Page 48 - N.C. A&T Magazine Spring 2019

“i knoW The

DiFFerenCe ThaT
a&T maDe in mY liFe,

anD ThaT moTivaTes

me To make The same
oPPorTuniTies availaBle

To TodAy’s sTUdeNTs ANd

The generaTions ThaT

Will FolloW Them.”

— Willie Deese,
CamPaign Co-Chairman

“We have the power to attract the best and brightest minds “I know the difference that A&T made in my life, and that “Our alumni have really stepped up with more [and
in our students and faculty, improve and expand programs motivates me to make the same opportunities available larger] gifts,” Sigmon said. “We’re deepening our
and build state of the art labs, classrooms and residence to today’s students and the generations that will follow relationships with current donors and we are where we
halls for our campus.” them,” said Deese, a retired pharmaceutical executive are today because of these relationships. Campaigns can
who was recognized as the lead donor with $6 million in sometime feel like they are just about the counting. For
Ralisha Mercer, associate vice chancellor of development, support of the campaign. us, it’s about the sacrifice. All size gifts matter and help
said “The Power of DO” was a natural progression of get us across our goal line.”
Aggies DO. Before the public phase of the campaign kicked off, the
leadership phase appealed to alumni and community That goal is $85 million by 2020.
“When we discuss change, we equate it to the movement partners to set the pace.
and the power,” she said. “When we continue to push the When about $68 million were raised, the public phase
power, that’s when we ‘do.’ Like we say, we are better than Through the Campaign for North Carolina A&T, the launched with a kickoff event (Nov. 8, 2018) boasting
yesterday but never as good as tomorrow. That’s the ‘Power university is continuing and building upon its historic what Aggies have already accomplished and what can
of DO.’” commitment to excellence. That commitment has only be accomplished with support from the A&T community.
succeeded because of generous giving from alumni Another $6.77 million has been raised since the public
The campaign is being led by co-chairmen Willie Deese and and friends. launch, currently making the total more than $74 million.
Royall M. Mack Sr., both alumni of the university.

46 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 47