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N. C. Central University’s 2009 Founder’s Day Convocation saw the induction of the latest batch of alumni into the Golden Eagles Society.
The society acknowledges the achievements of graduating classes after 50 years.
Some Golden Eagles limped to receive their certificates while others walked with canes. Still others moved with the speed they did over a half century ago.
During the induction, Chancellor Charlie Nelms and Provost Kwesi Aggrey presented certificates to the inductees. Nelms described the Golden Eagles as “trailblazers for the rest of us to follow.”
Sarah Bell-Lucas, director of the engagement program in the University college and one of the inductees, compared the induction to a marriage proposal.
“It’s an emotional time,” said Bell-Lucas. “I cried tears of happiness.”
The 2009 Golden Eagles entered the North Carolina College at Durham in 1955 with 217 undergraduates at the 1959 commencement.
Nelms told the audience that every NCCU student’s “destination is graduation” and student goals should be not that they attended the University but that they graduated.
“I never dreamed when I left NCCU in 1959 what would later happen,” said Bell-Lucas.
Shirley Holliday, a 1956 graduate of NCCU was inducted into the Golden Eagles Society three years ago, said it feels great to be an Eagle after 50 years.
“It is wonderful to see all the great changes on the campus,” said Holliday.
“I am still in wonder at how much for the better they have changed Annie Day Shepard Dorm and of course the library.”
According to Bell-Lucas, each class gives back to the school and this year’s Golden Eagles as a group gave $45,000 to an endowment fund they have in the University foundation.
The money is used for scholarships and other University needs.
Holliday and Bell-Lucas said students should look forward to becoming Golden Eagles.
“Prepare for life-long learning and embrace change as it comes,” said Holliday to graduating seniors.
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