PVAMU Alumni Relations

PVAMU Homecoming 2026 Alumni Relations Music Fest Alumni Relations Events I've always been fascinated by iconic music festivals like Woodstock, the Soul Bowl, and, perhaps most of all, WattStax. What inspired me was not just the entertainment, but the atmosphere they created, spaces where people could celebrate culture, excellence, creativity, and connection. That was the vision I wanted to bring to Prairie View A&M University's Homecoming experience. My team intentionally curated talent, creating a platform where alumni artists could share the stage alongside national performers. We showcased the excellence that lives within the Panther family while creating opportunities for our community to connect through music, culture, education, and engagement. Beyond the performances, we created spaces for learning through participation and a master class, ensuring that the experience was both entertaining and enriching. None of this would have been possible without the incredible collaborative effort of so many university dedicated partners and colleagues. Thank you to SSC, Entertainment Connect, Marketing and Communications, the Homecoming Committee, and University Advancement for embracing the vision and helping bring it to life. A special thank you to our core team, including Eleanor Bradshaw and Demetria Howard, whose commitment, creativity, and countless hours of work helped transform an idea into an experience. Together, we created more than a Homecoming event. We created a celebration of Panther excellence, alumni achievement, and the enduring spirit of Prairie View A&M University. For that, I am grateful. Like the great festivals that inspired us, this was never just about the music. It was about bringing people together, celebrating who we are, and creating memories that will resonate long after the final performance. 🐾💜💛 – at Jersey Village, TX

Celebrating 150 Years of Excellence on the Panther Stadium Concourse! 🐾💜💛 Join PVAMU Alumni Relations before kickoff as we celebrate Prairie View A&M University's 150th Anniversary with a special pop-up experience on the Panther Stadium Concourse. Stop by between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and pick up exclusive 150th Anniversary swag while supplies last. As we gather for Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day, let's also take a moment to honor a legacy 150 years in the making—a history rich in excellence, resilience, and achievement. 📍 Panther Stadium Concourse 🕚 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 🏈 PVAMU vs. Alabama A&M 📅 November 7 ⏰ Game Time: 2:00 p.m. Come celebrate our story, our history, and our future. #PVAMU150 #PVAMUAlumni #ExcellenceLivesHere #PantherPride – at Jersey Village, TX

Final Home Game Special Tailgate Parking Discounts Available

Our thought and prayers are with the family,friends, classmates, former students, and PVAMU teammates of PVAMU alumnus Freddie James '60. "James coached Carter High School from 1982 to 1995 and helped turn the Dallas ISD program into the most dominant in Texas during that span. Some consider his 1988 team, which had its state championship stripped for using an ineligible player, the greatest in Texas high school football history. During James’ 14-year coaching career, he achieved a record of 139-27-5 and saw eight players reach the NFL, including All-Pro linebacker Jessie Armstead, who played on the 1988 team, and two-time Super Bowl champion Chet Brooks." Coach James was depicted in the 2015 film adaptation about Carter: 2004’s “Carter High,” produced by PVAMU alumnus, Ty Walker. “James was part of the inaugural Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame class in 1996 and was inducted into the Dallas ISD Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. He graduated from Booker T. Washington in Dallas before playing for Prairie View A&M’s 1958 national championship team at both running back and defensive back. He started his coaching career in 1964 at Spigner Colored School in Calvert, Texas." Photos and quotes courtesy of The Dallas Morning News. – at Jersey Village, TX

For 150 years, Prairie View A&M University has been building leaders, expanding opportunity, and transforming lives. The Divine Nine is answering the call. NPHC organizations have committed to raising $150,000 each in honor of PVAMU’s Sesquicentennial — and every gift counts toward the mission. $150 for 150. That’s the ask. That’s the challenge. Members. Alumni. Family. Friends. Supporters — we need you in the operation. Give today: pvamf.org/divine9 #PVAMU150 #DivineNine #OperationD9 #PantherPride

