My name is Donnie T. Simmons, Class of 1977. I am proud to share my journey as an N.C. A&T Aggie. 

I was my family’s first college student. August 1974, I arrived on A&T’s campus. This was my first time setting foot on the campus. I had one suitcase and a trunk. After my parents reminded me why I was there, they headed back home to New Bern, North Carolina. 

With my roommate not yet there, I unpacked, looked out the window and wondered, “What’s next?” I had no idea how deeply N.C. A&T would shape my life. 

I attended my first A&T homecoming in November 1974 and proudly attended 51 consecutive A&T homecomings. The centennial Greatest Homecoming On Earth will mark my 52nd consecutive homecoming, a milestone I cherish. 

In the fall 1975, I pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., at N.C. A&T and became a member of the Alpha Nu Chapter. The Alpha Nu Chapter has been recognized at the National Undergraduate Chapter of the Year four times. I am honored to be a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

A&T is also where I met my wife, Shauna. We recently celebrated 47 years of marriage. 

The Aggie legacy continues in my family with my brother, Zeke; sister, Marsha, an A&T Lady Aggies Basketball Hall of Famer; niece, Monique; and daughter, Maya. Maya is an Aggie nurse and former cheerleader. Lastly, my brother-in-law, Rod, and son-in-love, Keon, a Ph.D. candidate in December 2026, are both Aggies. 

After more than five decades of memories, relationships, accomplishments and Aggie traditions, I am deeply grateful for the role N.C. A&T has played in shaping my life and family. 

I am thankful, honored and immensely proud to be an N.C. A&T Aggie!  

Photo by Keon Lewis