DURHAM, NC - NCCU awarded an honorary degree to alumnus Valeria Lee during the 112th Exercises on Saturday, December 6th, 2008.  Of her many accomplishments Lee’s service as the inaugural President of NC’s Golden Long-Term Economic Foundation (LEAF) is held to bee the most significant.  In that roe, she is credited with assisting in the development of an education and training infrastructure for the biotechnology industry in North Carolina.

A portion of the funds allocated by Gold LEAF, was used to create the Biomanufacturing management development center on NCCU’s Campus called BRITE (Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise).  Although the program began enrolling students in 2006, the $21.6 million facility was not completed until 2008.

Lee spoke briefly about her modest background, coming from a small farm and a family with little schooling.  The first in her family to attend college, she told the audience that NCCU was very important to her.  She also told the audience that NCCU is the basis for her success that she has achieved.

Lee earned a BS degree in Business Education from NCCU. She also earned a MS degree in Education from NCSU and MA degree in Radio, Television and Film Management from Ohio University. 

Lee served on the University of NC Board of Governors from 1993 to 1995.  She also served as a member of NCCU Board of Trustees during which time she chaired the committee on Institutional Advancement; served as the Vice Chair of the Board and worked as a member of the Executive Committee.