ec alumni - fall 2012

On the Rise Tremayne Smith ’11 is on an

upward path to greatness

LEGISLATIVE MATTERSECU focuses on efficiency and adjusts to a “new normal” after a year-long study.

HOMECOMINGReturn to “the greatest place on earth” for Homecoming 2012, October 12-13.

ALUMNI AWARDSEight individuals will receive awards from the Alumni Association this fall.

Pirate Crowned Miss North CarolinaECU junior Arlie Honeycutt was recently chosen to represent North Carolina in the Miss America Pageant in January. Arlie is a member of all 3 student groups sponsored by the Alumni Association: the ECU Ambassadors, Forever Pirates, and our all-female a capella group The Magnolia Belles. The 19-year-old Garner native is a vocal performance major. Congratulations Arlie! The Pirate Nation is proud of you!

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10 return to the greatest place on earth! Find out all about this year’s Homecoming events scheduled for

October 12-13.

14 alumni award recipients Meet the 2012 recipients

of the Distinguished Service, Honorary Alumni, and Outstanding

Alumni Awards.

20 on the rise Tremayne Smith ’11 “begins with the end in

mind” as he sets his sights on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

Tremayne Smith ’11 sits on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. during his time as a staff assistant for Senator Kay Hagan.

ON THE COVER

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dear pirate nation

pirate connections

legislative matters

advancement update career corner

around campus

a look back

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EC Alumni, the magazine of the East Carolina Alumni Association, takes a closer look at the accomplishments of our alumni, bringing you engaging feature articles highlighting their success. EC Alumni also features news from around campus, updates from University Advancement, career advice, how alumni and friends can support ECU’s legislative initiatives, and a look back at the University’s treasured history.

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2 EC ALUMNI FALL 2012

“Do you have a Pirate State of Mind?” This was the question that ECU junior Jordan Joyner asked her fellow Pirates at the 2012 Student Convocation last week in Minges Coliseum. What does it take to have a Pirate State of Mind? It certainly takes living the motto of our University, “To Serve,” but an underlying principle of service is generosity.

“Generosity is the habit of giving freely without expecting anything in return. It can involve offering time, assets or talents to aid someone in need.”

The Pirate Nation is generous! I am reminded of this every day, yet I am often surprised by the many different forms in which generosity presents itself. Here are a couple of recent examples:

A gift of memories. Earlier this month, we received a wonderful gift from Margaret Louise Martin Womble ’36. Margaret was captain of the first women’s basketball team here at East Carolina. She sent us her four yearbooks and her letter sweater from her ECTC days. We appreciate all the gifts we receive at East Carolina including the gift of memories! Thank you Margaret, your mementos will remain here to bring life to East Carolina’s history for future generations!

A gift of fellowship. Recently Bob Lucas ’74, chair of the ECU Board of Trustees, opened his home and hosted a gathering of over 80 Pirates. This event was spearheaded by a dedicated ECU volunteer Doug Strickland ’64 and featured messages from Chancellor Steve Ballard and Athletic Director Terry Holland. The generosity of Bob and Doug allowed many Pirates in Johnston County the opportunity for fellowship and to celebrate East Carolina.

A gift for the future. Last week, Carl Caulk ’89 called the Alumni Association on the urging of his college buddy and current Alumni Association Board Member Doug Morgan ’88 to join the Association at our Centennial Pirate level. Centennial Pirate membership supports the endowment of the Alumni Association to ensure that the organization is strong and vital for future generations of alumni. Carl is living a life of service as a US Marshall and is now paying it forward to support our future.

I’ve heard ECU benefactor Walter Williams ’51, ’55 say “Giving, especially in tough times, hurts…so I give until it feels good.” Generosity comes in many forms at East Carolina and we are appreciative of the passion, spirit, pride, and loyalty of our supporters. Generosity is a habit that is alive and well in the Pirate Nation and is definitely part of having a Pirate State of Mind.

Keep living a Pirate’s life,

Paul J. CliffordPresident & CEO

The mission of the East Carolina Alumni Association is to inform, involve, and serve members of the ECU family throughout their lifelong relationship with the University.

Paul J. CliffordPRESIDENT AND CEO

Monique BestACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN

Linda Cataldo ’80ALUMNI CENTER COORDINATOR

Jackie DrakeASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR ALUMNI COMMUNICATIONS

Candi High ’97ACCOUNTANT

Tanya L. Kern ’02DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI PROGRAMS

Doug Smith ’00, ’07VICE PRESIDENT FOR

ALUMNI MEMBERSHIP & MARKETING

Chris Williams ’01ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR ALUMNI MEMBERSHIP

EC Alumni (ISSN: 2152-3886) is published quarterly by the East Carolina Alumni Association. The Alumni Association is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and Council of Alumni Association Executives (CAAE) and is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that operates interdependently with East Carolina University. The views expressed in EC Alumni magazine do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Alumni Association or the University. Reproduction of EC Alumni in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

©2012 East Carolina Alumni Association

Read EC Alumni online at:PirateAlumni.com/ECAlumni

ISSN: 2152-5668

To contact us or comment on this magazine:252-328-4723 | 800-ECU-GRAD

[email protected]

Send change of address to:East Carolina Alumni Association Taylor-Slaughter Alumni Center

901 East Fifth StreetGreenville, NC 27858

EC Alumni is paid for with non-state funds.

DEAR PIRATE NATION

VOL. 5, NO. 4ALUMNI

Let’s Be Social!

