Andy Curliss

The CAES has more than a few dollars to add to its piggy bank thanks to a N.C. Pork Council gift challenge. The council offered to match donations made to the college in the weeks around Homecoming by Aggie alumni, faculty and staff up to a total of $5,000.

The campaign, which ran on social media during the month of October, collected $5,677.60 in gifts from individuals. With the Pork Council match, the college received a total of $10,677.60.

“The N.C. Pork Council wants to support N.C. A&T as it creates the next generation of leaders in agriculture,” said Andy Curliss, CEO of the council. “There are many A&T alumni in the industry that are standout leaders. We recognize the tremendous job that A&T does for students and for agriculture.”

The funds will become part of the Dean’s Excellence Fund, which is used for students’ scholarships and academic needs, and professional development for faculty, according to Dean Mohamed Ahmedna.

“This generous gift from the Pork Council and the matching challenge is a great way to boost CAES fundraising. These funds will directly support the success of our students, many of whom go on to work in the state’s pork industry, by providing scholarships and funding for their immediate academic needs, and professional development for faculty,” Ahmedna said. “We deeply appreciate our partnership with the council and CEO Andy Curliss, who is a loyal friend to the college.”