HISTORY OF THE NCCU "EAGLE" MASCOT
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."
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)
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament Champions (MEAC): 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019
NCAA Division I Tournament Appearances: 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019
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, *2014, *2015, 2016, 2022 (*2014 & 2015 vacated by NCAA)
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
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Champions (MEAC): 2023
NCAA Division II Playoff Appearances: 2006, 2007
NCAA Division I Playoff Appearances: 2023
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
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
