N.C. A&T Alumni Times

A year ago, the Office of Alumni Relations embarked on a journey to plan a historic Alumni Reunion Weekend. A year’s worth of work, unfolded on May 10, when the office kicked off the weekend with more than 250 alumni with class years ending in 4s and 9s.

The Office of Alumni Relations started the weekend with the Golden Class of 1969’s Brick Dedication Ceremony at the Reflection Pool on North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s campus. The ceremony was a class initiative to pay tribute to their courageous strength and resilience during the 1969 Greensboro Uprising.

The year of 1969 for the 50th class was a trying time for those who attended North Carolina A&T due to racial tensions surrounding the campus. Many of the students of this class endured the uprising that resulted in several riots, the invasion of the N.C. National Guard on campus and the death of Willie Grimes. A detailed story of what happened during that time was published in the April edition of the Alumni Times.

Following the brick dedication ceremony, the class participated in the Society of Golden Aggies Luncheon, where the university swore in more than 100 Aggies for celebrating a major milestone of 50 years of being an alumnus/alumna. The luncheon was full of style and elegance, and greetings were brought by Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr. ’74.

Later in the day, members of the golden class were able to do a campus tour together and all of the classes in reunion attended a welcome back celebration at the new Student Center.

On Saturday, May 11, the university paid tribute to the Golden Class in a very special way during commencement by showing a video presentation before a crowd of thousands. The audience was given a front row seat to what happened 50 years ago on A&T’s campus and for some, it was a very emotional moment. Once the presentation was done, the class was given a standing ovation for their bravery and extraordinary strength. The powerful video can be viewed here.

In addition, the Silver Class of 1994 was recognized by Chancellor Martin for celebrating 25 years as alumni.

For the remainder of the weekend, alumni in reunion were given an opportunity to visit the campus to eat lunch at Williams Dining Hall, visit the new Student Center, and participate in a riding tour of Aggieland.

Later in the evening, alumni and their guests were invited to attend the 48th Annual Alumni Awards and Class Reunion Banquet. The event was emceed by Dr. Irish Spencer, an on-air personality for WNAA 90.1, and Royall Mack ’69 was the keynote speaker.

During the Alumni Awards ceremony, the North Carolina A&T State University Alumni Association, Inc. honored three alumni with awards for their outstanding service to the community and the university.

Dr. Velma R. Speight Young Alumnus Award
William Saunders ‘09

Julia S. Brooks Achievement Award
Katina Richmond ‘96

Howard C. Barnhill Distinguished Service Award
Phyllis Cunningham ‘75

In the closing banquet, each class was honored and recognized for their contributions to N.C. A&T.

Class of 1949 - $200
Class of 1954 - $4,650
Class of 1959 - $15,180
Class of 1964 - $114,240.06
Class of 1969 - $136,015.73
Class of 1974 - $55,017.56
Class of 1979 - $50,640.53
Class of 1984 - $37,457.97
Class of 1989 - $ 21,924.96
Class of 1994 - $ 71,151.06
Class of 1999 - $ 21,524.82
Class of 2004 - $ 19,505.38
Class of 2009 - $ 9,849.01
Class of 2014 - $ 33,198.05

As of May 7, 2019, the grand total was $590,555.13

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There’s still time to give for Aggies in reunion who would like for their donations to count towards their class goals. Donations should be received by June 30, 2019.

Please see the list below of ways to give:

Online. Visit www.ncat.edu and click on Give to A&T and then Give Now. You may also go here to download a gift form, complete it, and send it back with your gift. Remember, in order to be included in this year’s totals, your gift must be received by June 30.

Mail. Make your check or money order payable to N.C. A&T State University and mail it to:

North Carolina A&T State University Advancement Services Dowdy Building, Suite 400 1601 E. Market Street Greensboro, N.C. 27411

By Phone. Give our Advancement Office a call at 1-888-248-2821 to offer your immediate support with a check, credit card, or bank draft gift.

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The planning committee for the 2020 Alumni Reunion Weekend is now seeking class coordinators for class years ending in 5s and 0s. To volunteer as a class coordinator, please email alumni@ncat.edu or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 336-433-5570.