The Panther

Years have passed, yet the diploma hangs perfectly centered behind my chair and the graduation ring sits proudly atop my finger... constant reminders of the formative years I spent as an undergraduate. For the record, I did not attend Prairie View A & M University but I did attend an HBCU that provided me with a hefty dose of the black experience and more importantly, a better understanding of the giving-back concept. Ordinarily, one would consider these lessons to be indicative of an HBCU education, but my epiphany occurred during a freshman-week session called "students now, alumni forever."

Alumni, as defined by Webster are graduates, former students or old pupils. My college said, "Anyone can matriculate through college, earn a degree, and become a graduate but our alumni do that and so much more. They are individuals who completely embrace the uniqueness and importance of an HBCU education by beginning their support now and continuing it forever. Which kind do you want to be?

It doesn't take a lot to make a difference: if half of the PVAMU student body (or approximately 4000 students) were to contribute a one time gift of $25 (that's $2.78 a month per 9 months) we would raise $100,000 that could be used in various student related areas.

This was an article written by Nelson Bowman, an alumnus of Morehouse College.

I republished this article because I am still an undergraduate and I cannot fully explain to you the invigorating experience received from giving back to your alma mater, so I gave you a testimony from someone who could.

True, I am attempting to foster within the students an altruistic spirit, but I would never limit that to monetary donations. When you reach the point of self-actualization you will realize that you have so much to offer other than money. Your support, love, and even presence can be a contribution.

If you are truly interested in becoming a member of the National Alumni Association or plan to give back to your university then I would implore you to start by joining the Pre-Alumni Association which meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Elmer E. O'Banion Science Building Rm. A104.

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