N.C. A&T Alumni Times

What started off as a social gathering hosted by Aggie Gentz for North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University classes from 1983 through 1993, eventually turned into a philanthropic mission. The organization is an alumni-based group that focuses on connecting Aggies and creating a legacy of giving back to N.C. A&T.

Aggie Gentz is comprised of 15 members with backgrounds that range from accounting, education, entrepreneurship, entertainment to technology. As a collective, they realized they all shared many similarities; one in particular that they came from meager beginnings which at times was a challenge in meeting their financial obligations while attending N.C. A&T. This humbling experience fueled their passion for creating a path for future students.

In 2016, the leadership of Aggie Gentz decided on an alternative way to support the university by raising funds to pay for students’ textbooks. To date, the organization has raised $30,000 and has awarded 41 students with book awards that range from $600 to $700. The fund is housed at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore on N.C. A&T’s campus. Students are required to complete an application about their financial need, and are invited to attend an annual breakfast held during homecoming to receive the scholarship and recognition.

“Giving to N.C. A&T has been rewarding in so many ways. It allows you to see the impact of your hard work and it motivates you to continue the legacy of making a difference as an Aggie,” said Diggs.

The members of Aggie Gentz are Willie Diggs '83, John Fitts ‘91, Pernell Briggs ‘90, William Moore ‘89, Darrell McNeil '17, Walter Johnson ‘91, Tony Washington '89, David Jarmon '91, Rod Wilson ‘90, Mandell Jackson ‘90, David Hamlette ‘91, Lincoln Tyson '98, David Janifer '85, Torian Priestly '95 and Chuck Barnes '92.

To learn more about Aggie Gentz, please visit www.aggiegentz.com.