The week following Homecoming has been a busy one, filled with meaningful moments that reminded me why our work matters. I am grateful that our Homecoming events were positive, engaging, and successful from an alumni perspective—more to come on that later. On Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend a production by the PVAMU Charles Gilpin Players. During the Q&A session, I asked several of the student performers about their academic majors and how they balance their passion for theater and the arts with demanding studies in fields such as Agriculture, Architecture, and Health Sciences. Their responses were thoughtful and inspiring, a reminder that our students continue to bring creativity, discipline, and excellence to everything they do. #StudentsBecomeAlumni On Friday, I traveled to Waco for the homegoing service of Prairie View A&M University alumna Minnie Patterson Cooper Washington ’64, followed by her burial in Austin. At 95 years old, Minnie had lived a remarkable life defined by perseverance, service, and educational excellence. Raised in the small rural community of Granger, Texas, Minnie excelled academically from an early age, graduating as valedictorian of her class at Crispus Attucks High School. She continued her education at the historic Mary Allen College in Crockett, Texas, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Home Economics and distinguished herself as a standout basketball player. From 1962 to 1964, Minnie attended Prairie View A&M University and earned a Master of Education degree. Her journey to Prairie View was shaped by the realities of segregation. Although she lived just steps from the Baylor University campus, she was denied admission because of her race. Undeterred, she found opportunity at Prairie View, an institution that welcomed and empowered students whose aspirations were too often limited elsewhere. Minnie went on to serve as a fourth-grade teacher in Waco ISD for 34 years. Even after retirement, she continued as a substitute teacher and accepted long-term teaching assignments because of her unwavering love for education and her desire to help students succeed. Speaker after speaker at her service reflected on the countless lives she influenced throughout her teaching career. As I listened, I was reminded by how often Minnie credited her Prairie View education for shaping her approach to teaching and learning. She took great pride in her alma mater and marveled at the University's growth over the years. When the new football stadium opened in 2017, she was amazed by how far Prairie View had come. And whenever I saw her, she always asked the same question: "What is new at PV?" Her curiosity, Panther pride, and commitment to education never faded. Minnie Patterson Cooper Washington represented a generation whose sacrifices and determination opened doors for others. Her life stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of Prairie View A&M University alumni who dedicate themselves to serving others. – at Jersey Village, TX

#PVAMUAlumni Impact Strategies LLC proudly celebrated its 20th Anniversary, marking two decades of visionary leadership, innovative solutions, and transformative impact across the communities it serves. The anniversary celebration recognized not only the company's longevity but also its remarkable contributions to students, community organizations, businesses, and clients throughout the years. For two decades, Impact Strategies LLC has remained committed to empowering individuals, strengthening institutions, and creating opportunities that drive meaningful and lasting change. This milestone served as a reflection of the company's journey—built on a foundation of integrity, collaboration, and service—and highlighted the countless lives touched through its consulting expertise, mentorship initiatives, strategic partnerships, and community engagement efforts. As guests gathered to commemorate this significant achievement, the event honored the relationships, accomplishments, and success stories that have defined Impact Strategies LLC's legacy. From supporting student development and educational advancement to helping clients achieve their organizational goals, the firm has consistently demonstrated what it means to make a lasting impact. I am especially proud to count Eric Lyons, Debny Greenlee, and Prairie View A&M University alumna Vernita Harris, MBA, CMP among my friends. Their leadership, professionalism, and commitment to service have been instrumental in shaping the success and reputation of Impact Strategies LLC. Watching their vision and hard work culminate in this remarkable 20-year milestone is both inspiring and well-deserved. Excited to see among the invitation only event, several PVAMU alumni including Miles Johnson, Peter Turnquest, Kimberly Gordon, and others as well as Dean Aneika Simmons, PhD, PVAMU College of Business. Vernita currently serves as the Chair to the PVAMU College of Business Advisory Committee. Last but not least, the student interns mentored by the Impact Strategies team all of whom are entrepreneurs. Congratulations to Impact Strategies LLC on 20 years of service, leadership, and excellence. As the company looks toward the future, its commitment to empowering communities, developing future leaders, and delivering exceptional results remains stronger than ever. Twenty years of impact. Twenty years of innovation. Twenty years of transforming lives and organizations. – at Jersey Village, TX

