The Pre-Alumni Association hosted its first seminar of the semester Oct. 9 in the New Science Building.
The seminar titled The True Alumni was to inform undergraduate students at Prairie View A & M University of the PAA’s history and to instruct students of the value and importance of becoming future members of the Prairie View A&M National Alumni Association.
The seminar opened with a prayer from the vice president of PAA, Victor Manor, a senior education major. A welcome was then given by Sheneria Perry, a member of PAA, followed by the introduction of guest speaker Louis Brown, by Shavon Johnson, a senior biology major and current president of PAA.
Alumna Louis Brown received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university and became a member of the NAA after retiring from Waller I.S.D in 2004.
Brown is the mother of two daughters who are also Prairie View graduates. She currently holds a position on the board of the Prairie View chapter.
One of the main purposes of the NAA is to form a union between both organizations while working to foster and implement programs for the university in the form of grants and scholarships.
“We want to continue to maintain and uphold the history and integrity of the university that helped us become who we are today,” stated Brown during her speech.
“In the past year, we worked and lobbied vehemently to keep Prairie View University’s name from changing,” said Brown speaking on the past successful endeavors held by the NAA. In 2006 the Texas legislature passed a law in favor of the university, stating that the name would not change to Texas A&M University at Prairie View.
Brown spoke on encouraging the youth of today and future graduates of Prairie View to become members of the NAA or at least advocate their support for their alma mater in whatever venue best suits them.
Though contributions in funds come through various avenues, it is generally perceived that the school is funded primarily through the state.
Brown asked students to ask themselves if they were truly receiving what they committed to financially and to think about investing in institutions and organizations that support them.
The NAA donates money every year through scholarships and grants for all students in need.
Johnson also looked forward to seeing more support from her fellow classmates. “With large numbers we can do all kinds of things not just for PV, but for the black community in general,” stated Johnson, who strongly believes that the student body can continue to go much farther and surpass expectations.