PVAMU Alumnus Alzo Slade Inspires Students During Fall Convocation

Monday, October 19, 2009

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas- To start the fall academic year, Prairie View A&M University students, faculty and staff settled into the William “Billy” J. Nicks, Sr. Building for the annual fall Student Convocation, Sept. 9. PVAMU alumnus Alzo Slade, class of 1998, returned to “The Hill” to inspire students as the convocation’s key note speaker.

Chelsee Hill, Miss Prairie View A&M University 2009-2010 presided during the convocation program.   After opening remarks by Mr. Prairie View A&M University 2009-2012, Michael A. Love, a welcome prayer was delivered by Trent Johnson, the student government association vice president, along with a performance of the “Star Spangled Banner,” by the PVAMU University Chorale.

During his address to students, alumnus Slade recognized the university incoming freshman, used comical anecdotes on developing one’s mind and gave a brief retrospective of PVAMU’s illustrious history. Slade, a recognized photographer living in Brooklyn, New York, used his past experiences to encourage students to find themselves and contemplate their future after graduating from PVAMU. He also expressed that, “No one can be you better you than you.”

Slade’s convocation lecture titled, “Do The Right Thing,” was delivered with a youthful approach and was spun to spark the interest of students from alum perspective and to
encourage positive interactions with members of the university community.

Slade spent two years traveling, doing photography and working with celebrities such as Beyonce, Christina Aguilera and Madonna. Slade is currently a licensed pilot and manages a photography company and studio.

Following Slade’s message, PVAMU President George C. Wright gave closing remarks and encouraged students to have productive and eventful year, whiling stressing safety, in respect for the number of students that passed during the 2008-09 academic year.

By: Kendra Bellamy

Featured in the spotlight photo above:  
Chelsee Hill, Miss PVAMU 2009-10, Alumnus Alzo Slade and Michael A. Love, Mr. PVAMU 2009-10. Photo: PVAMU Public Relations

PVAMU alumnus Alzo Slade (left) speaks with students during PVAMU Fall 2009 Student Convocation.
Photo: PVAMU Public Relations

PVAMU Cheerleaders help lead the PVAMU “point” during the PVAMU Fall 2009 Student Convocation.
Photo: PVAMU Public Relations

Alzo Slade (center) with PVAMU President George C. Wright (right center)
with PVAMU administrators and students.
Photo: PVAMU Public Relations