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facebook.com/ecaafanpage

twitter.com/piratealumniUse the hashtag #piratealumni

piratealumni.com/linkedin

flickr.com/photos/piratealumniTag your photos with piratealumni

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Nominate Someone for an Alumni Award

Each fall the Alumni Association recognizes accomplished alumni and friends with Outstanding

Alumni, Distinguished Service, and Honorary Alumni awards. We need your help to identify nominees for 2013! Do you know a Pirate or a loyal ECU supporter who deserves this prestigious recognition? Nominate them by November 1 at PirateAlumni.com/awardsprocess.

Marching Pirates Reunion

Drum roll, please! The Second Annual Marching Pirates Alumni Reunion will be November 2-3. Former band members will have a weekend of fun, music, marching and football. Alumni will have the opportunity to perform during game day activities, including Call to Port, Pregame Fight Song, and a halftime selection.

For details, visit PirateAlumni.com/reunions.

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NOVCheer on the Gridiron Pirates with fellow Pirate fans at a regional viewing party organized and hosted by East Alumni Association Pirate Contact volunteers! All ECU football fans are welcome to attend these free events and encouraged to wear purple and gold. Alumni Association or Pirate Club members that bring their membership card or identification number will be entered in halftime raffle drawings for fun and spirited prizes.

Scheduled Viewing Parties will be hosted in the following cities:

•Atlanta,GA•Arlington,VA•Charlotte,NC•Dallas,TX•Greenville,SC•NewYork,NY•VirginiaBeach,VAVisit PirateAlumni.com/viewingparties for

specific details on each city’s Viewing Party location.

If your town is not listed and you have a favorite watering hole that will be accommodating to ECU Pirate fans in your region, it’s not too late to host Viewing Parties for games later this season! To get details on how to arrange these fun social gatherings, contact Director of Alumni Programs Tanya L. Kern ’02 at [email protected].

VIEWING PARTIES

SAVE THE DATE!Pirate Alumni Road Race and Fun Run

Saturday, April 20


PIRATE CONNECTIONS

Jim Newman Jr. ’68, ’74, ChairRaleigh, NC

Angela Moss ’97, ’98, Vice ChairRaleigh, NC

Neal Crawford ’85, TreasurerRichmond, VA

Glenda Palmer-Moultrie ’79, SecretaryDerwood, MD

Carl Davis ’73, Immediate Past ChairRaleigh, NC

Paul J. Clifford, President and CEOGreenville, NC

Diane Davis Ashe ’83, ’85Celebration, FL

Dean Browder ’77Winston-Salem, NC

William Burnette ’96Virginia Beach, VA

Tarrick Cox ’96, ’07Greenville, NC

Adrian Cullin ’04Charlotte, NC

Ralph Finch ’67Midlothian, VA

Dave Fussell Jr. ’90Rose Hill, NC

Robin Good ’80Houston, TX

Duane Grooms ’80, ’82Columbia, SC

Melanie Holden ’79Raleigh, NC

John Israel ’82Norfolk, VA

Wesley Johnson ’85Powder Springs, GA

Michael S. Kowalczyk ’09, ’10Chicago, IL

Pat Lane ’67Chocowinity, NC

Charlie Martin Jr. ’68Greenville, NC

Marian McLawhorn ’67, ’88, ’97Grifton, NC

Michael McShane ’66Alexandria, VA

Doug Morgan ’88South Riding, VA

Dan Spuller ’06, ’07Raleigh, NC

Lynette Taylor ’97Winterville, NC

Jason Tomasula ’00, ’03, ’10Charlotte, NC

Linda Lynn Tripp ’80, ’81Greenville, NC

EMERITUS MEMBERS:Virgil Clark ’50

Greenville, NCDave Englert ’75

Norfolk, VA

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Class of 1963 50th Golden Alumni Reunion

During graduation weekend, May 9-10, the Alumni Association will sponsor the 50th Golden Alumni Reunion for the Class of 1963. Take a walk down memory lane with an expanded campus tour, “pass the torch” as you have dinner with the current graduating class at the Senior Salute and Candlelight Induction ceremony, lead the Commencement ceremonies by walking the Class of 2013 into Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, and then reminisce with family and friends at the reunion celebration dinner.

Pay it forward: volunteer to recruit new Pirates

ECU’s Office of Admissions and the Alumni Association have partnered to create the Pirate Alumni Admissions Connection. This network of volunteers will assist the University in achieving its challenging recruitment goals and help students that live in their area make sound higher education choices. Who better to recruit new Pirates than those who already have ECU in their heart?

Volunteers will assist the Office of Admissions by attending local college fairs to speak with prospective students and distribute literature on ECU and its many academic and student programs. Alumni volunteers will also attend receptions for prospective and admitted students and families to share their East Carolina experience and encourage enrollment.

Alumni representatives are needed to work both fall and spring college fairs. These events are typically two hours and are held once or twice per year. Volunteers will only be asked to work events that are in close proximity to their current residence. Most volunteers will be asked to give five to ten hours of their time per year. Being part of the Pirate Alumni Admissions Connection is a great way to give back to the University.

Training sessions will be offered to help alumni representatives learn more about the admissions process and to stay well informed on new things at ECU. Visit PirateAlumni.com/alumniadmissions to learn more.

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PIRATE CONNECTIONS


“New Normal”ECU focuses on efficiencyThe 2012 short session of the North Carolina General Assembly yielded positive results for ECU after consecutive years of challenging financial times.

For the current fiscal year, ECU was fortunate to emerge with its base budget virtually untouched. In fact, with increased tuition dollars, a small allocation of enrollment growth funds, a 1.2 percent salary increase for all state employees, and other minor additions, the institution’s state budget increased by approximately $19 million. Additional funds were also allocated for student financial aid, benefitting student access.

