"This is one of the greatest sources of pride in my life, being a graduate of A&T. To be here and to be asked to speak at Founders’ Day is just an extreme honor. It’s like being promoted or graduating again," Col. Monroe said.

Monroe has served in the United States Air Force, on activity duty, for over 24 years and has held a variety of command and staff positions. He is currently heading up the International Division for Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

"I’ve been under 15 different assignments since I left A&T and no matter where I was, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it didn’t matter if I was in Iraq, I would meet someone form A&T. They would understand Aggie Pride and we’d have some sort of common bond," he added. Other program speakers included Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Mayor Pro Tem Yvonne Johnson and Dr. Claudette Bennett, chair of the board of directors of the National Alumni Association.

Seven distinguished alumni received the Alumni Achievement Award for outstanding contributions to their respective professions, community and the university. The 2014 recipients were: Jack L. Ezzell Jr. '62, James F. Garrett, 64, Elvis L. Graves, '79, Timothy O. King, '76, Patrice J. Faison, '03, Anita M. Chesney, '71 and Cornelious Lamberth, '89.

Here’s a snapshot of the awardees:

Jack L. Ezzell Jr., College of Arts and Sciences:
Ezzell is the founder and chief executive officer of Zel Technologies, one of the nation’s premier professional services, manufacturing and engineering firms that is a recognized leader in the introduction of leading edge technologies that support homeland security activities. Among his many contributions, Ezell established an innovative technology laboratory that provided free access to children in grades K-5 and to senior citizens and is now actively involved in the establishment of a statewide science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) boarding school for students in grades 9–12.

James F. Garrett, College of Engineering:
Garrett is the founder and former CEO of SENTEL Corporation and led the company in the development of technology and software for the defense, aviation and space industries and design and development of chemical and biological agent detection systems. Under his leadership, SENTEL grew to 375 employees before it was sold to a division of Honeywell. He is currently the principal of The Total Management Group, which provides business and proposal development, and leadership and training. He earned a degree in electrical engineering and is the current chair of the department’s Advisory Board.

Elvis L. Graves, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences:
Graves received his bachelor’s degree in Plant Science Technology and went on to have an extensive career in the field of agriculture. Throughout his 34-plus year career with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Graves held a variety of positions throughout the United States. In 2012, he retired as the acting director of the East National Technology Support Center in Greensboro, N.C. He has served as the Designated Federal Official for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Agricultural Air Quality Task Force; and as acting state conservationist in Lansing, Michigan and Amherst, Massachusetts. He is currently the president of the School of Ag’s Alumni Society.

Timothy O. King, School of Business and Economics:
King retired as a vice president of The Dow Chemical Company after over 30 years of service. During his time at Dow, he held a variety of leadership roles including sales, marketing, purchasing and business operations. As a leader of several global businesses and corporate functions, his knowledge, experience and leadership skills significantly contributed to driving the company’s strategy forward. King holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and currently serves on the school’s Executive Advisory Council.

Patrice J. Faison, School of Education, (Class of 2003):
Faison is the principal of Page High School where she continues to build momentum and success. Just recently, the school was awarded the Hubert B. Humphrey Jr. School Improvement Award, which recognizes schools for improving student achievement through sound educational practices, community outreach and collaborative relationships. In 2007, Faison served as the principal of The Academy at Smith and led the school from low performing to Honor School of Excellence status and a 100 percent graduation rate. This success earned her the 2011–12 Principal of the Year for Guilford County Schools and the 2013 North Carolina Principal of the Year titles. She holds master’s degrees in elementary education and school administration from A&T.

Anita M. Chesney, School of Nursing:
Chesney’s nursing career includes a wide range of experiences, including 26 years in the U.S. Army Reserves where she reached the rank of lieutenant colonel and retired in 2009. From 2005-2007, she was mobilized in the United States Army and was a case manager for wounded/injured National Guard and Reserve soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and Ireland Community Hospital in Kentucky. She received medals of Commendation for her service. Chesney is an active member of School of Nursing Alumni Group and a strong supporter of the School of Nursing.

Cornelius “CC” Lamberth, School of Technology:
Lamberth is the former owner and executive vice president of CoMor Corporation, a computer networking and IT firm that was recognized by the Federal Minority Business Development Agency in 2004 as one of the 65 most progressive minority owned companies in the country. Currently, he is the owner and CEO of C2 Contractors, an award winning, unlimited licensed commercial general contractor and telecommunications firm. He is also a primary business partner for ICE Securities, a certified IP surveillance company. He is actively involved in both professional and civic organizations throughout the state and currently serves as chairman of the School of Technology Advisory Board at A&T. He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology (electronics).