HR246 - Recognizing February 19, 2025, as Prairie View A&M University Day.

      H.R. No. 246       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, For nearly 150 years, Prairie View A&M University   has served as a beacon of opportunity for its diverse student body,   and its graduates have gone on to contribute to the social,   economic, and cultural fabric of society; and          WHEREAS, Prairie View A&M University is the second-oldest   public institution of higher education in Texas as well as its first   state-supported college for African Americans; the institution was   founded during the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War, with   the 15th Texas Legislature establishing it as Alta Vista   Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas for Colored Youth in   1876; and          WHEREAS, The university's first class of students, eight   young African American men, began their studies at the campus in   1878; it was originally designated as a normal school for the   training of teachers, but after it was approved as a branch campus   of the Agricultural Experiment Station and as a Land Grant College,   its curriculum expanded to include the arts and sciences, home   economics, agriculture, mechanical arts, and nursing; a four-year   senior college program was introduced in 1919, and a division of   graduate studies, which offered master's degrees in agricultural   economics, school administration, and other subjects, was added in   1937; by an act of the 63rd Texas Legislature, the institution   adopted its present-day name, Prairie View A&M University, in 1973;   and          WHEREAS, Prairie View A&M has grown considerably over the   course of its long history, and during the fall 2024 semester, it   posted a record-breaking enrollment of nearly 9,900 students; the   university offers more than 70 degree programs through its eight   colleges and schools, including areas of study as varied as   engineering, natural sciences, business, and criminal justice;   situated on a picturesque campus in rural Prairie View, it welcomes   students from across the United States and from many foreign   countries, and it seeks to invest in programs and services that   address the challenges facing the state's diverse ethnic and   socioeconomic groups, as well as those facing society and the world   at large; and          WHEREAS, Since its founding, Prairie View A&M University has   equipped generations of students with the knowledge and skills   necessary to take their place as leaders in the global community,   and it is a privilege to recognize this venerable institution and   the contributions that its graduates have made to the Lone Star   State and beyond; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby recognize February 19, 2025, as Prairie View A&M   University Day and extend to all those associated with the school   sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be   prepared for Prairie View A&M as an expression of high regard by the   Texas House of Representatives.     Reynolds     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 246 was adopted by the House on March   13, 2025, by a non-record vote.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House