President Obama recently visited North Carolina A&T, where he spoke to a crowd of students. In honor of the event, NBC BLCK profiled 12 White House staffers who are also HBCU grads. See the story below

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President Obama visits North Carolina A&T State University on Tuesday to discuss developments relating to My Brother’s Keeper, an initiative designed to help young men of color overcome inequalities and to “reach their full potential.” He is also expected to address the roles that Historically Black Colleges and University have played in achieving the same goal.

In honor of the President Obama’s visit, we caught up with 12 White House staffers about their own experiences at HBCUs and some of their favorite memories with President Obama and the first family.

Secretary Jeh Charles Johnson

United States Secretary of Homeland Security

Morehouse College

Favorite recollection working with POTUS:

After over two years of referring to him as “Barack” throughout the campaign, it was going to a meeting at the White House in the spring of 2009 and saying, “hello Mr. President.” That was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Why did you choose an HBCU?

My parents were really the ones who steered me to Morehouse. It was the smartest choice they ever made for me. Morehouse was an inspiring and empowering experience, and made me who I am today.

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Shirlethia V. Franklin, 34

Deputy Chief of Staff and Counselor to the Attorney General, Department of Justice

Tougaloo College (English) and Howard University School of Law

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Favorite memory working at the White House?

My favorite memory working in the Obama Administration is witnessing President Obama devote over four hours of his time to masterfully facilitate a tough, but honest, discussion about police-community relations in this country, in the wake of a string of painful tragedies this summer. I was in complete awe of not only the President’s passion and personal commitment to this timely and gravely important issue, but also his uncanny gift of uniting differing voices and opinions for the collective goal of reaching shared solutions.

Why did you choose an HBCU?

I chose to attend two HBCUs, Tougaloo College and Howard University School of Law, for substantially similar reasons—namely, the rich history spanning a century and a half; the empowering tradition and culture of Black excellence; the high expectations of academic achievement; the nurturing environment in which I could thrive and soar; the unparalleled teachings of character, confidence, self-worth, identity, and community; and, most importantly, the humbling opportunity to build on the legacy of those whose shoulders upon which I stand.

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Albert L. Sanders, Jr., 35

Associate Counsel to the President, Office of the White House Counsel

Morehouse College, Political Science

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Favorite memory working at the White House?

Earlier this year, I was advising a client in the Situation Room. In mid-sentence, I looked up at the presidential seal and momentarily lost my train of thought. In that moment, I felt the gravity of our work and the extraordinary opportunity we have to serve.

What’s the best tradition at your school?

Standing with other Morehouse Men, locking arms, and singing ‘Dear Old Morehouse’ fills you with a powerful sense of unity, purpose, and history. Whether it’s at a reunion, homecoming, wedding or funeral, every time we sing our alma mater it’s special. The song and the rituals associated with it are a reminder, in good times and bad, of the incredible brotherhood and great responsibility we share.

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Jeron Smith, 31

Deputy Director and Advisor Office of Digital Strategy

Howard University, Business Administration

My favorite memory working at the White House?

My favorite memory is undoubtedly traveling in the motorcade with the President to Howard University. Having the President deliver the commencement address at my alma mater, as an employee of the United States Government, really brought things full circle. On arriving to Howard University’s yard at full capacity in anticipation for his arrival, and being able to contribute to the preparation of his visit, was beyond humbling.

Favorite part about going to an HBCU:

I attended UCLA for two years prior to transferring to Howard University. While I experienced an amazing education at that institution, what I gained from attending Howard was unmatched. Never in life had I been surrounded by so many individuals that looked like me achieving at such a high level. At Howard we defined that relentless pursuit of excellence as the “Howard Hustle,” and it was infectious.

Read the rest over at NBC BLCK

BMWK, what’s your favorite HBCU memory?