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Just a month ago, NC Central University mascot Eddie the Eagle was a bachelor, with no romantic prospects in sight. While he was still full of pep, anyone could see there was something missing from his life.
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Then, a mysterious bird of prey came on the scene: Annie the Eagle.
The brainchild of Chancellor Karrie Dixon, Annie was introduced at NC Central’s first home football game of the season, a Sept. 5 win against Elizabeth City State University.
Eddie couldn’t help himself: he proposed to Annie after the first quarter.
Thursday, he stood at the altar in NC Central’s Library Bowl, pledging eternal allegiance to the newfound love of his life.
The avian wedding was part of NC Central’s homecoming celebration. Alumni and students filled the stands, the marching band played Petey Pablo’s “Raise Up,” and the dance team wowed the crowd.
Everyone fell silent as the bride emerged, an elegant wedding dress beneath a bobbling eagle head. Of course, Eddie and Annie have permanent smiles fixed on their beaks, but there was authentic joy in the air at the historically Black university in Durham. Dixon herself officiated the ceremony.
Karrie Dixon
“Eddie moves fast, and he wanted to go ahead and get this done,” Dixon told The News & Observer before the ceremony. “He knew everyone was coming back for homecoming, so he said, ‘Let’s get this done. I want to marry Annie.’”
Eddie and Annie are named after NC Central’s founder, the renowned pharmacist and educator James Edward Shepard, and his wife, Annie.
When Dixon dreamed up the idea for Annie the Eagle, she didn’t even know about Mr. and Mrs. Wuf, NC State University’s mascots who married in an iconic ceremony back in 1981. The nuptials occurred during halftime at a basketball game against Wake Forest, whose own mascot, the Demon Deacon, officiated.
Dixon worked with a student committee to plan the Eagles’ big day. Eddie himself invited his friends, Dixon said. That included East Carolina University’s mascot, Pee Dee the Pirate, and Elon University’s mascot, the Phoenix. Also in attendance was the mascot for NC Central’s Men’s Achievement Center, Lil Mac. There were rumblings that Mr. and Mrs. Wuf might show, but it looks like they had other plans.
Reigning homecoming royalty, Mr. and Mrs. NCCU — Malachi Griddine and Mykenzi Davis-Cowart — were present at the ceremony in their crowns. After Davis-Cowart walked Eddie to the altar, Griddine escorted the bride.
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“These two eagles have decided that soaring together is better than flying solo,” Dixon said at the altar. “… Annie and Eddie, a good marriage takes teamwork, patience, and a sense of humor. Luckily, you already have plenty of school spirit, and neither of you have ever been accused of being shy.”
Would Eddie always save Annie the last dance, even when the sound machine plays his favorite song? Yes, he would.
Would Annie always be patient with Eddie when he stops for just one more picture? Yes, she would.
“Now,” Dixon said, “let’s make things official.”
The two raptors donned light-up rings and jumped over a broom. The crowd cheered.
NC Central junior Kendall Brown said it was the first wedding she’d ever attended. The whole thing, she felt, is a bit silly, but she couldn’t help smiling.
Then, the reception kicked off, with cake and the homecoming Greek Stroll Off, an annual celebration where the school’s fraternities and sororities dance in teams.
NC Central alumnus and Clayton resident Felita Carr has attended homecoming every year since her graduation in 1996. But this one, her 30th, was special.
“It’s just so cool that the school now has a female mascot to represent the ladies here at NC Central,” Carr said. Davis-Cowart, aka Mrs. NCCU, said she felt the exact same way.
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In the wild, eagles mate for life.
Now, Annie and Eddie can begin their happily ever after.
This story was originally published October 8, 2026 at 2:24 PM.