While an improved financial outlook is certainly positive for the university, this growth does little to offset the loss of approximately $83 million over the last four years. In fact, last year alone ECU sustained a $49 million reduction in state funds due to the ongoing budget crisis. Such cuts resulted in larger class sizes and increased faculty workload. University leaders across the UNC system have balanced program reductions, employee layoffs, enrollment losses, and many other factors as the budget crisis changed the face of higher education.

Moving forward, ECU remains committed to repairing the financial damage by re-designing how we do business. The funding lost in recent years cannot likely be restored using traditional approaches; therefore, it is clear that we need to change strategies. Sharing services, continuing to improve efficiency, expanding all non-state revenue sources, and paying careful attention to institutional priorities and performance will be a part of the “new normal” for public higher education in the days to come.

In an effort to initiate this new way

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of operating, ECU has been diligently working on how to right-size our academic structure through a Program Prioritization Committee (PPC) composed of 13 faculty, staff, and administrators.

A year-long study by the PPC was divided into two core phases of review. Phase I, completed in Fall 2011, identified individual academic programs for eliminated, reduced, maintained or in some cases increased funding. The Phase II report, released in the Spring of 2012, made six university-wide recommendations like having all colleges find ways to save $1-2 million and reducing the number of departments.

The PPC estimates Phase I and Phase II recommendations may provide approximately $4.5 million in savings. This effort shows that East Carolina University is committed to responding to calls by state leaders to reinvent our business operations and invest in the university’s economic engines.

As ECU alumni, it is important for you to remind your local elected officials of our commitment to use state dollars wisely and to serve as a valuable investment for North Carolina. We encourage you to thank them for their efforts in the past and for what they will do to support us in the future. Legislators across the state need to know that we appreciate their hard work and support their dedication to higher education.

Personal phone calls and letters are critical in communicating to legislators that we appreciate their devotion to our cause. The best way to contact your state representative is to visit www.ncleg.net. With dedicated legislators and alumni, ECU has the opportunity to consistently make a significant impact on our region and state.

The Program Prioritization Committee (PPC) recommended six ways for the University to save money in their final report presented in April 2012:

1. Implement an across the board reduction to achieve savings in academic administrative costs.

2. Reduce the number of academic departments within the colleges and schools.

3. Relocate selected Centers and Institutes to specific academic areas out of the Divisions of Research and Graduate Studies.

4. Improve coordination and efficiencies between ECU’s two libraries.

5. Maintain the current college structure unless forced by state budget reductions.

6. Implement administrative efficiency audits any time a senior administrator leaves their position.

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Joyner Library and Joyner Library’s Advancement Council are seeking to honor community leader and outstanding ECU alumna, Janice Faulkner. We are inviting you, her friends and admirers, to help make this dream a reality. Our goal is to secure a minimum of $150,000 that will enable us to update our current gallery area in honor of a woman who has served our university and state with grace and honor. Janice Faulkner has been unwavering in her service to East Carolina University and the people of North Carolina. The proposed Janice Hardison Faulkner Gallery will be a multi-use community facility, exemplifying Janice’s credo of “service has no bounds.”

Joyner Library is proud of the award-winning exhibitions, seminars, and conferences we have offered our students, faculty, and the community over the last decade. The Faulkner Gallery will enable us to make these presentations even more rewarding. Hosting as many as 150 participants, it will provide exhibition quality lighting, high definition sound and the latest in presentation technology.

JANICE HARDISON FAULKNER GALLERY

GALLERY PLAN

VISUAL CONNECTIVITY

DONORS’ PLAQUE

IMPROVED ENTRY

Please join us and other friends of Janice Hardison Faulkner in supporting this campaign. All of us have benefitted from her service and from her many contributions. This special place will be a fitting tribute to an outstanding citizen. Please consider making a donation and becoming a proud participant in this endeavor. A plaque acknowledging those who have contributed will be displayed in the gallery. Please add your name to the list.

To give to the Janice Hardison Faulkner Gallery or for more information, contact Cynthia Adams at [email protected] or by phone at 252-328-9577 or 252-531-9993.Youalsomaymailacheckmade payable to East Carolina University including Joyner Library Faulkner Gallery on the memo line to:

Joyner LibraryOffice of Library DevelopmentEast Carolina University2400 Joyner LibraryMail Stop 516Greenville, NC 27858

Gallery in Joyner Library to be named in honor of Janice Faulkner ’53, ’56

JANICE HARDISON FAULKNER GALLERY

GALLERY PLAN

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ADVANCEMENT UPDATE

For artist Willie Marlowe, 2011 was a banner year. With five solo shows and participation in an international invitational show that traveled to four cities in Europe as well as Quebec and Boston, it was a year to remember for this alumna.

Marlowe graduated from East Carolina University in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree

in art. Since then, she has been an art teacher, a professor, and above all an artist, traveling the world and gaining renown as a painter who says she is still learning her craft.

“It really is a long process of discovery,”

Marlowe said. “I am still on the path of learning about painting and seeing what can be done. Every time you make a brush stroke, there are just so many possibilities. That is what is so exciting about painting. Youcannevertotallypredictwhat’sgoingto happen. It has that element of surprise.”

Born in Whiteville, NC, Marlowe grew up drawing and soaking up any information about art that she could. There were no art programs in the schools in Whiteville at the time, so when she came to East Carolina, doors opened for her.

“When I arrived [at ECU’s] art department, I was a blank slate, open to learning,” Marlowe said. “The art department trips to Washington, D.C., and NewYorkCitytomuseumsweremyfirstexperiences with seeing major museums and important works of art. I liked being a part of the art department, working late in the painting and the printmaking studios with other students with shared interests. By being there, dedicated to learning about art, I found my path.”

