OUR HERITAGE AND TRADITIONS

A university is more than its students, its faculty, its alumni or its campus. A university may be appropriately described as a spirit. Truly the spirit of Prairie View makes this university a great institution. The spirit of Prairie View is best stated in this quotation:

“Prairie View is an institution—a public institution. But an institution is an empty thing without the beating hearts and yearning souls of mortal men. And down the seventy-five years of Prairie View’s existence, men have lived and dreamed here until every blade of grass and every rock, in that wise primordial way in which the primitive earth knows and cares, has joined the choir invisible to bless their memory. For every man whose foot has touched this hallowed soil, has found a spirit, and has broadened and deepened it until what started out as an ambitionless meandering stream has become a purposeful river upon whose tide, now turbulent, now tranquil, floats the destiny of countless human hopes and dreams.”

– Dr. George R. Woolfolk

The Spirit of Prairie View is made up of those who carry the torch, as well as those who have left the University their legacy. The heritage and traditions of the University are found in every facet of University life. We commend these to all students new and old. Our traditions are diversified and have grown to include many special events, some of which follows:

UNIVERSITY TRADITIONS

Commencement

Graduation is a special highlight in the life of the students. Commencement exercises are one of the oldest traditions of the university. The many colored gowns and hoods of the faculty represent universities from around the world. The march across the platform to receive the well-earned degree is a moment to always remember. Commencement is held at the end of the Fall, Spring, and Summer academic sessions.

Honor’s Week

This special week is designated for students who have achieved outstanding accomplishments during the school year. Recognition for scholarship, student leadership, citizenship, athletic prowess are among the achievements recognized during Honor’s Week. The week culminates in a special convocation to honor students who attained academic excellence. The faculty assembles in full academic regalia to pay tribute to the honorees.

Founders Day

March 11th is recognized as Founder’s Day. Although the 15th Legislature passed an act to establish the University on August 14, 1876, the University did not open its doors until March 11, 1878. On this day, eight male students enrolled in the University.

Homecoming

Autumn brings homecoming . . . a time for welcome and celebration . . . a time to reflect on the traditions and heritage of our great university and its successes . . . a time for the return of “Loyal Panthers” to their Alma Mater and reminisce about days of old while embracing the current university administration, faculty, staff, students, families, and friends. The focal points of this week are the football game, homecoming parade, and the various university activities that involve the entire Prairie View A&M University family.

Springfest

Springfest is held each year during the spring semester after the mid-semester examination period. A variety of cultural and social events are held throughout the week for students, staff, and faculty. Highlights of the week’s activities are the step show and “after party.”

Mr. and Miss Prairie View A&M University Scholarship Pageant and Coronation

The Mr. and Miss Prairie View A&M University titles are among the highest honors that are bestowed on a male and female student at Prairie View A&M University. The students who hold these positions are selected by a panel of judges in the annual scholarship pageant(s). The winners are formally recognized during the fall semester, at the King and Queen’s Coronation Ball which is held for the entire royal court of Pantherland in order to pay tribute to Mr. and Miss Prairie View A&M University.

University Ana

University Colors	Royal Purple and Gold
University Mascot	The Panther
University Alma Mater	“Dear Prairie View”
University “Fight Song”	“Cheer for Prairie View”
University “Spirit Song”	“Something Inside So Strong”
University Newspaper (student)	The Prairie View Panther
University Yearbook	Pantheland (Pardus)
Alumni Newspaper	The Prairie View Standard
Football Stadium	Blackshear Field
University Nickname	“The Hill”
University Motto	“Prairie View Produces Productive People”