NC A&T Grad
Graduates walk in the processional at the 2025 N.C A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum on Saturday. WOODY MARSHALL,NEWS & RECORD
Cheers erupted from the bleachers as graduates marched through the tunnel and onto the floor of the First Horizon Coliseum for N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University's 2025 undergraduate graduation ceremony.
N.C. A&T is filled with decades of traditions and on Saturday, but it was first for new Chancellor, James Martin II.
Martin was elected chancellor in June of 2024 after longtime chancellor Harold L. Martin retired after 15 years.
Martin delivered his opening greetings by talking about the Second Morrill Act of 1890, which allowed for the creation of the university. The act, aimed at former Confederate states, required each state to show that race was not a criteria for admission to a university, or else to designate a separate land-grant institution for African Americans.
"Now who could have guessed all these many years later A&T would hold such a singular place in American higher education," Martin II said. "We're the No. 1 producer of Black stem graduates. We're the No. 1 producer of Black engineers. We're the number one producer of Black agricultural scientists I can keep on going."
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NC A&T Grad
Brad Holmes, the executive vice president and general manager of the Detroit Lions, pumps his fist as he leaves the stage. Holmes, an Aggie, was the keynote speaker for the ceremony. WOODY MARSHALL,NEWS & RECORD
Then, he turned his sites to the new graduates, congratulating them on the hard work they had put in to earn their degrees.
"You've navigated rigorous coursework, engaged with your disciplinary communities, and you've persevered through times of uncertainty and challenge," Martin said. "And today you stand as scholars, you stand as leaders and representatives of the legacy and excellence that defines this amazing institution."
LaDrea Pretty is the living embodiment of the perseverance Martin spoke about, a single mother who returned to earn her degree in criminal justice after dropping out of A&T in 2015.
LaDrea Pretty
LaDrea Pretty graduated Saturday, 10 years after dropping out of N.C. A&T State University. Camdyn Bruce
Pretty was able to achieve this through Aggies at the Goal Line, a program that helps former A&T dropouts pick up where they left off and complete their degrees. Pretty said her daughter was a big motivation for her to come back to school.
"It was for me to show her with us being African-American, you know, you're doing it, you're going to school, you're smart and you're fighting, mommy can do it as well," Pretty said. "And I want her to see getting an education is very important."
Pretty said she spent many a long night trying to balance raising her daughter with working a fulltime job and taking online classes.
"Sometimes I would just say I'm going to stop doing what I'm doing and we're going to have a girl's moment and she loved that," Pretty said. "I would stop doing homework, I would be a mom, and as soon as I get her down at nine o'clock, I'm on my computer sometimes until one, two, o'clock in the morning.
Pretty said it was a relief to finally be at the finish line.
"I feel like I finally beat the odds," Pretty said. "I probably didn't do things according to the normal plans, but I feel like I did things my way."
As the graduation ceremony progressed, keynote speaker Brad Holmes, the executive vice president and general manager for the NFL's Detroit Lions, gave some tips on achieving success.
NC A&T Grad
N.C. A&T Chancellor James R. Martin II speaks to graduates and their families. WOODY MARSHALL,NEWS & RECORD
"A couple of years ago me and our COO we were meeting about our entire organization, all the employees, and we were trying to identify who were the high performers within the company," Holmes, who graduated from A&T in 2002, said. "I noticed that either he or myself would sum that individual up with 'I don't worry about him or her.'"
Holmes offered three tips for success, the first being a winning attitude.
"What's your attitude," Holmes asked? "Do you wake up thinking you have to do something, or do you wake up thinking I get to do something?
The second key, Holmes said, was consistency.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after getting his degree. WOODY MARSHALL,NEWS & RECORD
"Are you consistent? Are you reliable, dependable? Do people have to worry about you showing up on time," Holmes said.
The third and final key, Holmes said, is "the quality of your production."
After Holmes' speech, the more than 1,600 graduates made their walk across the stage.
NC A&T Grad
Cynthia Crabtree, Noelia Zafra and Blamca Zafra cheer for their graduate, Avani Etheridge, after she crossed the stage. WOODY MARSHALL,NEWS & RECORD
Kemyeis Robinson, a nursing graduate, already has a job lined up: He will be working as registered nurse in a in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit at Duke University.
