WINTER 2016 Coming in first Coach for life Aiming for the pros A healthy MATCH School wellness program stretches beyond N.C. East The magazine of East Carolina University produced in partnership with the East Carolina Alumni Association Nikki Beck, president of the Pirate Veterans Organization at ECU, places flags near Joyner Library in early November in a “Field of Honor,” recognizing veterans and members of the armed services. Photo by Cliff Hollis A winning recipe School wellness program stretches beyond N.C. 16 Coming in first These students embrace being the first in their families to go to college. 22 From foul balls to fair calls Sheilah Cotten ’75 ’77 is a leader on and off the field. 28 Creating her shot Jada Payne’s senior season could propel her to the WNBA. 34 On the cover: Chowan Middle School seventh-grader Chace Winslow stretches during a MATCH Wellness activity. Begun several years ago by Tim Hardison ’82 ’83 as part of his science class, the program has expanded through the Carolinas and to Mississippi. Story page 16. Photo by Cliff Hollis MAKE A NOTE OF YOUR NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM THE EDITOR MAKE A NOTE OF YOUR NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM THE EDITOR WINTER 2016 VOLUME 14, NUMBER 2 East is produced three times a year by East Carolina University in partnership with the East Carolina Alumni Association. INTERIM EDITOR Mary Schulken ’79 MANAGING EDITOR Doug Boyd ’99 ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Brent Burch PHOTOGRAPHER Cliff Hollis CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Crystal Baity, Jamitress Bowden, Doug Boyd, Harley Dartt, Jackie Drake, Amy Adams Ellis, Alyssa Gutierrez, Jeannine Manning Hutson, Kathryn Kennedy, Kelly Setzer, Doug Smith ’00 ’07, Spaine Stephens, Steve Tuttle ’09 ’12, Elizabeth Willy CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Ben Asen, Gretchen Baugh, Jay Clark, Forrest Croce, Steve Dykes, Patrick Fay, Jerome Kitzke, Mike Litwin ’01, Tomasz Rossa, Doug Smith ’00 ’07 COPY EDITORS Jimmy Rostar ’94, Spaine Stephens ECU REPORT EDITOR Jeannine Manning Hutson ALUMNI NEWS EDITOR Jackie Drake CLASS NOTES EDITOR Joanne Kollar ecuclassnotes@ecu.edu EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION, PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND MARKETING Mary Schulken ’79 East Carolina University is a constituent institution of The University of North Carolina. It is a public doctoral/ research intensive university offering baccalaureate, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees in the liberal arts, sciences and professional fields, including medicine. Dedicated to the achievement of excellence, responsible stewardship of the public trust and academic freedom, ECU values the contributions of a diverse community, supports shared governance and guarantees equality of opportunity. ©2016 by East Carolina University Printed by RR Donnelley C.S. 16-1431 29,500 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $14,669 or $.50 each. Our editor, our Pirate In the Winter 2006 issue of East magazine, brand-new editor Steve Tuttle introduced himself in this way to the Pirate Nation: “I didn’t go to school here,” he wrote. “I am going to school here.” A decade later, Tuttle’s two East Carolina University degrees hang in his office on the second floor of Howard House on Fifth Street, accenting the iconic view out his window of the Trustees Fountain and Wright Circle. He now holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication and also instructs students in that course of study. It’s apparent that those 10 years transformed Editor Tuttle into a purple-and-gold icon in his own right. It’s equally apparent his steady and fastidious hand has transformed East, our university magazine, to a vehicle for compelling storytelling about ECU. This issue marks Steve’s last with East. He will retire at the end of this year, trading in his editor’s pen for some free time and, from the looks of the camping-equipped truck he’s bought, a bit of the vagabond life. As editing credentials go, Steve came up the hard way, through the rough-and-tumble of a newsroom at a daily newspaper. His approach to editing East reflects that grounding: Be thrifty with words, be timely, be factual and tell stories with a purpose. After a decade under that kind of tending, East has matured from a fledgling alumni- oriented magazine into a comprehensive university magazine—a critical piece of growth that Steve has guided with teamwork and intentionality. And, I would add, integrity. When his choice of a photo for a story on an alumna who had won Miss USA was criticized as sexist, he took steps. “I realized this was an important issue that obviously I was ignorant about, so I enrolled in a gender studies class. Over the next few semesters, I took several classes on the status of women in American society, and that’s now one of my favorite academic interests.” What does Editor Tuttle have to say before he sets sail? “Thank you for welcoming me into the Pirate Nation. And be sure to give back to ECU in thanks for what this university did for you.” Thank you, Steve—our editor, our Pirate. How do I subscribe? ECU sends East magazine to friends and donors. To begin receiving the magazine, mail your check using the postage-paid reply envelope inside. How much is up to you but we suggest a $25 minimum contribution. The ECU Foundation supports many scholarships. Learn how to help a student struggling with finances at the foundation’s website, www. ecu.edu/ecuf. Where is your money most needed? The colleges, schools and programs within ECU have defined their funding priorities and posted them here: www.ecu.edu/ ecuf/funding-priorities.cfm. Another way to support ECU is to join the East Carolina Alumni Association and receive the magazine as well as other benefits and services. Minimum dues are $35. Visit www.piratealumni. com to learn how to remain connected. Contact Us n 252-328-2068 n easteditor@ecu.edu n www.ecu.edu/east Customer Service To start or stop a subscription, or to let us know about a change of address, please contact Advancement Services at advancementservices@ecu.edu or 252-328-9550. Send letters to the editor to easteditor@ecu.edu or Howard House Mail Stop 107 East Carolina University Greenville, N.C. 27858-4353 Send class notes to ecuclassnotes@ecu.edu or use the form at left. Complete this form (please print or type) and mail to: Class Notes Editor, Howard House, Mail Stop 107, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353. Please use additional paper as necessary when sending your news. You also can email your news to ecuclassnotes@ecu.edu. While East happily prints wedding announcements, it is our policy not to print engagement NAME First Middle Last Maiden CLASS YEAR E MAIL DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP YOUR NEWS announcements. Also, when listing fellow alumni in your news, please include their class year. Please send address changes or corrections to: Kay Murphy, Office of University Development, Greenville Center, Mail Stop 301, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, or email: murphyk@ecu.edu. Clarification: In the fall 2015 issue of East, an article about the Stuart Wright Collection in Joyner Library also mentioned a collection of the work of poet A.R. Ammons. The two collections are separate. ECU© REPORT PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLIFF HOLLIS Professor receives Holshouser award for work with veterans, others For a career dedicated to improv-biofeedback and video games Russoniello said. ing the lives of others, East Caro-as an alternative to medicine for At ECU, he is a professor in the lina University professor Carmen people with stress-related medical Department of Recreation and Russoniello has received the 2015 disorders, including veterans and Leisure Studies in the College of Governor James E. Holshouser, victims of Hurricane Floyd. Health and Human Performance Jr. Award for Excellence in Public “At ECU, we do value service. I’m and director of the Center for Service by the University of North a clinician, and as a clinician, I’m Applied Psychophysiology. Carolina system. always looking for ways to help Using biofeedback—the ability to The annual award recognizes people,” Russoniello said. He view nervous system responses public service by faculty of the 17 has undergraduate and master’s on-screen—in combination with UNC institutions. ECU is the only degrees in recreational therapy recreational gaming, Russoniello university with three recipients and interdisciplinary studies from has proved significant advances since it was first awarded in 2007. Eastern Washington University in the treatment of post- and a doctorate in educational “I’m awed by all that Governor traumatic stress disorder and leadership from Gonzaga Holshouser accomplished as a traumatic brain injuries. Since University. He has more than 20 public servant and truly humbled 2000, he has been providing free years of clinical experience as a to be recognized in his honor,” services to residents of eastern therapist/counselor and works Russoniello said. He accepted the North Carolina. as scientific advisor to Biocom award to a standing ovation Oct. Technologies. “That program saved my life,” 30 during the monthly Board of said U.S. Navy Corpsman Dustin Governors’ meeting in Chapel Hill. “What I learned through public “Doc” Kirby. “It gave me the tools service is what my mom tried to Russoniello’s contributions have that I needed to help myself teach me: that doing for others spanned decades, beginning with instead of just numbing the is expected, and the rewards his service as a Marine Corps pain and pushing it away.” After are the thoughts and feelings machine-gunner and decorated four years of treatment in ECU’s that maybe I’ve made as much Vietnam combat veteran. He biofeedback lab, Kirby was able to of a difference in other people’s has since focused on the use of attend college and start a family. lives as they’ve made in mine,” recreation therapy in the form of Severe anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares and uncontrollable thoughts are all symptoms of PTSD. The prevalence of it among previously deployed Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom service members is 13.8 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Traumatic brain injuries are also common in veterans and are similarly incapacitating. Russoniello knows this well. He developed PTSD after losing a mentor, friend and fellow machine-gunner in his infantry platoon during the Vietnam War. Years later, the experience would spark what he described as a “passion to determine the underlying physiological benefits of recreation or fun activities.” Once he put his finger on that, he knew he would be able to use it to help people cope in significant ways. Biofeedback technology turned out to be a big piece of the puzzle. In 2006, a program director from Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville asked him for help with treating Wounded Warrior Marines as they transition back into civilian life. He described the request as what he “had been preparing for (his) whole life.” Soon, a partnership formed between Russoniello’s biofeedback lab at ECU and the Wounded Warrior Battalion-East at Camp Lejeune. It has since improved the lives of hundreds of veterans. His work at ECU started in 1999 after Hurricane Floyd devastated eastern North Carolina. Russoniello had just accepted an assistant professor position when he received a call from a social worker at an elementary school in Tarboro. The school and many students’ homes had been destroyed, and the fourth- and fifth-graders were distraught. Russoniello and his students found that 73 percent of the children had moderate to severe symptoms of PTSD. Using their stress intervention techniques, they helped the children reduce their PTSD symptoms 11 percent faster during the time they delivered services than with no intervention. Russoniello has created four smartphone apps for the U.S. Department of Defense using the phone’s camera as a sensor for biofeedback. In 2012, he developed a tool for service members during combat: a wireless ear clip that collects sophisticated stress data in remote locations so professionals can analyze it instantly. Russoniello was raised by a single mother in Scranton, Pennsylvania. By his teenage years, he was living part-time on the streets and getting into trouble with the law. He dropped out of school by the 10th grade and joined the Marine Corps at 17, returning from his Vietnam deployment with no education, skills or direction. He was soon homeless, working odd jobs at an oil rig and picking fruit. Encouragement from friends and counselors eventually led him to take a few classes at a community college. “For me, education was a ticket to make something of myself,” he said. “I realized I could be successful at something that could help me build a career.” —Kelly Setzer Cole Cruze paints the wall. ECU, partners unite community through art A colorfully painted cinderblock French, who is known for painting wall near campus helps illustrate gnomes, had painted two or an ongoing partnership between three on the wall. “I tend to hole ECU and its neighbors. up in my studio, so this was a chance to get outside and do The initiative, called Art + something cool,” French said. Community, brings ECU and the surrounding neighborhood Verma, a sophomore majoring together through the creation in sports medicine, was out to and installation of art. On Sept. gain extra credit for a class. 19, an estimated 500 people “I’m not very good at art, but I turned out at Third and Jarvis love watching how art is made,” streets in downtown Greenville Verma said. “I’m just going over for a block party that included the stray parts and outlining since painting the wall, live music I’m art challenged.” and fellowship. Cleghorn, a junior majoring in “Some people painted for 10 industrial engineering technology, to 15 minutes and others for said he loves helping people and two to three hours,” said Kate giving back to the community. Lamere, associate professor The Marine Corps veteran served of art in the ECU School of Art seven years before a roadside and Design. “There was a sense bomb caused a brain injury that of ownership.” ended his military career. “So many people have put their hands ECU students and volunteers on me and helped me along this led by Scott Eagle, associate path,” said Cleghorn, who is the professor of art and director first in his family to attend college. of graduate studies, spent “I have an awesome peer support several days outlining a group at ECU.” whimsical underground scene on a retaining wall at the He is one of five ECU students intersection, leaving lots of picked as an inaugural Public white space for block party Service Fellow, an outreach of the guests to paint. Art + Community initiative. The students will work 300 hours in On Sept. 18, Eagle and Tim local nonprofit or not-for-profit French, ECU graduate and art agencies this semester and will instructor at Pitt Community conduct a research project for College, and ECU students Zack the community. The fellowships Cleghorn, Ritvik Verma, Lupita are made possible by a $100,000 Nava and Shayla Thornton grant from the State Employees worked to finish the outline. Credit Union Foundation. Art + Community started more than two years ago when a Greenville Police Department officer walked into the Jenkins Fine Arts Center, Lamere said. The officer, Niki Cates, was seeking artists to create work for the force’s Property Protection Initiative to reduce crime near campus based on the principles of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. The thought is that residents who meet one another and get involved in making art will monitor and protect it, creating a sense of ownership and leading to a decrease in crime in the neighborhood. ECU’s Misun Hur, assistant professor of planning, had already formed a research team that was primed to work with Cates. Faculty in art and design, geography, planning and the environment and ECU Off Campus Student Services joined efforts with the police department, Tar River University Neighborhood Association, Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge, University Neighborhood Association and Christy’s Euro Pub to form Art + Community. For more information, visit www. facebook.com/artandcommunity or email artcommunity@ecu.edu. —Crystal Baity Carmen Russoniello Jay Clark Diversity commended he uses social media because Board initiates fundraising plans for Heritage Hall it allows him to reach a much ECU trustees voted Sept. 25 to it in February. A working wider audience. raise $300,000 by Dec. 1 to begin group was formed to make a “Twitter is used by everyone, so developing Heritage Hall, the recommendation on the location, it makes discussing research with place where the university will which was approved by the scientists and the general public recognize people of historical board this summer. quite easy,” he said in an email. significance to the university Mark Matulewicz, Student “Furthermore…I’m able to engage including the namesake of Government Association in discussions with researchers Aycock Residence Hall. president and ex-officio member from all over the world.” Trustees also voted to transition of the board, said he was pleased Social media also allows the Aycock name from the with the board’s decision. “It’s a scientists to receive instant building as soon as possible once perfect example of how voicing feedback about their methods the money is pledged. student concerns can make a and findings. “I see questions difference on the university as a It’s estimated the hall will cost about which methods to use and whole,” Matulewicz said. $500,000. how to analyze data every day on At the request of students my Twitter feed,” Newhouse said. “We as a board need to get and others, the board began “Often times, several researchers behind Heritage Hall,” said Steve discussions in 2014 about will respond within minutes each Jones, chair of the trustees. “We renaming Aycock Residence offering their ideas.” really need to get out and put Hall, which honors Charles B. some energy around raising this But social media feedback can go Aycock, a former governor, Molly Albecker $300,000.” only so far. federal prosecutor and school Jones asked that each board superintendent who served “Nothing posted on social media member consider making a as a spokesperson for white is likely to reveal the nitty-gritty personal donation. “If we don’t supremacy campaigns at the turn experimental and statistical raise the amount by December, of the century. Chances are ECU doctoral extremely important, and I think spoke with students about using methods that ultimately For the fourth consecutive year, BOUND programs to provide we need to keep working toward students are either in the field, the graduate students and early social media to talk about science. determine whether your ECU has been recognized by local students with exposure to In other news, the board voted it and transition the name as soon in the lab, headed to one or just career faculty are recognizing conclusions are accurate and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine a higher-education environment to discontinue three centers “The pros are that online as possible,” he said. back from the other. that in greater numbers.” appropriate,” Albecker said. with its Higher Education and information about the and institutes whose work networking through social Excellence in Diversity Award. university. The office also The vote came after concerns will be transitioned to existing To find out, just log on to their Albecker, a doctoral student in media works for many types of Instead, she said, tweet links to works with grade-school and were raised at the trustees’ lunch departments. They are the Center social media accounts. the Institute for Coastal Science personalities, it evens out the publications. National institutions are community college students to meeting the previous day about a for Health Systems Research and Policy, said using social playing field—as an early career recognized with the HEED Award Biology students Molly Albecker, Some scientific methods never ensure that information about possible delay in transitioning the and Development, the Center media allows researchers to person you can connect with for exhibiting “outstanding Daniel Newhouse and numerous get old. ECU is reaching underrepresented name since the hall will be part for Diversity and Inequality communicate discoveries to very established scientists in your efforts and success in the area others are among a new —Doug Boyd and minority students. of a new Student Services Center Research and the N.C. Center for people outside of academic field—(and) your reach is in real- of diversity and inclusion,” generation of researchers— —Jamitress Bowden that won’t be completed until Biodiversity. The board voted circles. Social media also connects time and global,” said Peralta. according to the award’s citation. graduate students and early 2018. The eventual Heritage Hall to keep the Center for Natural the researchers’ personality to the “Embracing social media as part career professors—who are ECU is the only North Carolina is intended to occupy a physical Hazards Research. work they are doing, she added. of science allows you to enhance embracing social media, blogs institution to receive this Enrollment climbs space in the student center as visibility of your work, curate your Trustees also approved hiring and websites to communicate “I find that it is the easiest way distinction four years in a row. well as virtual space in a yet-to-online presence and helps you the firm LS3P (with AECOM) of with the public and their peers. to send out links to neat articles, ECU enrolled 28,289 students this be-developed timeline website. keep up.” “This award speaks volumes Wilmington to design a new press display pictures of my research- fall, the most in its 108-year history. According to a 2014 Pew about the efforts across campus Board members had not box for Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. in-progress, and other science-Social media also makes it easier Research Center survey of to increase diversity and inclusion Undergraduate enrollment decided on a location for the —Crystal Baity and Kelly Setzer based things I find interesting or to stay in touch with colleagues scientists connected with the at East Carolina University,” reached a historic high of 23,039, hall when they voted to create funny,” said Albecker, who uses and scientists in other disciplines. American Association for the said LaKesha Alston Forbes, 3.54 percent above last year’s her Twitter account (@Island_ Advancement of Science, 98 But be careful, she warned. associate provost for equity and undergraduate enrollment, said Frogger) as her primary means of percent of scientists talk with the “There are no ‘take backs.’” John Fletcher, associate provost science-based communication. diversity. “We have initiatives and public about science and research. for enrollment services. leadership in place at ECU that Nate Holland (@onecynicmedic), Fifty-one percent speak with It also allows scientists to show warrant the national recognition.” a doctoral student in the The new freshmen who entered Steve Jones reporters, 47 percent use social their excitement and passion for Department of Physiology at the Various committees and ECU this fall are the best media to discuss or follow science, their work, she added. Brody School of Medicine, says offices work toward making prepared in the university’s and 24 percent have blogged “In particular, connecting a face, a it’s important to give the public sure ECU has a diverse and history with an average SAT of about science and research. sense of humor and a real person a chance to know what scientists 1,061 and a weighted high school inclusive environment, Forbes Twenty-two percent described to the research is especially are doing—and in terms the GPA of 3.76, Fletcher said. said, including the Chancellor’s it as either “very important” important in recent times public can understand. Diversity Leadership Cabinet, the Total graduate student (4 percent) or “important” (18 when scientists are sometimes Chancellor’s Committee on the “I think services like Twitter enrollment remained steady at percent) for career advancement portrayed as distant, unconnected Status of Women and the Diversity are great for communicating 4,731 students while first-time in their discipline to promote and even untrustworthy,” she Committee in the Staff Senate. with the lay public because the graduate students increased by their findings on social media said. “Instead, researchers can concise nature of the messages, ECU has prioritized diversity at 11 percent, said Paul Gemperline, such as Facebook or Twitter. show that they are regular people such as character limits, really every level, as shown in the 2014-dean of the Graduate School. that are curious and motivated “People are telling their stories force me to distill my message 2019 strategic plan. In the plan, to understand our world and our Enrollment figures are considered sooner and see that need to to something easily digestible 25 colleges and divisions include place in it.” preliminary until reviewed and tell their stories,” said Katie by the lay public and fellow