AGGIE Students Lend a Helping Paw

North Carolina A&T State University students are in the spirit of giving even before the holiday season began.

Several organizations on campus have set up food drives, clothing drives, and other ways to give back to their communities.

"As college students, we need to give back to our communities because giving is how we received all of the blessings that we possess today," says sophomore electrical engineering major Derrick Jefferies.

Jefferies is also Mr. ALD, for Alpha Lambda Delta, the freshmen honor's society at A&T. As Mr. ALD, he is in charge of finding volunteer opportunities for the organization. This fall, he chose to guide Alpha Lambda Delta in collecting toys for FOX 8's Gifts for Kids Campaign.

Jefferies felt that this was an effective way in making someone else's life better. At the same time, it encourages giving amongst college students because it provides an incentive of community service hours needed for graduation.

Christian Robinson, sophomore class president, also agreed with Jefferies. "No one gives back enough. We are privileged college students and should give back more. I think AGGIES do give back, but there's always room for improvement."

Robinson tried to uphold Aggie's reputation of being a giving community by holding a canned-food drive. The 750 cans collected by the sophomore class, earlier this October, proved the drive to be a great success.

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) held a welfare liaison project this past month where they assisted in packaging and sorting toiletries for the less fortunate. Treasurer of the organization, James Lindsey, says, "As an organization, we felt that it is important and a right for every human being to have the products needed for everyday life."

NSBE had over 40 members of the organization and the A&T family come and support this cause.

In addition to these three organizations, the Metro Aggies held a clothing drive, A&T Bookstore held a food drive, the Student Union Advisory Board held a clothing drive, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated held a clothing drive, and the Social Work/Sociology Society held a canned-food drive as well. A&T AGGIES have been on a roll this November!

This season A&T AGGIES have been committed to reaching back and helping the community.

Lest We Forget

On Feb. 1, 1960, four A&T students walked to downtown Greensboro and "sat-in" at the whites-only lunch counter at Woolworth's Lunch Counter and refused to leave when they were denied service. The protest launched sit-ins across the South and added fire to the civil rights movement.

North Carolina A&T State University continues its legacy by keeping the memory of the four A&T students alive.

A&T students recognize whose shoulders they stand on. Having Aggie Pride is a lot more than wearing paraphernalia and cheering at football games.

"I feel a sense of pride when I hear about the A&T Four. They were four young men of our very own who made history and left a footprint on this nation," says sophomore sports science major Allen Jones.

This whole institution is built upon the courageous actions that those four young men exhibited 49 years ago.

A&T works hard to keep the tradition alive. In 2005, The Aggie Village dormitories on campus were named after the four men who stood up for justice (Ezell Blair Jr., Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil, and David Richmond) and they embody a monument built in honor of those men. There is also a 15-foot statue that pays homage to their bravery located directly outside of the Dudley building on campus. The statue was built in 2001.

A&T has annual celebrations in place to assist in commemorating that historic day. The students have an annual march from the Dudley building downtown to Woolworth's.

The NC A&T Human Rights Medal is awarded to a deserving recipient every year. There is also an annual breakfast in place to celebrate the accomplishments of these A&T alumni.

Amongst all these yearly tributes to consecrate the anniversary of the sit-in, some students work to stay true to the legacy everyday.

"When I think about the A&T Four, it inspires me to work harder. It is reminder to be thankful for being at an institution like this and to try my best to be successful. I owe it to myself and my ancestors," says sophomore business administration major Brittany Pickett.

Sophomore electronic media and journalism major, Lauren Branch, says, "It makes me feel like I should stand up for my rights and what I believe in. I should also work hard for what I want in life."

The A&T Four have proven to be motivators for the student body. As the students work to brighten their future, some have not forgotten their past.

Is it Enough?

Two military personnel who are now students at A&T say the Army is providing enough mental health counseling. Their comments come despite the deaths of 13 soldiers who were allegedly gunned down by an officer at Fort Hood, Texas and a spike in suicides soldiers who have been to Iraq and Afghanistan.


U.S. military suicide rate is at an all-time high since 1980.


In 2008 there were 128 confirmed suicides by serving army personnel. There were 41 suicides by serving marines, up from 33 in 2007 and 25 in 2006, according to a Marines report cited on cnn.com.



