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.