A&T Names Lounge in Martin Complex for Alumni Thomas and Berdenia Stanley

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Feb. 22, 2024) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has named the Stanley Ideation Lounge for Thomas Stanley ’88 and Berdenia W. Stanley ‘87, Ph.D., in recognition of their contributions to the university.

Family, friends, faculty and staff along with other university administrators recently gathered for a ceremony to celebrate the Stanleys on the second floor of the Harold L. Martin Sr. Engineering Research and Innovation Complex.

“Thomas and Berdenia recognize the exceptional experience they had while they were students at A&T,” said Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. “Like many other outstanding alums at our university, they have committed to reaching back and lifting us up through the investment of their time, talents and treasures at the university.”

Mr. and Dr. Stanley made significant contributions to the 2022 establishment of the Martin Complex where the lounge named in their honor is located. They have also provided support for students in the College of Engineering through the Stanley & Walker Endowed Scholarship in collaboration with Dr. Stanley’s mother, Queen Walker.

“The Ideation Lounge being named in honor of Thomas and Berdenia Stanley is just another example of how our Aggie alumni are supporting the next generation of Aggie engineers and computer scientists,” said Stephanie Luster-Teasley, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Engineering. “This gift made by the Stanleys represents their considerable investments in the College of Engineering, for which we are truly appreciative.” 

Mr. and Dr. Stanley credit the roots of their passion for N.C. A&T to Dr. Stanley’s father, George W. Walker ’56, Ph.D., who passed away in 2011.

“We are so excited to have been lucky enough to end up at N.C. A&T,” said Dr. Stanley. “To have met, to have married, and to extend our legacy. Because we view this as our university, our A&T ear A&T, to us.”

Mr. and Dr. Stanley’s three daughters have continued in their parent’s footsteps at A&T. Briana Stanley graduated in 2020, Tori Stanley in graduated in 2022 and Sania Stanley is expected to graduate in 2026.