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Booster Clubs Unite Helping NCCU Soar To NCAA Division I

In anticipation of its NCAA Division I reclassification, the North Carolina Central University athletics department proudly announces the unification of all athletic booster clubs into one focused organization - the Eagle Club.

The newly-formed organization is built on a strong foundation of athletic support, commitment and giving developed by the more than half-dozen university team-based booster clubs. The Eagle Club, named for the university's mascot and a legacy booster organization, combines the loyalty and tradition developed by the supporters who laid the groundwork for this valuable and comprehensive organization.

NCCU Chancellor Charlie Nelms said, "I am confident that streamlining the booster club will have a positive impact on scholarship dollars, which is ever more important in these economic times."

The new Eagle Club has set its sights on raising $400,000 to help fund NCCU's athletic scholarship needs for 2009-10.

"We are thrilled about the Eagle Club and the promise it provides our program," said Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree, NCCU director of athletics. "The merged booster club combines the efforts of our most dedicated athletic supporters. Our supporters are a tremendous asset, allowing our program to offer scholarships to the most talented student-athletes and provide them and our constituents with excellent athletic experiences."

As part of Division I reclassification, schools are required to undergo a review process administered by the NCAA, who encouraged the Eagles to provide more structure to their fundraising model. This includes a united booster club, which better utilizes the human and financial resources of the athletics program as a whole.

A 20-member organizing committee with representatives from the university, athletics department and individual booster clubs led the effort to research, promote and plan the Eagle Club throughout the unification process.

"The committee representatives have devoted countless hours to the Eagle Club while keeping the best interests of our student-athletes and the university in mind," said John Smith, executive director, legacy Eagle Club. "I support the merger of NCCU booster clubs. It presents a united front to potential members and provides focus for our organization."

More details about the new Eagle Club will be available at www.NCCUEaglePride.com .