He still has a hard time believing his four years at A&T have come to a close.
"It feels surreal for me," Robinson said. "I'm coming from a rural town so just like seeing how much I've accomplished within these four years is amazing."
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NC A&T Grad
Brad Holmes, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Detroit Lions, gives the keynote address for the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Brad Holmes, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Detroit Lions, gives the keynote address for the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate waits to to cross the stage at the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates waves to supporters after crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Nyeem Tillman turns his tassel from left to right at the end of the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after turning their tassels at the end of the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Graduates walk in the processional at the 2025 N.C A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum on Saturday.
NC A&T Grad
Supporters cheer their graduates as they walk in the processional at the 2025 North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate waves to supporters in the audience during the processional at the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Supporters cheer their graduates as they walk in the processional at the 2025 North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduates wave to supporters in the audience during the processional at the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate waves to supporters in the audience during the processional at the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate talks on their phone during the processional at the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
North Carolina A&T Chancellor James R. Martin II walks with the platform guests walk in the processional at the 2025 North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Brad Holmes, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Detroit Lions, waits to give the keynote address for the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
N.C. A&T Chancellor James R. Martin II speaks to graduates and their families.
NC A&T Grad
North Carolina A&T Chancellor James R. Martin II speaks to graduates at the 2025 North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate's cap displays a message at the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Brad Holmes, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Detroit Lions, gives the keynote address for the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Members of the class of 1975 at the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Brad Holmes, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Detroit Lions, pumps his fist after delivering the keynote address for the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Brad Holmes, the executive vice president and general manager of the Detroit Lions, pumps his fist as he leaves the stage. Holmes, an Aggie, was the keynote speaker for the ceremony.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after getting his degree.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates as they cross the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate photographs a friend crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates while crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
North Carolina A&T Chancellor James R. Martin II shakes hands with a graduate crossing the stage at the 2025 North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates while crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Cynthia Crabtree, Noelia Zafra and Blamca Zafra cheer for their graduate, Avani Etheridge, after she crossed the stage.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
PHOTOS: North Carolina A&T 2025 graduation
NC A&T Grad
Brad Holmes, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Detroit Lions, gives the keynote address for the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Brad Holmes, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Detroit Lions, gives the keynote address for the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate waits to to cross the stage at the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates waves to supporters after crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Nyeem Tillman turns his tassel from left to right at the end of the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after turning their tassels at the end of the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Graduates walk in the processional at the 2025 N.C A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum on Saturday.
NC A&T Grad
Supporters cheer their graduates as they walk in the processional at the 2025 North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate waves to supporters in the audience during the processional at the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Supporters cheer their graduates as they walk in the processional at the 2025 North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduates wave to supporters in the audience during the processional at the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate waves to supporters in the audience during the processional at the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate talks on their phone during the processional at the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
North Carolina A&T Chancellor James R. Martin II walks with the platform guests walk in the processional at the 2025 North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Brad Holmes, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Detroit Lions, waits to give the keynote address for the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
N.C. A&T Chancellor James R. Martin II speaks to graduates and their families.
NC A&T Grad
North Carolina A&T Chancellor James R. Martin II speaks to graduates at the 2025 North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate's cap displays a message at the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Brad Holmes, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Detroit Lions, gives the keynote address for the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Members of the class of 1975 at the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Brad Holmes, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Detroit Lions, pumps his fist after delivering the keynote address for the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Brad Holmes, the executive vice president and general manager of the Detroit Lions, pumps his fist as he leaves the stage. Holmes, an Aggie, was the keynote speaker for the ceremony.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after getting his degree.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates as they cross the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate photographs a friend crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates while crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
North Carolina A&T Chancellor James R. Martin II shakes hands with a graduate crossing the stage at the 2025 North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates while crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
NC A&T Grad
Cynthia Crabtree, Noelia Zafra and Blamca Zafra cheer for their graduate, Avani Etheridge, after she crossed the stage.
NC A&T Grad
A graduate celebrates after crossing the stage during the North Carolina A&T graduation at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
camdyn.bruce@greensboro.com
336-373-7094
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