United States Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx is slated to deliver the commencement address at North Carolina A&T State University’s spring ceremonies on Saturday, May 14, at the Greensboro Coliseum. The processional will begin at 8:30 a.m.

At the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Charlotte, North Carolina, native leads more than 55,000 employees in air, maritime and surface transportation with a budget exceeding $70 billion. Since his appointment in 2013, Foxx has systematically shifted the focus of the department toward the future needs of the country’s overall transportation efforts and infrastructure.

By releasing “Beyond Traffic,” an in-depth report examining the challenges facing the state of America’s transportation efforts through the next three decades, he was able to secure a five-year, bipartisan surface reauthorization bill from Congress. The bill provides local governments the necessary funding to plan critical investments in transportation.

In addition, Foxx has been a champion of developing and implementing innovative processes to help solve some of the nation’s complex issues and forecasted transportation challenges. He maintains the new measures and technological concepts will further ensure safer transportation across every mode and medium, which remains the department’s top priority.    

A great deal of Foxx’s work as a public servant has included him rallying behind the importance and economic boosting power of strategic transportation investments. As mayor of Charlotte (2009–2013), he initiated major transportation processes and upgrades that significantly benefitted Charlotte’s job creation and economy including extending the LYNX light rail system, the largest capital project ever undertaken by the city; expanding Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, the sixth busiest airport in the world; working with then North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue to accelerate the I-485 outer belt loop; and starting the Charlotte Streetcar project.

A graduate of New York University School of Law as a Root-Tilden Scholar, Foxx spent many years of his career as a private practice attorney as well as a trial attorney for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and staff counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Davidson College.

Foxx and his wife Samara have two children, Hillary and Zachary.

The Cooperative Extension Program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University named Sampson County growers Donnie and Alease Williams the 2016 North Carolina Small Farmers of the Year during ceremonies on campus during Small Farms Week.  

The couple and their D&A Farm were lauded for more than 50 years of farm production, including pastured hogs.

The Williamses attributed part of their success to guidance from Sampson County Cooperative Extension, whose staff nominated D&A for the farming award, and to Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T, which produces the award and hosts the annual Small Farms Week ceremonies.

Located in Autryville, the Williamses have about 150 pigs that are bred in a natural free-range operation and are fed without growth hormones or chemicals. D&A Farm includes more than 140 acres in active production, including 12 acres for the hog operation, and nearly 100 acres in corn, soybeans and wheat which are used for animal feed. The couple and their family also raise goats and sheep.

Small Farms Week recognizes the small-scale producers in North Carolina who generate $250,000 or less, annually, in agricultural gross sales. The Williamses were presented with gifts of a plaque, monogrammed jackets and $1,500 during a Small Farmers’ Appreciation Day program, which was the culmination of the 30th annual observance of Small Farms Week. Workshops, farm tours, demonstrations and panel discussions were also part of the series of events.

Alease Williams thanked an audience of about 300 at the awards program, also celebrating under the banner of the 125th anniversary of A&T’s founding in 1891, saying: “Right now, I’d have to say I’m feeling that Aggie Pride.”

Comments from Donnie Williams, in an interview, summed up the passion that he—at 72—has for his work: “I always wanted to be a farmer. I just like it.”

The E. Gwynn Dancers of North Carolina A&T State University will present its spring dance concert, “International Inspirations: The Revival,” featuring dances from Jamaica, South Africa, and West Africa, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9, in Harrison Auditorium.

The company of 30 dancers, five drummers and singers will create an environment that is visually beautiful as well as educational and entertaining. Former E. Gwynn Dancers will perform and young students (ages 6–8 years old) from the dance concentrations of the Saturday Academy Program will take to the stage with energy and style.

The cost of admission is $22 for patrons, $17 for general admission and $6 for A&T students with their Aggie OneCard. For tickets call 336-334-7749. For more information, call 336-256-2137 or email egwynn@aol.com.

Two meditation/prayer rooms have been created to support the diverse meditation, prayer and reflection needs of North Carolina A&T State University students, faculty and staff.

The Multicultural Student Center (MSC) in Murphy Hall, room 204, is available 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Effective Friday, April 1, a meditation/prayer space will be located on the third floor of Bluford Library in a windowed alcove on the northwest side of the building, and will be available to all N.C. A&T students and employees during the library’s normal operational hours.

Multiple individuals and groups may use the space in the library at the same time, subject to fire code limitations. However, the space cannot be reserved by individuals or groups for private events or occasions.

Both spaces are available for quiet contemplation, meditation, reflection and/or prayer. Users must refrain from activities that could distract from the serenity of the spaces including food and beverages, electronic devices (laptops, cell phones, tablets, etc.), excessive noise and conversation, and candle, incense or any open/closed flame.

Academic study group meetings and other activities that conflict with the intended use of the spaces are prohibited. Users are asked to leave the spaces in the same condition as found.

For more information about the MSC space contact Gerald Spates at 336-334-7800. Contact Octavious Spruill at odspruil@ncat.edu or 336-334-7159, for information about the space in Bluford Library.

The Theatre Arts Program will present “Amazing Grace,” a play based on a children’s book by Mary Hoffman, April 14–17 and April 21–24, at the Paul Robeson Theatre on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University.

When Grace hears that her class is putting on a production of “Peter Pan,” she immediately decides she wants to play Peter. Some of her classmates tell her this is impossible, not only because she is a girl but also because she is African American. With the encouragement of her parents and grandmother, Grace prepares for her audition. Will she win the role?

Playwright Shay Youngblood adapted Hoffman’s book into a play for children of all ages. “Amazing Grace” is the story of a girl who reaches beyond stereotyping to achieve her dream and discovers that she can do anything she sets her mind to do.

Admission: A&T students, free with Aggie OneCard; children 12 years of age and under, $6; seniors and non-A&T students, $11; and adults, $17.

For show times, tickets and more information, call the N.C. A&T Ticket Office 336-334-7749 or visit ncataggies.com.