Collegiate 100 Teams up for Real Men Read Program to Improve Early Childhood Literacy

The Collegiate 100 at Prairie View A&M University is on the move as it teams up with Highland Heights Elementary School in the Acres Home area of Houston for its Real Men Read Program on October 20.

Highland is a charter school that serves grades PK-5. It has received a Great-Schools rating of 7 out of 10 based on its performance on state standardized tests.

The program, designed to enhance early childhood literacy by improving the reading and comprehension ability of the students, is the first of its kind in the district to involve the men of the community. Prominent men from the community and college students such as those from the Collegiate 100 organization have committed to read to the students once a month.

In addition to the readings, the Collegiate 100 Vice President Dymonique Burton and Secretary Chris Shelton, both senior architect students, explained to the students the importance of education and reading. Burton and Shelton were very impressed with the students and how they responded to their questions. According to Shelton, "I am very excited to work with the Highland Heights students and to reach offer a helping hand to the children. I was touched tremendously when I saw the faces of the students light up in excitement to read."

Ms. Shanica Smith, fifth grade teacher at the school, was elated and excited that the students would travel from Prairie View A&M University for the program. “Am very impressed with The Collegiate men for their commitment and the way they connected with the students. We look forward to seeing them in November,” Smith commented. Dymonique stated that the students made an impact on them so they committed to read twice a month instead. “We are delighted to work with the kids and to give something back. I can’t remember having men sit down and read to me, so this program means a lot to us and the kids,” said Dymonique, also the Mentoring Chair for the Collegiate 100.

The Collegiate 100 is also engaged in mentoring kids in Cyfair ISD whhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifere all eighteen members are certified to participate in the program. The chapter has also teamed up with University College and is sponsoring a series of seminars for the freshmen students. Additionally, the chapter is assisting with the establishment and chartering of the 100 Collegiate Women of America, sort of a sister organization to improve the quality of life for college women and girls in general.

The Chapter will induct ten new members on November 11, who no doubt will be involved in the chapter’s programming.

The Collegiate 100 is a mentoring organization sponsored by the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston, Inc. Travis Reed, a senior architect student, is president of the Collegiate 100. The advisers are Dr. Clement Glenn and Frederick V. Roberts.

For information on the Collegiate, go to http://collegiate100prairieviewamuniversity.blogspot.com/ or write: collegiate100pvamu@gmail.com.


TAMUS Chancellor John Sharp visits Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View A&M University administrators, faculty, staff and student and members of the Prairie View Community welcomed Mr. John Sharp, Chancellor for The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) to the campus on October 19. Chancellor Sharp is a former Texas Comptroller, Railroad Commissioner, State Senator and Representative.

This is Sharp’s first visit to the campus, even in his capacity Chancellor, to show his commitment and respect for all parts of the system. Sharp has a wealth of experience with higher education and business management and is familiar with Prairie View A&M University status in the system.

Sharp told the capacity crowd that he was very impressed with his visit and to learn of the great things happening at the university. He cited the excellent research at the university being conducted by Dr. Raul Cuero and others. My goal is to make sure that people know what’s happening at our universities,” Sharp said. “I pledge to do everything that I can as chancellor to ensure that this university gets its fair recognition and support. Our office for commercialization of technology is ready to take some of this research to market.”

He is a native of Placedo, Texas, a small community on the Gulf Coast and has a master's in public administration from Texas State University. Sharp is most proud of his as accomplishments as Comptroller where he introduced several innovations like the Lone Star Card, the Texas Tomorrow Fund, the Texas Window on State Government and the website of the comptroller's office. Sharp assumed the new position on September 6 having been appointed in August but by law could not take the position until after twenty-one days.

Chancellor Sharp fielded various questions from the audience and expressed his thanks for the hospitality and encouraged the audience to be proud of the achievements of the university.

City to Celebrate A Taste of Prairie View
Major plans are underway for the first celebration of the “A Taste of Prairie View” sponsored by the Economic Development Corporation 4B. The celebration coincides with the Homecoming Festivities at Prairie View A&M University set for November 13-19. Some planned activities are vendor sales (food and other items), children’s play area, Zydeco music, art showcase and poetry reading. For information contact Denise Armstrong at amistadbookplace@earthlink.net.

KPVU FM 91.3 to Celebrate 30 years on the Air

Radio Station, KPVU FM 91.3 at Prairie View A&M University is gearing up for its 30th Anniversary Celebration during the 2011 Homecoming Celebration November 16-19. Events include The Annual Fund Drive, now in effect, station tour, special programs and awards to former station directors, students and contributors. KPVU, the county’s only radio station which services a 120 mile radius northwest of Houston area, had its debut on November 26, 1981. Station General Manager, Cheryl Granger Brooks is ecstatic of the upcoming celebration and invite commends the community for its continued support. For information, contact cdbrooks@pvamu.edu or 936-261-3750

The PVAMU SIFE team is in full swing having conducted phase 1 of its Fall Leadership Training. The 40 member team focused on team-building, communications and project management, and the SIFE criteria for programs. The members are ready to “change the world” and look forward to implementing its programs to address the social, economic and environmental needs of the community. Some planned events are Panther Pete Goes Green Recycling Project, Financial Literacy seminars and the Business of Entertainment and Music. Alexus Hall, junior computer engineering major from Lake Charles, Louisiana is the president. Dr. Rick Baldwin, management professor in the College of Business serves as advisor and yours truly as the Sam Walton Fellow.

