A native of Waldorf, Maryland, Monique “Nik” Manning ‘08 has been an entertainer since she was a child from singing and dancing to being “the hostess with the mostest.”  Since 2016, Manning has built her digital lifestyle brand, Lizeeangel solely off her unique personality. It has catapulted her to a billboard in New York’s Times Square for the SAMA Tea launch by Jay Shetty in 2021.  “Lizeeangel is a way for me to express myself by bringing people into my world as I cook, travel, and experience life,” said Manning. “I grew up as a military kid and I always enjoyed the experience of meeting new people, connecting with them,…

For many entrepreneurs, a successful business starts with an idea driven by passion and strategy. For Kwame Molden ‘09 and Major Maurice Davis ‘09, a lifetime of friendship has been the glue that makes their business, Spring Break (SPGBK) Watches prosper. The company is a luxury, designer watch brand built on the love of historically Black colleges and universities, and the culture of Fayetteville, North Carolina.  “My business partner, Maurice and I wanted the SPGBK Watches brand to represent a positive and fun college experience, and we believe our products are the perfect watch for spring break,” said Molden. “It was key that we built something that was rooted in…

The New Hanover Community Endowment announced its first CEO and President will be William Buster, a seasoned leader in philanthropy who has dedicated his life’s work to improving the social determinants of health and quality of life for all people across the South. In his position, Buster will work closely with the 13-member board and its committees and a cross-section of stakeholders and organizations with a vested interest in a sustainable, equitable future. “We are confident that with William’s leadership, talent and experience, the NHCE will fulfill its mission, improving the lives and circumstances of every person in New Hanover and beyond,” said Chair Spence Broadhurst. “His deep North Carolina…

    A&T Register, December 19, 1933   “As we approach the holiday season, my thoughts are of you, of the things we used to do, of the things we used to say, and of each happy yesterday.”   T. A. Hamme, president of the National Alumni Association of the A&T College, A&T Register – December 19, 1933.       Thomas Arthur Hamme Sr. ‘29 (1894-1951) was the superintendent for the Oxford Orphanage in Durham, North Carolina and one of our earliest known national alumni association presidents. He was hardly alone when sharing heartfelt greetings for the Holiday season and what they mean to the A&T family. Countless traditions, charities, special moments, and opinions of the holiday season would be completely lost if not for…

For more than 40 years, Mohammad “Mo” Milani ‘76 led the hospitality division for the Koury Convention Center and Sheraton Greensboro Hotel at Four Seasons. To many, he was known for being larger than life. For others he was a great mentor, philanthropist, leader and business guru.   Affectionately known as “Mo,” Milani came to the United States in 1972 to study electrical engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. In 1980, he joined Koury Corp. under the guidance of Joseph Koury, whom he considered a second father. He moved up the ranks from part-time worker at Joseph’s Restaurant in the Holiday Inn Four Seasons to executive vice president for…

“With joy, with joy, Dear A&T, thy  students turn from thee to spread  thy trophies year by year from Dare to Cherokee”.  Refrain of “Dear A&T” – lyrics by Mrs. Susie B. Dudley  “The college could not have been what it is today, nor could it have the broad base of unity and cohesion among students and graduates that it enjoys today, without Dear A. and T.” – President Emeritus Dr. Warmoth T. Gibbs, History of The North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College, 1966  While attending convocations, commencements and other Aggie events, it can be easy to overlook the beauty and significance of “Dear A&T”, and just dismiss it as an old tradition. The lyrics of “Dear A&T”…

The field of nursing is one of the fastest-growing industries, especially with the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic. For nearly, two years, the world has seen the resilience and strength of nurses who continue to stand on the frontlines.   Since 2009, the School of Nursing has offered an affinity group to provide mentorship to fellow Aggie alumni in the field of nursing.  The School of Nursing Affinity Group (SONAG) was founded by Dr. Erma Smith King ‘74 and is organized to provide consultation and advice to the department, help with recruitment efforts of qualified faculty and students, provide scholarships, and offer a professional network of alumni.   The current president, Dana Lee Hines ‘00, a native of High Point, North Carolina, has been a nurse for more than 20 years and is passionate about showing care to…

Inspired by the 90’s culture, Ronnie Staton ‘18 and his wife, Damaris Staton have taken a unique approach to their business, The Staton Wood Company. Their business is best known for producing custom, handcrafted wood gifts and apparel in the Greensboro, North Carolina market.   “Being in business with my wife is very strategic, I am the artist and craftsman and she is everything I am not. She runs the business and handles everything from customer service to the finances,” said Ronnie.  Since childhood, Ronnie always knew he had an artistic gift and attended Alamance Community College to receive his associate’s degree in advertisement graphic design in 2016. However, growing up in Greensboro, he set his sights on attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and received his…

Diane Brice-Williams, Ph.D. ‘82 is a special education teacher for Prince George’s County Public Schools, and a former member of the flag team for the Blue and Gold Marching Machine.   With the 45th anniversary of the alumni band, Brice-Williams shares her reflection of her experience in the band and why leaving a legacy is so important with Tamisha Keith, director of major gifts for N.C. A&T.   “The Blue and Gold Marching Machine has a phrase, often imitated, but never duplicated. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University produces leaders and doers who are innovators and stand out!” expressed by Brice-Williams.   Director of Gift Planning (DG): How has your experience at North…

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University celebrated its annual Fall Convocation program Thursday, Oct. 28. During the program, Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. provided the state of the university and welcomed alumni to the “Greatest Homecoming on Earth” celebration. Roderick M. “Rod” McLean ’92, served as the keynote speaker. He is vice president and general manager of the Air Mobility and Maritime Missions (AMMM) Line of Business (LOB) at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. in Marietta, Georgia. He is also the site general manager of the 5,000-employee Marietta facility. McLean graduated from North Carolina A&T with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He holds a master’s degree in engineering from…