The U.S military has services in place to assist in the physical and mental health of U.S military personnel.



"There are plenty of resources available, but people don't use these resources," says Army Reserve Specialist Leah Anderson, who is also a third year criminal justice major at North Carolina A&T State University. Anderson served in Iraq from September 2008 to July 2009 before returning to school.



Cadette Major Romonte Sullivan of A&T's ROTC program agreed that there is enough support for serving personnel in the military. "There is most definitely more than enough support. You can go to anyone and talk about anything," says Sullivan.



Though it is agreed upon by members of the U.S. military that there is enough support, the suicide rate continues to rise. This past week showed that eight years of fighting two wars and multiple deployments can result in other mental problems beyond suicide in the military.



Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, an Army psychiatrist, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, is suspected of firing off more than 100 rounds in Fort Hood, Texas.

13 people were killed and 29 were wounded at the Soldier Readiness Processing Center, as they were receiving routine medical evaluations in preparation for their deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, according to an on-line article written for the New York Times.

It was alleged by Hasan's family that he was no longer content being a part of the U.S. military and he did not want to be deployed to Afghanistan. Soldiers who were victims of Hasan's rampage, allege that his discontent in the military was because the military's decisions conflicted with his personal beliefs. Former classmates at a military college also reported to military officials that he was showing signs and being vocal about his Anti-American beliefs, but still nothing was done, according to the New York Times.

Whether the motive for the shooting was religious or personal has not been confirmed yet, but it is clear that Hasan needed another form of support.

Private Joseph Franklin, who recently enlisted in the Army Reserve roughly five months ago says, "It's hard to say if someone dropped the ball in this situation, but it is obvious that a change must be made."

Specialist Anderson says, "Psychiatrists have issues, too. They deal with everyone else's problems, but who helps them with their problems?"

Cadet Major Sullivan suggested that the mental health resources are available, but may be more beneficial to army personnel if they were made mandatory like PT or medical check-ups.

Despite the increased suicide rates and the deaths of 13 soldiers at the hands of an officer suffering from mental problems, Sullivan and Anderson still express that they feel safe in the military and do not regret their decision to serve their country.

The Missing Puzzle Piece

Attracting over 40,000 people each year, North Carolina A&T State University's Homecoming is the grandiose event of the season.

A&T strives to live up to its title as "The Greatest Homecoming on Earth." Alumni, friends, and family come back "home" to have a great time and bask in AGGIE PRIDE. On the other hand, as hard as A&T works to make homecoming a success, not everyone is satisfied.

"I do think that there could be more activities that engage the faculty and staff of A&T," says Nora Shively, the grants development coordinator in the division of research and economic development.

Ms. Shively continued by explaining that the staff and faculty of A&T are the missing piece of Aggie Land during homecoming. This institution would not be successful if it were not for the possession of its loyal employees. Because of their dedication to the Aggie Family, we should ensure that they are included in homecoming festivities.

Q: Do you think that A&T Homecoming has something to offer faculty and staff?

A: Yes, with the events that we have, the faculty can attend.


Q: Do you think that there could be more activities?

A: Oh yes, it definitely could be more for the faculty and staff. For example, when Jesse Jackson Sr. came to speak to A&T, he spoke to the students. It would be very nice if he could have spoken to the faculty as well. There are a lot of prestigious alumni and I think the faculty would really appreciate and benefit from having seminars that are also geared towards faculty. It would be great if the faculty were an engaged and felt included in homecoming, too.


Q: Did you attend any events during homecoming? If so, which events?

A: I attended A&T's Convocation and it instilled such pride. It pumps us up again. We are reminded of what a privilege A&T is to all of us. The department of research also had a lunch and a breakfast where we all brought food and enjoyed each other's company while feasting.


Q: Rate your AGGIE PRIDE on a scale of 1-10.

A: My AGGIE PRIDE is a nine! Since I've gotten connected to the faculty and the institution, my pride has grown tremendously.


The Aggie Family is not complete until we have all of the pieces to the puzzle.

Soundslide 1

http://felawren08.webng.com

Midterms: Check, Homecoming 2009: Check, AGGIE PRIDE: Check, Check, CHECK!!!

Midterms have been completed, the leaves are orange, and AGGIE PRIDE is at an all-time high.