diversity as a goal. approved by the University Mosher, communications director Ariane Peralta, (@ArianePeralta) researchers alike,” he said. In addition, the admissions of North Carolina General of N.C. Sea Grant. “They do an assistant professor of biology, Newhouse (@oldhouse5), a office works with local minority Administration. want to share their science was one of a trio of biology faculty biology doctoral student, said organizations and Upward —ECU News Services with broader audiences. It’s members who earlier this year Graduate students share research on social media 7 Daniel Newhouse Wave glider listens to and records ocean data Chuck Bangley pilots the ECU scientists have been sending and specialist in the sounds fish skiff with Ryan Mackenzie, a small craft to navigate the make, said the device will provide grad student, at left. North Carolina coast studying a step forward in ECU’s coastal underwater noise and keeping research capabilities. tabs on tagged marine life all Cruising along the surface, it’s to better understand the ocean about the size of an ironing environment. board. ECU researchers tested Called an acoustic wave glider, it in August near the Queen the device is an ocean-going Anne’s Revenge shipwreck near robot that gathers data on Morehead City and Beaufort and acoustically tagged fish such deployed it again in September as tuna, flounder and sharks; in the same area. Part of its initial whales; plankton; and ocean work has been surveying an environmental conditions. It’s artificial reef established by the manufactured by Liquid Robotics N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. and was funded by a $281,393 Important feeding grounds grant from the National Science for endangered species of Foundation. ECU researchers right whales are in the area off “There are less than 400 are instruments for monitoring have nicknamed the craft Shackleford Banks, and ECU individuals of the northern right waves, currents and surface “Blackbeard.” researchers hope to document whales left on Earth, and most meteorology. ECU is among a handful of the songs of northern right of them pass by our coast on “So far, we have detected universities that have a wave whales as they swim past the their migration from the Arctic bottlenose dolphins and striped glider and the only UNC-coast, along with other fishes off Greenland to the tropics,” cusk eels (a sound-producing system school with one. Joseph such as red drum, spotted Luczkovich said. fish) in our first deployments,” Luczkovich, a biology professor seatrout and weakfish. It also will provide data on Luczkovich said. “We are still the potential effects of oil analyzing the data; there was an and gas exploration and wind acoustic algorithm match for right turbine development in coastal whale sounds, but that match has waters. These projects must be to be confirmed with our team conducted and sited in ways that after some additional work.” avoid or minimize impacts to Blackbeard is operated over whales and fish such as Atlantic an Internet connection via a sturgeon, an endangered species satellite link and reports regularly of ancient fish, Luczkovich said. on its location and sends data “Many of these fishes are tagged to shore. It can be at sea for If you were at a North Carolina gathering at the N.C. Museum of “It seems like we get these “What it’s showing is this species acoustically, so we can detect monthlong missions. beach this summer, you might Natural Sciences. A week earlier, summer temperatures earlier, has the ability to find new nursery their movements with the ECU researchers are collaborating have wondered if a shark was he spoke at the N.C. Estuarium in then they’re here,” Bangley said. habitat if it has to,” he said. wave glider as well,” he said. with scientists at Duke Marine swimming just beneath the waves. Washington about his research “We’re getting hotter faster.” Acoustic tags are small, surgically There is a benefit to having Lab in Beaufort and at St. of sharks in Back Sound near implanted sound-emitting With eight shark bites reported What that means is sharks that the sharks around. They keep Andrews University in Scotland. Beaufort. devices that allow the detection along the state’s coast during a would normally come into the patches of young aquatic plants Scientists from the NOAA, N.C. and remote tracking of fish for span of about four weeks in May “It seems overwhelming, but area in midsummer are arriving free of fish that would feed on State University, UNC Wilmington fisheries research. and June, many people, including ultimately it’s one of our jobs in late spring—at a time when the juvenile fish that live among and the UNC Institute of Marine news reporters, were asking that as scientists to provide answers swimmers are just beginning to the plants. The wave glider can act as Science are also being kept same question. For shark expert to people when they need hit the water. Then as spring turns a stationary platform or be abreast of the work the wave But when a hot spring brings and East Carolina University them,” Bangley wrote in the into summer, the sharks continue propelled to specific points using glider is doing. people to the beach at the doctoral student Chuck Bangley, Sea Grant blog. up the coast to New England. GPS technology. A submarine same time the bulls are arriving, “In addition, we are alerting that meant more chances to talk unit with wings or fins generates Katie Mosher, communications “It’s really a bright, clear conflict is bound to occur. the U.S. Coast Guard about about his work. forward motion by wave action. director for N.C. Sea Grant, said connection to temperature,” he the general location of “They’re the apex predator shark Two solar panels provide energy “North Carolina’s not a very Bangley is well-suited for that said. And with 25 confirmed these proposed wave glider that’s most likely to overlap with for sensors. crowded market for shark people,” role. “Chuck has a natural ability shark bites between 2005 and deployments so they can produce people in the water,” Bangley he said. “I definitely appreciate to put research in terms the 2014, North Carolina ranks fifth in ECU’s model has a unique suite a local notice to mariners,” said. “They’re big and powerful being able to be helpful.” public can understand and he has the nation for bites, according to of sensors including a system Luczkovich said. Boaters and enough that an accidental bite an affinity—a need—to do that,” National Geographic. for listening to and recording commercial fishermen are urged He guesses he did 15 media can remove an arm.” she said. ocean soundscapes and sound-to leave the wave glider alone. interviews during the summer, The warmer waters also appear Bangley contributes to the science producing fishes and whales; an The device has warning labels on and he’s also appeared on In his media interviews, Bangley to have created a new nursery blog Southern Fried Science at acoustic tag-detection system it, and people have been pulled two National Geographic Wild has emphasized one main point: for baby bull sharks: the Pamlico www.southernfriedscience.com. for finding tagged animals such overboard trying to grab a wave specials, “When Sharks Attack” Warmer ocean temperatures Sound. Looking at data from the Follow him on Twitter at as many fish species and sharks; glider from a boat. and “United Sharks of America.” brought sharks to North Carolina North Carolina Division of Marine @spinydag. He blogs about and a fluorometer for measuring this year sooner than expected. Fisheries, Bangley has identified The public may follow the wave In August, Bangley wrote a blog “spiny dogfish, grad school ocean color and plankton. bulls along the west side of the glider’s deployments and key post for N.C. Sea Grant about his From 2003-2014, coastal water and life” at yalikedags. sound and even into the rivers It also has a conductivity, findings at its Facebook group, experiences with the media this temperatures rose 4 degrees southernfriedscience.com. that feed it. He’s found as many temperature and depth sensor “Blackbeard Sails the Seas for summer following the shark bites. Celsius in May and 1-2 degrees —Doug Boyd as 36 juvenile bull sharks in or with oxygen-measurement Science.” On Aug. 13, he spoke at a public in June. near the sound. capabilities. On the surface float —Doug Boyd 89 Sharks put ECU graduate student in the spotlight Rachel Roper, right, and research specialist Gwen Jones Rachel Roper, right, and research specialist Gwen Jones been what is called a “virulence ECU awarded $2.5 million to boost geriatric health care gene.” Viruses, having co-evolved with humans over millennia, North Carolina’s geriatric patients together at retirement Medicine Division of Geriatrics, care system. They often have are adapted to exploiting population is the fastest-growing communities. the Department of Physician additional diseases that can vulnerabilities in human immune segment of the state’s population. n Train primary care providers Assistant Studies, the ECU-based complicate treatment. Geriatric systems. These genes, including If projections hold, the number of through geriatric screening N.C. Agromedicine Institute patients also tend to take more A35R, suppress the immune adults over the age of 65 living in offices at regional facilities and and multiple regional partners. routine medications, lack support system to allow the virus to the state will double by 2030. through podcasts. Together, their work will focus on systems and be at heightened n Provide community-based proliferate in the human host. eastern North Carolina—a rural, risk for injury or death from To help address the pressure underserved region where citizens accidents such as falls. education for farmers, loggers In addition, poxviruses are used these demographic shifts will are in poorer health than the rest and fishermen. to create vaccines for many put on the state’s health care “This is a tough group of folks of the state. Although the state n Extend dementia and other diseases—rabies, malaria system, the U.S. Department of to take care of,” said Dr. Kenneth ranks 38th in premature mortality, Alzheimer’s education to and Middle East respiratory Health and Human Services is Steinweg, director of geriatrics if only the 41 counties of eastern students, faculty and the syndrome, to name three. giving the ECU College of Nursing at Brody. “They’re very frail, and North Carolina were represented, primary workforce of the region. Poxvirus-derived vaccines are a three-year, $2.5 million grant they have reduced reserves, it would rank 45th nationally. also used to treat cancer and are through its Geriatrics Workforce so you have to be very careful The College of Nursing will the only ones thus far that have Enhancement Program. The grant Aging patients present specific making adjustments for that.” partner with the Brody School of protected humans from HIV in will allow ECU to implement challenges for the health —Elizabeth Willy clinical trials. an interprofessional education Sonya Hardin works with patient Geraldine McCombs. Jay Clark model focusing on geriatrics, train “Our data indicate that the use of Researchers aim for better vaccines, medicines primary care providers to meet the our A35 discovery will improve specific needs of elderly patients the safety and efficacy of all Scientists at ECU are taking a from the body.” T cells—a certain type of and deliver community-based these vaccines,” Roper said. closer look at the intercellular war lymphocyte, or white blood cell, programs that address the needs She brings special expertise that goes on between viruses and which is critical for protection A35R may also provide a target of older adults and their families. to the research. In 2006, she the human immune system in an against most viruses—and two for drug design. “If we can find a discovered a poxvirus gene, “We’re building a comprehensive approach to caring for our effort to design better drugs to prototypical poxviruses that have drug that blocks A35, we will have A35R, which blocks the first step target the germs. developed ways to avoid being a new antiviral drug,” Roper said. in the immune response. Methods region’s older adults,” said Sonya recognized by CD4+ T cells. Rachel Roper, an associate of removing the gene from Finally, Roper said, if scientists Hardin, the grant’s primary Scientists will look to uncover professor of microbiology poxviruses, thereby increasing can find out how to use A35R or investigator and interim associate those detection-avoidance and immunology at the Brody their safety and effectiveness, are mimic its actions, they might be dean for graduate programs in methods and gain insight School of Medicine, is a principal now patented. able to turn off the responses that the College of Nursing. “We’ve into how the immune system investigator on a National cause autoimmune diseases such lacked this in primary care and it’s Her collaborator is Laurence circumvents them. Institutes of Health grant totaling as lupus or prevent rejection of going to become very important “Ike” Eisenlohr of the University nearly $2.6 million to study the human-virus interaction. What scientists learn about transplanted tissues and organs. as we have more patients with of Pennsylvania. At the time how A35R works inside the cell chronic illnesses needing more the grant was awarded, he Roper’s lab will receive and how it blocks immune cell specialized resources.” “There’s a competition between was a faculty member at approximately $624,000 from functions could point to improved a virus and the immune system Thomas Jefferson University the four-and-a-half-year grant. Here are the objectives of the vaccines and new ways to treat as to which can amplify itself fast in Philadelphia. Eisenlohr is an enough to beat the other,” Roper expert in immunology. The title of the study is “MHCII ECU program: autoimmune diseases, Roper said. cross-presentation as a driver n Implement interprofessional said. “If the virus wins, the human Poxviruses have been commonly of CD4+ T cell responses to education where nurse Researchers will focus on the dies. If the immune system wins, used to develop vaccines in poxviruses.” practitioner, physician assistant relationship between CD4+ the virus is—usually—eliminated humans, but a key limitation has —Doug Boyd and medical students treat 100YEARS AGO75YEARS AGOStudent teachers outgrow Greenville Wright pushes teacher standards 50YEARS AGO25YEARS AGOBennie Teel makes news Nurse midwifery is born which set many of their own rules, under statewide uniform teaching standards and required credentials. He also calls for removing politics from the process of selecting county school superintendents. teaching and live in the community like a regular teacher,” the Greenville Daily Reflector reports Jan. 8, 1941. That means these students—all women—won’t be returning to their dorm rooms at night. But they aren’t going far. “Seven seniors have started this week to do their teaching in the high school in Ayden and five in Farmville,” the Reflector says. living in Adams House, one of Harvard’s most prestigious residence halls. He was about to complete his doctorate at Harvard in romance languages when he died in July 1985 at age 39. Adams House alumni created a cash prize to be awarded annually to “an Adams House senior who has served the house with the same generous, gentle, and happy spirit as Benjamin Teel.” 12.6 percent statewide. ECU partners with county health departments to deliver more prenatal care programs. The first class of nurse midwives graduates in 1992. ECU has the only nurse-midwifery program in North Carolina and one of only 39 in the U.S. Courtesy University Archives In his acceptance speech upon being elected president of the N.C. Teachers Assembly in 1916, ECTTS President Robert Wright makes headlines by proposing to consolidate 108 local school systems, Courtesy University Archives In the 1941 winter quarter, 112 education majors need student teaching slots, but the Greenville city schools can accommodate only 100. “A new step in the development of the practice teaching system…is being taken this term in the placing of seniors in communities outside of Greenville to do their practice Courtesy University Archives newspaper in spring quarter 1966. Later that of a nurse-midwife degree Cliff Hollis Bennie Teel ’67 of Greenville becomes the East Carolina receives first African-American chosen as managing $680,000 in grants in editor of The East Carolinian student February 1991 to fund creation year, he becomes the first black student program. The aim is to lower from ECU selected for Who’s Who. Teel the infant mortality rate in continues his education at Harvard, where the East, which then was 17.4 he works for five years as a tutor to students per 1,000 births, compared to Mary Pinion, Anthony Thomas and Dr. James Powell Gretchen Baugh Mary Pinion, Anthony Thomas and Dr. James Powell Gretchen Baugh ECU a critical partner in nationwide blood pressure study Three medical Project slows, filters stormwater before it reaches stream students earn top Three areas designed to hold Tar. Now, thanks to a $100,000 on the surface, and Bermuda scholarship stormwater runoff back from grant from Sound Rivers (formerly grass and native plants selected Greens Mill Run on the ECU the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation) for their ability to hold soil and Three medical students at the campus are helping improve and the N.C. Department of filter water were added. Brody School of Medicine have the water quality in the urban Justice, ECU has retrofitted three been awarded the university’s The stormwater wetland is at the waterway. areas with bioretention cells and top graduate scholarship. back of the park-and-ride parking a stormwater wetland during the Called bioretention cells, they lot across from the Belk Building. past six months. Anthony “Tony” Botros, John are areas crews have excavated, Unlike the image of sandy soils in B. Grant Hayes was named Hurley and Catherine Thriveni rebuilt and planted with native According to Bean and co-eastern North Carolina, the wetland dean and distinguished have been chosen for the Class plants to help hold runoff water, investigators Michael O’Driscoll area was heavy clay, so the water professor of the College of 2019 Brody Scholar award, filter it and then let it soak into of the Department of Geological that collected in the dry basin of Education. He comes to valued at approximately the soil or flow to the stream with Sciences and Charlie Humphrey tended to run off before it had a ECU from the University of $112,000. Each will receive fewer toxins. of the College of Health and chance to infiltrate the ground. Central Florida, where he four years of medical school Human Performance, preliminary tuition, living expenses and “A lot of development at Among the wetland’s plants was professor of counselor results show the project is the opportunity to design ECU began before we better is pickerelweed. Altogether, education and interim reducing runoff volumes and their own summer enrichment understood how to manage students, faculty and staff planted dean of the College of pollutants entering Greens Mill stormwater,” said Eban Bean, an approximately 1,000 plants there. Education and Human ECU has played a leading role in a Risk Factor Surveillance System Although the results still need to program that can include Run and the Tar River. travel abroad. The award assistant professor of engineering Performance. He succeeds clinical trial that may change the —managed by the N.C. State be confirmed, Bolin believes this “One concern we had initially was and member of the Institute Capturing, treating and filtrating Linda Patriarca. Hayes has way health care providers treat Center for Health Statistics— study could potentially increase will also support community mosquitoes due to the standing for Coastal Science and Policy stormwater into the soil reduces published extensively in high blood pressure. approximately 35.5 percent the number of hypertension service projects the students water,” Bean said. “However, may undertake while in at ECU. “The idea was to get it the impact of campus on local the areas of technological of adults reported being “told diagnoses in America. “The we planted tall plants to attract Landmark research involving offsite as quickly as possible. It waterways. Toward that end, Bean applications in counselor by a doctor that they had financial consequences of that medical school. dragonflies, which are a natural Brody School of Medicine faculty used to go straight into the storm began working with ECU grounds education, counseling hypertension.” In the East, that rate are enormous, so we need to get predator to mosquitoes.” and patients has shown that more Botros, a Concord native, drain, which goes straight into staff in March to install the three children and adolescents, and was even higher at 38.9 percent. it right,” he said. graduated from the University aggressive use of medications Greens Mill Run.” bioretention cells, or rain gardens, In addition to plenty of character education/moral Even more alarming was the to lower systolic blood pressure Bolin cautioned people to talk to of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and converted a dry retention dragonflies, many frogs have development in schools and percentage of African-American below common recommendations their primary care providers to in 2014 with degrees in biology ECU’s Main Campus is within basin to a stormwater wetland. moved into the wetland, and youth settings. Before joining respondents in the region who and chemistry. the Greens Mill Run watershed, significantly improves determine whether this lower goal UCF, Hayes served in the they also prey on mosquitoes. reported being told they had an impaired stream due to The bioretention cells are within cardiovascular outcomes. is best for their individual care. Stephanie Richards, who studies Department of Psychology hypertension: 46.6 percent. Hurley served the Army as a stormwater runoff. Named for a parking island in front of the vector diseases in the ECU at James Madison University Nearly one in three American “Every time you add a medicine, medic for 16 years—most of the 19th-century mill it powered, Student Recreation Center, on the Patients in the SPRINT study that time at Fort Bragg—before Department of Health Education, in Virginia. Hayes earned adults has high blood pressure, you add the chance of a side the stream drains to the Tar east side of Umstead Residence were randomly divided into two put traps out and found very his doctoral, master’s and or hypertension, according to effect. And every person is attending Campbell University. River, which receives excess Hall and behind the Carol Belk groups. One group received an educational specialist He graduated in 2014 with a few mosquitoes in the wetland the Centers for Disease Control different. We have to remember nutrients. About half of Main Building on Charles Boulevard. average of two medications to degree in applied science. and plans to use the site for her degrees from the University and Prevention. The condition that we’ve only been treating Campus has impervious surfaces, keep their systolic blood pressure classes. The peninsula extending of South Carolina and his ECU’s grounds department and is a leading risk factor for heart hypertension in this country such as rooftops or parking lots, at 140, while the other group was Thriveni attended N.C. State bachelor’s degree from a contractor excavated and into the wetland was designed to disease, stroke, kidney failure and for a relatively short period of and is a major contributor of given “intensive treatment”— University and graduated graded the areas—which used separate inflow and outflow and Limestone College. other health problems. Blood time,” Bolin added. “This study stormwater runoff to Greens Mill averaging three medications—to with a degree in biological to be relatively flat and covered serves as a gathering spot for pressure levels can be influenced may change the way we practice Run, Bean said. lower their blood pressure to 120. sciences with a concentration in turfgrass—and layered sand, discussions and teaching. by genetics, diet and lifestyle. medicine in the future, but not in human biology. That meant petroleum products, mixed media, silt and clay as a Systolic blood pressure is the the way we practice it today.” “It’s good for our students to see The National Institutes of Health minerals such as lead, zinc and base to manage water filtration. “top number” in a blood pressure In its 33rd year, the Brody …ECU be an example of what we sponsored the multifaceted Each patient in the study was cadmium, sediment, nutrients and Perforated pipe was also installed reading that measures the Scholars program honors J.S. should be doing with our storm- Systolic Blood Pressure prescribed medication based on other pollutants went to ditches to move the water once it drains pressure in the arteries as the “Sammy” Brody. He and his water management,” Bean said. Intervention Trial—the largest medical history and protocol that and streams that flowed to the through the media. Topsoil went heart muscle contracts. brother, Leo, were among the —Doug Boyd study of its kind to date. would help the patient achieve earliest supporters of medical Launched in 2009, it includes Initial findings demonstrate that their blood