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Freshman Eagle Pinning Ceremony
August 19, 2007
Mclendon – McDougal Gymnasium
Characteristics of an Eagle

I want to talk to you today about the difference between a turkey and an eagle. Eagles soar higher than any other bird, fly faster than any other birds and can reach the ultimate height of an airplane. I am told it is the only thing that can fly higher. In human terms -where you end up is more important than where you start!

An eagle is resilient, agile, strong, fast…

An eagle’s nest is not on the ground. Rather it is perched up high away from predators. In fact predators endanger themselves trying to get to the young eaglets. In human terms, Ben Mays said it best, “low aim is sin not failure”.

The acuity of the eagle’s vision is unparallel. It sees beyond the visible, beyond the horizon. Unlike other birds, the eagle flies into the sun and is not blinded! In human terms, you must get yourself a big dream!

Unlike other birds, the eagle can survive in a diverse array of environmental conditions and locations – the plains as well as the forests. In human terms, excel where you find yourself!

Being an NCCU eagle means:
Subscribing to and learning a core set of values: respect, honesty, humility, hardwork….

Commitment to excellence in everything we do: spiritually, academically, socially and personally.

Accepting full responsibility for your own education – do not allow anyone to be responsible for your failure!

Aim high get yourself a big dream!

Use your time wisely; it’s your most important asset.

Utilized all of the support services available to you.

I leave you with this quote by Langston Hughes:
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken winged bird
That can not fly