With exams completed and all of the festive ingredients present, North Carolina A&T Homecoming 2009 has magically appeared!



Not all students have school spirit, but homecoming is a time where a strong sense of family, community, and school pride is sure to exist.



"This year, I would rate my AGGIE PRIDE at a seven. But when its homecoming, it will be a 10," says Greg Bodmer, a sophomore criminal justice major at A&T.



Q: Are you excited about homecoming?


A: I am very excited for homecoming because of all the events throughout the week. Also, I am excited about homecoming due to the fact that I will be able to party and have fun with friends. This is the one time the whole semester that our schedules actually coordinate.







Q: What events do you plan on attending?


A: I plan on attending the Pep rally, comedy show, coronation, and the game






Q: Rate your AGGIE PRIDE on a scale of one to 10.

A: This year, I would rate my AGGIE PRIDE at about a seven. When it comes to homecoming it will be a 10. During homecoming, you can't help but get pumped and have school spirit.


Q: Do you think you'll enjoy homecoming more as a student, or an alumnus? Why?

A: I feel that I will enjoy homecoming more now because I'm surrounded by my closest friends and we are all together. Granted, it will be fun to see how the future homecomings will be, but I feel like my undergrad homecomings will be the most memorable.


Q: What will be your favorite event? Why?

A: My most favorite event during homecoming will have to be the game. First off, even before the game is the best tailgating in the world. Everyone comes out and that's where AGGIE PRIDE is perfectly exemplified. There's so much great food and conversations between generations. During the game, every student is in the stands full of AGGIE PRIDE, while the band is blasting out the opponent and showing off why they are the best. The football team is on the field making everyone proud. And after the game, win or lose, it's all an experience like none other.




Bodmer continued by explaining that AGGIE PRIDE is a way of life. Don't fight the feeling; catch it.

Diversity within HBCU's: Issue or Progress

Outraged alumni and students have veraciously expressed their disapproval of the increased number of minorities attending HBCU's.

At an HBCU (Historically Black College or University), anyone who is not African American is considered a minority. The apparent change in the number of minorities, which attend HBCU's, has many African Americans torn between animosity and happiness.

"Admitting a large number of minorities to HBCU's will strip these institutions of higher learning of their history, legacy, and purpose," says an alumnus of a HBCU who chose to remain nameless.

All of the hubub, as a result of this reality, leaves one wondering if the increased integration at historically black colleges and universities should be considered an issue or another form of progress.

The African American community appears to be torn on this issue. Many of today's students view the boost of integration as a positive achievement.

A sophomore business major, Porche Millington, says, "I think the increase in minorities is a beautiful thing. After all, isn't that what our ancestors fought and died so hard for? They wanted everyone to have a quality education."

Another student felt indifferent. "It doesn't really matter. We're all here to get the same education. Skin color isn't significant anymore," says Vaughn Davis, senior business marketing major.

At the same time, it appears that graduates of these institutions of higher learning, who are older, feel differently about today's racial composition of their alma maters.

Patricia Edsell, who graduated from Tennessee State University Class of 1978, feels that a large number of minorities is detrimental to the success of HBCU's. "The sole purpose of an HBCU is to provide an education and atmosphere for African American students so that they are set up for success," says Edsell.

She continued by saying, "An increase in the number of minorities will harm HBCU's because the education will drastically change and cater to students of all races. We will lose the uniqueness that an HBCU holds. An HBCU will be like any other university and they will eventually lack purpose."

According to the academic advising and retention team, at North Carolina A&T State University, there were 457 undergraduate minorities enrolled at A&T in 1998. Ten years later, in 2008, that number of undergraduate minority students had swelled to 825.

This past year has shown that minorities are not only attending these colleges and universities, but they are changing the faces of these universities.

Miss Hampton University for the 2009-2010 academic year, Nikole Churchill, is a native of Hawaii, who was elected by her predominantly African American university. Churchill received a lot of negative attention from students and media. She even wrote a letter to President Obama asking him to visit her school and talk about race relations. According to NECN.comNation, she later apologized for the letter and said that she let the comments from a few negative students get the best of her.