pressure goal. education in eastern North more than 9,300 participants intensive treatment reduces the “You look at potential side effects, Carolina. The legacy continues ages 50 and older with high rate of heart attacks, strokes you look at the patients and try through the dedicated efforts blood pressure and an increased and heart failure by a third—and Jeff Compher, ECU director to find the right (medication),” of Hyman Brody of Greenville risk of heart or kidney disease. the risk of death by almost 25 of athletics, participated Powell said. “Every medicine that and David Brody of Kinston. Approximately 250 of those percent—in the patient population in the 2015 Senior Leader was used in this study is medicine Subsequent gifts from the participants—the second-largest studied. Reaching that conclusion Engagement Program that we have been using for a Brody family have enabled the group within the national trial— before the trial’s scheduled closure sponsored by U.S. Secretary number of years. We were using medical school to educate new are receiving care at the Brody date prompted researchers to of Defense Ashton Carter. meds that had been tried and physicians, conduct important School of Medicine. end this particular arm of the The August program was true, and that’s what adds a lot of research and improve health care study earlier than expected. Compher’s second military “Due to the large representation weight to the findings.” in eastern North Carolina. leadership tour in less of our patients in this trial, we “Optimum blood pressure targets Over the next several months, Since the program began in than seven weeks after he feel very comfortable translating have been debated by experts in Brody’s SPRINT trial participants 1983, 131 students have received attended the U.S. Marine these findings into the patient recent years, but this is the first will transition back to their scholarships. About 70 percent Corps Executive Forum at the population we serve here in trial of any size that provides primary care providers for their of Brody Scholars remain in Eban Bean Pentagon in July. Compher eastern North Carolina,” said evidence of improved outcomes health care. Bolin stressed that North Carolina to practice, and was one of only 30 accepted Dr. James Powell, ECU chief of in all participants as a result of ECU researchers will maintain most of those stay in eastern from 400 nominees. He is general internal medicine and the reducing systolic blood pressure close communication with these North Carolina. the second ECU administrator primary investigator for ECU’s to below 140,” said Dr. Paul providers as the remaining arms —Amy Adams Ellis to be selected; former Provost trial site, who enrolled the first Bolin, chair of the Department of of the study unfold. Marilyn Sheerer was chosen patient of the entire trial. Internal Medicine at Brody and —Amy Adams Ellis and in 2005. sub-investigator for the trial. According to the 2013 Behavioral Alyssa Gutierrez 12 13 BY JEANNINE MANNING HUTSON AND HARLEY DARTT BY JEANNINE MANNING HUTSON AND HARLEY DARTT Best-selling author and Pulitzer Prize-winner columnist Dave Barry will speak on the absurdities of our everyday lives in his down-to-Earth style during his performance April 16 on the campus of ECU. For more than 15 years, Barry’s weekly column was a staple in more than 500 newspapers nationwide. His Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester and Wilner “Wil B” Baptiste meld classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B and bluegrass in a genre-breaking act as Black Violin, performing at 7 p.m. Jan. 23 in Wright Auditorium. The group’s latest release is Stereotypes. Sylvester told NPR in an interview that Mozart and hip-hop are the party music of different eras. Described as a rare opportunity to experience remarkable young artists on the cusp of extraordinary careers, Rising Stars of the Metropolitan Opera brings four audition winners and a Metropolitan Opera pianist to Wright Auditorium for an evening of solos, duets and scenes from the Met’s 20152016 repertoire. For more than 125 years, the Metropolitan Opera has been the artistic home of the greatest singers in the world. The performance will be 3 p.m. Feb. 28. Series will host two campus events during the spring semester. Both are free and open to the public; no tickets are required. On Jan. 26, Derek Alderman and Alfred Brophy will speak on “What’s in a Name? Memorials and Historical Memory” at 7:30 p.m. in Hendrix Theatre. A former ECU faculty member, Alderman is head of the Department of Geography at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Brophy is the Judge J. Parker Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law. The contributions of the Navajo Code Talkers during World War II will be the focus of the Thomas Harriot Lecture “Navajo Code Talkers: polished and passionate performances, the Dorian Wind Quintet is one of chamber music’s pre-eminent and longest continuously active ensembles. On Feb. 8, the NewMusic Initiative presents ECU faculty sopranos Kathryn Mueller and Rachel Copeland with ECU pianist Catherine Garner in a rare presentation of Arnold Schönberg’s The Book of the Hanging Gardens. New York-based new music chamber group loadbang brings its unique lung-powered instrumentation—bass clarinet, trumpet, trombone, baritone voice— to the Initiative stage March 3. All North Carolina NewMusic Initiative events will be presented at 7:30 p.m. in A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall; the concerts are free and open to the public. For more information, see www.ecu.edu/music/newmusic or call 252-328-4280. at 7 p.m. and Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. and the season finale April 7 at 7 p.m. and April 8 at 8 p.m. The festival reprises the concerts at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church in Raleigh on Feb. 6 and April 9. For tickets, visit www.ecuarts.com or call 800-ECU-ARTS or 252-3284788. Four Seasons Next Generation concerts are scheduled for Greenville in A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall on Jan. 21 and at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church in Raleigh on Jan. 24. Next Generation concerts feature guest artists and ECU faculty artists in collaboration with former and current ECU students. They are free. The Four Seasons Winter Workshop on Jan. 4-9 brings string and piano students from throughout the world to Greenville to study and perform chamber music with renowned artists in a concert in A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. April 5. All are free, and the public is invited. Many acclaimed ECU faculty and guest artists will perform in Greenville in spring 2016. Guitarist Elliot Frank is in concert Jan. 13; cellist Emanual Gruber performs Jan. 29; metzo-soprano Jami Rhodes is joined by pianist Eric Stellrecht on Feb. 1; the Bath Duo presents a violin and piano Valentine’s Day concert Feb. 14; baritone John Kramer joins Stellrecht in concert Feb. 15; Douglas Monroe performs on the clarinet Feb. 20 at 3 p.m.; tenor Daniel Shirley and Stellrecht perform Feb. 22; and pianist Catherine Garner welcomes guest vocalist Serena Hill-LaRoche on Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. All faculty concerts are in A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall, are free and works for presentation. From the risqué to the ridiculous, the audience should be ready for anything when the shows are performed in the Burnette Studio Theatre. Tickets available for all dance productions at www.ecuarts.com. STAGE PRODUCTIONS The ECU/Loessin Playhouse brings two productions to McGinnis Theatre this spring. Based on the book by John Weidman with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Assassins combines beautiful music with a culture of celebrity and violence for one of the most controversial musicals written. It brings together presidential assassins from different historical periods to meet and inspire each other to harrowing acts in the name of truth, justice and the American Way. Performances will be Feb. 25-March 1. Tickets are $17.50 for the public and $10 for ECU Storybook Theatre presents The Giver, based on Lois Lowry’s book of the same name. The story follows Jonas, who is born into a society with no suffering, hunger, war and hardly any decisions. He is given the assignment of Receiver of Memory, the keeper of painful memories necessary so members of his society can avoid the mistakes of the past. As he learns, he begins to think about how he might change his world. Both events will be at 7 p.m. in Wright Auditorium. Tickets are $8 students/youth and $11 adults and available at www.ecu.edu/cs-cfac/ familyFare.cfm. ON EXHIBIT The ECU Metals Symposium Exhibition will be featured in the Janice Hardison Faulkner Gallery Jan. 13-March 7. The exhibition is in conjunction with ©2013 Tomasz Rossa In-depth with focused six-day format. Students The ECU Opera Theater presents are at 7:30 p.m. unless noted. the College of Art and Design’s Zonnie Gorman” on March 23 at and teachers will perform free ECU student/youth. Susannah, a musical drama in two Guest organist Paul Weber, annual Metals Symposium, slated 7:30 p.m. in Hendrix Theatre. public concerts Jan. 8 and 9 in A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall. acts by Carlisle Floyd, conducted by director of sacred music at St. The School of Theatre and Dance for Jan. 15-17, featuring lectures, Gorman has appeared in and served as a consultant to several documen- J. Christopher Buddo, directed by Martin of Tours Parish in Louisville, demonstrations and workshops. brings Machinal by playwright For more information, call 252-328-6019 or visit John Kramar and starring student Kentucky, performs Feb. 26 at and journalist Sophie Treadwell Details and registration information taries on the men, including True Whispers and the History Channel’s members of ECU Opera Theater on March 20 and 21 in A.J. Fletcher St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in TV sitcom, Dave’s World, ran on CBS for four years. And for 20 years, he has played lead to life April 21-16. Inspired by a are available at ecusymposium. www.ecu.edu/fourseasons. Greenville as part of ECU’s 10th wordpress.com. real-life case, the main character Navajo Code Talkers. Recital Hall. Tickets are $20 general The ECU Symphonic Band and annual Young Artists Competition is a stenographer living with her The Contemporary Writers Series admission, $15 faculty/staff/seniors Concert Band will perform Feb. in Organ Performance. Retired mother. Soon, her lust for life guitar in the literary rock band From their successful debut at will partner with several groups to and $5 students and are available 16 at 7:30 p.m. followed by a free Chicago Symphony hornist Gail cannot be restrained when she has The Rock Bottom Remainders the American Dance Festival, bring two author events to campus at www.ecuarts.com or by calling Bandorama spectacular April Williams comes to A.J. Fletcher an affair with a younger man and with fellow authors including BodyTraffic, above, brings its in the spring. Kevin Powers, the 1-800-ECU-ARTS or 252-328-4788. 12 featuring the Concert Band, Recital Hall for a concert April 1 as they are tried for murder. Tickets Scott Turow, Barbara unique reflection of the diverse Los 2013 Hemingway Foundation/PEN the Symphonic Band and the does the Juilliard School’s New York are $15 for public and $10 for ECU The ECU Symphony Orchestra Kingsolver and Amy Tan. The Angeles landscape to eastern North Award winner, will be on campus Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Both Woodwind Quintet on April 16. students/youth. will present a concert Feb. 13 with faculty violinist Ara Gregorian and band has been described as Carolina at 8 p.m. April 7 in Wright March 16-17. A veteran of the Iraq will be in Wright Auditorium. All are free and open to the public. “not musically skilled, but they All performances are in McGinnis Auditorium. The San Francisco War, Powers was recognized for a world premiere composition The ECU Wind Ensemble and the DANCE by ECU composer Ed Jacobs. ECU Jazz Ensemble join forces On March 19, the Symphony for the All-District Bands concert Orchestra partners with the North at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 in Wright Carolina NewMusic Initiative for Auditorium. a performance of the winning The ECU percussion ensembles composition of the ECU School will keep the beat in A.J. Fletcher of Music Orchestral Composition Music Building Room B110 at Competition. In addition, the 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 and April 20, March 19 performance includes the and there is a swinging ECU jazz premiere of Concerto da Camera chamber music recital in Fletcher are extremely loud.” Theatre at 8 p.m. except for Chronicle says they are “limber, his critically acclaimed first novel, Sundays at 2 p.m. Parental advisory expressive and elegant artists. The The Yellow Birds. And Veterans Featuring choreography from Barry performs at 8 p.m. suggested for both productions. kind of people you could watch Book Project visual artist Monica renowned guest artists and original in Wright Auditorium. The production is part of the S. Tickets are available at dance anything all night.” Haller is slated to be at ECU The Wellington B. Gray Gallery works by ECU’s faculty, Dance 2016 www.ECUARTS.com or by March 16-23. The Veterans Book presents The Quickening Image: will be presented Jan. 28-Feb. 2 Tickets for the S. Rudolph Rudolph Alexander Performing calling the theatre box office Project is a library of books written The Wax-Resist Drawings of by the ECU School of Theatre and Alexander Performing Arts Series Arts Series.Tickets are $50 for at 252-328-6829. collaboratively by Haller, an artist, David Dodge Lewis and Ephraim Dance on the stage of McGinnis productions are available through the public and $20 for students and dozens of people who have Theatre. The performance will Rubenstein exhibition Jan. 21-Feb. The title of the show, Random range from classical ballet to bold 19. Wax resist is a new drawing Acts, describes what attendees can contemporary and explosive tap. technique—a layered, large-scale, expect from School of Theatre and the ECU Arts website, www.ecuarts. and available March 1 at been affected by the wars in Iraq com, or through the Central Ticket www.ecuarts.com. and Afghanistan. Tickets are $15 for the public; $10 Dance students April 2-3. Dance, multimedia one that uses wax as Office at 252-328-4788. for Guitar and Chamber Orchestra Recital Hall on March 29 at 7:30 MUSIC The Down East Talent Search for ECU students/youth. The Spring a resist for subsequent ink and by ECU composer Mark Taggart p.m. Trombone is the focus in the musical theatre, poetry and other Jerome Kitzke, ©2013 Karjaka Studios returns to Wright Auditorium at Day of Dance, featuring ballet, jazz, styles of performance art will be charcoal washes. The exhibition with guest guitarist Elliot Frank. recital hall for Trombone Week The season concludes April 15 concerts at 7:30 p.m. March 23 with the orchestra performing with and 24. The ECU Flute Symposium 7 p.m. March 4 with a top prize S. RUDOLPH ALEXANDER of $1,000 for the second annual tap and modern dance classes for features an artist talk Jan. 21 at 5 represented in the performance in p.m. in Speight Auditorium and a dancers age 10-16 will be Feb. 20 the Burnette Studio Theatre. Tickets in Messick Theatre Arts Center. Call are $5. reception in the gallery at 6 p.m. PERFORMING ARTS SERIES event drawing singers, dancers the winning soloist of the 2015-2016 presents concerts in Fletcher and musicians from across eastern 252-328-4916 for more information. ECU School of Music Concerto Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 The 2016 School of Art and Design FAMILY FARE With a hot, driving band behind North Carolina. While celebrity Competition. Also in the program and 27, and student performers undergraduate exhibition will be in him, Steve Lippia interprets the An exciting mix of cutting-edge judges deliberate, the audience is Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 New and student composers present Combining circus high jinks, mime, the gallery March 3-April 1 with the best repertoire of the big-band choreography from the ECU School will vote for their favorite as World. their skills at Frequencies and original music and audience judge’s talk March 2 at 5 p.m. and era, leaving his audience begging of Theatre and Dance faculty and well. Touted as “a jaw-dropping All three concerts will be at 7:30 Premiere Performances concerts involvement, Garry Krinsky: the awards ceremony March 3 at 5 for more in Simply Sinatra: Steve students will be presented in the variety show that will exceed your p.m. in Wright Auditorium and at the same time in the same Toying with Science will open the p.m., both in Speight Auditorium. Lippia and His Big Band. Lippia Contemporary Dance Concert Feb. expectations,” the event supports are free. venue Feb. 18, March 31 and April spring ArtSmart and Family Fare A reception follows the awards brings to life the music and lyrics of 27-28 in the Archie Burnette Studio the Friends of the S. Rudolph ECU’s North Carolina NewMusic 14 as part of the North Carolina Theatre. Series events Feb. 19. Krinsky and ceremony in the gallery. The 2016 Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Sammy Alexander Performing Arts Series ECU’s Four Seasons Chamber Initiative welcomes the Dorian NewMusic Initiative. audience members will investigate MFA Thesis Exhibition is April 15 Cahn, Jimmy Van Heusen, Rodgers Music Festival presents two concert The Senior Choreography Showcase Wind Quintet, above, on Feb. 6. The Zamba Yawar world music basic scientific information and May 20. The reception is April 15 at ON CAMPUS and Hart, and Stephen Sondheim. residencies at A.J. Fletcher Recital April 23-24 will feature ECU senior Recognized by critics, audiences ensemble expands eastern North delve into the imaginations of 5 p.m. The shows are free and open Lippia performs at 8 p.m. Jan. 22 in Wright Auditorium. Hall: Quartet Classics on Feb. 4 The Voyages of Discovery Lecture students who have created unique and musicians for its uniquely Carolina’s musical horizon with a scientists. to the public. 14 15 16 17 Youth wellness program yields healthy habits Smiling Faces Child Care Center stands like a beacon in rural Martin County, its clean, white siding contrasting with the deep green of the soybean fields around it. Tiny vegetable gardens in raised boxes line the front walk and fenced-in playground beside the building. One collard plant is tall enough to shade the smiling face of the 3-year-old standing beside it. Director Bernadette Rodgers ’08—who holds a master’s degree in education from East Carolina University—and her daughter Brianna Horne lean over some pepper plants, pointing out “red” and “green” to a group of curious preschoolers. “This class helped plant our peppers and collards this year,” Rodgers says. “We grow blueberries, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes. …We use these fresh ingredients in the children’s meals.” Horne is a senior nursing student at ECU. In 2006-2007, as a seventh-grader at Williamston Middle School in Martin County, she was one of 110 inaugural participants in a wellness program created by her science teacher, Tim Hardison ’82 ’83. ECU nursing student Brianna Horne, far left, completed the MATCH Wellness program as a seventh-grader. Today, some of the same lessons, such as growing and eating fresh vegetables, help keep kids healthy at her mother’s Martin County child care center. A winning recipe BY AMY ADAMS ELLIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLIFF HOLLIS Hardison learned that year that his fellow Martin County residents had the shortest life expectancy in the state. Further research revealed his rural, economically challenged county also had high rates of diabetes and cardiovascular disease—illnesses often linked to obesity. Determined to help his students avoid those diseases, he developed a Web-based curriculum that combined physical activity and nutritional education with real-time data management. He called it “Motivating Adolescents with Technology to Choose Health” or MATCH Wellness (www.matchwellness.org). Today MATCH Wellness is housed under Hardison’s direction within ECU’s Pediatric Healthy Weight Research and Treatment Physical education teacher Allen Harrell works with Krysta Styons in the MATCH Wellness program at Chowan Middle School in Tyner. Center and reaches more than 5,000 youth in 34 public schools throughout the Carolinas and Mississippi—the state with the third- highest adult obesity rate in the nation. Recently MATCH was awarded $470,000 by the North Carolina chapter of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education organization to expand into as many as 100 schools by 2018. Another $750,000 from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation is helping the team prepare for 10 times that capacity. Meanwhile, the USDA is exploring ways to promote expansion of MATCH into eight southeastern states. Making wellness fun When we started doing the MATCH program, [Mr. Hardison] had the nurse weigh us on the scale. I started out weighing 161 pounds. Now since I am involved in different kinds of sports and physical activity, I have lost a total of 10 pounds so far. —Horne, from an essay written in spring 2007 Horne and Rodgers describe with laughter their first foray into aerobic dance using videos Horne discovered through MATCH. “It was so much fun, I decided to bring some videos to the day care for the kids to do,” says Rodgers, who’s operated the child care and early education center since 1987. She still exercises most mornings before work. And she sees to it that her students stay active with activities such as swimming and gymnastics. As a middle-schooler, Horne relayed what MATCH was teaching her about nutrition, and those morsels were incorporated into the center’s operations, too. Staff moved the children from 2 percent to skim milk. They began substituting tortillas and whole grain bread for white bread in their sandwiches and serving fruit instead of crackers and cookies. In 2011, the center received two awards from the Child and Adult Care Food Program, a federally funded program of the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. “They were impressed by our on-site gardens,” Rodgers says. “We were ahead of the curve with government regulations like healthier menus, reduced screen times, increased activity levels.” On weekdays, the center feeds 140 children from newborn to age 12. Preschoolers typically get two meals plus a snack. Monthly newsletters sent home with the children are packed with easy, healthy, affordable recipes and fun nutritional information. Smiling Faces is a model program, frequently hosting visitors from other day care centers who seek input and inspiration for growing their own produce, incorporating more activity into daily schedules and serving more nutritious food. Rodgers—or “Miss Bern,” as her students call her—attributes most of this success to what her daughter learned through MATCH. Solving a problem In fall 2006, when Hardison had his students calculate their body mass index, he discovered more than half were overweight or obese. “I knew they were at risk for obesity-related diseases—and shortened lives—but I also knew those outcomes are mostly preventable when people have the knowledge to make good choices,” says Hardison, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education. He set out to empower his students to make healthy choices for a lifetime. He created turnkey lessons such as “Re-think Your Drink” and “Portion Distortion” to align with educational standards—and to be delivered over 16 weeks across the curriculum to avoid overburdening individual teachers. MATCH participants might journal about food choices during language arts class then calculate their BMIs in math. At every turn, they have opportunities to identify their individual strengths and weaknesses, set personal goals, monitor their behaviors and practice decision-making. A built-in “badge” system motivates students without the need for teacher manipulation. The MATCH program has really impacted my family. I have gotten them to start eating healthy foods, stop eating fast and fried foods every day, and I’m making them do aerobic dances. We started to walk at the track twice a week and stopped eating in front of the television. —Horne, 2007 Horne penned those words around the time Hardison was remeasuring the students in her class—and realizing just how well his program had worked. Nearly three-quarters of the overweight and obese students had improved their BMIs. To build support for his program, Hardison turned to Dr. Suzanne Lazorick, pediatrician and obesity researcher with ECU’s Pediatric Healthy Weight Research and Treatment Center. The unique academic-community partnership that followed has garnered about $2.75 million in grants from groups such as the N.C. Joint Legislative Task Force on Childhood Obesity, the N.C. State Board of Education and the BCBSNC Foundation. Bolstered by Lazorick’s work, MATCH became the only school-based obesity intervention program in the country to earn a “research tested” designation from the Center for Training, Research and Translation—an independent group that evaluates programs