Dr. Marcus D. Cosby of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church spoke to the students of Prairie View about empowerment, friends, finances, and faith, during the general assembly that was held in the Opal Johnson-Smith Auditorium on Jan. 28.
The theme for this semester’s assembly was “Exploring Empowerment.” Cosby was introduced as a well-achieved and intelligent person, but when he took the stage and began to speak, he made sure he related to each one of the students.
As an undergrad at Fisk University, the Chicago native joked about his college experience and how he, too, “slacked off.” After a briefing of what he experienced as a college student, he went on to share what he learned. “Don’t permit enjoyment to overshadow your purpose,” he told students, “understand your purpose,” he continued.
Shortly after Cosby’s address, President George C. Wright took the stage to deliver the shocking news of the passing of the eldest son of Vice President of Student Affairs and Institutional Relations Lauretta F. Byars and Associate Provost for Enrollment Management Don Byars II.
Students were also told about iRead, a program created to promote academic success. The program was introduced at the assembly by Dr. E. Joahanne Thomas-Smith, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, she spoke about hopes for the program and encouraged students to continue reading.
Student Government Association President Robert Powell also announced that the university would be hosting a Hump Day after dark to support and raise money for Haiti relief on Feb. 4. at 7 p.m. The Charles Gilpin Players will perform “A Haitian State of Mind,” and a candle light vigil will close the program.