Biography 
A native of Pender County, N.C., Mrs. Julia Shivers Brooks graduated from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in 1944; she is a retired Kindergarten teacher of the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania school system. Mrs. Brooks became an active member of the Association in 1950. Since that time, she has served as an officer or as a chairperson on the local, regional, and national levels.  

During her career, Mrs. Brooks touched the lives of many youth in the Philadelphia area. She taught for more than twenty-nine (29) years as a kindergarten teacher. While she had the summers off from teaching, she volunteered her time at day camps serving the youth of her community shaping and molding them to be productive members of society. Her service to students did not end in Philadelphia. She provided students at A&T with monetary assistance to further their education, one of them went on to become a doctor.  

Her work in the Presbyterian Church is far reaching and includes leading a delegation of Presbyterian Ministers to Central Africa, serving her local church, Synod of the Trinity, Presbytery of Philadelphia, and National Black Presbyterian Caucus-Philadelphia Chapter in various notable offices and as chair of numerous committees, boards, and ministries. Her work earned her awards from Bethel and Oxford Presbyterian Churches. Mrs. Brooks was the first female president of the North Carolina A&T State University Alumni Association, the first person living outside of North Carolina to serve as president and the first to hold three consecutive presidential terms of office of the association. At one time, she served concurrently as the president of the national association and the Philadelphia chapter. She also served as chairperson of the membership committee, fund raising committee, by-laws committee, class reunion and annual alumni dance. Mrs. Brooks served as Parliamentarian of the northeast region and the Philadelphia chapter.  

For Mrs. Brooks’ meritorious and outstanding service to the alumni association, the student government at A&T and the Philadelphia community, she was honored with awards and testimonial dinners. She continues to make education available for young people and she provides services for older adults.  

Award Criteria 

• Must be alumni of North Carolina A&T State University. 
• Must demonstrate active engagement with the University and/or the Office of Alumni Relations. This may include serving on a committee, participating in a local alumni chapter, and acting as an Aggie Certified Alumni Recruiter, and volunteering at university events such as Homecoming or Alumni Reunion Weekend. 
• Must submit two (2) letters of recommendation that highlight the nominee’s character, service, and commitment to the University and community. 
• Must have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their profession, community, or public service. Must have held multiple leadership roles across various levels within their professional field, community involvement, or public service. 
• Must have contributed to the University’s Annual Giving Campaign for at least two consecutive years.  
• Previous recipients are not eligible to receive the same award again.