for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “The federal government wants evidence-based programs,” Lazorick says, “and MATCH has been consistently improving BMI in seven out of 10 overweight adolescents.” Outstanding outcomes Jennifer MacDougall, senior program officer for the BCBSNC Foundation— which has invested more than $1 million Tim Hardison and Dr. Suzanne Lazorick in MATCH —says “astounding” results sparked their interest in the program, and consistent results have kept them at the table. “Looking across school-based programs in North Carolina and the nation, we had never seen results as dramatic as MATCH,” she says. “MATCH has achieved significant results in the schools in our state with some of the highest rates of health disparity. … It is a critical component to combating the epidemic of childhood obesity and…could ultimately be a key factor in turning the tide.” According to the National Center for Health Statistics, childhood obesity has quadrupled in U.S. adolescents during the past 30 years. In eastern North Carolina during the past two years, the rate of extreme obesity (weight above the 99th percentile)—at 9.3 percent —was double the national average. It’s no surprise the N.C. Institute of Medicine’s Task Force on Rural Health included MATCH in their recent action plan, recommending the state Board of Education include obesity prevention in middle grades. “We have a much bigger problem than most Students at E.B. Aycock Middle School in Greenville participate in a MATCH lesson. Students at E.B. Aycock Middle School in Greenville participate in a MATCH lesson. people realize,” Hardison says. “If we don’t get a handle on this now, we’ll be in a world of hurt before long. We don’t even know all the problems these kids will have without intervention.” Dr. Brian Caveney, vice president and senior medical director of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, the largest independent health insurer in the state, says MATCH is “the most doable, scalable, reasonable” approach he has seen to deal with obesity-related problems. “Obesity affects all organ systems,” Caveney says. “It diminishes the body’s ability to respond effectively to injury and illness. When you look at the downstream impacts of childhood obesity, the total cost explodes. Why wait 30 or 40 years for diseases to fully develop, and have to put someone through the health care system to fix those problems, when that’s the most expensive place —and the place we’ll get poorer outcomes?” Economic payoffs An independent 2012 report by RTI International economist Lee Mobley estimated that implementing MATCH statewide could save N.C. Medicaid up to $330 million over five years in charges avoided by student participants alone. Two years ago, Be Active North Carolina—a nonprofit committed to empowering North Carolinians to live healthy, active lives— calculated that a 3 percent conversion of overweight adults to healthy weight would save N.C. employers $3 billion annually in direct medical costs, lost productivity and workers compensation. Hardison notes the average conversion rate for MATCH graduates measured at age 17 is five times that. John Chaffee, president and CEO of N.C. East Alliance, the lead economic development organization serving eastern North Carolina, says these savings estimates aren’t surprising, considering the myriad health issues faced by obese adults. “Anything we can do to improve the health of children and adults is good for employers and government,” he says. “If you can save $300 for every dollar [invested], that’s a no-brainer. Any investor would love that kind of ROI.” ‘I crave healthy things’ Heather Winslow, a physical education teacher at Chowan Middle School in Chowan County, says MATCH motivates students by helping them compare their personal fitness levels to their peers’. “Some of my heaviest kids might be the most flexible, so that’s cool for them to see,” she says. She says the lessons that resonate most with her students are the ones about diseases that diet and activity can impact, because most have family members living with those diseases. Eighth-grader Jadon Melendez says MATCH motivated him “to aim for the top” in his fitness goals. He reaches for water now instead of sodas and high-calorie sports drinks. Classmate Brianna Miles—who rides her bike almost daily—was surprised to learn the ingredients in foods she thought were healthier. “I used to eat sugary cereals and donuts for breakfast,” she says. “Now I tell my family to get bran and whole-grain cereals.” And therein lies the key to MATCH’s success, Hardison says. “Thirteen-year-olds are starting to feel independent—capable of influencing their own outcomes. Arm ’em with knowledge, and they’ll become agents of change. You can’t shut ’em up.” This program has also helped me and my grandmother with our asthma. I feel like I have really made a huge difference in our lives. Now I am helping the children at my mother’s day care center by making her serve healthy foods and getting the children fit so they won’t have to go through these life-threatening behaviors. —Horne, 2007 Horne confesses she reverted back to some unhealthy habits after middle school, gaining more than 40 pounds by the time she was a high school sophomore. “People thought I was pregnant,” she says. “I was eating lots of fatty, processed foods. But I remembered what I learned from MATCH. I started back exercising 30 or 40 minutes several times a week. I cut back on sugars, fats and starches. “I changed my lifestyle habits. During my freshman year at ECU, I got back down to my seventh-grade weight.” These days, a demanding schedule of nursing classes, clinical rotations and work can mean rushed meals and limited food options, but Horne’s undaunted. “My body has adjusted to new tastes now,” she says. “I crave healthy things.” East As an alumnus of East Carolina University you could receive exclusive savings on auto and home insurance from Liberty Mutual.1 Join thousands of satisfied customers with Liberty Mutual Insurance.2 Discounted Rates—You could save up to $427.96 a year3 on auto insurance and receive additional discounts on home insurance. Exceptional Service—Whether you’re in an accident or just need some advice, know we’ll always be on call for you. Superior Benefits—Enjoy a number of superior benefits, such as 24-Hour Claims Assistance, Accident Forgiveness4 and Roadside Assistance5. For a free quote, call 800-867-5517 or visit libertymutual.com/ecualumni This organization receives financial support for offering this auto and home benefits program. 1Discounts and savings are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten; not all applicants may qualify. 2Based on Liberty Mutual Insurance Company’s 2013 Customer Satisfaction Survey in which more than 85% of policyholders reported their interaction with Liberty Mutual service representatives to be “among the best experiences” and “better than average.” 3Figure reflects average national savings for customers who switched to Liberty Mutual’s group auto and home program. Based on data collected between 9/1/12 and 8/31/13. Individual premiums and savings will vary. 4For qualifying customers only. Accident Forgiveness is subject to terms and conditions of Liberty Mutual’s underwriting guidelines. Not available in CA and may vary by state. 5With the purchase of optional Towing & Labor coverage. Applies to mechanical breakdowns and disablements only. Towing related to accidents would be covered under your Collision or Other Than Collision coverage. Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston. MA 02116 ©2015 Liberty Mutual Insurance Jessie Smith, Glenesha Berryman and Emmanuel Moreno-Ortiz ECU’s first-generation college students set a standard for success Coming in first BY SPAINE STEPHENS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLIFF HOLLIS BY SPAINE STEPHENS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLIFF HOLLIS Nicole Blevins ’00 was halfway to East Carolina University with her whole family and her luggage in tow when it hit her for the first time: She was going to college. “I said, ‘We have to pull over,’” Blevins recalls. “I needed to breathe. It was surreal.” What was a natural next step for many newly minted college students was monumental for Blevins: She would be the first in her family to attend college. As a first-generation college student, she faced the challenges and triumphs that each new student would encounter, but she had to navigate the ins and outs of college while at the same time fulfilling dreams of her entire family. “I didn’t want to fail for me,” she says, “and I didn’t want to fail for my family.” Today’s first-generation students at ECU echo that sentiment. While they learn how to be successful students and balance their goals with the expectations of those around them, the university looks for ways to encourage and retain them. This student population is finding itself increasingly in the spotlight. That’s not only because of student success, but also because first-generation students are setting the bar for future generations in their families—and for a vibrant, prepared workforce in the region and beyond. Like Blevins, first-generation students often lack the guidance that other students begin college with, so they adapt and learn by trial and error and by finding what helps them succeed in the classroom and in life. After graduation, Blevins created a program in the Union County Division of Social Services that focuses on educating parents accused of or involved with child abuse or neglect. As her family drove away on her first day at ECU, Blevins smiled to herself and welcomed the journey. “Let’s do this,” she said. Charting a course At ECU, efforts are underway to more clearly identify incoming first-generation students, and many of them and their parents take advantage of information sessions during New Student Orientation. Many students sign up for special sections of COAD 1000: Student Development and Learning in Higher Education, which works on students’ decision-making, time-management and study skills. The course is taught by Linda Mellish, associate director of research and assessment in Campus Living and the Office of Student Transitions. Mellish contacts each student eligible for the class, and she becomes a personal cheerleader and disciplinarian for each one who signs up. She wants them to succeed, and she knows first-generation students face a range of emotions when they begin college. Those feelings can range from guilt from being the only one in the family to have the opportunity for college to outright financial worries. Then there is the “impostor phenomenon,” which presents students with constant internal arguments that they do not belong in college, that they can’t cut it. “These students are the first,” Mellish says. “They are taking a giant leap into this unknown territory for themselves and their families.” She should know. Mellish herself is a first- generation student, earning two music degrees from ECU before going to Purdue University to complete a master’s degree and a doctorate. “I have a belief in these kids,” she says. “I am one of them, and that has never left me.” Her students know that. Brittney Woodle, a junior elementary education major from Robbins, was determined to go to college to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. While she would be the only person in Brittney Woodle her family to pursue higher education, she knew it was a vital step, although she was intimidated. “There were more people on this campus than there are in my hometown,” she says. Woodle’s first semester didn’t go as planned—she sank into a depression because of the academic expectations and the pressure surrounding her and began skipping class. Her GPA crashed. “It was like a flashback to my teen angst years,” she says. “I felt like no one understood me.” Woodle enrolled in a “probationary” section of COAD 1000 and found the motivation and resources she needed to repair her GPA and to believe in herself. “It taught me to not only think about what everyone else is expecting of me but about what I expect of me,”Woodle says. She now shares her story with other students as a Pirate Mentor and would like to create a mentorship program that partners new first- generation students with those who know the ropes. “I think my experience will definitely make me a better teacher,” she says. Sophomore public health major Seth Whitlow is determined to become a physician assistant or doctor. During his first year, he wrestled with a singular question: If his parents found success without college, why couldn’t he, too? But he says he recognized the opportunity in college and embraced it. “I found what I need to be here,” he says. “College has defined me as a person.” Pressure and pride For many first-generation students, it’s a struggle not to let that label define them or ostracize them. Even so, universities want to identify the population in order to make the college experience more accessible and more successful for them. ECU’s Division of Student Affairs has begun tracking first- generation students in hopes of creating programming that lends a helping hand. COAD 1000 is one of the first steps in that process. Mellish’s fall 2015 course sections have 82 students enrolled, an increase from past classes. The increase, she says, is partly because of a special session during New Student Orientation especially for first ‘This pioneering adventure’ are skills they have to learn before they even set foot in a classroom. East Carolina University is making first-generation students a special Knowing who’s a first-generation study as universities nationwide student depends on whether do likewise. the students fill out a Federal Application for Federal Student By identifying and tracking Aid and identify as first- the first-generation student generation. That information is population—as ECU is doing neither required nor verified. with those who began classes in fall 2014—the university can Students may also identify determine what services and themselves as first-generation programs it needs to be offering on a survey during new-student those students. orientation and on the Beginning College Survey of Student “It’s more than just identifying Engagement. According to results another student population that from the 2014 BCSSE, 33 percent needs assistive measures,” says of students who responded to college but never completed it or and assist them. Linda Mellish, associate director the survey reported as first-earned a degree. of research and assessment in “What we’re doing,” Mellish says, generation with neither parent Campus Living and the Office The College Board, a not-for-“is attempting to remove the having any college education. of Student Transitions. First-profit organization whose mission barriers—real or imagined—for generation students come to On the same survey, 55 percent is to expand access to higher these students as they take on campus stuck with stereotypes of students reported as first-education, offers a section on this pioneering adventure. We that they’re more likely to fail generation with neither parent its website to counselors and are simultaneously creating because there has been no one earning a bachelor’s degree or educators about the special opportunities and supporting before them to achieve what they above—meaning one or both challenges first-generation them as they navigate their path.” are striving for and because there parents might have attended students face and how to identify —Spaine Stephens generation students’ parents. Her first order of business is to make them uncomfortable. “I say to them, ‘Your kid is coming here to a place that is brand new for the first time,’” she says. “Even the sheets on the bed are new.” Mellish then challenges the parents to do something outside their comfort zone for 30 minutes before they send their student to college. She wants them to experience what their children will feel when they set foot on campus. She also wants them to know they’re stepping through new doors, too. “I tell the students, ‘You’re their investment; you are their legacy,’” she says. “I tell the parents, ‘This is your degree, too.’” During a morning COAD 1000 class, a handful of students considered the impact of being a first-generation student. Talking about it took some getting used to, but with encouragement, they warmed to the topic and raised their hands. “Being first generation is motivational to me,” says one student as others nod their heads in agreement, “because I have two younger sisters who look up to me.” Another student sighs and says, “Sometimes Melenis Lopez it makes me want to scream.”That admission is met with an understanding silence as the students turn back to their books. Other “first-gens,” a nickname that’s gaining momentum at ECU and other campuses, choose to navigate their paths through other programs or groups on campus. Melenis Lopez, a freshman public health major from Charlotte, always knew she would go to college. Her mother was 27 Jessie Smith always adamant about that next step after high school, and Lopez dove headfirst into scholarship applications that proved fruitful. She received an Access Scholarship and is also in the Walter and Marie Williams Leadership Awards Program, among other honors. Lopez says she is adjusting well to her first semester and is ready to get involved in student government, club sports and other activities. She also wants to create an organization for Hispanic students to meet and form bonds. Her experience as a first- generation student partly fueled that drive. “It’s important because it shows that college is for everyone,” Lopez says. “It shows that diversity and openness.” EC Scholar Glenesha Berryman also is embracing the opportunity on campus. Even while living in South Korea as part of a military family, the freshman English education major now from Fayetteville knew she wanted to be in North Carolina for college. “I just didn’t want to mess up,” Berryman says. “But it’s definitely a motivator. I just like making my parents and my family proud. It’s a cool thing to celebrate.” Promises for tomorrow Jessie Smith almost has her degree. Tears welled in her eyes as she filled out her application to graduate in December. The communication major from Winterville will be the first in her family to earn a college degree. Smith completed the university transfer program at Pitt Community College before enrolling at ECU. She worked on the requirements of various majors and almost gave up hope before she found her niche and flourished. The rocky road was worth it, she says. “We as first-generation graduates are unlocking the door to our future and the ability to help grow our nation in a positive direction,” Smith says. “We may have nothing to lose, but we have everything to gain.” Nursing student Emmanuel Moreno-Ortiz sees opportunity before him as well. He is slated to also graduate in December with plans to pursue a career in anesthesiology or elsewhere in the medical field. Emmanuel Moreno-Ortiz “I’m still reaching new waters, but it’s been mostly positive pressure,” Moreno-Ortiz says. “I’m using school to find my destiny.” Moreno-Ortiz was the first in his family to attend high school, so pursuing a college degree makes his parents proud, even if they don’t always understand the subject matter in his textbooks. “It’s important for universities to retain first-generation students because it will fuel others to come in,” he says, “other generations of the same family. A big part of that is that I’m already here.” Building that access to education across families has implications that reach further. “East Carolina has always been about access and service to the region,” says Virginia Hardy, vice chancellor for student affairs. To Regina Whittemore ’14, that commitment from the university, her family and herself helped her earn a degree in information technologies. She grows emotional when she recalls the struggles she overcame from academics to financial responsibilities and red tape that broke more easily for other students. “I feel that my time at East Carolina and these difficulties I had molded me into a stronger individual, a leader and a gogetter,” Whittemore says. “Too many times I could have buckled under the pressure when things got difficult, but I’m a Pirate. We don’t give up.” East Dowdy Student Stores are owned and operated by ECU with shops in the Wright Building, Brody Building and Pirate athletic venues. We’re not just the student bookstore, we carry a wide selection of East Carolina merchandise and apparel in our stores. As part of the University, we’re able to return profits to benefit scholarhips and support campus programs. Whether you’re taking in a show at Wright Auditorium or watching the Pirates play ball, we hope you’ll shop with us whenever you’re on campus! Go Pirates! From foul balls tofair calls Sheilah Cotten ’75 ’77 expanded athletic opportunities for women BY JACKIE DRAKE PHOTOGRAPY BY CLIFF HOLLIS baseball games. baseball games. Growing up in Fuquay-Varina in the 1960s, Sheilah Cotten’s only chance to participate in competitive sports before she entered high school was retrieving foul balls during boys’ Like everything else this venerated coach and athletics administrator went on to accomplish in her life after graduating from East Carolina University, Cotten put her considerable energy and competitive spirit to the task. “There was not a foul ball to be lost if I worked a game,” she recalls with a laugh. “I participated in anything I could, but I couldn’t really play; women’s opportunities were very limited back then.” Things have changed when it comes to women’s competitive sports. Cotten has helped make that change. A leader in the field of women’s collegiate athletics, Cotten has pursued equality and opportunities for all. She was a record-setting member of the ECU women’s basketball team shortly after conference play began. She also played on the volleyball team and in 1981 became the first female athlete inducted into the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame. Cotten coached women’s sports and some men’s sports at Louisburg College for 28 years. She was also a key figure in the National Junior College Athletic Administration from 1992 to 2000, where she worked to expand sports opportunities for women at two-year and community colleges in the Southeast and throughout the country. Cotten does not describe those things as accomplishments but rather as teaching young women to do their best and to push themselves to the limit of their capabilities. “I chose to be the best I could be on the court, in the classroom and as a coach because it simply feels good to know you have given your all,” Cotten says. “To value the opportunity, do your best, have no regrets, that is still what I share today with the students I teach.” East Carolina is where she learned how to do that. Playing basketball at ECU and competing at such a high level, says Cotten, gave her the confidence to speak up in the classroom as a teacher, on the court as a coach and in the boardroom as an administrator. Opportunity opens Cotten played basketball in high school but didn’t think she could continue at the collegiate level. But during her junior year of high school, she began to hear about women’s basketball teams forming on college campuses. She first heard about ECU when head basketball coach Catherine Bolton came to watch her high school play in Rocky Mount during her senior year and recruited her for the Pirates. “I was excited for the opportunity to play basketball on a college campus and to continue my career in sports,” Cotten says. “That’s what brought me to ECU. I didn’t really know anything about ECU until she came and watched me play.” Bolton was ECU’s first professional women’s basketball coach. Women’s basketball has more than 100 years of history at East Carolina, with intramural teams formed as early as 1915. Competitive play against other colleges began in the 1930s. Official conference play began under Bolton’s direction in the 1969-1970 season, shortly before Cotten arrived on campus. “From the time I could dribble a basketball, I had always watched the boys play,” she says. “I knew I wanted to go to a university where there would be a strong athletic program.” Cotten remembers playing in pinnies, or scrimmage vests, during her first year and not getting official uniforms until her second year. She helped lead the women’s basketball team to a 47-17 record during her four years on campus. She set several single-game and season records, including most points in a game (33) and highest rebound average for the season (8.3 rpg). She finished her career with 1,152 points, helped win a state championship and played in district championships and a national tournament. “That experience emphasized to me that I wanted to go on to be a coach,” she says. “I knew I wanted to be involved in sports in some capacity, providing opportunities for other young girls like myself to be able to enjoy competition and learn how to become leaders.” Cotten majored in health and physical education and remained at ECU to complete her master’s degree in health education. Her physical education instructors and her coaches were her role models, she says, for learning how to teach and coach others. “ECU began to open my eyes to all the opportunities for women in sports,” she says. “It provided me with…outstanding peers who I could learn from.” An ECU advisor