North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University was given its nickname by the school's founder, Dr. James E. Shepard, who was also the president of the school from its beginning in 1910 until 1947. As the story goes, at the beginning of each school year, Dr. Shepard would rally the student body together for a motivational speech, which always began with an explanation as to why the institution's mascot was an Eagle.

"The Eagle is no common, ordinary barnyard fowl," Dr. Shepard explained. "And while a Sparrow clings to its flock, an Eagle soars alone."

NCCU EAGLES LOGO

Please review the NCCU Eagles Graphic Standards Manual below for the appropriate use of the NCCU Eagles logos.

NCCU Eagles Graphic Standards Manual in PDF Format

ALMA MATER

Play Song

"Dear Old N.C.C."

Lyrics by Annie D. Shepard

I

The sloping hills, the verdant green,

The lovely blossoms' beauteous sheen

Surround our college proud and gay,

Where wave our colors, Maroon and Gray.

What matters it how far we roam?

Our thoughts will oft return to home,

And hearts will e'er be true to thee,

Our Alma Mater, N.C.C.

Refrain :

Then Rah! Rah! Rah! For our colors so gay!

Dear old N.C.C.'s Maroon and Gray;

Thy sons and daughters will honor thee,

Dear old N.C.C.

II

We've gathered here to fit our lives,

As from the darkness light revives,

So let us hail, both night and day,

Our glorious colors, Maroon and Gray.

We'll ever love and honor thee,

For thou hast taught us loyalty.

Then let our watchword "service" be,

To Alma Mater, N.C.C.

III

You send us forth with hearts of love;

So like a blessing from above,

And from the path we'll never stray,

Our dear Alma Mater, Maroon and Gray.

We'll work and fight, we'll win our way.

When duty calls, we shall obey.

And may we e'er return to thee,

Our Alma Mater, N.C.C!

NCCU FIGHT SONG

Play Song

We are the fighting Eagles

Our Majesty will soar high

There's victory for you and me

When we show our Eagle Pride.

Fight! Fight!

Our mighty campus we have here

Our spirits will ring free

For we are the fighting Eagles

Dear ole NCC!!!!

CHAMPIONSHIPS / NCAA POST-SEASON

Basketball (Men)

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Champions (CIAA): 1946, 1950

NCAA Division II Tournament Appearances: 1957, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1997

NCAA Division II Regional Champions: 1989, 1993

NCAA Division II National Champions: 1989

Football

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Champions (CIAA): 1953, 1954, 1956, 1961, 1963, 1980, 2005, 2006

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Champions (MEAC): 1972, 1973

NCAA Division II Playoff Appearances: 1988, 2005, 2006

Track & Field (Men)

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Champions (CIAA): 1964, 1965, 1971

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Champions (MEAC): 1972, 1973, 1974

NAIA National Champions: 1972

Tennis (Men)

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Champions (CIAA): 1957, 1958, 1959, 1964, 1965, 1998

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Champions (MEAC): 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975

Volleyball (Women)

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Champions (CIAA): 1999, 2004, 2005, 2006

NCAA Division II Playoff Appearances: 2004, 2005, 2006

Softball

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Champions (CIAA): 1998, 1999, 2006

NCAA Division II Playoff Appearances: 2006, 2007

Basketball (Women)

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Champions (CIAA): 1984, 2007

NCAA Division II Playoff Appearances: 1984, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007

Cross Country (Women)

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Champions (CIAA): 2005, 2006

NCAA Division II Regional Champions: 2006

Cross Country (Men)

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Champions (CIAA): 2004

Bowling (Women)

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Champions (CIAA): 2001