Viola Bess Hebert
President of PV A&M Golden Class ’74
Victoria, Texas
Currently Retired
BS, Nursing, Prairie View A&M University, 1974
MA, Industrial Psychology, St. Mary’s University, 1983
A Message from the President:
Welcome to the Prairie View A&M University Golden Class of 1974 Anniversary site. Yes, we are celebrating 50 years since we marched across the commencement stage on “The Hill” and received our conferred degrees. This reunion marks a time of reflection, reminiscence, commemoration, collaboration, and connection. When we arrived on the campus of Prairie View fifty years ago, many of us were the first generation to attend college, while some shared a family history and were legacy students. While most of us were native Texans and had a keen sense of kinsman ship, we also represented diverse backgrounds, upbringing, and family values. The 70’s, what an exciting time to learn, grow, and expand our horizons by taking full advantage of all that PVAMU had to offer, and what we learned from each other. Indeed, it was ours for the taking…and, that we did just that! Now, here we are, living examples of “Prairie View Produces Productive People” who embody the mantra, “Excellence Lives Here.” The total PVAMU experience launched a NEXT LEVEL opportunity, career, and lifestyle for many of us as we began our professional careers upon graduation. What a ride it has been and still continues!
The Class of 1974 has embarked on a new journey, as we walk through life being grateful for the abundance rather than the scarcity that may overwhelm us. We look forward to a wonderful and exciting reunion celebration during Homecoming
week. We need your voice to help us cheer our mighty Panthers on to victory! Your presence and participation with us will be the icing on the cake. Consider this your personal invitation to join us for the upcoming
activities as shown on our website. Paramount in our NEXT LEVEL journey is to make a generous contribution to the PVAMU Class of 1974 Scholarship Endowment Fund. I ask for your support in this endeavor. Check out our
Giving page and join us in this philanthropic initiative. So, my fellow alums, family, friends, and well-wishers we look to the future and what lies, not only for ourselves; but, for those coming behind us. Now is our time
to give back to generations coming behind us… to offer a NEXT LEVEL opportunity, to impact their lives as they forge ahead, as new leaders, toward the future.
As for the class of 1974…. I bid you…. “Continue” a poem by the phenomenal Maya Angelou.
My wish for you
Is that you continue
Continue
To be who and how you are
To astonish a mean world
With your acts of kindness
Continue
To allow humor to lighten the burden
Of your tender heart
Continue
In a society dark with cruelty
To let the people hear the grandeur
Of God in the peals of your laughter
Continue
To let your eloquence
Elevate the people to heights
They had only imagined
Continue
To remind the people that
Each is as good as the other
And that no one is beneath
Nor above you
Continue
To remember your own young years
And look with favor upon the lost
And the least and the lonely
Continue
To put the mantle of your protection
Around the bodies of
The young and defenseless
Continue
To take the hand of the despised
And diseased and walk proudly with them
In the high street
Some might see you and
Be encouraged to do likewise
Continue
To plant a public kiss of concern
On the cheek of the sick
And the aged and infirm
And count that as a
Natural action to be expected
Continue