also helped her find her first job, pointing to an opening at Louisburg College and allowing her an extension on her thesis so she could go ahead and begin her career. Opening opportunities for others Cotten arrived at Louisburg College in August 1977. She has never left. Northeast of Raleigh, Louisburg College is a private two-year college with about 750 students. Founded in 1787, it is the oldest two-year college in the nation and the only residential two-year college in North Carolina. Several sports teams play under its mascot, the Hurricanes, in the National Junior College Athletic Association Region X, encompassing North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Cotten coached women’s volleyball, men’s tennis, women’s basketball and slow-pitch softball at Louisburg. But she is best known for her tenure as coach of the fast-pitch softball team from 1986 to 2005. Her overall record was 516-293 (.640). Several of her teams won region and district championships, many going on to national NJCAA tournaments. Her record speaks for itself: n More than 600 career wins n 15 NJCAA All-Americans n 14 Academic All-Americans n A graduation rate for her players of more than 90 percent since 1990 n 56 graduates received scholarships to NCAA Division I or Division II schools n NJCAA Region X Coach of the Year multiple times In 2003, the softball field at Louisburg College was named the Sheilah R. Cotten Softball Field. She is retired from coaching, but teaches sociology, among other subjects. “It’s clear that this college, and myself as a small part of it, is making a difference in the lives of these kids. That’s a great accomplishment every day,” Cotten says. “That’s what ECU did for me, and that’s what I hope I can give back to the young people I work with.” Cotten also opened doors for countless others at schools throughout the region through her leadership in the NJCAA. She established sports procedures for women’s fast-pitch softball, implementing divisional play and even international play. She oversaw various sports and held several positions culminating in NJCAA Region X women’s director of athletics. In 2007, she was inducted in the Louisburg College Athletics Hall of Fame, and in 2010, she was inducted into the NJCAA Sports Hall of Fame. She was recognized as one of the “Top 100 Female Athletes for 100 Years” by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. “She’s a pioneer in women’s athletics,” says Louisburg College Athletic Director Mike Holloman. “She brings a lot of passion and excitement and she’s always looking for teachable moments. She’s touched a tremendous amount of lives here at Louisburg and in our region. And she hasn’t slowed down.” “I’ve never been to work a single day. I just go and play every day,” Cotten says. Turning opportunities into lessons Cotten is clear about why she chose the path she did: Sport builds strength of character, she says, along with a belief in self and a greater appreciation of what can be done with teamwork and a common purpose. Participation in sports is one way to reduce the fear of failure and discover hidden gifts and talents, she says. “To learn how to compete can bring out the best in yourself,” she says. “Something as simple as being able to throw the ball back into the game…I can remember the exhilaration of that, being able to pick up that baseball and throw it to the coach.” All kids enjoy competition, she says. “That is not a gender-related thing at all. It’s universal to all kids. They want to be able to play.” Heather Ross, a faculty member at Brenau University in Georgia who played basketball and softball under Cotten in the 1990s, described her coach as “energetic and excited about the game.” “Her spirited approach to the game was contagious,” Ross says. Yet Cotten’s lessons went beyond the playing field. “She was an ardent advocate for our team and each one of us as individuals,” Ross says. “I believe that coach Cotten took everything she learned and accomplished in her own career and tried very hard to instill those lessons and skills onto each one of her players.” Students and players say Cotten’s impact on them has been permanent. “I have referenced many life lessons that I have learned from coach Cotten throughout my career as a coach, teacher and educational leader,” says Brandy Frazier, a career and technical education coordinator for Nash- Rocky Mount Public Schools. “She taught me how to not only play the game of softball but prepared me mentally, emotionally and physically for the game of life.” ‘A second chance’ For one student in particular, Cotten’s confidence and mentoring in college made a life-changing difference. Jomaica Johnson, who graduated from Louisburg in 2005 and now holds a doctorate degree, is an infrastructure branch manager for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. She works to save the lives of others. In her region of FEMA, she is the youngest branch manager and the only African-American female branch manager. Cotten offered Johnson a chance to play softball at Louisburg. But shortly after Johnson got there, she fell in with a group who used marijuana and got caught, she says. “Coach Cotten sat me down and told me there would be consequences, but that she wasn’t going to suspend me or expel me,” Johnson says. Just as important, Johnson says, is that Cotten took time with her and supported her as her life improved. “Coach Cotten offering me an opportunity to play set me on the road to success,” says Johnson. “I was going through a lot of personal things and dealing with depression and low self-esteem. Coach Cotten helped me find myself.” That second chance, Johnson says, may have saved her life. “I really messed up…. If she had sent me away, I don’t know what I would’ve done. I may have considered suicide.” Johnson credits Cotten’s caring leadership and high expectation for her success—and passes what she learned from her along to other young people. “She taught us how to carry ourselves, how to dress and speak professionally, to speak the truth and own what you’re saying,” Johnson says. Johnson is involved with AmeriCorps, a program where teens work with FEMA to get a grant for college. “What coach Cotten instilled in me, I instill in these young people,” Johnson says. Cotten says her leadership style is based on thinking positively. “Forever the optimist, I consider a failure or a great challenge a valuable learning opportunity,” she says. East 34 35 CrAlreaedy aramed wtith hier dnegree, g h Jadaa ePyne serts he r ssightsh on a proo careert BY DOUG BO YD PHOTOGRAPHY B Y C L I F F H O L L I S Now in her final season with the East Carolina University women’s basketball team, Jada Payne could have her own media guide. It would read something like this: n All-American Athletic Conference first team n AAC 2014-2015 honor roll member n ECU Female Athlete of the Year n Most three-pointers in a season n Best free-throw percentage n On pace to score 2,000 points n Potential WNBA draft pick What was that last one? Yes, it’s true: If she does what her coaches think she can do, Payne could become the first Pirate to play in the women’s professional basketball league. “Jada’s going to break ground and show kids what a gold mine it is at East Carolina,” said head coach Heather Macy. “We’re looking for big things from Jada and some really exciting stuff.” Payne doesn’t talk much about the prospect of playing professionally. She just sticks to what has gotten her to this point. “Knowing what your goals are and working toward that every day is something I intend to do,” she says. Determination pays dividends It’s July, and Payne is in the women’s practice gym and talking about getting ready for her final year at ECU. Boys attending a basketball camp dribble and shoot on the other end of the court. Payne remembers the days when she was the skinny kid looking up to the college players. “Not too long ago, we were all in that same position,” she says. She recalls attending a girls basketball camp at the University of Tennessee and one of the Volunteer players taking time to write her a personal note. That meant a lot. Now, she’s the one inspiring young players at camp and teammates at practice and in games. How did she reach this point? Dedication, determination and desire. “It’s always something I had to work for,” she says of her success on the court. “A lot of times I was overlooked, especially in high school. I completely committed myself and devoted myself to getting better.” Jada Payne Macy calls Payne “the blueprint” for what makes a successful team. “Jada’s the example,” Macy says. “When every single day one of your best players is one of the hardest workers, that makes a difference. “She wants to make sure she has no flaws in her game.” Such characteristics are why senior forward DeVaughn Gray says Payne is the model player and teammate. “She sets the standard for everyone, and that’s the level of intensity everyone has tried to reach up to,” Gray says. And the 6-foot-2 redshirt senior also leads in the classroom. She’s already graduated with a communication degree and is enrolled in graduate school at ECU. When freshmen players ask her why she doesn’t have to go to study hall, she has some advice. And it’s the same as on the court. “Well, that’s because I worked hard and I worked my way out of it,” she says. Proving her potential Growing up in Hickory, Payne played basketball from a young age—younger than the rules allowed. “I was the smallest,” she recalls. “My mom begged them to let me play at 4. “Basketball was always a constant. I never stopped playing.” Her mother, Amanda Forney-Freeman, was a college basketball player at Lees-McRae and West Virginia Tech and was inducted into the Hall of Fame at WVU Tech in 2011. “She’s everything a parent would want in a child,” says Forney-Freeman. “And she always keeps God first. I know that’s where all her success has come from.” During her senior year of high school, Payne grew about 3 inches and led her Hickory High School team to a 28-3 record and the state finals in 2010-2011. She was a McDonald’s All-America nominee. Even though she showed potential, she was slender and hadn’t played enough at the AAU level to draw the eyes of many college coaches. She liked the staff at La Salle University in Philadelphia, so she headed north. There, she made the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team and was named the team’s rookie of the year. Her mom had encouraged Payne, who had never been far from home, to broaden her horizons, but Philadelphia might have been a little too far too fast. After her freshman year, she decided to transfer. “ECU was one of the schools I kept in the back of my mind,” she says. Macy offered her a chance to play for the Pirates, and Payne took it. After redshirting her first season at ECU, she started all 31 games and led the Pirates in scoring in 2013 2014 at 18.4 points per game. She earned All-Conference USA First Team honors and was a member of the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll and the ECU Athletics Director’s Honor Roll. Last season, she started 32 of 33 games, scored in double-digits in 31, led the Pirates in scoring in 23 games and scored 20 or more points 11 times. She finished last season ranked 17th on the Pirates’ all-time scoring list with 1,132. By the end of the season, she had made 80 three-pointers, breaking her own school record. She also broke her own school record in free-throw percentage with a mark of .865, which also topped the conference. “She did what it takes people a career to do,” Macy says. “She basically did it in a year-anda- half. Jada’s breaking Jada’s own records.” During the season, she averaged a team- best 17.1 points and 5.5 rebounds. In the Women’s NIT, she scored a total of 41 points in two games. She also was selected to the All-American Athletic Conference First Team. She twice received player-of-the-week accolades and made the conference weekly honor roll five times. ECU named her its Female Athlete of the Year. She also made the 2014-2015 American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team. She’s also added about 25 pounds of muscle to her frame, a tangible sign of the effort she puts into getting better. It’s part of the game plan for Payne. “Anywhere you go requires a lot of hard work and dedication,” she says. Pro prospects The 2016 draft will be held Sept. 24, and Payne ranked 38th among eligible players before the season started. For now, that puts her just outside the 12-team, three- round draft—but very much in the draft conversation. “Her versatility and athleticism, her ability to guard multiple positions and her accuracy behind the 3-point line would mean WNBA teams should look at her in the draft,” says Trudi Lacey, a former college basketball player at N.C. State and coach and general manager in the WNBA. And if she is drafted, the benefits from ECU would be significant. “For the overall program, it speaks to ECU women’s basketball’s commitment to excellence and total player development,” Lacey says. Payne’s success in the classroom could also play in her favor. “As long as she can carry those smarts over to the basketball court, she’ll be fine,” Lacey says. For now, Payne is focused on this season. She wants to be more aggressive, get in even better shape and hit even more big shots. “I want to be the best I can be for this team,” she says. “I want to give every last bit of effort and energy I have for this team.” East Heather Macy After three straight 20-win seasons that included postseason play in the Women’s NIT, ECU women’s basketball coach Heather Macy is clear about her expectations this season: a run in the NCAA Tournament. “I really feel like it’s going to be a breakout year for our program,” she said at the Oct. 6 women’s basketball media day. “We’re expecting to be in the Sweet 16,” said senior forward I’Tiana Taylor. “That’s what we’re saying in practice and that’s what we hold ourselves to in practice.” The Pirates opened their season Nov. 13 against Texas-Rio Grand Valley in the Islanders Classic in Corpus Christi, Texas. The 18-game conference slate begins Dec. 30. Several games will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network, ESPNU and other networks. The full schedule, including game times, is available at www.ecupirates.com. 2015-2016 SCHEDULE Nov. 13 vs. UTRGV in Corpus Christi, Texas Nov. 14 at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Nov. 17 vs. Alcorn State Nov. 20 vs. Presbyterian Nov. 22 at Delaware Nov. 26 vs. Creighton in Austin, Texas Nov. 27 vs. Eastern Washington in Austin, Texas Nov. 28 vs. Northwestern in Austin, Texas Dec. 5 at Auburn Dec. 18 vs. Chattanooga in Wilmington, N.C. Dec. 19 vs. Ohio in Wilmington, N.C. Dec. 20 vs. South Carolina in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Dec. 30 at Tulsa Jan. 2 vs. USF Jan. 5 vs. Tulane Jan. 7 at UCF Jan. 14 vs. Houston Jan. 17 at USF Ja/ 20 vs. Cincinnati Jan. 23 at Tulane Jan. 30 vs. Temple Feb. 3 vs. Tulsa Feb. 6 at UConn Feb. 9 at SMU Feb. 13 vs. Memphis Feb. 17 at Houston Feb. 20 vs. UConn Feb. 24 at Cincinnati Feb. 27 at Memphis Feb. 29 vs. SMU American Conference Championship Home games are shown in bold. The Greenes encourage ’66 classmates to attend reunion PIRATETM for so many people. Getting back an eye on us.” together will be really exciting.” Eddie and Joan have been married 49 years. During their time on campus, they were involved with student government, with Eddie serving as president during his senior year, as well as the homecoming committee. “There were so many fun activities,” Eddie said. “We made lots of friends, and many of those continue to be our friends today.” Eddie went on to law school at UNC-Chapel Hill and worked more than 30 years as a lawyer and judge. He is now a lawyer with Wyrick Robbins in Raleigh. Eddie also served on the ECU Board of Trustees in the 1970s and on the ECU Board of Visitors when it was established. After completing her education degree, Joan went on to graduate school also at Chapel Hill, concentrating in literacy to become a reading recovery teacher. She has taught ever since and still teaches part-time today. Last year’s Golden Alumni in the class of 1965 started a Golden Alumni Scholarship. So far, more than $4,700 has been raised to support scholarships of $2,500 for all ECU students. More information on the Golden Alumni Reunion and the Golden Alumni Scholarship is at PirateAlumni.com/2016GAR. CONNECTIONS Eddie and Joan Greene News and upcoming events to help alumni and friends get involved and stay connected with ECU. Heath Bowman named associate vice chancellor Heath Bowman Bowman has a bachelor’s degree has been named in hospitality management from as ECU’s new Texas Tech University and a associate vice master’s degree in higher education chancellor of leadership from the University of alumni relations Arkansas. and president of Bowman has been married to his the alumni high school sweetheart, Ashley, association. His since 2008. She is a speech- first day at ECU language pathologist specializing was Oct. 12. in treatment of geriatric patients Bowman has 10 years of recovering from post-operative and management and higher education post-stroke impairments. leadership experience. Most “Heath brings a wealth of knowledge, recently, he served as director management skills, connections of outreach at the University of across the profession and vision to Arkansas Alumni Association, which the position as well as commitment has more than 26,000 dues-paying to make ECU and eastern North alumni members and nearly 2,500 Carolina his family’s home,” said dues-paying student members. Vice Chancellor for University “This is a tremendous honor Advancement Christopher Dyba. and, honestly, very humbling,” “The excitement here is contagious,” said Bowman. “Pirate Nation has Bowman said. “The moment my so much to be proud of. To be wife, Ashley, and I set foot in trusted to lead and grow alumni Greenville, we knew that this was relations efforts at such a respected the place we were meant to be. It and innovative institution is the immediately felt like home. I feel opportunity of a lifetime and a lucky to be in a place where I can responsibility that I will take very use my skill set and past experiencesseriously. I am excited to build on past successes and to blaze new paths for East Carolina and its alumni association.” At Arkansas, Bowman led a team charged with outreach and engagement through innovative programs and collaborations with campus and community partners targeted to students, young alumni and alumni around the world. Dec. 1 to benefit a place as special as ECU.” Dec. 13 Bring the Whole Crew, Mike’s Farm, Beulaville Dec. 17 Senior Celebration Dinner, 6 p.m., Murphy Center Greenville Networking Event Jan. 15 Bring the Whole Crew, Rush Hour Karting, Garner Apr. 16 Pirate Alumni Road Race and Fun Run, Greenville BOARD OF DIRECTORS Glenda Moultrie ’79, Chair Derwood, Md. John Israel ’82, Vice Chair Norfolk, Va. Oliver “Tim” Willis ’12, Treasurer Durham, N.C. Mark Garner ’77, Secretary Greenville, N.C. Neal Crawford ’85, Immediate Past Chair Norfolk, Va. Heath Bowman, Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations Greenville, N.C. Michael Aho ’02, McLean, Va. Sheridan Barnes ’86, Micro, N.C. Jim Dill ’79, Richmond, Va. Neil Dorsey ’65 ’66, Winterville, N.C. Ralph Finch ’67, Midlothian, Va. Jeff Foster ’83, Winterville, N.C. Keith Frazier ’94, Raleigh, N.C. Robin Good ’80, Katy, Texas Duane Grooms ’80 ’82, Columbia, S.C. James Hammond ’66, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Kathy Herring ’90 ’95, Greenville, N.C. Melanie Holden ’79, Raleigh, N.C. Phil Houston ’77, Greenville, N.C. Wesley Johnson ’85, Powder Springs, Ga. Angela Moss ’97 ’98, Raleigh, N.C. Joy Ruhmann ’81, Raleigh, N.C. Tyna Sloate ’90, New York, N.Y. Dan Spuller ’06 ’07, Raleigh, N.C. Lynnette Taylor ’97, Winterville, N.C. Linda Thompson Thomas ’81, Charlotte, N.C. Jason Tomasula ’00 ’03 ’10, Wake Forest, N.C. Eddie Greene ’66 and his wife, Joan Greene ’66, are looking forward to reliving many happy memories of their time at East Carolina when their class reunites this spring. The Greenes are helping the East Carolina Alumni Association recruit members of the class of 1966 to attend the Golden Alumni Reunion, which will be held May 5-6. Every year, the alumni association invites members of the 50th reunion class to revisit campus during commencement weekend. “I had so many great experiences at East Carolina; it was a lot of fun,” Joan said. “We hope we get a lot of participation in the reunion. East Carolina provided a foundation Joan came to East Carolina from Alexandria, Virginia, on the recommendation of a family friend. Eddie’s high school principal in Biscoe, a small town in Montgomery County, recommended East Carolina to him. Eddie and Joan said meeting each other during their junior year was a highlight of their college experience. Joan was a counselor in Cotten Hall and worked at the front desk, where visitors such as Eddie had to wait. “It’s so different now,” Joan said. “Then, there were very strict times when we could go out or had to be in. And the girls had to sign in and out. We had a dorm mother to keep Board chair Glenda Palmer-Moultrie ’79 aims to connect students and alumni Glenda Palmer-Moultrie ’79 is a Palmer-Moultrie said. “Once the Pirate in more ways than one. students are involved, they get As an alumna, parent, volunteer their parents involved, and then and leader, she knows a lifelong they get involved as alumni, and passion for East Carolina then they may send their children University begins well before to ECU or recommend ECU to graduation. other young people in their lives. That’s how ECU grows stronger.” “We need to get students more involved in the alumni Originally from Delaware, Palmer- association,” said Palmer-Moultrie had three friends in high Moultrie, who is serving as the school who were coming to ECU. chair of the East Carolina Alumni She traveled a lot growing up and Association Board of Directors completed an exchange program for 2015-2016. “They need to see in Belgium, so going somewhere us on campus throughout their new for college was an exciting time here, not just read about prospect. us after graduation. The alumni “I saw ECU for the first time at association has value to students. orientation,” she said. “I got here This is their organization.” and I loved it.” Among Palmer-Moultrie’s goals Palmer-Moultrie arrived at ECU for this year are expanding alumni not long after integration had association visibility on campus occurred on campus, but overall, and increasing communication she said, race was not a big issue with students to let them know for her, and her time on campus what the association offers was very positive. them. These offerings include scholarships, opportunities “Because of the experiences I had to network with alumni and with traveling, I immersed better the chance to join the alumni than most people,” she said. “I association as a lifetime member was busy just being Glenda. You at a reduced rate. have to be you. I made friends and got involved in lots of “It all starts with students,” activities, including three years on the dance team. I had a great into another career,” she said. “In Glenda Palmer-Moultrie with daughter Jessica at the Homecoming parade 40 experience at ECU.” both my careers, I want to help people enjoy life. And I’m able to She started as a nursing major do all this because of everything I but switched to recreation learned at East Carolina.” therapy. She got a job right out of college at a school in Texas Her children, Josh and Jessica, for children with profound decided on their own to come to mental disabilities. After that, ECU as well. Josh graduated in she provided therapeutic 2014 with a music performance recreation services for the city of degree and now teaches music in Newport News, Virginia, where Montgomery County, Maryland. she advocated for people with Jessica is studying communication disabilities. Then she worked and political science. in injury recovery at a hospital “I didn’t want to make them come in Houston before moving to here, but I was so happy with Rockville, Maryland, where she their decisions,” she said. “We worked for more than 20 years have friends and a church family organizing children’s camps and here, so I felt very comfortable other recreational opportunities. sending them here. It’s like a “I was so blessed to be second home.” surrounded by people who Palmer-Moultrie likes helping supported me,” she said. “I students from Maryland make the wouldn’t have gone into this transition down south to ECU. profession if it weren’t for my She first got involved with the experience at ECU.” alumni association by attending When the city of Rockville began Freshmen Sendoffs, now Pirate making budget cuts, she decided Sendoffs, to welcome incoming to turn her passion for traveling students and help them start into a second career. She opened their voyage to campus. She is L&L Travel and Tours in 2010 also an active member of the and recently celebrated the Black Alumni Chapter. company’s fifth anniversary. “I’m blessed to be a Pirate, and I “I decided to step out of my love helping others discover their comfort zone and take on this Pirate passion,” she said. challenge to turn my passion Career Services links employers with students and grads Amber Murray ’15 is just one of many “Target is more than just retail,” Pirates who had a full-time job lined