PVAMU’s Presidential Scholarship Gala Raises $1.1 Million in Record Night
Photo by Broadmoor / Wikimedia Commons, Licensed under CC BY -SA 4.0
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – Prairie View A&M University’s 2026 Presidential Scholarship Gala, held Saturday, March 21, delivered an unprecedented evening, raising nearly $1.1 million in support of student scholarships.
Hosted at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, the annual gala carried the theme “Investing in Brilliance,” highlighting the University’s commitment to expanding access and opportunity for its students.
The evening was hosted by FOX 26 Houston’s DaLaun Dillard and Denise Middleton and featured dynamic performances from Prairie View A&M’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, as well as musical group Hybrid 7 and acclaimed DJ, Spinderella.
Attendees were moved by powerful remarks from current scholarship recipients, whose personal stories underscored the transformative impact of donor support. Video messages from honorary chairs, student testimonials and an invitation to give from Jeff Shaw, vice president for University Advancement, were met with enthusiastic applause and renewed commitments from supporters.
“This year’s theme, Investing in Brilliance, reflects a deliberate choice,” said Prairie View A&M University President Tomikia P. LeGrande. “It is a choice to see potential and nurture it; a choice to remove barriers and expand access; and a choice to ensure that talent and genius, wherever it resides, has the opportunity to flourish.”
Glenn Hegar, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, also reaffirmed the University’s lasting impact and mission. “Prairie View A&M is a proud and vital part of The Texas A&M University System,” Hegar said. “For nearly 150 years, the University has opened doors for talented students, preparing them to serve their communities, strengthen our workforce and lead lives of purpose. Your generosity ensures that Prairie View continues developing the leaders who will help shape the future of Texas.”
The Presidential Scholarship Gala remains one of the University’s most significant fundraising events, directly supporting students in their pursuit of academic excellence.
“We are thrilled to have surpassed our gala goal this year. The generous support from our community directly benefits our students and strengthens Prairie View’s mission. Thank you to everyone who made this possible,” said Jeff Shaw, vice president for University Advancement.
