October 4, 2006

NC State Celebrates 50 Years of African-American Undergraduate Education

  — Four African-American Engineering undergraduate students made history at NC State in 1956

NC State University will host a year-long celebration honoring the 50th Anniversary of the first African-American undergraduates at NC State University.

In summer 1956 the first black engineering students were admitted: Edward Carson and Manuel Crockett Jr. In fall 1956 they were joined by Walter Holmes and Irwin Holmes Jr.

NC State’s landmark celebration will honor the past 50 years, recognizing the triumphs as well as the struggles, in addition to paving the way for the next 50 years of success at NC State University. A series of programs, films and discussions relating to the 50th anniversary are scheduled throughout the year. http://www.ncsu.edu/msa/goldenanniversary.php

An opening program will take place Wednesday, October 18, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Stewart Theater (second floor of the Talley Student Center). The program will include an historical overview, a tribute to the first African-American students and a panel discussion featuring Edward Carson, Manuel Crockett, Irwin Holmes Jr., alumnus and former chancellor Dr. Larry Monteith, Dr. Ron Butler (former Associate Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs) and more.

Reception to follow, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Office for Diversity and African-American Affairs and the Division of Student Affairs. For more information contact African-American Student Affairs at (919) 515-3125 or visit http://www.ncsu.edu/msa/goldenanniversary.php

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