Until next week, in the words of Frederick Douglass, "power conceded nothing, it never did and it never will. You have to continue to fight for what you want. Keep sending the news and achievements to prairieviewtoday@iwon.com or
P. O. Box 2906, Prairie View, Texas 77446.

100 Collegiate Women of America Launched in Prairie View

The 100 Collegiate Women of America™ is the newest organization for college and university students in the world. The 100 Collegiate Women of America™ is an international organization created at Prairie View A&M University in August 2011.

Why do colleges and universities need another organization you may ask? Well the organizers believe this organization is needed because it is one of the few that will focus on empowering its membership and equip them to help others and improve the quality of life.

"The mission of the 100 Collegiate Women of America is to increase and provide opportunities to empower and improve the quality of life for women and influence development at all levels of society."

The organization is open to college women who are progressive in their thoughts and actions, committed and dedicated to the cause of all humanity, and strive to make life better for others through service, volunteerism and economic and political empowerment.

The 100 Collegiate Women of America is an outgrowth of an idea for an organization by Frederick V. Roberts, former Assistant Director of Career Services at Prairie View A&M University and a program initiative of the Collegiate 100 at the university. How did the organization get its beginning you may ask? According to Roberts, who created the Collegiate 100 organization in 1993, women were part of that group at first. Once the organization was recognized by the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston, Inc. and the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. in 1994, the membership focus was only on the college men. However, they were encouraged to work with women's organizations.

With the reactivation of the Collegiate 100 at Prairie View A&M University in March 2011 and the subsequent induction of the men into the chapter, there was a renewed interest in a group for the women. At the time Roberts stated that the commitment was to the young men first and then consideration will be given to allowing women affiliates. Roberts informed the women that they could start their own organization and he would assist where necessary and convenient. As the semester rolled on the discussions continued with the women about creating an organization, however, no one took the leadership challenge. "We want the Collegiate100 to to help us create one because we want to work with you," some said. While others waited in the wings!

Following the induction of the Collegiate 100 for men and the urging of Dymonique Burton, Vice President of the group, Roberts suggested that they compile a list of the women interested in the group and contact will be made when the time came. Over the summer, Roberts developed the concept for the organization, which is to become a non-profit organization with chapters on college and university campuses across the nation.

To kick off the fall semester, Roberts, Burton and Travis Reed, the Collegiate 100 president, called a meeting with the young women who had expressed interest in the organization. Some 20 women were present for the orientation to learn about the organization and to make their interest and commitment known to supporting and growing the organization. Roberts then appointed Elexia Robinson-White, a senior education major from Desoto, Texas, as the organizing Chair/President and asked the group to elect the remaining officers. The women were also offered membership into the new group. They were encouraged to invite another woman who each felt would support and benefit from membership in the organization to the next orientation meeting.

The organization is currently seeking approval for recognition as a student organization at Prairie View A&M University. On the suggestion of Ms. Robinson-White, the organization conducted interviews of all the ladies to determine their level of commitment and dedication to the organization. To date, more than 40 amazing and concerned women are participating in orientation and membership development. Upon university approval, the local group will host an induction ceremony and reception for the newest members. Mrs. Johnie Walker, alternative teacher certification and Dr. De Linda Marzette, language professor at Prairie View A&M University serves as advisers to the organization.

It is governed by a Board of Directors of selected students from the Collegiate 100, 100 Collegiate Women of America and other interested parties. The organization is the creation and is the property of The Collegiate Community Development Corporation, Inc. and all proprietary rights thereof.

The Purpose of the 100 Collegiate Women of America is to empower women through education, mentoring, volunteering and influencing development for the greater society. Our motto: Engage, Educate, Empower and Inspire others to great heights!

The 100 Collegiate Women of America is an organization of educated, talented and progressive women who are committed to initiating and creating programs that foster growth and professional development among its membership and the youth. Every member is treated equally with integrity, dignity, respect and importance. No one is considered to be more or less important than any other member, regardless of their classification or achievements.

The 100 Collegiate Women is further committed to developing the potential leadership of women, and improving communities through the effective action and programs and providing opportunities to meet the organization's objectives.

The Objectives of the 100 Collegiate Women of America are to fulfill its aim thus:
- Provide professional mentoring for the members
- Serve as mentors and role models for the youth in the community
- Continue supporting the holistic development of our youth
- Provide programs for leadership and followship development
- Establish entrepreneurship and business initiatives to increase the financial independence of the women
- Establish new and creative initiatives that positively impact women
- Provide scholarships and other benefits to its membership and high school girls
- Increase collaborations with organizations of with similar missions and influence

The 100 Collegiate Women of America and its affiliates with similar missions will also seek to engage in collaborative activities and events that will empower the community and its people. Such organizations to include but not limited to Professional Women's Network of Houston, the Oprah Winfrey Network, the Federation of Houston Professional Women and the Women's Business Forum, to name a few. These organizations have programs that will strengthen the sister-mentoring goal of the 100 Collegiate Women of America.

Roberts and the group look forward to the formal launching of the organization at Prairie View A&M University. Roberts is also in talks with affiliates at several universities to bring the 100 Collegiate Women of America to life on their campuses by 2012.

For information on the organization write: The 100 Collegiate Women of America,
P. O. Box 5433, Prairie View, TX 77446 or collegiatel00women@gmail.com.

™ © 1994 - 2011 100 Collegiate Women of America. All rights reserved to Collegiate Community Development Corporation, Inc.

NB: The 100 Collegiate Women of America™ is the property of Collegiate Community Development Corporation, Inc.and all proprietary rights belong to the said organization, headquartered at P. O. Box 5433, Prairie View, TX 77446.