A similar situation occurred at Kentucky State University, a HBCU, where Queen Elisabeth Martin, a Shelbyville native, just received her crown this past Friday. Kentucky State University embraced Martin as their representative when she received 49 percent of the votes and beat out three other candidates.

People will continue to view diversity within HBCU's however they choose, but one thing we can all agree on is that change has come.

A&T Alumni Struggle to Maintain their AGGIE PRIDE

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's chancellor was eager to report that alumni contributions reached an all-time high in 2008.



For the 2007-2008 academic year, it was reported that a monumental $1.6 million was donated by A&T alumni; despite the slight decline in the number of donors who have contributed in comparison to previous years, according to the 2008 Chancellor's Report.

"A good AGGIE is a giving AGGIE," stresses Martina E. Chavis, senior development officer of the Department of Development and University Relations.

Though this amount is growth, there is still work to be done. Only 12 percent of alumni gave in the year of 2006-2007 and only 14 percent gave last year. As a historically black university and with the State of North Carolina only providing 28.2 percent of the funds needed to provide public education, the 2008 Chancellor's Report shows that it is imperative that AGGIE alumni support their alma mater.




A&T has developed different measures to help gain alumni support. AGGIE call centers have been established so that Monday thru Thursday students call alumni to ask for donations. Seven alumni chapters have been set up in many major cities and regions throughout the United States and e-mails are sent on major holidays and birthdays of alumni.




Even with all of these ways that engage alumni, it is still imperative that the university gain more support. There was an increase in tuition and fees by almost $1,200 that hit students' pockets directly for the 2009-2010 academic year according to an article written last year in the A&T Register. At the same time, professors are continuously being laid off and there are fewer and fewer sections of courses offered.




The solution: Engage alumni to the point that they feel important, involved, and connected to their alma mater.




Sophomore business major, Porche Millington, says, "there should be more programs set up to allow alumni to give back. Once you graduate from the university does not mean that you graduate from the AGGIE family." She plans on being an active alumni of A&T after graduation.




Senior marketing major, Vaughn Davis, does not feel alumni support either. He agrees that there should be more opportunities for alumni to give back, but he understands why they do not. "It's the American way to think about 'self' first. It is only natural that graduates choose not to be affiliated with the university. They have been here for four years; when it's time to leave, it is definitely time to go."




Chavis thinks that not encouraging students to become active alumni after graduation is also damaging to the university. "Students must understand that education costs more than they pay. They must understand that college, in general, and A&T specifically, is not a right. A&T is a privilege that does not have to be here for the next generation."




A&T must make sure that students leave proud and content with the education that they have received from this institution. It is in the best interest of everyone to ensure that A&T stays here.




Chavis strongly believes that if all students, faculty, and staff are active and the importance of giving are stressed while they attend or work at A&T, then it will effect the relationship that the alumni have with the university. It will be impossible not to catch AGGIE PRIDE!



Martina E. Chavis
Senior Development Officer
Development and University Relations
North Carolina A&T State University
1601 East Market Street
Greensboro, North Carolina 27411
(336) 334-7600
e-mail: mechavis@ncat.edu

Business or Pleasure

Chicago club promotion company, ClubNet 360, is a lot more than throwing a great party; it is a thriving business.

ClubNet 360, a corporate empire founded by Teddy Gilmore, is designed to create a stimulating and entertaining environment for trendsetters, innovators, thinkers and doers.

Gilmore enthusiastically explains, "it's more than just promoting an event and knowing a lot of people. I promote life!"

Q: How do you answer this question: "What do you do for a living?"

A: I have been promoting for 14 years. I promote life!

Q: What is ClubNet 360's primary goal?

A: To continue to provide the city with entertainment.

Q: Do you like what you do?

A: Of course. When you're good at something, you shouldn't do it for free.

Q: Where doyou see Clubnet360 in the future?

A: We are currently working to become a franchised corporation through multi-level marketing.

Q: What do you say to people who look at your career as just party-throwing?

A: I do throw parties and events, but this is also a business. This is an industry that I have built my company upon to dominate. I define the industry.

Q: How do you give back to the community?

A: I used to teach Junior Achievement. Now, my schedule does not allow me to continue to teach but, I regularly donate monetarily to the organization. Junior Achievement teaches you entrepreneurship. It's important that young people know how to build and manage their own businesses and affairs.

