TRIO McNair Scholars to Participate in McNair Birthday Celebration

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Oct. 12, 2026) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University TRiO Ronald E. McNair Scholars will participate in a birthday celebration for the late 1971 alumnus, astronaut and physicist in his native Lake City, South Carolina.

McNair’s family invited College of Science and Technology seniors Jazerah Fisher, who is studying biology, and Felipe Garcia-Cruz, who is studying computer science, as TRiO McNair Scholars to speak during the Saturday, Oct. 17, event, which includes a program of speakers, musical tribute by the Lake City High School Band, STEM discovery zone, 5K race, art and history showcase, vendors and family activities.

McNair, who earned his B.S. in physics from A&T, was among seven who died in the space shuttle Challenger disaster Jan. 28, 1986.

In all, 12 N.C. A&T TRiO McNair Scholars will travel to the celebration and visit Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina.

“Our TRiO Ronald E. McNair Scholars are honored and excited to have been invited to participate in the birthday celebration commemorating the extraordinary legacy of Dr. McNair,” said Chantal E. Fleming, A&T TRiO Programs executive director. “Collaborating with his family, over the past several weeks, has provided us with a deeper appreciation of his life, accomplishments, and lasting impact around the world.”

Fleming credits A&T TRiO McNair Scholars senior academic support LaVette L. Ford, Ed.D., for “recruiting 12 of our McNair Scholars to join us for this meaningful and memorable occasion.

“We are proud to celebrate Dr. McNair’s legacy, in Lake City, South Carolina, in hopes to inspire the next generation of scholars to carry his vision forward,” said Fleming.

Before their trip, 10 students will be inducted as TRiO McNair Scholars on A&T’s campus during a ceremony Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5 p.m. in the Chancellor’s Dining Hall. It will bring the university's number of TRiO McNair Scholars to 20.

Established under the Higher Education Act of 1965, TRiO programs have supported millions of students in achieving academic success. A&T is home to four TRiO programs: Student Support Services, Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search.

A&T’s TRiO McNair Scholar Program is an intensive research program that prepares undergraduate students who have a strong interest in pursuing graduate and doctoral studies. Scholars complete a comprehensive program with the support of faculty mentors, program staff and a research stipend.