PVAMU National Alumni Convention Huge Success

On July 21-24, all roads led to New Orleans for the 36th National Convention of Prairie View A&M University National Alumni Association. Alumni from everywhere came to participate in the four-day event, with workshops, seminars and awards ceremonies. Among the attendees were PVAMU President Dr. George C. Wright and other administrators, along with local chapters’ presidents, Lois Brown, Gloria Thompson and George H. Higgs.

The 2010 Hand Bell Camp is in full swing at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Prairie view. The camp runs July 26-30 from 7:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m., and is open to students in grades 2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. For information, call 936-857-3272. The camp is free and lunch will be provided by the Episcopal Church Women.

Kudos to Caitlyn Santee on her participation in Episcopal Choir Camp at Blinn College on July 19-24. The camp closes on July 24 with a concert at 6:00 p.m. Caitlyn is the daughter of Willie and Cheryl Santee. Van transportation is being provided by St. Francis of Assisi. Call Madolyn Reed at 936-857-3534 for information.

Congratulations to DJ Premier (Chris Martin) on the formation of his indie label, Year Round Records, with four artists set to debut this fall. Chris is the legendary producer, DJ and the former instrumental half of the duo Gang Starr, with the late MC Guru. Premier is hailed as an architect of “East Coast hip-hop” and is recognized as one of the five greatest producers in hip-hop history, by Source Magazine. In a recent Music Industry Report, Premier gave some producers wisdom and talked about the advantages of being on independent labels versus major labels. Chris has produced music for Spike Lee, Branford Marsalis and Mariah Carey, etc. Chris is the son of Dr. Edward and Pearl Martin. For more information check out DJPREMIER.ORG

Members of the HOPE A.M.E Church in Prairie View will honor their pastor, Reverend Robert E. Williams, on July 25 to mark the 10th Anniversary of his dedicated service and spiritual leadership. The event starts at 3:06 pm at the church on University Drive. The Reverend Mark W. Jackson, Pastor of East Orange A.M.E. Church, Houston is the guest speaker. For information, call 281-342-3207 or 936-857-3561.

The Prairie View Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly meeting on July 29, 2010 at 6 p.m. at George E. Higgs Prairie View National Alumni Headquarters on University Drive. All business leaders are invited to attend and join. For information, call 936-857-5817.

The Maestro Dr. Lucius Wyatt and a quartet with Larry Jones, piano, Caleb Dada, bass, and Justin McLean, drums made good on the presentation of "Rediscovering Jazz" at the recent Men's Breakfast July 17 at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church. Wyatt recounted the evolution of jazz and its influence on music and world culture with performances music by Clifford Brown and Miles Davis. The next breakfast is on August 21 and will feature Ret. Marine Captain Carlen Charleston reviewing his book – “From Baghdad to Being Dad.” Call 936-857-3272 or email stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net for information.

The countdown is on for the 4th Annual Red and White Ball of the Prairie View Volunteer Fire Fighters Inc. set for August 28, 2010. For information and sponsorship, call Elaine Jackson at 936-857-5550 or email: mejacksontx@prodigy.net.

Your prayers and encouragement are welcomed for the health of Martha Bailey, Esel and Willie J. Bell Sr., Ernestine Carreathers, Nellie Charleston, Dewayne Charleston, Redessa Coleman, Hulen and Irene Davis, B. J. Freeman, Mary Kemp, James Poindexter, Irene Reid, Otelia A. Watson and Douglas Woolfolk. May God’s peace be with you all!

A VIEW FROM THE HILL: On July 22, 2003 the TAMUS board of regents formally named Dr. George C. Wright as the 7th President Prairie View A&M University. Dr. Wright assumed the office on Aug. 15, 2003. Congratulations Dr. Wright on your seventh anniversary!

More than 300 students are ready for the Summer Commencement of Prairie View A&M University set for Aug. 14 at 9 a.m. in the William J. "Billy" Nicks Sr. Building. Dr. Danny Kelley, Dean of the Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences at Prairie View A&M University will address the graduates. Kelley and his wife Janice are both PVAMU Alumni. For information, contact 936-261-3180.

Congratulations to 100 students who completed the eight-week ACCESS Program at Prairie View A&M University this summer. Graduation for the class is set July 23 in the Opal Johnson Smith Auditorium. The students participated in a field trip to the state capitol in Austin and completed their service learning project in Dallas, Texas. Now it’s break time in preparation for the fall semester.

Happy July Birthday to: Brandon Thibodeaux (16), Cameron Thibodeaux (19), Carolyn Giles (20), Carven K. Kromah (20), Bernice Cummings (22), Paris Kincade (25), Gerald Ladig (25), Carol Campbell (26), Rose M. Jackson (26), Renee Calloway (27), Ashlee Davies (29), Deborah Dungey (29), Waymon Webster (29), Mary White (30), Mary Hawkins (30) and Robert Hall (31). ANNIVERSARY CONGRATULATIONS to Alvin and Redessa Coleman (23).

Until next week, seek God's guidance in all that you do and you will never be lost. Give thanks to God in all circumstances and you shall receive his grace. Keep the news, achievements and recognitions coming to prairieviewtoday@iwon.com, fax 936-857-5352, phone 936-857-3272 or P. O. Box 2906, Prairie View, Texas 77446.