
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Release Date: November 30, 2006
Contact:
Bryce Hairston Kennard
University Relations Associate
Phone: (936) 261-2134, 2121
Fax: (936) 261-2139
E-mail: bhkennard@pvamu.edu
Web:
www.pvamu.edu PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas--Nov. 15-- One hundred Prairie View A&M University students made history recently by being among the first to contribute to the Craig A. Washington Endowed Scholarship Fund during an announcement ceremony hosted by the College of Juvenile Justice & Psychology. The scholarship fund was established March 2006, during the “Living Legend” event held on campus to honor renowned criminal trial lawyer and former U.S. Congressman Craig A. Washington, a 1966 graduate of PVAMU.
The student pioneers who donated a joint contribution to the fund have been named the “The First 100” and are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs in the university’s College of Juvenile Justice & Psychology. The students donated over $4,000, including a generous $2,000 donation from a senior who will graduate December 2006.
The College of Juvenile Justice & Psychology plans to raise a total of $25,000 by August 2007, in order to secure matching funds from the state. Due to the active involvement and support that “The First 100” students exhibited, the scholarship fund now has a sizable foundation on which to build.
Dr. Veda Brown, assistant professor of Psychology, developed the concept of “The First 100” students and is one of the driving forces behind the special student development initiative. Brown expressed gratitude to current students and applauded them for making sacrifices in order to contribute to the scholarship endowment. During the donation announcement ceremony she also expressed her sincere appreciation to students for their unselfish efforts toward making the scholarship campaign successful. While commenting on the recent donation, Dr. Brown encouraged students to “Take the spirit of giving,” with them as they move forth in the world.
Mr. Nelson Bowman, III, assistant director of the Office of Development, praised the students for their efforts and encouraged them to keep up the good work. “As a fundraiser for the university, I am constantly being asked by the philanthropic community about our internal giving levels. Until now, I only mentioned the faculty and staff participation rates. However, after today, I can add that our students are involved now, as well.” Mr. Bowman continued by stating “Many people think you have to be rich to make a difference. But as shown today, there’s strength in numbers. I challenge you to tell friends or classmates about how they can also make a difference.”
About Prairie View A&M University:
Founded in 1876, Prairie View A&M University is the second oldest public institution of higher education in Texas. With an established reputation for producing engineers, nurses and educators, PVAMU offers baccalaureate degrees in 50 academic majors, 37 master’s degrees and four doctoral degree programs through nine colleges and schools. A member of the Texas A&M University System, the university is dedicated to fulfilling its land-grant mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research and service. During the university’s 130-year history, nearly 48,000 academic degrees have been awarded. For more information regarding PVAMU, visit
www.pvamu.edu
Posted By: Jehan Bunch
Friday, December 1st 2006 at 3:16PM
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