commencement ceremony, Texas A&M University Board of Regents Chairman John D. White delivered words of wisdom to the graduates and challenged them to use their talents to ultimately make a contribution to Texas and the world.
Aligned with the university’s beliefs of teaching, research and service, the university again presented its prestigious Humanitarian Award in both student and non-student categories during the afternoon commencement ceremony.
The PVAMU Humanitarian Award was created in 2005 to honor individuals and students who exemplify a true spirit of love and helpfulness to others. The 2007 recipients are long time community leaders Willie and Mell Pruitt (non-student awardees) and graduating senior Erika Green (student awardee).
Honored as a couple, the Pruitts have unselfishly committed their lives to improving the Bryan, Texas community and recently established the Brazos Valley African American Museum in Bryan.
Green, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a specialization in juvenile justice and a minor in english during the afternoon ceremony, was recognized for her unprecedented service to PVAMU, its surrounding community and the student body. She plans to attend law school this fall.
Posted By: Jehan Bunch
Thursday, May 17th 2007 at 12:16PM
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