Langdon said. “There are so many up before graduation thanks to the opportunities here. Everything relationships ECU Career Services we do at Target is as a team, and has with employers. teamwork is a big thing ECU taught me. I’m passionate about both Before becoming the executive Target and ECU. Students at ECU team leader for human resources work hard, and the professors and at Target in Rocky Mount, Murray advisors provide a great foundation completed an internship at the for them to begin their careers. To Greenville store as part of a me that’s the reward, to see other relationship between ECU and Pirates do well here at Target.” Target. Target recruits ECU juniors to fulfill a 10-week executive Langdon has been with Target for internship in the summer before 11 years. In the past four years that their senior year, which often results he has served as campus recruiter in a job offer and continued training for ECU, Langdon has hired 14 leading up to graduation. Target interns and 10 executives. His also recruits seniors to take on district now has 13 ECU graduates leadership roles upon graduation. or senior students working at local Target stores. “It was a great experience to have during college, and knowing I Employers don’t have to be ECU could continue with the company alumni to work with Career Services. was exciting and a big relief. The Many company leaders hire ECU internship definitely broadened graduates for their leadership, my horizons,” said Murray, who service and job preparation. majored in marketing but found her “The coaching and development calling in human resources through that ECU students get really the internship. Murray was hired makes a difference,” said Kristina by another ECU graduate, Shawn Kanspedos, talent acquisition Langdon ’94, the Rocky Mount manager for Enterprise Holdings. store team leader and campus “ECU has so many opportunities for recruiting captain for this district. students to get involved on campus Shawn Langdon and Amber Murray through clubs and organizations. is the largest rental car provider We really like to see that on in the world. During the past applications and resumes.” year, Enterprise has hired 32 ECU graduates into the management Enterprise Holdings, which owns trainee program in eastern North Enterprise, National and Alamo, Carolina alone. WHERE PIRATE MEMORIES CONTINUE... “Cypress Glen has cornered the market on customer service. With all the places I have visited, I have never seen a stronger desire to please the customer. Every staff person cheerfully does their job.” A Wayne County native, Rudy Alexander graduated from East Carolina University in 1952 earning a degree in social studies. He later returned to ECU and earned an M.A. degree in administration in 1953. Rudy proudly worked at ECU for 33 years beginning in 1962. His lengthy tenure involved numerous responsibilities such as managing Wright Auditorium, directing the student center, and chairing the Performing Arts Series. Booking diverse artists and entertainers was always a joy for him and he worked with hundreds of top name performers. Some of his favorite performers were classical pianists Arthur Rubenstein and Van Cliburn, and violinist Itzhak Perlman. He fondly remembers booking comedian Flip Wilson for his very first college performance. Rudy was humbled when he learned that the Performing Arts Series was named in his honor upon his retirement. e S. Rudolph Alexander Performing Arts has presented more than 500 world-class artists and served more than one million patrons and students through its programming. Rudy has been married to his wife Jennie 35 years and are discovering old and new friends living at Cypress Glen. RUDY ALEXANDER ’, ’ CYPRESS GLEN RESIDENT SINCE   OFFICIAL PARTNER Active Retirement Apartments, Suites & Cottages Assisted Living | Skilled Nursing | Alzheimers Care  H S • G, NC  () - .. Alumni Scholarship applications due Jan. 31 The East Carolina Alumni Association is accepting online applications for Alumni Scholarships for the 2016-2017 school year through Jan. 31. Each spring, Alumni Scholarships are awarded to full-time undergraduate students with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher for the following academic year. In addition to academic success, scholarships are awarded to recipients based on demonstrated leadership and volunteer service. Along with the application form, students should include one signed letter of recommendation. Both must be submitted online. To receive a scholarship, recipients must be present at the Alumni Scholarship Luncheon, which will be held April 30. From its founding in 2005 through the 2014-2015 school year, the Alumni Scholarship program has awarded 224 scholarships totaling more than $300,000. More information is at PirateAlumni.com/ Scholarships. Moment for Membership Members of the East Carolina Alumni Association receive many benefits including special communication, access to exclusive services and discounts on alumni events. One benefit is a weekly MemberGram, an e-mail featuring a discount at a particular retailer or restaurant. We’ve partnered with Alumni Access to provide our members with discounts at local and national companies such as Microtel Inn & Suites, Dunkin’ Donuts, Papa John’s, Pugh’s Tire & Service Centers, Dress Barn, Men’s Wearhouse, Edible Arrangements, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and more. In addition to this and other benefits, members enjoy feeling pride in supporting scholarships for students, awards for alumni and faculty, and other programs that strengthen ECU. To learn more about all our benefits and become a member, visit PirateAlumni.com/ MemberBenefits, call 800-ECUGRAD or e-mail ecualumni@ecu.edu. Become a Privateer! The East Carolina Alumni Association is always in need of volunteers all across Pirate Nation. Now known as Privateers, these volunteers serve as initial points of contact for alumni in their region, helping to keep alumni connected and informed. Privateers can plan events or just help spread the word. Training is provided through an orientation session, and staff assistance is always available. For more information, to become a Privateer for your area or to volunteer in any other capacities, contact Shawn Moore ’91 ’98, director of alumni programs, at 252-328-5775 or mooresh@ecu.edu. Join our Board of Directors The East Carolina Alumni Association Board of Directors seeks new members to serve starting in 2016. Applications are being accepted online through Dec. 15. The association seeks an enthusiastic and diverse group of alumni and supporters to serve ECU. Board members guide staff and volunteers in carrying out the missions of the association and university. Gain service and leadership experience while working to advance ECU. New terms start July 1 and last three years. Board members, who serve on a volunteer basis, are expected to maintain active membership in the alumni association and attend four meetings a year, among other expectations as stated online. Applications from all class years and degree areas are welcome. Those who did not graduate from ECU but still wish to serve may also apply. The application and more information are available at PirateAlumni.com/ BoardApplicationProcess or by calling 800-ECU-GRAD. Sponsor Spotlight PotashCorp Aurora, also known as PCS Phosphate, is one of the largest employers in eastern North Carolina and is a presenting sponsor of the East Carolina Alumni Association’s signature events for 2015-2016. These include Buccaneer Buffet, the ECU Alumni Scholarship Classic, the Alumni Awards Ceremony and Dinner, and the Pirate Alumni Road Race and Fun Run. PotashCorp Aurora sources phosphate ore (the remains of ancient sea life) and produces fertilizer, feed and industrial products to be shipped around the world. Located in Beaufort County, it is one of the largest such facilities in the world. The decision to become a presenting sponsor was an easy one, according to W. Ray McKeithan, a 1987 graduate of ECU and the manager of public and government affairs for PotashCorp Aurora. “The alumni base is a loyal, influential, passionate group devoted to success at East Carolina University and throughout the region,” McKeithan said. “It speaks to the value of shared experiences and the quality of an ECU education.” “Sponsorships allow more proceeds from events to go to our scholarship fund and other programs, so the benefits go right back to students and alumni,” said Shawn Moore ’91 ’98, director of alumni programs. To learn more about sponsoring an alumni association event, contact Moore at mooresh@ecu.edu or 252-328-5775. #PirateNationGives: ECU to participate in #GivingTuesday Giving Tuesday, a global day for or over the phone to any area of study-abroad opportunities, the Please join us on Giving Tuesday by celebrating charity and giving, falls the university. arts and research. This year, ECU making your gift online or by calling on Dec. 1, and ECU is gearing up to participate for a second year as #PirateNationGives. Alumni, friends, students, faculty and staff, and parents are encouraged to make a charitable donation online Last December, ECU participated in its first Giving Tuesday, with more than 130 Pirates raising $67,000 in a 24-hour period to benefit scholarships, experiential learning, will rely on those who already support the university as well as those interested in making their first gift to make #PirateNationGives an even bigger success. 252-328-GIVE or visiting www.ecu. edu/PirateNationGives. Encourage others to do the same through your social networks with the hashtag #PirateNationGives. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC and ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Employees, the driving force of our operations We’re more than a mining company. With more than 800 employees and an annual payroll of $75 million, PotashCorp-Aurora helps drive eastern North Carolina’s economy. The recipients of the alumni awards were recognized during Homecoming weekend at the Awards Ceremony and Dinner, in the Homecoming Parade and during halftime of the football game. This year s recipients (l-r) Beverly Cox 67, Max Ray Joyner ’55, and Catherine “Kitty” Joyner 59 (posthumous) received the Virgil Clark ’50 Distinguished Service Award; David Brody, Jeff Charles, Ray Martinez (not pictured) and Dr. Mary Raab received the Honorary Alumni Award; and Michael C. Aho ’02, W. Kendall “Ken” Chalk ’68 ’71, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Clark ’84 and Jeremy Wallace ’01 received the Outstanding Alumni Award. PHOTO GALLERY Two flights of golfers battled rainy weather Sept. 25 to participate in the ECU Alumni Scholarship Classic sponsored by Hilton Greenville and PotashCorp Aurora. This year s winners, who will represent ECU at the Acura College Alumni Team Championship in Pinehurst, were the “Old Pros, Brian Edgerton, Stephen Latham ’13, Eric Miller and David Watkins. The Black Alumni Chapter Awards Banquet and Gala was held during Homecoming weekend. From left to right, the award recipients are Tarrick Cox ’96 ’07, Ledonia S. Wright Outstanding Faculty/ Staff Award; Brig. Gen. James R. Gorham ’81, Dr. Andrew A. Best Trailblazer Award; and Danny R. Scott ’84, Laura Marie Leary Elliott Courageous Leader Award. Danny R. Scott ’84, recipient of the Laura Marie Leary Elliott Courageous Leader Award; Rachel Elliott Byers, daughter of Laura Marie Leary Elliott; Joseph Bryant, recipient of the first Laura Marie Leary Elliott Endowed Scholarship; and Reginald Elliott, son of Laura Marie Leary Elliott. Hundreds of fans attended the away-game tailgates hosted by the East Carolina Alumni Association and Pirate Club at Florida and Navy. The Black Alumni Chapter of the East Carolina Alumni Association held its second annual golf outing with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Laura Leary Elliott Endowed Scholarship. PeeDee recently visited Charleston, South Carolina, to participate in an ECU-themed scavenger hunt with alumni. The East Carolina Alumni Association and Office of Parent and Family Programs hosted the second annual Pirate Alumni Legacy Brunch during Family Weekend. This event recognizes families with two or more generations of Pirates. 44 45 PHILANTHROPY NEWS PHILANTHROPY NEWS Dennis and Barbara Pelletier endow education scholarship Cardiology professorship endowed as part of planned ‘grateful patient’ program looking for volunteers to evaluate For people who recover from scholarship applications. major heart surgery, the main “That was a natural fit for me,” goal is getting back to normal. Dennis said. “That was what But East Carolina University started the idea to fund a alumnus Travis Burt wanted to do scholarship.” more than get back to normal. The first scholarship from the After recovering from bypass Dennis and Barbara Pelletier surgery in January 2013, Burt Teacher Education Scholarship and his wife, Cassie, wanted to Fund will be awarded in the give back to the Brody School 2016-2017 school year, thanks of Medicine, whose doctors had to an additional contribution provided such excellent care for from the Pelletiers while the their family. original endowment grows. The Burts established a The scholarship will go to an distinguished professorship in upperclassman first-generation honor of Dr. J. Mark Williams, college student in financial need chair of the Department of from North Carolina who wants Cardiovascular Sciences, who to stay and teach in the state. performed Burt’s surgery. “We were able to customize After an initial $50,000 it to how we wanted to help,” endowment, the Burts wanted Dennis said. to increase their gift and found The Pelletiers were the first in that the state of North Carolina their families to graduate from will provide a 1:2 match for college. Originally from New professorships starting at York, they met at State University $333,000. The Burts decided to of New York at Oneonta. Like pledge an additional $283,000 ECU, Oneonta started as a state over the next five years to reach Keith Byrd decided to leave the know my family members were joined the ECU Medical & Health normal school for teachers. the match requirement. The world’s largest shipping company worried,” he said. “ECU had the Sciences Foundation Board of state’s match will be $167,000 for “We have an appreciation for and start their own business expertise, equipment and staff to Directors. a grand total of $500,000. what our education gave us. based in eastern North Carolina. make me and my family feel as The Burts’ endowed We’re both products of public “When we were reviewing our Transportation Impact is now one good as possible throughout the professorship marks the education,” Dennis said. options, and the professorship of the fastest-growing private whole process.” beginning of a planned came up with the match from the companies in the state. “We know how tough it is to be The Burts have lived in Emerald “grateful patient” program at state, it was a no-brainer for us,” a public school teacher,” Barbara Burt was in his office in Emerald Isle for four years. But they still ECU. University Advancement Burt said. said. “We like the idea of helping Isle when he had a cardiac consider Greenville home, after is in the process of hiring a someone get started. It’s so The Travis and Cassandra Burt episode that included pain in living there for 30 years. They new gift officer, preparing important to have good teachers. Distinguished Professorhip will his arm and a bad taste in his met when they attended ECU written materials and building Dennis and Barbara Pelletier have Howard County. The Pelletiers wanted to stay If we can help them get ready for be used to recruit outstanding mouth. Over the next nine days, in the early 1980s. Cassie Burt relationships for this program. been in eastern North Carolina active during retirement, so they their careers, we can also help so faculty to the Department of he underwent several tests says they are glad they decided When it came time to retire, “East Carolina provides for nine years, but they’ve been looked to ECU for opportunities. many children that way.” Cardiovascular Sciences, who will and saw five doctors including to keep seeing their doctors in they looked at five states before excellent care, so we have supporters of education their go on to educate East Carolina’s Williams, all of whom agreed he Greenville even after they moved. deciding on North Carolina and “One of the things we saw Though they did not attend many grateful patients who are whole lives. Earlier this year, they next generation of heart doctors. should be admitted for surgery then searched all over the state that was needed at ECU was ECU, the Pelletiers have enjoyed “We want to let people know that looking for a way to give back,” decided to start an endowment as soon as possible. before settling in Chocowinity, 30 more options for continuing supporting and getting involved “The heart center can use these East Carolina is the best option; said Mark Notestine, president for a scholarship in the College minutes east of Greenville. education,” Dennis said. with the university. Many of their funds to benefit other people’s “As we were going into the they don’t have to go to Raleigh of the Medical & Health of Education at East Carolina neighbors in Chocowinity are also lives 20-30 years from now,” Burt new heart center, Dr. Williams anymore,” Travis Burt said. “ECU Sciences Foundation. “Our main University that will benefit local “We wanted university ECU had offered free classes for involved with ECU. said. “We are very thankful and was showing me pictures of isn’t just up-and-coming, we’re goal is to help patients figure students who want to become culture, continuing education seniors before, but they were humbled at the opportunity to the X-rays,” Burt said. “This can on top.” out the best way they can help teachers. opportunities and, of course, the discontinued during budget “It’s important for the community help in this way.” be very difficult to talk about, based on their interests and our medical school was a big draw,” cuts. So, Dennis helped start to support the university,” Dennis “People here in Carteret County The Pelletiers came to North but Dr. Williams explained needs. It’s important to cultivate Dennis said. the Lifelong Learning Program said. “The community gains so While the Burts have been loyal always went to Duke or Raleigh, Carolina after retiring from everything clearly. The surgery other sources of revenue so we at ECU. The Lifelong Learning much from the university, it’s only supporters of the Pirate Club for and they’ll continue to go if they lifelong careers in education “At the time, both of our children went perfectly. We were blessed can continue to provide a high Program provides affordable fair to give back.” 30 years, this was their first gift don’t see other options,” Cassie in Maryland. Dennis began his were living in the suburbs of to have him as my surgeon. I am level of care.” courses, seminars and trips to to medicine at ECU. Burt said. “We want to make sure career in the community college Washington, D.C.,” said Barbara. I would recommend getting very thankful.” local adults 50 and older so they people know East Carolina is the Patients who would like to support system and then worked for “Now our son is in Charleston, involved with the university,” Burt is the co-founder and can continue to enjoy learning For Burt, who is in his mid-40s best option.” the Medical & Health Sciences 26 years at the University of and our daughter is in Richmond. Barbara said. “It helps current partner at Transportation Impact, without tests or grades. Dennis and used to being active, it was Foundation at ECU may contact Baltimore, retiring as the vice It’s great to be so close to family students and enriches life here. a distribution company that The Burts have two children who served on the program’s board a tough few weeks after surgery, Notestine at 252-744-3480 or president for student affairs while enjoying the community It’s a win-win for everyone.” helps high-volume small package attended Campbell University. for three years. but he was back to normal in a notestinem14@ecu.edu. and enrollment management. here. It’s remarkable, and we’re —Jackie Drake shippers reduce costs. After a Travis is a member of the few months. —Jackie Drake Barbara worked for many years very fortunate how everything Then he got an email saying long and accomplished career Campbell University Board of as a second-grade teacher in worked out.” the College of Education was with UPS, Burt and his colleague “I look at it as a hiccup, but I Trustees, and Cassie recently 46 EAST CAROLINA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EAST CAROLINA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 47 CLASS NOTES CLASS NOTES at Informatica in Raleigh. Hailey 2011 Sumner and Jennifer Inman Trent Coyne Barker ’11 ’13 wed Stephenson ’98 ’00 partnered Lindsay Ruth-Kate “Katie” Moore to open a Lilly Pulitzer Signature at MacPherson Presbyterian Store boutique, Pink of the Pines, in Church, Fayetteville, on June 13. Southern Pines, a lifelong dream for The wedding party included Eric both women. Stacy Elizabeth Sutton Martin ’10, Thomas Sallenger wed Ethan Aaron Cobb on April 4 at 2015 ’09 and Cullen Stutts ’10. He is Marlboro OFWB Church, Farmville. an associate quality specialist at ShaLexus Danzy is a HealthCorps She works at Greene County Merck Pharmaceuticals. Carrie coordinator at Latta High School, Intermediate School, Snow Hill. Elizabeth Daniel wed Jeremy Ada, Okla. Jarrod Dennis is 2012 Kyle Roberts at First Christian assistant superintendent for Person Church, Wilmington, on May 16. County Schools. He was director Michael K. Brantley published She works for Wells Fargo in of technology and accountability his first book, Memory Cards: Charlotte. Tremayne Smith is for the school. Dr. David Lawson Portraits from a Rural Journey, working on a master’s degree Harrington is an associate dentist which revisits his growing-up years in political management at in the office of Drs. Michels and in eastern North Carolina. He is George Washington University, Gauquie, Greenville. He was in the a visiting assistant professor of Washington, D.C. He was director ECU School of Dental Medicine English at N.C. Wesleyan College, of bands at Rocky Mount High inaugural class. Jekoi Lassiter is Rocky Mount. Catherine Dahl, You may not have heard the music that Nicholas School, Rocky Mount, for three a fourth-grade teacher at Rocky a Clarkson University doctor of Bailey ’03 plays at night with his band, Nick and years. Chelsey Marie Williams Mount Prep, Rocky Mount. Victoria physical therapy student, received wed David Allen Griffith ’12 the Babes, but you probably have heard the Lauren Whitfield wed Credle Allen the Samuel B. Feitelberg Physical on May 23 at the home of the music he writes at his day job. Harris on May 16 in Chapel Hill. The Therapy Endowed Fellowship bride’s grandparents in Wilson. wedding party included Christian for 2014-2015. Crystal Dixon is Bailey composes the theme music used on She is a commercial agent and Caraway ’08, Kristopher Pupilli principal at Pamlico Primary School, many cable TV shows. His music can be heard bond contractor with Towne ’11 and Tara Whitfield ’11. He is a Bayboro. Kyle Robert Olson wed during Duck Dynasty, The District, Crime 360, My Insurance of Greenville. He is an dentist with Kennedy Dental Group, Hannah Elizabeth McCain on Deadly Appetite, Pit Bulls and Parolees and Lock estimator and project manager Chapel Hill. April 25 at The Pavilions at Angus Up. He contributed musical passages to the 2014 with Superior Concrete of North Barn, Raleigh. He works at Fidelity 2014 PBS show The Editor and the Dragon, narrated Carolina and Sascorp, Winterville. Investments, Durham. Wes Shivar by Morgan Freeman. Maclain Copeland is assistant events was promoted to vice president 2010 manager at Magnolia Plantation and agricultural banker for the These pieces run from 30 seconds to two Adria Finch is project manager and Gardens, Charleston, S.C. Air Greenville region by PNC Bank. minutes long and set a musical mood to match for the Office of Innovation, Force Airman 1st Class Kyle T. Kathryn Webb Stell wed Zachary the script without distracting from the action Syracuse, N.Y. She was an economic Hedgpeth graduated from basic Paul Schmidt on June 27 at Bay on screen. He taught ‘Daredevil’ how to see without eyes military training at Joint Base San development specialist at the Leaf Baptist Church, Raleigh. Downtown Committee of Syracuse. “If you notice the music, something is not Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Katie Kirk repeated as Carolina Women’s Actor Charlie Cox gives it,” Strechay says about the right,” says Bailey, who lives in Raleigh. “I try to the credit to Joe Strechay British-born actor, who first Amateur golf champ at Treyburn enhance the vibe of the show without overkilling ’01 for the good reviews of attracted attention in the it. I’m just trying to sonically frame what is Country Club, Durham. Haley Alexis his performance as Matt 2007 film Stardust. McKeel wed Russell Michael Ward happening on the show.” Pitt County Teachers Honored Murdock, a blind lawyer who ’13 on May 2 at Shiloh Church, Cox says the hardest He got started in the TV theme music business is imbued with extraordinary Wilson. The wedding party included acting lessons came when Kathryn Cargile ’93, eighth-grade science seven