Homepage Letter

Happy Birthday, NC State! It is truly exciting to be part of such an incredible community as we join together to celebrate a milestone year. What campus was like 125 years ago is hard to imagine, but the tradition upon which this university was founded stands true today.

The roots of NC State can be found in the same kind of progressive thinking that is characteristic of our university today. A group of aspiring young men recognized a need that an institution focused on developing the state’s industrial, manufacturing and agricultural industries could fulfill. This unique group was known as the Watauga Club. Many of their names you see on campus today — Page, Polk and Peele. They knew an institution of higher education devoted to solution-driven education could greatly benefit North Carolina as a whole.

From humble beginnings, our students, faculty, staff and alumni have built a strong foundation of transformation and a remarkable tradition of public service to the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Today, our faculty are transforming the world, collectively earning more than 85 National Science Foundation career and presidential awards in the past decade alone based on groundbreaking work addressing society’s grand challenges. Our students are not only invested in their academic success, but also are giving back through service, recently earning NC State a spot on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Our tremendous staff work tirelessly to uphold the integrity of the institution through unmatched professionalism, dedicated service and a commitment to efficient operations.

NC State’s past, people, traditions, transformational impact and very bright future are all worth celebrating. We kicked off the celebration on March 5 with the awarding of the Watauga Medal, an honor bestowed upon individuals who, like our founders, have made significant contributions to the advancement of NC State. But the party has just begun.

Join the Wolfpack Family as we celebrate our 125th birthday all year, beginning with a birthday party in Reynolds Coliseum on Monday, April 2 at 1:30 p.m. There will be music, games and of course, cake! We’ll also be revealing the winners of the 125th video contest.

We all have a unique opportunity to be part of a special time in the life of NC State as we embark on our 125th anniversary year. Join me in that journey as we remember the traditions of our past and celebrate our bright and transformational future.

Randy Woodson
Chancellor
NC State University