Prairie View honors Linden man

Prairie View A & M University in Prairie View, Texas recently honored a revered alumnus from Cass County by naming an auditorium after him.

(Ret.) Lieutenant Colonel Benny L. Lockett was lauded on January 18 by PVAMU’s president, college of agriculture and human sciences dignitaries as well as family and friends as they gathered for the renaming ceremony of the cooperative extension program building after the retired military veteran, according to an article by Pascale Mondesir written on the University Website, pvamu. edu/blog/pvamu-honors-revered-alumnus-with-auditorium- naming-ceremony/.

“Today, we salute the life of an extraordinary man,” Mondesir said. “(Ret.) Lieutenant Colonel Benny L. Lockett ’61 exemplified a lifelong devotion to serving others.”

James M. Palmer, senior vice president of academic affairs presided over the ceremony in which guests recited the pledge and listened to a brief scripture and invocation from Mark Falls, former 1982 alumni.

“Provost Emerita and Professor E. Joahanne Thomas- Smith spoke about Lockett’s extraordinary life, highlighting the indisputable characteristics of his spirit,” Mondesir said.

Lockett was described as an extraordinary citizen and a shining example of leadership and service.

“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.

Mondesir said President Ruth J. Simmons praised Lockett for being a shining example of leadership and service, qualities he illustrated unerringly throughout his life.

Lockett was born in Linden, Texas, and graduated from PVAMU in 1961 with a degree in agricultural education, according to Mondesir.

“He earned a master’s degree in biology from Wisconsin State University and was soon accepted into its law school,” Mondesir said. “After retiring from the military in the 70s, Lockett joined the United States Army Reserve.”

Lockettt was presented with a Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and many more accolades for his distinguished service to the U.S. Military.

“He worked as an engineer for Texas Instruments before returning to PVAMU to serve in the CEP in various capacities throughout his time,” Mondesir said of Lockett. “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.”

Mondesir said it was Lockett’s selflessness that 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,” Mondesir said. “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. “

Before the lieutenant colonel’s post-military service, Lockett pursued two degrees and carved out a career in corporate America before returning to PVAMU to serve in the CEP and leading several educational and leadership organizations.

“Each of these accomplishments alone is a considerable achievement,” Simmons said during the ceremony. “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.”

Mondesir said that, although Lockett served long before CAHS Dean Gerard D’Souza’s tenure, D’Souza said Lockett’s legacy has influenced and strengthened the college, providing 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.”

John Sharp, TAMUS chancellor said he knew Lockett well and held him in high 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.”

Mondesir said 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,” Mondesir said.

Reverend Marcus Cosby, pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church described him as a “great man who served greatly.”

Last but not least, Lockett’s wife, Mamie, spoke lovingly of her late husband, Mondesir wrote. Mrs. Lockett reminisced 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,” Mrs. Lockett said. said. “He was one in a million, and he is missed.”