#PVAMUAlumni Yesterday, while attending the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Impact Strategies LLC, a PVAMU alumnus approached me and said, “I know who you are, but you probably don’t remember me.” I admitted that I didn't. He smiled and replied, “I remember you from the football sidelines.” And just like that, I was transported back more than a decade. After I retired in 2015 and resigned from the Foundation, then-Athletics Director Ashley Robinson asked me to volunteer with the football program. A new coaching staff was coming in, and he wanted me to help build stronger connections between the coaches, the team, and our alumni. For the next three years, I attended every practice, every game, and traveled with the team. During the summers, I developed workshops for student-athletes and brought in speakers such as Kenny Houston, Mel Gray, Fred Newhouse, Joe Greene, and others to share their experiences and wisdom. It was an honor to stand on the sidelines for a university that I love. What I did not fully realize at the time was that someone was always watching. During our Tarleton State tailgate, two former players from those years spotted me and immediately greeted me with huge hugs. A week later, at the home opener game, I received another hug and another warm greeting from three former players. A former running back recently commented on one of my Homecoming posts, and when I asked about my bonus niece, he jokingly responded, “Which one?” When Khadarel Hodge returned to campus last spring, we spent time talking about his journey back from injury during college and his successful return to the field at the SU homecoming game. Months earlier, he had arranged for university representatives to attend an Atl Falcons game. These young men were a family then, and in many ways, they remain one today. I was fortunate to be welcomed into that family. A month or so ago, I reposted a celebratory post from the young man whose comment inspired this reflection. During the Impact Strategies celebration, he was invited to speak about an item he had donated for a raffle. As he spoke, I quickly snapped photos and sent them to Coach Simmons and Coach Street. One thing I always appreciated about that coaching staff was their commitment to celebrating student success beyond football. As I listened, I realized that Miles Johnson was not only succeeding in his professional career but was also thriving as an entrepreneur—a journey that began while he was still a student-athlete at Prairie View A&M University. Moments like these remind me that our impact is often greater than we realize. The relationships we build, the encouragement we offer, and the time we invest in students can have a lasting effect long after the final whistle blows. Thank you, Miles Johnson, for the reminder that someone is always watching—and that the seeds we plant today may bloom in ways we never expected. #PVAMUAlumni #StudentAthleteSuccess #PVAMUGiveBack #ImpactStrategiesLLC

Although I wasn't able to attend the screening, I am incredibly proud of the work, dedication, and vision that brought "Beneath the Soil: The Promise and Proof of Prairie View A&M University" to life. This is our story. Our history. Our legacy. It was a remarkable opportunity to help tell the Prairie View story and to connect with so many alumni whose experiences, accomplishments, and unwavering Panther pride represent the true promise and proof of our institution. Many years ago, Candace,Ty, and I talked about the importance of documenting and preserving these stories for future generations. Today, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and pride to see that vision come to fruition. What began as a conversation has become a powerful testament to the enduring impact of Prairie View A&M University and the lives it has transformed. Congratulations to everyone who helped bring this project to life. Our stories matter, our history matters, and our legacy, rooted in a tradition of excellence, deserves to be shared, celebrated, and preserved for generations to come. A special thank you to Ty Walker and the entire Braveheart Entertainment team; Candace Johnson, Nicholas Hunt, and the many individuals whose passion and dedication made this documentary possible. Thank you also for including our student interns. The experience they gained through this project is invaluable and will undoubtedly influence their future journeys. Thank you, Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande, for the opportunity to participate in this meaningful project. Congratulations to my dear Prairie View as we continue celebrating 150 Years of Excellence and the enduring legacy that makes us proud. We are rooted in history; grounded in excellence; and rising toward the future in eminence. 💜💛 #BeneathTheSoil #OurStoryOurHistory #ThePromiseAndProof #PVLegacy #RootedAndRising76 – at Jersey Village, TX