And that path led her to work as an elementary art teacher in Charlotte, through earning her master’s in fine arts at the University of Idaho, and to teaching in the Department of Art and Design at Sage College of Albany for more than 30 years. In addition, she has shown paintings in more than 300 solo, invitational, juried, and group shows in the U.S. and abroad. In 2011, she participated in one of the

most important shows in her career at the Opalka Gallery at Sage College at Albany. Now a professor emerita at Sage College, she had the rare privilege of showing her works in a gallery that typically focuses on artists outside of the area.

“I was invited to have a comprehensive solo show, 1977-2010, at Opalka Gallery with a 32-page color catalogue,” she said. Opalka Gallery Director and Curator Jim Richard Wilson wrote an introduction, an art historian wrote a scholarly essay, and an art critic wrote a shorter essay for the catalogue. “That show was important to me because it was a selection of paintings from the years I taught at Sage, and because three smaller solo shows were curated from it and traveled to The Arkell Museum, Canajoharie,NewYork;theCarrieHaddadGalleryinHudson,NewYork;andGalleryC, in Raleigh, NC. A fifth solo show curated by E. Tornai Thyssen was held at Hallspace Gallery in Boston.”

Next spring, Marlowe will collaborate with the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company to use her paintings as backgrounds for the dancers as they perform at the Troy Music HallinTroy,NY.Butshehasn’tforgottenher roots at ECU. Her father-in-law, the late Francis Speight, was artist in residence in ECU’s art department while she was a student, and she considers herself lucky to have worked with him.

“It was a real privilege to be in a critique group with him,” Marlow said of Speight. “He always complimented my strong compositions. That always made me feel really good.”

Her strong connection to ECU also shows through her mother’s family.

Women’s Roundtable ProfileWillie Marlowe ’65

About the Women’s Roundtable at East Carolina UniversityFounded in 2003, the Women’s Roundtable acknowledges the contribution of women to East Carolina University’s legacy and encourages new levels of commitment by women to the university’s future. Through its network of nearly 75,000 women graduates in all walks of life, East Carolina has a tremendous impact on communities across the region, state, and beyond. The Women’s Roundtable is a unifying organization that seeks to elevate and encourage leadership and philanthropy by women. The Women’s Roundtable is creating a culture of giving at ECU by focusing its efforts on raising funds for ECU’s Access Scholarship program; building a strong volunteer base of women committed to advancing the university; and forming a deeper pool of women to be considered for other leadership roles at ECU. In addition, members of the Women’s Roundtable have an opportunity to network with a diverse group of intelligent, influential, and resourceful women. These women demonstrate the leadership that distinguishes ECU and personifies the role that women can play in shaping the future.

There are several levels of affiliation with the Women’s Roundtable from the $25 Young Alumnae membership to the $1,500 Lifetime membership. Visit www.ecu.edu/womensroundtable today to learn more about the Women’s Roundtable and to join! Or contact Marcy Romary, senior major gifts officer and director of women’s philanthropy at [email protected] or 252-328-9580 for further information. Visit the Women’s Roundtable on Facebook, too!

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ADVANCEMENT UPDATE

In the midst of a presidential election year, no doubt you will receive phone calls to answer poll questions and ask for your support of one candidate or another. But not every call will be election related –your University will also be calling! Please take this opportunity to update your alumni record, talk with a current student, hear about what’s happening in your college or school, and learn how you can make a difference for East Carolina.

Throughout the year, student callers reach out to alumni to ask for their financial support of the university’s top funding priorities. Donations received are essential to fill the gap between the cost of an ECU education and tuition. These dollars provide student scholarships, classroom equipment, funding for research, opportunities for student and faculty professional development, and so much more! Annual contributions to ECU ensure the university can provide the best education possible to today’s students–instilling in them the desire to serve, drive to succeed, and pride in their alma mater.

Please answer the call! ECU needs your support to provide current students with the same exemplary education you received and access to resources that will help them compete globally after graduation. Not to mention, alumni support is one of the key elements ranking organizations use to measure ECU. The higher the participation rate, the better ranked ECU will be among peer institutions. This also benefits alumni as it adds value to your degree.

ECU needs your support now more than ever. When you answer the call, you can designate your gift to the area of your choice and you’ll feel good knowing your donation helps your alma mater continue to compete as a national research institution, the economic engine of eastern North Carolina and the region, and the hub of the Pirate Nation.

To make a gift online, please visit www.giving.ecu.edu.

“Brantley Speight, my mother’s cousin, and his wife Carrie (no relation to Francis Speight) were very encouraging to me as an art student,” Marlowe said. “They often invited me out for dinner and came to my senior show in the Gray Gallery in the Rawl Building at ECU. Later, they gave the education building to ECU.”

Her husband, Tom Speight, earned his bachelor of arts in mathematics and a master of science degree in physics at East Carolina. In addition, her sister, Judy Stead, was an English major at ECU who minored in art. She is an artist, illustrator and graphic designer who has illustrated many books for children and wrote and illustrated The Twelve Days of Christmas in North Carolina, now in its second printing.

Now, Marlowe is extending that connection through her membership in the Women’s Roundtable at ECU.

“What a great idea to bring the women of the university together to do things that are really interesting and good and would support the programs at East Carolina,” she said. “I joined [the Women’s Roundtable] because I am interested in supporting women’s issues and this is a well organized and exciting program.”

Her vision for the Women’s Roundtable is one that encourages women to support ECU and the arts in their own communities.

“The [members of the Women’s Roundtable] could, in their own communities, do something to enliven the culture right where they are. It has the potential to enlighten women to take part in the whole cultural environment in their area.”

Marlowe is quick to admit that she found her way because of ECU.

“It was a turning point in my life. I really got the absolute most out of the transition from being a kid growing up in a very nice small-town environment, but longing to be in an atmosphere where the arts were valued. Then coming to East Carolina, I was introduced to new possibilities and started to see broader horizons opening up for me. Seeing more of the wide world became a reality, starting with art department trips to DCandNewYorkCity.