years ago when a piece he wrote was senses, in the new Netflix Jordan Eatmon ’13, Chelsea Ezelle, Strechay blindfolded teacher at Hope Middle School, is Pitt chosen for an episode of 19 Kids and Counting. series Daredevil. Sarah Glover, Kayla Grant and him and led him on brisk County Schools’ Teacher of the Year. He eventually wrote music used on 48 episodes Chelsey Brianne McKeel ’13, sister Strechay, who works for the walks down busy New Finalists were Kristen Coleman ’08, C.M. of the show. “I never really watched the show, of the bride. She is a financial American Foundation for the York City sidewalks. “He Eppes Middle School; Matt Robinson but it was great to see it on the royalty check,” associate at Trinity Concepts Corp. prospects for people ’09, Northwest Elementary; and Jill Blind, was a consultant to was kind of freaked out, but He is a police officer with the Bailey says with a laugh. with limited vision. White ’93 ’99, Elmhurst Elementary. the producer when Daredevil he didn’t tell me that initially,” Wilson Police Department. Ashley Other teachers honored by Pitt Writing TV theme music pays the rent while began filming. He spent Strechay says. “I just wanted He joined AFB in 2008 Oakes joined Gastroenterology County were Tammy Baker ’96, Bailey pursues a bigger musical dream. He wants several days teaching Cox the to show him how I travel.” and lives in Huntington, East P.A., Greenville, as a registered Julia Lynch ’07 ’10, Claire Maxwell to get back out on tour with Nick and the Babes, subtle movements needed to West Virginia. He remains nurse. David Justin Oliver III wed Strechay came to ECU from ’05 ’06, Amy McGregor ’90, Lisa the Americana rock band he formed in 2008 be convincing in the role. The connected to campus through Anna Elizabeth McNeill on May 16 at New Jersey with his twin Moore ’94, Richard L. Rozier with twin brother Graham Bailey ’03. Also in show debuted in April and CommCrew, an alumni The First Baptist Church, Whiteville. ’07, Carrie Smith ’04, Torie brother, Daniel Strechay NATB, as the band is known, are Robert Wank quickly gained an audience. He works for Liberty Healthcare, support group for the ECU Smith ’01 ’07, Tara Speicher Netflix has signed up for 12 School of Communication. ’01. He says he lost most of ’01 and Dail Reed ’96. The Baileys and Wank met Raleigh. Mark Perew is an officer of ’97, Sarah C. Willhite ’10, his eyesight to a congenital in high school in New Bern. Wells Fargo Bank in the technology new episodes for 2016. His brother is manager of Yolanda Brickhouse condition during his freshman infrastructure services group in sustainability communications ’07 ’09, Tequilla Taylor NATB contributed a song to the 2011 Christmas Student and teacher were year. He and his brother Winston-Salem. Army Spc. Shemina for PepsiCo and lives in the ’99, Stephanie Hall ’94, album My Favorite Gifts, which also features the back together in June pledged Sigma Pi and were L. Royal graduated from basic New York area. MaLisa Davies Jessie ’96, Avett Brothers. The band’s 2014 seven-song CD, at the 2015 Helen Keller active in Greek life. Joe combat training at Fort Jackson, S.C. Michael P. Wells ’02 ’07, Morning Light, is available on iTunes. The band Achievement Awards in majored in communication, Joe Strechay believes job 2013 Rebecca Harrell Woolard has been off the road lately to rest and write new New York, where Cox was and Daniel majored in opportunities are increasing ’92, Melissa Zurawski ’10, material while Nick churns out TV theme music. recognized for raising public political science. for people with limited vision. Liz Elam is an office and library Elyse Jacqueline Cannon assistant with Margaret Donaldson awareness about the blind. He says NATB has acquired a different sound. ’11, David Madigan ’04 and After graduation, Joe enrolled “What I say is, we haven’t Interiors, Charleston, S.C. Taylor Alice Hyatt ’89. “For a long time were doing strictly acoustic “He is a genuine guy, and at Florida State University for reached the pinnacle yet, but I Kathleen Ellington wed Jarrod shows,” he says. “The venues that we were he portrays a positive role a master’s degree in methods can see progress being made.” Brooks Miron on July 12 at White booking were more of a listening room model any way you look at to improve employment —Steve Tuttle Plains United Methodist Church, atmosphere, and now we’ve gone fully electric Cary. The wedding party included and just playing as loud as possible. We’re Emily Collins ’12, Samantha definitely not restraining ourselves.” Elchook ’11 ’13, Charli Leto ’13 and Hannah Troutman ’14. She works Charlie Cox and Joe Strechay Ben Asen Nick and the Babes: Rob Wank, Graham Bailey, Nick Bailey and Dail Reed Dr. Kawan A. Swain joined Eastern at Metrics Contract Services, Greenville. Nephrology Associates, Greenville. Kristin Ann Mooring wed James Ross Brittany Waters joined the staff of Simeon Jr. on Aug. 8 at La Grange Gastroenterology East P.A., Greenville. Christian Church, La Grange. She is a BOOKS AND MUSIC BY ALUMNI speech pathologist at New Hanover 2009 Regional Medical Center, Wilmington. Steven Anderson was named one of the 67 Brandon Needham is a project Retired educator Phil Authentic leaders lead Dr. Clark Gaither ’86 ’89, Former ECU football Influential Educators Who Are Changing manager with SouthCon Building Group Beaman ’73 of Elon was from the heart, according who practices at Goldsboro player George Koonce ’06 the Way We Learn by Noodle Education. LLC, Mount Pleasant, S.C. He was with raised in a family of nine to Tommy Spaulding ’92. Family Physicians, is widely knows one sad fact about He is a speaker and consultant who helps Frank L. Blum Construction, Lagle on a tobacco farm in rural In this, his second book, he known as a motivational most former pro football educators understand technology and Crane and Steel and Vannoy social media. Amanda Kay Forsythe wed Construction. Jamie Rochelle is head eastern North Carolina, so writes that the values and speaker, and now he’s players. “Statistics say that Two ECU graduates are serving as chair Benjamin Guy Bell on June 1 at Peace’s boys basketball coach at Topsail High he has been surrounded principles that guide our distilled his ideas for 24 months removed from Chapel Baptist Church, Kittrell. She School, Hampstead. by country folk and their lives and shape our ability entertaining audiences in a playing in the NFL, there is and vice chair of the State Board of works at Maria Parham Medical Center, colorful language his entire to lead others are far more new book, Powerful Ideas. a 78 percent chance you are Community Colleges. Scott Shook ’93 2005 Henderson. Megan Leigh Garner ’09 ’14 life. Beaman chronicles this important than our title, our He says becoming a good going to be broke,” he says. (left) of Greenville is serving a two-year wed Tyler Len Hardee on June 13 at the Paul Briney ’05 ’08 ’12 is principal of language in a humorous ability to crunch numbers public speaker requires “A lot of players struggle term as chair of the board, and Clyde Washington Civic Center, Washington. The Farmville Middle School, Pitt County. collection of the region’s or the impressive degrees connecting with thoughts with what’s next, and I Higgs ’99 (right) of Charlotte is serving wedding party included Kelly Dixon ’03, He was assistant principal of Lakeforest most down-home sayings. we display on our walls. and ideas that “come from was no different.” After a a similar term as vice chair. Shook is sister of the bride, Sarah Edwards, Casey Elementary School, Greenville. Illustrated with stories from the depths of our individual Super Bowl career with the vice president and financial advisor with Goodall, Courtney Hardee ’10, Grayson his own life and from some personal histories.” Green Bay Packers, Koonce BB&T Scott & Stringfellow in Greenville. 2004 Riddick ’08 and Beth Wantz ’15. She is a of the leaders he has met came back to ECU and He is married to Karen Selby Shook fifth-grade teacher and softball coach at Lucy Grist is senior and worked with over the earned a master’s degree ’89. Higgs is vice president of business Chicod School, Pitt County, and assistant district executive for years, Spaulding unpacks in sports management in development at the N.C. Research director of the ECU Summer Science the Boy Scouts of what those qualities mean, 2006 while working as an Campus in Kannapolis. Gov. Pat McCrory Camp. Christian Yungbluth was promoted America talks about the 18-inch assistant athletic director appointed Shook to the board two years to vice president of business development Occoneechee ago, and Higgs was appointed four years at Star Lang Holman Toastmaster, a division Council, which journey from the head for development. In 2012, ago. Shook is a member of the board’s of the Middleby Corp., Buffalo, N.Y. He was includes more than to the heart—from our he earned his doctorate in director of sales for Star brands. 1,000 scouts in 10 intellect to our emotions— sports management from Accountability and Audit Committee, the counties in central and shows us how to Marquette University. He Finance Committee and the Presidential 2008 North Carolina. incorporate them into our teamed with two sociology Search Committee. His term expires in John Carrere is new student orientation Kristen Hedderly careers. professors, James A. 2019. Higgs is chair of the Personnel coordinator and student development Souza wed David Lee Barham on May 16 Holstein and Richard S. Committee and serves on the Cabinet services counselor at Pitt Community at The Umstead, Cary. The wedding party Jones, to write Is There Life Committee, the Finance Committee and College. He and wife, Amy, welcomed included Lauren Bowers Crabtree ’03 and After Football? Surviving the Presidential Search Committee. His their second child, a son, in March. Rachel Melissa Franchi Riggle ’11. She teaches the NFL, an insider’s take term expires in 2017. Gallaher received three Emmy awards for special education in the Wake County on the financial downside one weekend news clip and two evening Public School System. of sports fame. Koonce news clips that she produced at WWBT, 2003 now is vice president of Richmond, Va., at the 57th Emmy Awards advancement at Marian from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Andrew Harris is CEO of Northeast Chapter of the National Academy of Arts Academy of Aerospace and Advanced University in Wisconsin. and Sciences. She began her career at Technologies, a charter school in Elizabeth WNCT-TV Greenville. City. Christopher Meadows ’03 ’06, N.C. Principal of the Year in 2014, was selected 2007 as principal of Pamlico High School, Keli Harrell ’07 ’10 is Bayboro. He was principal of Jones Senior an assistant softball High School, Trenton. Charles Purser is coach at the dean of the Edenton-Chowan campus of University of the College of the Albemarle. He was COA’s Louisiana, Monroe. State Board of Community Colleges and Shannon Holcomb R.J. Reynolds Teacher of the Year in 2012. ’07 ’11 ’15 (left) joined 2002 Coastal Dentistry, Morehead City, as its Mike Davis is a reporter with Bay Times first female dentist. and Record Observer, Centreville, Md. Jim Matheny ’99 won a regional Edward She was a member Caroline Godwin is principal of Burgaw R. Murrow Award for outstanding of the first class of the ECU School of Middle School, Pender County. She was released Avenues, a CD of achievement in electronic journalism Dental Medicine. an assistant principal and a curriculum 17 classical guitar music duo specialist for grades 6-12 in Bladen at small-market TV stations. The award 2006 arrangements and eight solo County. Michael R. Mascarenas is a is presented annually by the Radio pieces with David Norton. Grant Caraway is manager for the senior formulation scientist with Metrics Television Digital News Association. His The duets and solos range Watercraft Center at the N.C. Contract Services, Greenville. He was a piece, which aired on WBIR-TV Knoxville, from Elizabethan England to Maritime Museum, Beaufort. principal process expert with Sandoz. was about the Barkley Marathons, a race first recordings of works by Jill Doub (left) is Preston Mitchell ’02 ’04 is Reidsville city Andrew York, Benoit Albert, in which runners attempt to cover 100 senior director of manager. He was Nashville town manager. Laurent Meneret and miles in 60 hours over rugged terrain public engagement Nick Perlozzo is assistant strength and Andrew Shiels. Originally in East Tennessee. Matheny also won a at the Chicago conditioning coach at Virginia Military from the mountains of regional Murrow award for news writing. Academy of Institute, Lexington, Va. Kimberly Wade North Carolina, Spell now He is the brother of Sam Matheny ’90, an Sciences and its is a family nurse practitioner at Physicians lives in Salt Lake City. executive with the National Association Peggy Notebaert East, Kinston. She was a staff nurse in of Broadcasters who was this year’s Nature Museum. the critical care unit at Lenoir Memorial outstanding alumnus for the School of Keith Moore is vice Hospital. Aaron Walker is strength and Communication. Jim Matheny is married president of conditioning coach at Gaffney High to Ellen Burleson Matheny ’99. analytical services School, Gaffney, S.C. 50 51 Eastern North Carolina Sayings History Press ISBN 9781626191839 144 pages, $9.99 The Heart-Led Leader Crown Business ISBN 055341903X 256 pages, $19.06 Powerful Words Lifestyle Entrepreneurs Press ISBN: 0996340211 336 pages, $17.97 Jim and Ellen Matheny Cynthia Spell ’02 ’07 has EAST CAROLINA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Is There Life After Football? Surviving the NFL NYU Press ISBN: 9781479862863 336 pages, $27.95 Harold Varner III ’12 made his PGA Tour debut in October at the Frys.com Open in California, where he stayed near the top of the leaderboard for most of the tournament. Varner moved up to the major tour after finishing in the 25th spot on the Web.com Tour’s 2015 money list. Steve Dykes/Getty Images 2001 Pernell Griffin is assistant principal at New Life Christian Academy, Rocky Mount. 1998 Julie Finch is principal of C.G. Credle Elementary School, Oxford. She was principal of Mary Potter Middle School, Oxford. Robin Faith High ’98 ’06 wed Lemuel Green Tant Jr. on May 2 at the Legacy Restaurant, Elm City. She works at the Pitt County Public Health Department. Deborah Kirkland Hunter was promoted to social work supervisor for the care coordination team at the Edgecombe County Health Department. 1997 Bryant Buck is executive director of the Mid-East Commission, a regional council of governments organization based in Washington, N.C. Kim Clayton exhibited her baskets in the Apple Gallery of the Stokes County Arts Council, Walnut Cove, in summer 2015. Erik Harris is a middle school administrator at Faith Christian Academy, Rocky Mount, where he plans to establish a band program. He was director of bands at Northern Nash High School, Rocky Mount, for 18 years. Bobby Simmons is principal at West Pender Middle School, Burgaw. Gregory Siuta was named to the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme, Calif. He is a strategic business development professional with Booz Allen Hamilton in Camarillo, Calif. 1996 Alison J. Garten is co-vice president of the American Association for Women Podiatrists. She is a podiatrist with Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, LLC, Washington, D.C. Scott Chase is town manager for Swansboro. Cheryl Sharp ’96 ’01 of Annapolis, Md., was one of several individuals recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration with a 2015 Voice Award. She works for the National Council for Behavioral Health in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes SAMHSA employees and media professionals who educate the public about behavioral health. 1995 Michael Cowin ’95 ’01 is assistant city manager with the city of Greenville. He was Pitt County Schools’ assistant superintendent of finance. Dr. William S. Yancy Jr., associate professor in the Department of Medicine at Duke University Medical Center, is program director for the Duke Diet and Fitness Center. Dr. Michael Watterson is a rheumatologist with Summit Medical Group at Rheumatology Associates of East Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn. Chris Whitaker is a mortgage loan consultant in the mortgage division of Four Oaks Bank, Raleigh. 1994 Michael Perry ’94 ’02 is superintendent of Westmoreland County (Va.) Public Schools. He was superintendent of Hertford County Public Schools. 1992 Sherrie Burns ’92 ’94 is principal at Mary Potter Middle School, Oxford. She was assistant principal for the past four years. Dr. Charles “Ken” Dunham ’92 ’98 ’03 has CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP been appointed physician service line leader for behavioral health for Novant Health. Ronald Leigh is principal of King’s Fork High School, Suffolk, Va. He was principal at Hillpoint Elementary School in Suffolk. Mark Poteat, department head of the visual and performing arts program at Western Piedmont Community College, received second place in “Carolina’s Got Art, The Salon Show,” at Elder Gallery, Charlotte. His entry, “The Factory,” is a semi-abstract depiction of an industrial building’s skeleton frozen in space. D. Paul Powers Jr. ’92 ’94, senior vice president and manager of the Pitt County Commercial Banking Unit for Southern Bank, was recognized as the top commercial banker in his region at Southern Bank’s annual banquet. 1990 Jon Samuel Decker is director of golf instruction for New Albany Country Club, New Albany, Ohio. He was named the 2015 Southern Ohio PGA Teacher of the Year. Debra A. Griffiths opened The Law Offices of Debra A. Griffiths PLLC, in Raleigh specializing in family law. Delilah Jackson ’90 ’96 ’13 is superintendent of Washington County Schools. She was Pitt County Schools’ assistant superintendent of human resources. Tim Slavin is corporate director of federal accounts for the eastern U.S. with Sunovion Pharmaceuticals. 1988 David McKenzie is an account executive in the Pittsburgh office of UnitedHealthcare. He was a senior sales representative at OneAmerica. 1987 Don Adkins, an Edward Jones financial adviser, received the Edward Jones Award, recognizing his superior client service. Lisa Alcott teaches math at the Northeast Academy of Aerospace and Advanced Technologies, Elizabeth City. She previously taught math at Lakewood High School Center for Advanced Technology, St. Petersburg, Fla. Anthony “Tony” Jackson is superintendent of Vance County Schools. He was superintendent of Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools. Wanda Ocher, director of student services and engagement, joined Penn State Wilkes-Barre Campus Leadership. Dr. Joseph Webster received the Burgess Award from the Amputee Coalition recognizing his work serving the limb-loss community. He is a staff physician at Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center and an associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, both in Richmond, Va. Lynn Woodell retired from Central School, Perquimans County, after teaching for 28 years. 1986 Debra S. Holley ’86 ’89 is vice president for academic and student services at Danville (Va.) Community College. She was associate vice president of institutional effectiveness at Wilson (N.C.) Community College. Don Lancaster is a senior vice president and market executive with Citizens Community Bank in Louisburg. 1985 Shirley Pitchford Freeman ’85 ’90 was promoted to exceptional children preschool intake specialist with Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools. Her husband, Garret Freeman ’83, is a network planner with Century Link, and their twins, Jeremy and Joshua, attend ECU. William J. Roger founded PV&P Consultancy LLC, an organizational enhancement service provider. He also serves as an organizational development consultant for NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va. Susan Dawn Tacker received a master’s in human factors in information design in 2014 and is manager of user experience at Teradata Applications, Raleigh. She founded the Houston, Texas, chapter of the User Experience Professionals Association and is director of sponsorships and memberships for the Triangle UXPA. 1984 Doug Hamilton, vice president and general manager of WNCN-TV in Raleigh, was honored with the Wade Hargrove Community Service Award by the N.C. Association of Broadcasters. The station was lauded for news coverage of issues related to clean groundwater, safer school bus traffic laws and greater transparency in the regulation and disposal of coal ash. Sylvia Hobson Hancock co-chaired the second annual Dreams Take Flight Golf Tournament at New Bern Golf and Country Club in September. She is human resources director at Monarch, a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness and substance abuse challenges from more than 50 North Carolina counties. 1983 Susan Fecho ’83 ’84 ’88 was promoted to dean of the School of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts at Barton College, Wilson. Janet Rose ’83 ’87 retired from Shawboro Elementary School, Currituck County, after 32 years of teaching. She joined RE/MAX in Moyock. 1981 David Dodge Lewis ’81 ’86 was featured in the summer 2015 issue of Drawing magazine detailing his art process that mixes media blurring the line between drawing and painting. “The Quickening Image,” an exhibit of his work, will be at ECU’s Gray Gallery from Jan. 21 to Feb. 19. 1980 Amy Bissette Barber ’80 ’96, associate registrar of technology at ECU, completed her term as president of the Southern Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers. 1978 Kathryn Elaine Birke retired in 2013 from Reid Ross Classical School, Cumberland County Schools, Fayetteville, after 37 years as a school media coordinator at middle and high schools in North Carolina and Alabama. Caryl Graham has one of her science fiction murder mysteries, Helen Once, Helen Twice, Helen Once Again, available on Kindle. Don Walter Lewis is senior geologist advisor for Noble Energy Eastern Mediterranean and Rest of the World New Ventures. 1977 Mark Garner was appointed vice chair of the ECU Board of Visitors. He was also elected secretary of the ECU Alumni Association Board of Directors. William Harrison ’77 ’80, superintendent of the Alamance- Burlington School System, was inducted into the N.C. High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. 1976 Joyce Gallop retired as a fifth- grade English language arts and social studies teacher at Camden Intermediate School in Camden County after a 30-year career. 1975 Carol Ann Proctor Cobb ’75 ’93 retired as lead social worker for Edgecombe County Public Schools in 2015. Before this position she worked for the Pitt County and Edgecombe County departments of social services for 21 years. Deborah Sue Cox retired as school library media coordinator at Broadway Elementary School, Sanford, after 37 years. The library was named in her honor at her retirement. 1974 Joan Baillie, Salem Community College president, retired June 30 after 25 years of service to the college in various administrative and instructional roles. IN MEMORIAM IN MEMORIAM 1930s 1950s For nearly 30 years, she taught at died June 10. For 30 years, he was Vince & Linda Holt Elementary, Storybook Farm dean of instruction at Davidson Aleen Hunt Harry Humphrey Albritton Sr. ’58 of and Carrboro elementary schools. County Community College. Baggett ’34 of Farmville died Aug. 2. An Air Force Joan Briley and William Robert Helen Liles Page ’59 of Charleston, Tom Mallison ’66 Functioning Teams. He is founder Wilmington veteran, he retired as executive vice McMahon Family Foundation and Elmore ’65 ’68 celebrated their S.C., died July 17. She was a teacher of Greenville died and president of M.T.M. Services died July 19 at president of sales at Sara Lee Corp. co-founder and former CEO of 50th wedding anniversary in at Wallace Middle School and Sept. 6. His and a 2015 Robert Wright Society 101 in Richmond, Joyce Marie Bagley Ayers ’52 ’56 of World Wrestling Entertainment. August in Lincolnton. Barbara Drayton Hall Middle School and a weekly radio Leadership Award recipient. Va. She taught Charlotte died June 30. She taught Trader Faires retired as professor tutor at Sylvan Learning Center. show, “An 1966 1971 at Erwin High high school. Raymond Andrew of mathematics at Westminster Shirley Lewis Pate ’57 of Pikeville Evening with School, Harnett “Buddy” Bass Jr. ’56 of Belmont D. Ann Neville ’66 ’68 of Lynnville, 1973 Grover Truslow retired from Therma-Tru Doors after 15 years of service. He was district sales manager for the South Atlantic division. 