North Carolina A&T to Celebrate 125 Years of Excellence

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will commemorate 125 years as a premier institution of higher learning, during the 2015-16 academic year. To celebrate, the university has planned a year-long series of events with the theme, Our Pride, Our Future.

“This is an exciting time to be a member of the Aggie family,” said Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. “This year we will celebrate the pride of our university – our rich history and traditions, the innovations and accomplishments of our students, alumni, faculty and staff – and look forward to our future of preeminence.”

With humble beginnings as one class in an annex of Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C., A&T has grown to become one of America’s most highly respected land-grant, doctoral/research universities educating high-achieving students and attracting ambitious faculty and their innovative research across disciplines like science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as education, business, the social sciences, and the arts and humanities.

A&T is entering its 10th consecutive year ranked No. 3 in research funding in the University of North Carolina System and remains the nation’s leading producer of African American engineers on the undergraduate level as well as a top producer of African Americans with degrees in STEM disciplines.

From the very beginning, this institution has been committed to preparing students to be global leaders in the careers of the future. The university’s more than 50,000 alumni of record continue to make valuable contributions to their respective industries and communities all over the globe.

To celebrate this tremendous milestone, A&T has identified three signature events which include the annual Faculty/Staff Institute, the Birthday Bash and the 125th Anniversary Scholarship Gala that are open to the public. (Event details are below)

The university has also challenged all alumni, students, as well as faculty and staff to participate in a combined 125 service projects. As a recipient of the 2015 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Community Engagement Classification and a land-grant university, A&T has a special responsibility to strategically partner with groups and individuals on a local, national and global level to create a lasting, positive impact on social and environmental challenges that proactively respond to the needs of others.

Leading by example, the chancellor and his cabinet have partnered with the Guilford County Schools to read a total of 125 books to students across 10 elementary schools.

Another extension of the celebration will be the adoption of the Heritage Collection that will bring back a series of retired trademarks and logos for various items and apparel available exclusively in the A&T campus bookstore.

For additional information about the 125th anniversary events and the university, visit www.ncat.edu/125.

Signature Events

Faculty and Staff Institute – Kickoff

Aug. 14, 9 a.m.
Harrison Auditorium
The opening day program will follow the normal agenda that includes a discussion of university goals and objectives and having the chancellor set the tone for the academic year. The event will highlight the theme, “Our Pride, Our Future.”

Birthday Bash

March 24, 2016, 4 p.m.
Aggie Stadium
This pep rally-style celebration will include food, games as well as an appearance by the Blue & Gold Marching Machine and Aggie cheerleaders. The event is free and open to the public.

125th Anniversary Scholarship Gala

April 23, 2016
Grandover Resort and Conference Center
This formal event will include student performances and live entertainment that raise scholarship dollars for deserving N.C. A&T students.