And through her membership in and support of the Women’s Roundtable at ECU, she is helping others do the same. For more information about Willie Marlowe and her work, visit www.williemarlowe.com.

ECU Will Be Calling


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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12

Walking Tours of CampusOpen tours between 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.Departing from Wright PlazaBring your walking shoes and enjoy an informative stroll around Main Campus. ECU Student Ambassadors will lead you on a walk down memory lane while showing off ECU’s newest buildings and campus landmarks.

Lunch on Campus12:00 noon-2:00 p.m.The Croatan Green RoomDutch treatExperience new dining options available on campus to kick off Homecoming weekend.

The 2012 Alumni Homecoming

Committee invites alumni and friends of

all ages to return to the greatest

place on Earth for Homecoming

2012 at ECU! The East Carolina Alumni

Association is hosting a variety of

opportunities for you to share your

Pirate Pride by attending Homecoming

activities October 12-13.

Pirate Homecoming Jubilee2:00-5:00 p.m.Wright PlazaFreeAll alumni and friends are welcome to stop by and enjoy family fun activities, entertainment, games, and prizes hosted by this year’s Alumni Homecoming Committee.

Freeboot Friday5:00-8:00 p.m.Uptown GreenvilleStop by the Alumni Association’s table to mingle with members of the Alumni Homecoming Committee. Also, grab a few spirit souvenirs!


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Alumni Awards Ceremony and Dinnerpresented by Duplin Winery6:00 p.m.Greenville Convention Center$40 for Alumni Association members$50 for nonmembers Registration required; register online at PirateAlumni.com/register or by calling the Alumni Center at 800-ECU-GRAD.Join the Alumni Association as we recognize eight special alumni and friends who have demonstrated outstanding merit and achievement. See pages 14-18 to learn about the recipients.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13

Alumni Homecoming Breakfast 9:00 a.m.Taylor-Slaughter Alumni Center Lawn(on the corner of Fifth and Biltmore Streets)Enjoy a complimentary breakfast sponsored by ARAMARK and visit with fellow alumni. Take a front row seat to watch the Homecoming Parade.

Homecoming Parade10:00 a.m.Fifth StreetEnjoy the many sights and sounds of this year’s parade and to celebrate ECU as “The Greatest Place on Earth!”

Alumni Tailgate2:00 p.m.ECU Soccer Stadium (new location)$10 for Alumni Association members; $25 for nonmembers; free for children 12 and youngerRegistration required; register online at PirateAlumni.com/register or by calling the Alumni Center at 800-ECU-GRAD.Gather with fellow fans for a buffet lunch sponsored by Parker’s Barbecue and ARAMARK, Pirate beverages, live music, games for children, and a chance to win door prizes.

Pirate Football: Memphis vs. ECU4:30 p.m.Dowdy-Ficklen StadiumTickets can be purchased from the ECU Athletic Ticket Office at 800-DIAL-ECU. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for children if you mention the group code “ECU ALUMNI.”

REUNIONS

COLLEGIANS REUNIONOctober 12–13“The Best Band in Tarheel Land” will hold their annual Homecoming reunion. Band members and their guests will enjoy a weekend full of activities, including golf, fellowship and jam sessions and playing for fellow alumni at the Homecoming Celebration Dinner and Dance on Saturday night at Cypress Glen Retirement Community.

ECTC REUNIONOctober 12–13Reconnect with former classmates and your almamater. Enjoy all of the Homecoming activities available and end the weekend with the Homecoming Celebration Dinner and Dance featuring The Collegians at Cypress Glen Retirement Community on Saturday evening.

ORIENTATION ASSISTANT REUNIONOctober 12–13Did you spend your summers introducing freshmen to campus? Join other alumni who served as orientationassistants for a reunion to share your memories! Enjoy a social on Friday evening to get reacquainted with old friends and then celebrate your Pirate pride with your fellow OAs at all of the Homecoming activities available over the weekend.

Other Activities

CAMPUS RECREATION & WELLNESS Get a great workout for FREE during Homecoming weekend. Just say you are an ECU alumnus when you stop by the Customer Service desk and you and a guestwill be admitted for FREE. Alumni may bring an additional two guests for $5.00 each. For more information please contact Dena Olo at [email protected] or 252-328-6387.

LIGHT CAMPUS MINISTRYHOMECOMING COSTUME PARTYOctober 12 from 9:00 p.m.-12:00 midnightG&K Café, 3197 E. 10th Street$10.00 per person (includes admission and food)RSVP: by September 15 to Tara Worrell at 252-412-2422 or [email protected]

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DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGYHomecoming TailgateOctober 13 at 1:00 p.m.Belk Building parking lot (for details visit www.ecu.edu/biology)Complimentary. RSVP by Oct. 11 to JoneLetsinger at [email protected] or 252-328-6204. Please include the number attending and use “BIOL Tailgate” in the subject line.

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRYHomecoming CelebrationOctober 125:00 p.m. Social Hour6:00 p.m. Buffet Dinner3rd floor atrium of the Science and Technology BuildingQuestions: Jenny Burnham at 252-328-9710 or [email protected].

DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICEAlumni ReceptionOctober 12 from 4:00–6:00 p.m.Rivers 208Complimentary. RSVP by October 2 to VickiTaylor Rowe at [email protected] or 252-328-4192

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY TailgateOctober 13 at 2:00 p.m.Brewster Building CourtyardComplimentary. RSVP by email or phone by October 8. Questions: Burrell Montz at 252-328-6086 or [email protected].