1972 She is a David Lloyd of Cary published Leadership Skills to Support High Linda McMahon was elected vice chair of Sacred Heart University Board of Trustees, Fairfield, Conn. principal of the Turbulent Waters and Muddy 1965 Waters: And the Man in the Chimney also received the historical fiction award from the N.C. Society of Historians. College, New Wilmington, Pa. She David S. Warren of Portsmouth, Va., died June 1. She taught in the Wayne Tom the County Public Schools. Charles E. Jazzman,” ran on Russell ’58 ’61 of Southern Pines Sunday nights for County. She was died June 4. He owned Bass part owner of Construction and Realty, Fayetteville, Tenn., retired as vice president is secretary for the Mathematical Association of America. who directs the school chorus at of student services at Martin Tidewater Community College, was Pender and received the Order of the Long Methodist College after a 40-year appointed repertoire and standards died Aug. 20. He was a coach, decades on teacher and principal for many WTEB in New Bern. Mallison 1963 Furniture Co. on Front Street and Leaf Pine. He played football at ECC. career in higher education. chair for two-year colleges for the Betty J. Clark later on Market Street in Billie “Bill” Ted Gossett joined the N.C. Vaughn published Choral Director’s Association. Wesleyan College Board of southern division of the American years. At ECC, he played baseball. donated his large collection of Wilmington. At ECTC she was Donald Cline Leon Gray Sexton ’55 of Raleigh albums to Joyner Library in 2009. died July 2. For 36 years, he was a The alumni association recognized Run, Cissy, Run, president of Phi Sigma and ’56 of Gastonia Trustees. He is a real estate broker 1969 which won the played tennis. died May 24. in the metropolitan Washington, teacher, guidance counselor and him with its Distinguished Alumni coach at Hugh Morson, Enloe and Service Award in 1998. David Rice award for He was owner/ Dennis Chestnut was ordained a D.C., area. 1940s operator of historical fiction bishop in July and is the presiding Cary high schools. Iris R. Smith ’55 Marshall ’69 of New Bern died Aug. from the N.C. Mary Tysor Building prelate of the United Pentecostal of Sebastian, Fla., died July 8. She 16. A Marine Corps veteran, he Society of Johnson Clark Contractors. Holy Churches of America. He has and her husband, Bill, owned the retired from the SBI and worked as Waterway Restaurant in Southport. a private arson investigator. Harold Historians in 2013. ’43 of Clarkton For more than served as pastor of Mt. Olive Holiness Her two other died July 27. She 25 years, he Church, Tabor City, for 32 years and Caroline Swaim Smithman ’59 of E. Martin ’62 ’63 of Seneca, S.C., Salisbury died July 10. She taught died June 10. A Navy Korean War historical novels, taught English and his crew UPHCA vice bishop since 1982. at Clarkton High staged the English at Salisbury High School. veteran, he retired in 1986 after 30 School for 43 Southern Larry E. Stewart ’57 ’58 of Robbins years as a teacher and principal. years. She and Christmas Show and the Southern died June 20. An Army Korean War Sandra Joy Mintz ’64 of Shallotte veteran, he coached and taught in died July 19. She was a retired her husband, Spring Show in Charlotte. He played Luther, helped baseball at ECC. Charles Augustus desegregate Bladen County Edwards ’54 of Arden died June 16. Donna Duplin County for eight years and educator. William Truston “Bill” was principal of Elise Elementary Parker ’62 of Goldsboro died June School in Robbins. Carolyn Jean 20. For 30 years, he taught Whaley Taylor ’52 of Oak City died industrial arts and driver education May 28. She taught 37 years in New in Onslow and Wayne counties. Jersey, Pitt and Martin County Charlie Rose ’66 of Southern Pines schools and for 23 years at Hobgood died June 23. He taught at junior Academy in Hobgood. Mary Jane high and high school levels. Frances Tucker ’54 of Alexandria, Va., died Anne Foster Shaw ’64 of Winston- May 23. She retired as a teacher for Salem died July 16. She taught at the Fairfax County School System in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Fairfax, Va. Thomas M. Vicars Sr. ’52 Schools and at Forsyth Tech. Schools in the early 1970s. Horace He served in the Navy during Mooneyham Abel Cohoon ’47 of Elizabeth City WWII and the Korean War, where (left) with died July 3. A Korean War veteran, he received the Bronze Star and Abigail Reznek, he retired after 30 years with the Purple Heart. Dr. James a swimmer the N.C. Wildlife Commission. Conrad Faulkner ’54 of La Grange from Maryland He and his wife later owned and died June 14. He was an who competed operated Old Hickory Antiques. optometrist for 50 years. on the U.S. Dorothy Reed Franz Foster aquatics Miller Gordon Holscher Sr. ’50 team that ’40 of Efland ’51 of Gastonia Mooneyham died March 28 died May 23 at coached at the of Greenville died May 20. He worked Rebecca Ann at 95. At ECTC, 94. During WWII World Special for the E.I. DuPont Co. for 35 years. “Becky” she was twice he was a ball Olympics in Stasavich ’67 1960s selected as turret gunner on Los Angeles of Greenville “Queen of the a B-24. He was Willis Jackson “Jack” Aman ’61 died July 10. May.” She shot down over of Maysville died Aug. 8. A Coast A daughter of taught what was Guard veteran, he owned Aman legendary ECC elementary school in Wilmington Yugoslavia. He was awarded the Family Farms, Maysville. At ECC, football coach The U.S. aquatics team coached athlete several items donated before her marriage to a West Purple Heart and other medals. he was a member of the Kappa Clarence Point graduate led to 20 years of During his senior year he was captain by Donna Mooneyham ’84 by NASCAR drivers. After that, Alpha fraternity. Capt. Elbert “Bert” Stasavich, she traveling around the world and 20 of the football team. He retired in ’91 won 86 medals at the “he started getting very excited Pilston Felton ’66 of Southport was dean of women at Pfeiffer died June 1. For 20 years, he was College before becoming associate years as the wife of a university 1987 as CEO and board chairman of World Special Olympics in Los about swimming, he smiled more instructor. Eunice McKeithan Thurston Motor Lines. Edna Angeles this summer. But one and he seemed to really take off an aide to U.S. Rep. Steve Neal dean of students at Lenoir Rhyne Mottley ’43 of Richmond, Va., Elizabeth Long Johnston ’53 of in Winston-Salem. In 2005, he College. She later served as church earned his captain’s license and led administrator for 23 years at First of those medals was special to with this encouragement. (At formerly of Burkeville, Va., died Sanford, formerly of Wilson, died Mooneyham, an adjunct faculty the next competition) he had his June 6 at 93. She was a home July 14. She taught English and Solomon T river tours of the Cape Christian Church, Greenville. John Fear region. Shirley Dean Scott Collins Sykes Jr. ’60 of Rocky member at the College of Health personal best time in swimming.” demonstration agent with the English literature at Atlantic Christian and Human Performance who On the last day of competition, Mezzo-soprano Deborah Seattle, Dayton and Merola opera Virginia Cooperative Extension College for 37 years. Dowdy Hardy Harris ’63 of Raleigh died June 22. Mount died June 5. For 30 years, he lives in Oak Island. “I had an Morin sent the athlete a video Nansteel ’07 premiered the companies; and the Orchestra Service, primarily in Prince Edward Miller ’52 of Summerville, S.C., died She taught science in several N.C. directed junior high and high school high schools and later worked for bands in Rocky Mount. In 2012, he athlete from Kentucky and…he of NASCAR great Jeff Gordon role of Lucinda in the Santa Fe Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe County. Margaret Crowell Worth ’41 Aug. 12. She taught school in Wayne wasn’t really gung ho for the congratulating him for achieving Opera Festival’s world premiere Verdi in Milan. She is in her of Greensboro died Aug. 9 at 96. and Greene counties. She was competition. I found out he was his personal best time in production of Cold Mountain second season at Washington She retired from Western Piedmont inducted into the ECU Educators Hall several firms in Research Triangle was honored by the ECU School of Park. Henry Harsch ’65 of Asheboro Music with its Distinguished a big NASCAR fan, and so am the pool. “That was such an during the summer. The opera is National Opera’s Domingo-Community College, Morganton. of Fame. Walter Walker Moore ’58 died Aug. 2. He was retired from Alumnus Award. I. So we started talking about inspiration that he went out and based on Charles Frazier’s 1997 Cafritz Young Artist Program. Gertrude Parker Yount ’42 of ’65 of Newport died June 7. A Navy Randolph Community College, 1970s racing.” Mooneyham contacted medaled,” Mooneyham said. She novel of the same name. Born The North Carolina Opera, a co-Charlotte, formerly of Newton, died veteran, he worked for Borg-Warner where he was chair of the art and Greg Morin ’01, who is a pit crew also was an aquatics coach at in Japan and raised in Havelock, commissioner of the opera, plans June 7. She taught elementary Acceptance Corp., Charlotte, and design department. William “Bill” Gene Perry Ayscue of Burnsville E. Inabinett ’60 ’63 of Lexington died Sept. 11. He was site manager school in the Newton-Conover was a teacher. Clarice Rose Merritt coach at Hendrick Motorsports the 2011 World Special Olympics Nansteel has performed with the to present Cold Mountain during School System for 34 years. Page ’59 of Carrboro died June 10. American Opera Initiative; the its 2017-2018 season. in Charlotte. Morin sent the held in Greece. EAST CAROLINA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION of the Bellamy Mansion Museum, from J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. John in public schools in North and died July 10. After an insurance self-employed with Expense was a member of Alpha Kappa established, Sigma Theta Tau Beta FRIENDS Wilmington. Marie Mulliner Stewart “Jack” Gordon Kellogg Jr. ’75 ’78 of South Carolina. Donald Hamilton career in New Jersey, he moved to Reduction Consultants. Anna Scott Alpha sorority. Nu chapter was chartered and the David Jordan Brewster ’78 of Virginia Beach, Manassas, Va., died May 7. A Naval Sayce ’71 ’78, of Hampstead died Maine where he painted houses and Liland ’88 of New Bern died May 22. master’s degree program in nursing 2010s Whichard II, Va., died June 16. For more than Air reservist, he retired from Kellogg May 14. A Vietnam War veteran, worked on boats. He was a member She was a nurse in the neuro ICU at was launched. She retired from the former president 20 years, she provided child care Supply Co., Manteo. Michael Everett he retired in 1977 after 20 years of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Johns Hopkins Hospital and later Devin Johnson of Charlotte died deanship in 1981. and co-publisher at the Northend. At ECU, she Koonce ’78 of Jacksonville died in the Marine Corps. He then had Susan Phillips Townsend ’78 of was a contract travel nurse for May 26. He was attending ECU. of The Daily played tennis and swam. Willie May 11. He was a yards and grounds a 20-year career as a principal at Halifax, Va., died July 28. She taught several N.C. hospitals. Ray Newton Reflector, died Mack Byrd Jr. ’74 of Wilmington supervisor for Craven County Belhaven High School, Beaufort in private Christian schools before Moore ’81 of Colorado Springs, FACULTY Aug. 9. He was a died June 28. He worked for Public Schools. Linda Cheryl County, and Snowden Elementary, teaching at Meadville Elementary Colo., died May 28. He was a Ruth Holmes Benedict of Greenville member of theWyeth Pharmaceuticals for 22 McIntosh ’78 of Atlantic died June Aurora. Michael “Mike” Scharf ’75 School, Halifax, Va., for 10 years. graphic designer/art director. Paul died July 16. She retired from ECU ECU Board of years. Naomi Brown Eaton ’74 23. She retired from Camp Glenn of Johnson City, Tenn., died July 8. Jo Ann Merritt Ward ’78 of Fort L. “PL” O’Brien Jr. ’88 of Silver as an assistant professor of nursing Trustees from of Kinston died May 27. She School. Jeanne Morse Moore ’70 An Air Force veteran, he worked Lauderdale, Fla., died June 26. She Spring, Md., died July 31. He was in 1998. 1963 to 1973, chair of the ECU retired as a teacher of middle of Leavenworth, Kan., died May as an artisan after retiring from worked at BellSouth from 1978 director of marketing and sales at Medical & Health Sciences school math in Kinston. Lucy Ann 27. She taught English at Mount teaching. Nancy Croll Sell ’71 ’76 to 2001 and then was managing PwC. Philip William Scates ’83 of Janet Patricia Roberts Fletcher of Foundation and member of the N.C. Carney Glover ’73 of Wilmington Vernon High School in Alexandria, of Lititz, Pa., died July 21. She was partner of Atlantic Interior and Pittsboro died June 17. He retired as Greenville died July 20. She was a Board of Higher Education. He died July 28. She retired as a Va., for 15 years. Joan Wooten a computer analyst, trainer and Antiques. She was a member of Chi a molecular biologist at teaching instructor and academic graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill librarian at New Hanover High Murphrey ’74 of Walstonburg died director of IT services for 25 years. Omega sorority and a little sister at GlaxoSmithKline. adviser for the ECU Department of and chaired that school’s Board of School. Aline Maas Hamblen ’79 May 30. She taught 18 years at Frink Mary Josephine “Jo” Haworth the Phi Tau fraternity. Nutrition Science. She was married 1990s Trustees. R. Frank Davis of Concord of Springfield, Mo., died July 12 Middle School in Lenoir County Simons Snelling ’71 of Bear Creek to John Fletcher, ECU associate 1980s died Aug. 24. He served on ECU’s at 90. She joined the Air Force as and later in the Greene County died May 12. She taught music at Dr. Hakeem M. Abdul-Karim ’95 provost of enrollment services. Marguerite Austin Perry of Parents Council. Barbara Alice a flight nurse in the Korean War. Schools. Nancy Bobbitt Ormond UNC Wilmington and English in Maj. Jan Beaman of Winterville died July 23. A Linner Ward Greenville died Aug. 24 at 96. She Ward Hall of Greenville died June She accompanied baseball legend ’75 ’81 of Henderson died July 12. several public schools in eastern Cannon ’88 ’05 dentist, he owned Contemporary Griffin of taught French at ECU from 1939 to 13. The wife of the late Col. (Ret.) Babe Ruth on a train ride to visit She retired from the Vance County North Carolina. Harry Williams of Walstonburg Dental Home, Winterville. Judy Fay Greenville died 1987, retiring as professor emerita Ellis Franklin Hall Jr., who worked in Boys Town orphanages and kept School system after 26 years and Stubbs IV ’74 ’77 of Greenville died died Sept. 2. She Casteen Adkins ’94 of Belhaven July 5. She was from the Department of Foreign the Brody School of Medicine, she him comfortable as he was dying was active in The Arc. Vicki Ellis Aug. 19. He retired from the FDIC in was part of the died July 21. In 2009, she retired as one of the first Languages and Literature. As was an honorary member of the of throat cancer. Later in her career, Plummer ’73 of Denton died Aug. Washington, D.C. He was an active inaugural class of lead school nurse of Washington African-department chair in the 1970s, she East Carolina Alumni Association. she earned a master’s degree in 16. She taught in the Northampton member of the Pirate Club and the ECU nurse County Schools. Cynthia Edelmann Americans to helped establish the International Edwin Morris Small Jr. of Edenton nursing from ECU. Linda Mears County School System, at Martin the alumni association. Memorial anesthesia Billings ’90 of Fayetteville died Aug. integrate the House for Students. She was the died June 29. Vice president and Howard ’71 of Tarboro died Aug. Community College, at the contributions can be made to the program. Patricia 11. She was a retired teacher for the student body at first director of campus radio and a branch manager of Yadkin Bank, 17. For more than 20 years she College of the Albemarle and ECU Education Foundation, c/o “Pat” Shambley Cumberland County schools. John UNC Greensboro member of and served many years Hertford, he was a member of the taught at Tarboro Edgecombe the Countryside Church of Christ The Harry W. Stubbs IV Scholarship Harden ’82 of Charlotte died Aug. F. Burch Jr. ’91 of Deptford, N.J., and graduated from there in 1964. as co-chair of the Entertainment ECU Pirate Club. Donations may be Academy, Martin Middle School and School, Edenton. Eugenia “Jeanne” Endowment Fund, Ward Sports 13. She retired after 28 years in the died July 19. He was a construction She held academic appointments at Committee that became the S. made to the ECU Pirate Club, ECU Edgecombe Community College. Lea Register Price ’77 died June Medicine Bldg., Suite 304, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools engineer in North Carolina for West Virginia University and Temple Rudolph Alexander Performing Arts Educational Foundation, Ward Lynn Ann Mullen James ’74 of 17. For more than 30 years, she Greenville, NC 27858. John Parker system. Shepard Duane Hayes ’86 many years. Debbie Aiken Chase University before coming to ECU in Series. She was one of the founding Sports Medicine Bldg., Suite 304, Ellijay, Ga., died May 7. She retired was a teacher and administrator Thomas ’77 of South Bristol, Maine, of Lumberton died June 9. He was ’97 of Fayetteville died July 28. She 1990 as an assistant professor in the members of the Retired Faculty Greenville, NC 27858. Susan Lorena worked for 18 years at the Allen School of Social Work. She retired Association in 1987 and a member Ambrose Sawyer of Greenville died County Department of Welfare, in 2013 as associate vice chancellor of the Friends of Joyner Library, Aug. 10 at 92. She retired in 1988 Fort Wayne, Ind., and was a school for academic programming and which awarded her a Lifetime after 16 years of service with ECU at social worker at Max Abbott Middle development. She was married to Membership in 2000. As the most the news bureau, Department of School, Fayetteville, for 19 years. Bobby Griffin, who retired from senior faculty member, she carried Pediatrics and the office of the late Amy Leigh Ellis ’98 of Rocky Mount ECU’s Department of Materials the mace at graduation ceremonies Dean William Laupus, Brody School Want to create an East Carolina legacy and died July 10. She was a library media Management. Donations may be for many years. of Medicine. coordinator in the Nash-Rocky made to the ECU School of Social Mount Schools for 10 years. Vanessa Work Scholarship Fund, ECU have a secure source of fixed payments for life? STAFF Joy Gaskill ’99 of New Bern died On Aug. 19, Foundation, 2200 S. Charles Blvd., July 15. She worked in a library at Betty Ann Saunders Cashion of ECU lost an Suite 1100, Greenville, NC 27858. Carteret Community College. James Greenville died Aug. 1. She was irreplaceable We can help with that. Ford Griffin ’89 of Norcross, Ga., Charles E. secretary to ECU’s basketball member of died Aug. 8. He worked for Niemann Stevens ’54 of coach. Betty Simpkins Heath of Make a lasting impact by funding a Charitable Gift Annuity at ECU. the Pirate Marcus Department Stores. At ECU, Greenville died Chocowinity died May 21. She Nation. he was a member of Sigma Phi Sept. 4 at 89. He worked in housekeeping at ECU. Benefits: Harry W. Epsilon fraternity. Patti Fulghum was a member of Jane A. Maier of Green Bay, Wis., Stubbs IV • Receive fixed payments to you for life • Further the charitable work of one of Howell ’90 of Pikeville died Aug. 5. the music faculty died May 25. She worked in the ’74 ’77, a She taught at Forest Hills Middle for 30 years and ECU co-op program assisting the four supporting foundations for native of School in Wilson for 23 years. a dean of the students in obtaining jobs within • Receive a charitable income tax East Carolina University (East Carolina Jean Veronica Wharton ’99 of department, their fields of study. She was Greenville, lived most of his University Foundation, Inc., East Carolina Raleigh died July 31. She taught at accepting married to the late Robert Maier, adult life in the Washington, • Benefit from payments that may be Montessori School of Raleigh. emeritus status in 1990. Survivors former ECU vice chancellor of D.C., area, where he was an University Medical & Health Sciences partially tax-free Scott M. Yelverton include daughters Margaret Mauney academic affairs. Barbara Winn active volunteer for the DC Foundation, Inc., East Carolina Alumni ’97 of Greenville ’76 and Mary Charles Jenkins ’79 Montgomery of Raleigh died Metro Chapter of the East Association Foundation, or the East Carolina died May 29. and son-in-law Jack Jenkins ’78. July 21 at 91. She was a medical Carolina Alumni Association • Membership in the Leo W. Jenkins Memorial contributions can be A Marine Corp technologist at ECU’s Student and Pirate Club. After retiring in University Educational Foundation, Inc. Society veteran, he made to the Charles E. and Margaret Health Services until retiring in 2011, he returned to Greenville [Pirate Club]) operated 501 S. Stevens Endowment, ECU 1989. She was married to the to be closer to family and his Fresh Restaurant, Foundation, 2200 S. Charles Blvd., late Wilkins B. Winn, who taught beloved ECU. At the time of his Contact us for more information or visit eculegacy.org. Suite 1100, Greenville, NC 27858. Greenville. history at ECU from 1966-1987. death, Harry was serving as a Dianne Barkman Norris ’75 of Evelyn Perry, the Greg Abeyounis, CFRE 2000s member of the alumni Greenville died June 19. She second dean of association Board of Directors. Associate Vice Chancellor for David A. “Lil’ David” Cornileus Jr. retired as a lab manager for nursing at ECU, Development ’06 of Orlando, Fla., died June 19. ECU’s biology department in died Sept. 10. She abeyounis@ecu.edu He worked for Chase Bank. 2009. Michael Raymond Webb of was appointed 252-328-9573 Molly Spahn French ’02 ’07 of Mt. Farmville died July 24. He worked dean in 1969. Pleasant, S.C., died May 27. Karen in telecommunications with ECU’s Under her Michelle Winningham ’01 of Clayton police department. Kendra K. Alexander leadership, the died May 30. She worked as a DNA Gift and Estate Nursing Alumni analyst in the SBI Crime Lab. She Planning Officer Association was alexanderk@ecu.edu 252-328-9566 “We are not here to destroy the old and accept only the new, but to build upon the past…” Robert H. Wright, Nov. 12, 1909 UPON THE PAST From his inaugural address and installation as East Carolina’s first president He spiced up cafeteria food Paul Julian in the new South Dining Hall in 1959. Paul Julian must have been shocked when he took his first look around the East Carolina dining hall in the spring of 1947. Examining the cooking and refrigeration equipment, which was more than 20 years old, he could see why a batch of spoiled milk had sickened several students recently. “Student complaints about food and service at the college dining hall are loud and numerous,” the Tecoan student newspaper reported May 16, 1947. President John Messick had recruited Julian to run the dining hall for one reason: Julian knew how to serve good food for a crowd, fast. Most recently he had owned the Fairwater, a popular seafood restaurant in Norfolk, Virginia. Julian saw the dining hall was cooking and serving food the same way it had for 40 years. Only one or two entrees were prepared for each meal. When enrollment doubled, recipe amounts were doubled. Everyone ate the same bland, overcooked food. Students had to hurry because the dining hall was open just 90 minutes for lunch and dinner. Julian persuaded the school to buy new ovens, freezers and steam tables. Then he trained the staff to operate the kitchen as a cafeteria with a broader menu and open longer hours. He moved into a basement apartment near the kitchen to lead the transition. The conversion occurred during the break between the end of spring quarter and the start of summer school. “With the new cafeteria set-up,” the Tecoan reported June 27, 1947, “the students are offered a larger variety of foods to select from, and because smaller quantities are cooked, better food is prepared.” Students soon were lining up to fill their plates. Particularly popular was an exotic new dish Julian added to the menu —spaghetti. But tastier food created a new problem. There were no cash registers; students simply showed ID cards and ate as much as they wanted. The school’s solution was meal books, which students were required to buy beginning that fall quarter. Many work-study students had jobs in the cafeteria. Julian’s son, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert Julian ’55 of Goldsboro, said his dad had a soft spot for students with empty stomachs and wallets. “Let’s just say there were one or two free meals served after the cafeteria closed,” he said with a wink. With enrollment pushing 4,000 in 1959, the school unveiled a two-story addition to the old cafeteria. Students thought the new South Dining Hall was a modern marvel, with self-serve soda fountains and conveyer belts whisking away dirty plates. Today, it houses the school’s financial aid offices. Julian continued running the cafeterias until he retired in 1968. He died in Greenville in 1981 at age 81. Today, ECU has two cafeterias on Main Campus—Todd Dining Hall on College Hill and West End Dining Hall—and 26 other places where students can get a bite to eat. —Steve Tuttle East Howard House Mail Stop 107 East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858-4353 electronic service requested Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID East Carolina University Approximately 4,700 guests, including more than 1,500 prospective aid, campus living and dining, as well as the academic and student students, visited campus during fall Open House. Presented by the life aspects of campus. Visitors enjoyed campus tours, a peek inside ECU Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the event gave future residence halls and lunch at one of several campus eateries. Pirates an opportunity to gather information on admissions, financial Photo by Patrick Fay