Q: How do you prevent yourself from getting sucked in to the industry?

A: I have been doing this for a long time. One must understand that you are a businessman. This profession is one of the few professions that mixes business with pleasure. Handle everything as a business.

Gilmore continues to stress the importance of learning how to run a business. In this industry, he is a living example of how one can be successful and live on that thin line between business and pleasure.

Honors Program to Honors College Phenomenon Q&A 10/04/2009

by Felicia Lawrence


North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's Honors Program is springing into excellence with its new Honors College initiative.

The University Honors Program's Interim Director, Dr. Ray J. Davis, recognizes the potential of the program and continues to plan for its elevation into an Honors College.


"We must increase our qualitative expectations for our students to make sure that we have a solid, healthy program to be developed into a college," says Dr. Davis.



Q: How many people are currently enrolled in the Honors Program?

A: 542 students


Q: What are the admission requirements?

A: -cumulative unweighted high school GPA of 3.5
-SAT Score of 1050 or ACT Score of 23-or be a salutatorian/ valedictorian, National Merit/ Achievement Scholarship fiinalist, North
Carolina Teaching Fellows, USDA Scholars, or a student from the North Carolina School of
Science and Mathematics
-see http://www.ncat.edu/~honors for more info.


Q: What makes A&T's Honor's Program so unique?

A: I believe that the uniqueness of our program is the shared sense of community. Our Honors Program is fortunate in having a warm and friendly staff whose strength is its rapport with students. This has enabled Honors to better foster community. Another vehicle for promoting community is our Mentors Program. Strong mentoring and student-friendly staff are the strength and uniqueness of Honors. http://www.ncat.edu/~honors/assets/Documents/Newsletter_web.pdf



Q: What is the future of the Honors Program?

A: Although we have a very good program, there is yet room for improvement. This year we will begin a strategic planning initiative that focuses on strengthening the program, based upon recommendations from an external review. An established planning community will reach consensus on the following: vision and mission; values that make us unique; and what we want an honors graduate to look like. These factors will facilitate the development of a four- year Honors curriculum; a general core, major courses, seminars, and a capstone experience. We will also reevaluate admission requirements.


By improving the existing Honors Program, our students and the campus community will be better served. Additionally, this must be the precursor for the program obtaining its ultimate goal: to transition from an honors program to an honors college.




Q: How long do you think that it will take?


A: The goal is to complete this plan by the end of the 2009-2010 academic school year. We expect to share and promote the strategic planning document to the university community during the 2010-2011 academic school year. Budgetary constraints and the climate of the university will effect the approval and permission to move forward with the Honors College.



Q: What are the major benefits of an honor's college?


A: An Honors College has the following benefits (among others):
- Raises the program's profile
- Improves the ability to recruit outstanding students
- Enables the program to be more competitive with peer institutions
-Provides a more challenging, individualized education for talented students within the
established university structure.




Q: What can students and falculty do now in order to improve the Honors Program?


A: As we move forward, student and falculty involvement in our strategic planning are crucial. We encourage students to articulate their ideas for improvement and how Honors can best meet their needs. Current standing commitees include: Honors Student Advisory Board and the University Honors Council. Likewise, we welcome feedback from faculty. Already several faculty members serve on honors-related commitees. We strongly encourage collaboration from all academic units to help shape the future of honors.


Dr. Davis stresses the benefits of a college. According to the program's vision, he wants to design a college that will: "attract, prepare, and engage academically talented students to become successful professionals, scholars, and global citizens."




Dr. Ray J. Davis
Interim Honors Program Director
Office: 308 & 310 Gibbs Hall
North Carolina A&T State University
1601 East Market Street Greensboro, NC 27411
Phone: (336) 285- 2030

About Me

My name is Felicia Lawrence and I am a sophomore Electronic Media and Journalism major at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University from Chicago, Illinois.

It is my duty to use my talents, blessings, and hard work to be an active representative for all disadvantaged peoples and advocate for a better life for the human race.

As I accept this responsibility with love, unshakable faith, determination, and strength, I send forth vibrations that are received by the universe and I expect to reap immediate results.

I will speak pure, raw truth to myself, and others, to dispel darkness and infuse light into the universe so that there will be nothing but extraordinary outcomes and miraculous manifestations!