COLLEGE OF ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES45th Reunion Homecoming CelebrationOctober 12 from 6:00–10:00 p.m.Rock Springs CenterComplimentary. Please check www.ecu.edu/csdhs/ah/alum_homecoming.cfm for further details.

COLLEGE OF BUSINESSHomecoming SocialOctober 13 from 9:30–11:00 a.m.On the lawn between Chancellor’s Way and Fifth Street (at the intersection of Fifth and Student streets)Complimentary for College of Businessalumni, students, faculty, staff, friends, andfamily. Questions: Anne Fisher at 252-328-4396 or [email protected].

COLLEGE OF EDUCATIONHomecoming Parade BreakfastOctober 13 beginning at 9:00 a.m.Speight Building front porchComplimentary. Questions: Gayle McLawhorn at [email protected]. Join us for coffee and donuts before the Homecoming Parade. Alumni, students,faculty, friends and family are welcome toattend this complimentary event.

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATIONHomecoming Parade BreakfastOctober 13 from 9:00-10:30 a.m.Jenkins Fine Arts Center Terrace (next to Gray Gallery)Complimentary. RSVP to Mary Jane Gaddis at 252-328-1268 or [email protected]. Breakfast on the terrace and parade watching for alumni of the schools of Art and Design, Communication, Music and Theatre and Dance

SCHOOL OF MUSIC ReceptionOctober 12 at 5:30 p.m.A.J. Fletcher Music CenterComplimentary. RSVP to Mary Jane Gaddis at 252-328-1268 or [email protected].

RecitalOctober 12 at 7:00 p.m.A.J. Fletcher Recital HallComplimentary. RSVP to Mary Jane Gaddis at 252-328-1268 or [email protected]

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONCommCrew TailgateOctober 13 from 2:00-400 p.m.Alumni Association Tailgate Tent at the Soccer Stadium behind Clark-LeClair Stadium$10 for Alumni Association members, $25 for nonmembers, free for children 12 and youngerPlease specify you are with CommCrew when purchasing tickets through the Alumni Association at 800-ECU-GRAD or PirateAlumni.com/tailgate

COLLEGE OF HUMAN ECOLOGYHomecoming Parade BreakfastOctober 13 from 9:00–11:00 a.m.Rivers Building north entrance near Fifth StreetComplimentary. If you are a graduate or friend of child development and family relations, criminal justice, hospitality management, interior design, merchandising, nutrition science, or social work, please stop by for goodies and watch the parade with friends!

COLLEGE OF NURSINGHomecoming SocialOctober 12 from 5:30–8:00 p.m.College of Nursing Lobby in the Health Sciences BuildingComplimentary. RSVP to Jane Boardman at 252-744-6504 or [email protected]

HONORS COLLEGEOpen HouseOctobert 13 from 9:00–10:00 a.m.Mamie Jenkins BuildingComplimentary. Questions: Kevin Baxter at 252-328-6373 or [email protected]

College, School, and Departmental Activities


PIRATEALUMNI.COM 13

Mark your Calendar:Dowdy Holiday Sale

Tues., Dec 4th

Calling All Pirate Alumni and Friends!

One of the loveliest paintings ever of our campus by Artist William Mangum

Wright Auditorium is a charming sight with its gracefully arched portico. Located on the heart of campus, it is a

favorite icon of students, visitors and alumni.

This beautiful signed and numbered reproduction is available for your home or office today.

Image size: 13” x 22” $125 eachOrder by phone or online

336.379.9200WilliamMangum.com

(252) 565-8926

“Unique engraved Pirate gifts for you!”

Elaine Garner Denton


Dr. Sharon Allison-Ottey ’95

Dr. Sharon Allison-Ottey is a doctor whose life’s mission is to educate and empower patients to be active participants in their health. A native of Kannapolis, NC, she knew from a very early age that she wanted to be a doctor. Since earning her medical degree from ECU Brody School of Medicine in 1995, she has gone on to be an author, speaker, advocate and community health leader. She is devoted to addressing minority health disparities and improving women’s health.

During her time at ECU, Dr. Sharon served as President of the Student National Medical Association’s (SNMA) campus chapter. Later she became one of the first female chairs of the national Board of Directors for SNMA and the first female to be named chair emeritus.

Dr. Sharon is one of the founding members of the COSHAR Foundation, a national non-profit dedicated to improving world health one community at a time through sharing culturally relevant healthcare information with those whose health is vulnerable due to lack of access or socioeconomic barriers. Under the foundation, Dr. Sharon developed the National Health Ministry Network (NHMN), which provides information and programs to thousands of member houses of worship and community organizations.

She has held numerous leadership positions in medical and non-medical organizations, including previously serving on the Board of Trustees of the National Medical Association (NMA) and as chair of the Council on the Concerns of Women Physicians. She was the youngest recipient of the Scroll of Merit in 2002, the NMA’s highest award. She was a founding board member of the Partnership for Clear Health Communications, which focused on improving health literacy in the U.S.

In addition to her community health work, Dr. Sharon is an accomplished author of several books, a greeting card line and many medical articles. She is also a nationally sought-after speaker for not only medical professionals but also civic and community organizations. Dr. Sharon has hosted a popular radio show, appeared on local and syndicated television programs and has been quoted in several nationwide publications like USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Essence and Ebony magazines.

Today, she lives in Maryland and continues to attempt to make a difference in the lives that she touches.

2012 Alumni Award Recipients

Outstanding Alumni Award

PIRATEALUMNI.COM 15

Bob Benzon is a decorated military veteran who worked to make flying safer for passengers and pilots for almost 30 years with the National Transportation Safety Board. He likes to say that he was trying to put himself out of business; in other words, if his organization succeeds through complete and thorough safety investigations, then it is no longer needed.

