Transformative Giving Recognized at N.C. A&T Endowment Scholarship Luncheon

GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 15, 2025) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Division of University Advancement celebrated the transformative impact of philanthropy on student success during its Endowed Scholarship Luncheon on May 2 at the Alumni-Foundation Event Center.

North Carolina A&T holds the distinction of having the largest endowment among all public historically Black colleges and universities in the United States. As of the most recent figures, the university’s endowment exceeds $202 million – a reflection of sound fiscal stewardship, strong alumni engagement and strategic investment practices.

An endowment consists of donated financial assets that are invested to generate long-term income for the university. These funds support scholarships, academic programs, faculty development, research and infrastructure, ensuring financial stability and expanding access for future generations of Aggies.

The Endowed Scholarship Luncheon is an event that brings scholarship recipients and their benefactors together to share stories, celebrate success and recognize the lasting value of educational investment.

“This event is about more than recognition – it is about meaningful, lifelong relationships,” said Monique Dozier, vice chancellor for University Advancement. “The impact you are making in the lives of our students is beyond measurable. As I always say, the importance of paying it forward is transformative.”

Throughout the program, benefactors heard directly from students who are leveraging scholarship support to drive innovation, conduct research and represent A&T globally through the university’s expanding study abroad program.

Sophomore Makayla Morris-Roberts is studying global supply management in Amsterdam. Her scholarship-funded experience has taken her across Europe, allowing her to engage in new cultures and even pick up skiing. “The thing I enjoy most about studying abroad is being in close proximity to people from all over the world,” she said.

“Having the opportunity to travel has opened my eyes to different perspectives and, most importantly, helped me gain new life experiences and understand a culture different from my own,” said sophomore Gabrielle Folson, who is studying in Granada, Spain.

A&T’s Study Abroad Program offers students immersive academic experiences that build global awareness, adaptability and leadership. Supported in part by endowment funds, the program aligns with the university’s mission to prepare globally minded graduates who are ready to lead in an interconnected world.

Key benefits of the program include:

• Global awareness through exposure to diverse cultural environments and worldviews.
• Academic enrichment with coursework and internships that align with students’ academic and professional goals.
• Personal growth, building confidence, independence and problem-solving skills.
• Career readiness, as international experience and cross-cultural communication are assets in today’s workforce.
• Aggie ambassadorship, where students serve as global representatives of the university and bring valuable insights back to campus.

The Endowed Scholarship Luncheon also featured remarks from Re’Onna Vines, who received her B.S. in public relations May 10.

“When you give to this university, this is the kind of access and opportunity you make possible,” she said. “You’re not just giving to a fund – you’re giving to students like me, giving us the chance to grow, explore and thrive beyond what we ever imagined. You’re opening doors many of us didn’t even know existed.”

Attendees also enjoyed a performance by the E. Gwynn Dancers of North Carolina A&T, who recently marked their 40th anniversary. The group paid tribute to its founder and creative director, Eleanor Gwynn, Ph.D., who passed away in November. A champion of cultural learning through the arts, Gwynn believed deeply in the value of travel and cross-cultural understanding. The dancers performed “The 74 Boothwynn,” honoring her enduring legacy.

Chancellor James R. Martin II concluded the event with a powerful reaffirmation of A&T’s commitment to cultivating a global presence and purpose.

“Our students, our future leaders, are determined to make an impact not only in their chosen fields, but also within their communities and across the world,” he said. “With the continued support of our alumni, partners and benefactors, we are equipping them with the tools to lead, innovate and serve on a global scale.”

A&T, the nation’s HBCU for 11 consecutive years, continues to build on its legacy of academic excellence and social responsibility. Through strategic investments in student scholarships, research opportunities, and global partnerships, the university is preparing graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Benefactors support plays a critical role in this journey, fueling initiatives that expand access to education, promote cultural exchange and drive innovation across disciplines. Every gift, no matter the size, empowers students and changes lives on a personal level that reaches a global scale.