NCCU played host June 3 and 4 to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Symposium (see separate article on Page 17). Speakers and attendees included, clockwise from top right: John Silvanus Wilson, executive director, White House Initiative on HBCUs; Dr. Edward St. John, University of Michigan; NCCU Chancellor Charlie Nelms; Dr. Pauletta Bracy, director of NCCU’s Office of University Accreditation and a principal organizer of the symposium; Roderick McDavis, president of Ohio University; Brian Kennedy II, NCCU student government vice president. At center is Belle S. Wheelan, president of the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
University.” A copy was presented to each member of the 2010 graduating class in May. On May 22, the university hosted the Centennial Gala, a formal reception at the new Durham Performing Arts Center. More than 500 guests representing academia, industry and government from across the state attended. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of The Shepard Medallion, a newly created honor, to six people whose
lives and careers exemplify NCCU’s motto, “Truth and Service.” The six were: Mattie R. Sharpless, former U.S. Ambassador to Central African Republic; Peggy M. Ward, an award-winning insurance agent and former NCCU trustee; state Rep. H.M. Michaux Jr.; and Chancellors Emeriti Julius L. Chambers, LeRoy T. Walker and Albert N. Whiting. Each was presented with a threeinch bronze medallion bearing the image of NCCU’s founder. Now Magazine
5