Benzon earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from ECU in 1971. After graduating, Benzon became a commissioned Air Force officer and immediately went to flight school in Mississippi. He then flew combat missions over Vietnam while stationed at Da Nang Air Force Base.

Benzon’s military service earned him numerous Air Medals, Air Force Commendation Medals, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor designation, and the Republic of Vietnman Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

Upon leaving active military duty in 1984, he joined the National Transportation Safety Board in its Chicago Field Office. There, he investigated 64 fatal general aviation accidents. In 1987, he transferred to the NTSB headquarters in Washington, D.C. Since then, he has been the Investigator in Charge of 33 major domestic aircraft accident investigations and the official U.S. representative in a similar number of international aviation accident investigations of U.S. interest.

He was the Investigator in Charge of famed “Miracle on the Hudson” investigation in 2009. In that accident, Captain Chesley Sullenberger landed US Airways Flight 1549 safely on the Hudson River with no fatalities or major injuries after hitting a flock of geese, which disabled both engines. He also led the team of the NTSB investigators at the World Trade Center site following the September 11th terrorist attacks. Benzon received the NTSB’s highest annual honor for investigators, the Chairman’s Award, in 2006.

He retired from government service last year and currently lives in Fredericksburg, VA, with his wife, Susan Benzon.

Robert Paul Benzon ’71




Robert George Rankin IV ’70

Bob Rankin is a distinguished artist who has not only crafted his own works, but also taught hundreds of students how to create their own. He has encouraged over 100 students to major in art at ECU. As a refocused high school art teacher, he maintains an active studio in Raleigh and one in Leesville Lake, VA. He also conducts art workshops across the country and in Italy.

Rankin earned his bachelor’s degree in art education from ECU in 1970. While at ECU, he was a member of the Kappa Alpha order as well as a cheerleader and head cheerleader from 1967-1970. He then studied at the NC State University School of Design and the American Institute of Foreign Study in London. Then Rankin taught for more than 25 years at Sanderson High School in Wake County. From 1982 to 1985, he served as the co-chairman of the NC Art Education Association, Secondary Division.

HisartworkhasbeenexhibitedinNewYorkCity,Philadelphia, Aspen, and many cities across the U.S. The former King of Morocco even has one of his paintings after an international invitational show in Marrakesh. His work hangs in many corporate and private collections around the world.

Rankin is an enthusiastic world traveler. His travels often inspire his work, such as a series of paintings representing scuba diving adventures in Fiji and the Red Sea. One of his paintings incorporated volcanic ash to create texture. He has sailed under the Harbor Bridge in Sydney, Australia, skied the Tasman Glacier in New Zealand, hiked the Virunga Volcano to see the mountain gorillas in the Congo, glided in a hot air balloon across the Seregeti, walked the Great Wall of China and floated on the Ganges and the Nile.

Rankin has received many awards in his career. He was honoredastheSecondaryArtEducatorof theYearbytheNCArt Education Association. He is a seven-time Spectator/Metro Magazine Best Artist in the Triangle winner. He won the Raleigh Medal of Arts in 1992. He started Raleigh’s premier art festival Artsplosure. He is currently a member of the Raleigh Arts Commission. Under his guidance, Sanderson High School earned National Scholastic Art Awards and became recognized as one of the nation’s premier high school art programs by the National Scholastic Art Awards Organization.

Rankin currently lives and creates in Raleigh.


PIRATEALUMNI.COM 17

Distinguished Service Award Sabrina DeFonce BengelSabrina Bengel’s passion for service has had a significant impact at East Carolina University over the past decade. As a member of the Alumni Association board for seven years including a term as chairwoman, Bengel presided during a time when programs expanded, membership grew, and scholarship awards increased. Her service to East Carolina extends beyond the Alumni Association. She is a current member of ECU’s Board of Visitors and Joyner Library Advancement Council, and is a former member of ECU’s Foundation Board of Directors.

Outside her service to the University, Bengel is a local entrepreneur who represents the City of New Bern, NC First Ward as Alderwoman. Currently, Bengel is the Managing Partner of “The Birthplace of Pepsi” located in downtown New Bern showcasing Pepsi’s early beginnings. She also serves as president of New Bern Tours & Convention Services, a company she founded that manages New Bern’s Historic District trolley tours.

She and her husband Steve Bengel ’79 have two children: Buddy, 30, and Becky, 28.

Kay Haskell Chalk ’76Kay Chalk is a prolific volunteer with many service and leadership roles, but she is best known for her work to develop the Women’s Roundtable at ECU. Founded in 2003, the Women’s Roundtable acknowledges the contribution of women to East Carolina.

Chalk served as chair of the Roundtable Board of Directors from 2006 to 2010. While chair, she coordinated the event “A Legacy of Leadership: One Hundred Incredible ECU Women.”

Chalk earned her undergraduate degree in education from the University of Arizona and completed her master of arts in elementary education at ECU in 1976. She spent twenty years working in public education as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and administrative executive. Her husband Ken earned both his degrees at ECU and is now a member of the ECU Board of Trustees.

The Chalks are founding members of the Chancellor’s Society and members of the Order of the Cupola. They have also supported the Access Scholarship program from its beginning in 2007. The couple is currently endowing the Kay Chalk Women’s Roundtable Access Scholarship.

Robert S. Rippy ’75, ’96Robert Rippy has been a supporter of ECU throughout his career. He has been a member of the Alumni Association board as well being involved with several other boards and organizations at the University. He is the owner of Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park in Wilmington, NC, after leading a distinguished career in the financial planning industry.

