Alumni, family, friends, colleagues and students gathered Friday, Nov. 3, for the Nathelyne Archie Kennedy Architecture Building dedication ceremony. The ceremony was held to honor the building’s namesake, Prairie View alumna of the class of 1959, Mrs. Nathelyne Archie Kennedy.
Kennedy became the first female engineering graduate in the history of the university, and the first African-American female licensed engineer in the state of Texas. She is president and owner of Nathelyne A. Kennedy & Associates, a civil and structural engineering consulting firm that provides services to many prestigious engineering projects across Texas.
Nathelyne A. Kennedy & Associates has worked on many projects across the state, including freeway and toll expansions, the widening of bridges, major league sports facilities, the METRO railway system, and the expansion of the George Bush Intercontinental Airport- a $45 million project.
Dr. Ikhlas Sabouni, dean of the School of Architecture, said, “Mrs. Kennedy has overcome many obstacles in her quest for excellence. Her work has brought visibility to our university, and she has opened the doors for so many others.”
Kennedy was selected for the honor by a naming committee because of her devotion to the university and to the continued success of the student body. She is an active participant in local and national alumni associations, and a member of the Prairie View A&M University capital campaign committee. Her devotion to the university and the idea that Prairie View produces productive people is also visible by the Nathelyne Archie Kennedy Scholarship Endowment, which assists students who major in engineering and architecture.
University President George Wright said, ” This is a celebration of a distinguished alum, I felt strongly that naming the building after Mrs. Kennedy is appropriate, she represents the best of our alumni. She represents the past, the present, and the future of the university.”
Kennedy graciously accepted the honor, and said, “You have made this a day I will truly never forget. My only ambition has been to do great work in a field I truly love. You make me feel that I have succeeded. This beautiful building may be named after me, but I am here because many people have intervened in my life. This magnificent building will honor the legacy that Prairie View produces productive people.”
The new building, which was designed by renowned architect Michael Rotondi, opened a year ago. It houses degree programs in architecture, art, construction science, and community development.