NC Central Mascots Married at Homecoming
Eddie and Annie Eagle exchanged vows during a ceremony held at the university homecoming celebration in Durham.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Weddings
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North Carolina Central University mascots Eddie Eagle and Annie Eagle married during the school's homecoming celebration. Chancellor Karrie Dixon officiated the wedding in the Library Bowl.
Why it matters
The ceremony was held to celebrate homecoming, with Eddie Eagle proposing to Annie Eagle to mark the festive occasion for the university community.
The mascots are named after James Edward Shepard and his wife, Annie. Eddie Eagle and Annie Eagle exchanged rings and participated in a broom jumping ritual.
The players
Karrie Dixon
She serves as the Chancellor of North Carolina Central University and officiated the mascot wedding ceremony.
Eddie Eagle
He is the official mascot of North Carolina Central University who proposed to and married Annie Eagle.
Annie Eagle
She is the official mascot of North Carolina Central University who was introduced to the campus in 2026.
James Edward Shepard
He is a historical figure for whom the mascot Eddie Eagle was named.
The details
Chancellor Karrie Dixon worked alongside a student committee to plan the event. The ceremony featured light-up rings and included representatives from the mascots of Elon University and East Carolina University.
Timeline
September 5, 2026: Annie Eagle debuted at the first home football game.
October 8, 2026: The mascots married during the university homecoming celebration.
Culture Shift
This wedding reflects a growing trend of mascot engagement that transforms university symbols into active participants in campus culture. It follows the precedent set by the 1981 marriage of NC State mascots, highlighting how schools leverage character marriage to build homecoming traditions.
The event brought together students, alumni, and local visitors for a unique celebration at the Library Bowl. Community members attending future homecomings can expect to see the mascot duo continue their presence at campus athletic activities.
The takeaway
The wedding serves as a unique way to foster school spirit and highlight the historical significance of the university namesakes. Such events continue to evolve as key attractions during university homecoming weeks.
Further reading
Explore more campus traditions and events on our Weddings page.
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