More than 450 young and young-at-heart Aggies came to the Webb Hall lawn to dance, feast and fellowship during the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences’ annual Alumni Celebration and Cookout on Oct. 18 ahead of the university’s football game against the Hampton Pirates.

They also got the chance to “shout-out” and give thanks to one another.

A notable feature to this year’s celebration was a video reel, displayed on the college’s Solar Charging Trailer, in which students of the university – currently enrolled, previous alum or faculty members with degrees from N.C. A&T – offered their gratitude to other former graduates.

Leon Moses, class of 1980 and former superintendent of the University Farm, thanked Samuel Jackson Dunn, Ph.D., former chair of the then- Department of Plant Science & Technology.

Quontaza Bowden and her daughter Nia Perkins pose after stopping at the shaved ice truck during the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Annual Alumni Homecoming Celebration and Cookout on the lawn at B.C. Webb Hall. The event featured games, food, fun, fellowship, entertainment, and Aggie spirit.

“Dr. Dunn was my advisor as well as my mentor who helped keep me on the right track, followed me up through my college years, and made sure that I got a job once I graduated,” said Moses.

Hannah Talton, D.P.M., assistant professor and Cooperative Extension plant pathology specialist and 2021 alumna, praised classmates Trequan McGree, Ph.D., horticulture extension specialist, and Ph.D. student and research assistant William Lashley.

“They did everything they could growing up with me in the class of 2017 in the College of Ag and in Urban and Community Horticulture,” said Talton. “We were just like a family and without them, I wouldn’t know where I would be and I’m just so happy that matriculating through A&T has helped me become the doctor that I am today.”