PVAMU Honors Revered Alumnus with Auditorium Naming Ceremony
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Jan. 26, 2023) – “Today, we salute the life of an extraordinary man.”
(Ret.) Lieutenant Colonel Benny L. Lockett ’61 exemplified a lifelong devotion to serving others. On Jan. 18, Prairie View A&M University’s Office of the President, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences dignitaries, as well as family and friends gathered to rename the auditorium of the Cooperative Extension Program building after the retired military veteran.
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs James M. Palmer presided over the ceremony. Guests recited the National Anthem and listened to a brief scripture and invocation from former alum Mark Falls ‘82.
Provost Emerita and Professor E. Joahanne Thomas-Smith spoke about Lockett’s extraordinary life, highlighting the indisputable characteristics of his spirit.
“It is for his labor, example as an extraordinary citizen, and extreme generosity, with his resources, love for his alma mater, and love for his humankind that we show the world in this dedication for Lt. Benny Lockett. We can indeed feel the love,” Thomas-Smith said.
President Ruth J. Simmons praised Lockett for being a shining example of leadership and service, qualities he illustrated unerringly throughout his life.
Prior to post-military service, Lockett successfully pursued two degrees and carved out a career in corporate America. He returned to PVAMU to serve in the CEP and was a leader in several educational and leadership organizations.
“Each of these accomplishments alone is a considerable achievement,” Simmons said. “That he did all of it so selflessly and well is a testament to what is possible when one does truly embrace all the possibilities and responsibilities that life offers.”
Though Lockett served long before CAHS Dean Gerard D’Souza’s tenure, D’Souza said his legacy has influenced and strengthened the college, namely CEP, which is the very heart of the college’s mission, to provide educational and practical values to the community.
“Our college and university are proud to serve society in this way, and we’ve done that since our founding,” D’Souza said. “Lockett’s legacy continues to permeate not only within this auditorium but also the building and many others on and off campus.”
As a member of The Texas A&M University System Chancellor’s Century Council Executive Committee between 2007 to 2020, TAMUS Chancellor John Sharp said he knew Lockett well and held him in the highest regard for his support of the TAMU System. “I will remember him as a very kind, loyal and soft-spoken man,” Sharp said in a message. “But most of all, I will remember him as my friend.”
Lockett’s unwavering selfless and generous heart was the throughline of the entire ceremony. His love for his community was undeniable for those who knew him best and those who only knew of his immense legacy.
As the pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Reverend Marcus Cosby described him as a “great man who served greatly.”
Lockett’s wife, Mamie, spoke fondly of her late husband, reminiscing on his devotion to his Christian faith and service to his church, alma mater and family. “He was a man who asked for very little,” she said. “He was one in a million, and he is missed.”
Lockett was born in Linden, Texas, and graduated from PVAMU in 1961 with a degree in agricultural education. He earned a master’s degree in biology from Wisconsin State University and was soon accepted into its law school. After retiring from the military in the 70s, Lockett joined the United States Army Reserve.
For his distinguished military career, Lockett earned several accolades, including a Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and many more.
He worked as an engineer for Texas Instruments before returning to PVAMU to serve in the CEP in various capacities throughout his time. An ardent supporter of education, Lockett was an active member of many boards, councils and committees, including the Fairview Reunion Corporation of Linden, Texas, which he founded, PVAMU Class of 1961 President, the George W. Bush Library Committee, the Prairie View A&M Foundation Board of Trustees, and countless others.
Lockett’s selflessness prompted him to lead a life of duty in every facet of his life until his passing in 2020. From his time at PVAMU, serving in the military and fulfilling his call to his faith and the church, Lockett led well and committed to serving.
Toward the end of the ceremony, John Osby, Acting Board Chair of the Prairie View A&M Foundation, asked the audience to live challenged by his example and “go and be like Benny.”
Now, Lt. Colonel Benny L. Lockett Auditorium is here to stay, inspiring everyone who walks through its doors and sealing Lockett’s incredible legacy as one of PVAMU’s most esteemed alums.
By Pascale Mondesir
Source: https://www.pvamu.edu/blog/pvamu-honors-revered-alumnus-with-auditorium-naming-ceremony/
The Prairie View A&M Foundation (PVAMF) is a public non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to securing and stewarding gifts and grants that benefit Prairie View A&M University.
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