Established in 1901 and funded by donations, the Prairie View A&M National Alumni Association is dedicated to strengthening the connection between Prairie View students and alumni.Open Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 5:30, the association is made up of more than 30 chapters and classes nationwide. Cleophus Sharp, executive director of the association, said, “The primary function of the association is to bring together graduates and students for the support of the association, the university and the students in the form of scholarships and other programs to prepare them for society.”
The NAA sponsors galas, picnics, fashion shows, and seminars covering topics such as tax tips, insurance, investments and entrepreneurship. The organization also hosts an annual convention that is open to the public. This year’s convention will be held in Houston at the Westin Galleria Hotel July 11 through 14. Activities planned include a town hall meeting and a gospel extravaganza featuring V. Michael Mckay.
The association has affiliate agreements with companies such as Liberty Mutual Insurance, Your Travel Biz and International Merchant Service which allow Prairie View students and alumni to access preferred rates on car, home and life insurance and travel fare.
Sharp expressed his belief about the importance of student involvement with the NAA. “The alumni association is actually a family, that’s very important for your generation because the family atmosphere is not there like it used to be,” said Sharp. “I think that it’s important for the students today to know their family and it makes a big difference in networking.”
Sharp described the various scholarships offered by the NAA, including a teachers’ education scholarship and First Class Alumni scholarship that are based on need and academic achievements. To apply for these scholarships students must contact the NAA or the Teachers’ Education Office. Different chapters and classes also offer their own scholarships that students can apply for.
The NAA serves as the parent organization for the Pre-Alumni Association on campus. Originating in the late 1980s, the PAA was “created to bridge the gap between alumni and students and to get students to participate and become involved,” said Sharp. “Students don’t know how successful Prairie View graduates are. Even Prairie View graduates don’t know how successful Prairie View graduates are.”
Sharp encouraged students to get involved, “The alumni would be glad to work with students and help develop their leadership skills.