Rippy has been a member of the ECU Board of Visitors, the ECU Foundation, Cape Fear Community College Foundation, and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. He also lent his financial expertise to the Pirate Club Investment Advisory Committee. He is a member of ECU’s Health and Human Performance Advancement Council and former member of the College of Education Advancement Council. He also has been a member of the UNC-Wilmington School of Business Advisory Board and the UNCW Entrepreneurial Advisory Board. He also earned an Outstanding Alumni Award from the ECU College of Education in 2007.

Rippy is married to Jennifer Jones Rippy ’73. They live in Wilmington, NC.


Dr. Charles Coble is a tireless advocate and renowned expert in teacher education. Coble joined the ECU Department of Science Education in 1972. He was selected Dean of the then-named School of Education at ECU from 1983 to 1996. While dean, he led in the creation of ECU’s first non-medical doctoral program, the EdD in educational leadership.

Coble served as vice president for University-School Programs for the UNC system from 1996 to 2005. In that role he created the UNC Center for School Leadership Development for teachers and administrators and statewide NC TEACH program. Upon his retirement from UNC, he was named vice president for Policy Studies and Programs for the Education Commission of the United States, in Denver, Colorado.

Coble has directed more than $12 million in grants and is the author or co-author of ten books and more than 80 published articles. In June 2002, he was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor given to civilians in the state of North Carolina. He holds degrees from Mars Hill College and UNC Chapel Hill.

From his first job as a high school science teacher in Wilmington to his current status as a national consultant and emeritus of science education at ECU, Coble has worked to improve the education of teachers in North Carolina and all over the U.S. Recently, he defended the North Carolina Teaching Fellows program to the state Legislature, since he was dean of education when the ECU Teaching Fellows program was initially established.

Today Coble lives in Chapel Hill with his wife, Diana, a former lecturer in the ECU School of Business and a counselor with ECU Family Medicine.

East Carolina is widely regarded as a premier destination for students aspiring to a career in theatre arts; a distinction born out of the founding vision and transformational leadership of Edgar Loessin.

Originally from Houston, Texas, Loessin earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Dramatic Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Fine Arts inDirectingatYaleUniversity’srenownedSchoolof Drama.Later,heworkedatthefamedActorsStudioinNewYork.

In 1962, at the invitation of President Leo Jenkins, Loessin came to East Carolina and created the Department of Drama and Speech, which later became the School of Theatre and Dance. From the start, Loessin’s drama program stressed practical preparation for theater careers – training students in all aspects of theatre production, both on stage and behind the scenes.

For his work and service, Loessin was presented with the UNC Board of Governors O. Max Gardner Award, the Roanoke Island Morrison Award, and the Carolina Playmakers Outstanding Alumni Award. In 1987, Loessin received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor bestowed upon a citizen of North Carolina, from Governor Jim Martin. His students and colleagues remember him as a gifted producer and director, and as an engaging teacher.

Loessin passed away in April of 2011 but his legacy lives on in the faculty he inspired, in the students he educated, in his family including his beloved wife Amanda, and in the program that is a source of great pride for the University.

His name now adorns a number of the programs he built including the ECU/Loessin Playhouse, the ECU/Loessin Summer Theatre and with this honor he joins the ranks of generations of ECU alumni.


Honorary Alumni Award Dr. Charles R. Coble

Edgar R. Loessin

PIRATEALUMNI.COM 19

Romantic dates for all occasions

Relative & in-lawguest stays

Business travel

Stay in updated classic style of the 1920s Located on Historic E. 5th Street

Directly across from the main campus of ECU and performing arts venues

Tomorrow starts here.

Leave a perpetual legacy at ECU:

Avoid two types of taxation with a gift from your IRA, 401(k), and other qualified retirement plans

When you gift a percentage or specific dollar total from your retirement plan to East Carolina University through the East Carolina University Foundation Inc., East Carolina University Medical & Health Sciences Foundation Inc., or the East Carolina University Educational Foundation Inc. (Pirate Club), you can help future students while gaining multiple tax advantages.

By utilizing this specific asset, where often the greatest amount of your wealth resides, you can avoid/reduce both income and estate taxation. This asset is among the most difficult to pass to heirs/beneficiaries based on the fact that it is a deferred tax asset. For these reasons gifting this asset may enable your heirs to avoid income and estate tax while leaving a perpetual legacy at ECU. Best of all this easy process can be done through one simple piece of paperwork (Beneficiary Designation Form) provided by your retirement plan provider.

For more information about this planned gift or joining the Leo W. Jenkins Society, please contact Greg Abeyounis, assistant vice chancellor for development, at 252-328-9573 or e-mail at [email protected]. For examples and more information on planned giving mechanisms, visit our Web site at www.ecu.edu/plannedgiving.

Day or night you can connect with East Carolina

PirateAlumni.com

Find lost classmates in the Online Alumni Directory.

Recently moved? Update your record online and stay in touch with ECU.

Submit a Class Note to share your news with fellow alumni.

Become a member of the Alumni Association and help advance ECU.


On the Rise

PIRATEALUMNI.COM 21

Tremayne Smith ’11 is on an upward path to greatness; perhaps all the way to the White House


I“[It] was the great lesson that I learned, that I had an innate desire to use my talents and my gifts to inspire others and bring others along. I lifted as I climbed. (The ECU Dean of Students Dr. Lynn Roeder taught me that). East Carolina University has been central in any and every step that I take from this point on,” said Tremayne Smith about the most influential bit of knowledge he has taken from his ECU education—a credo he intends to take right to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Smith started at ECU in 2006 with the intention of graduating as a bi-lingual nurse anesthetist. But the ECU Marching Pirates changed the course of his college career and his future.

“I began at ECU simply as a music major and graduated a double major, sitting member of the ECU Board of Trustees, head drum major of the ECU Marching Pirates, and the Student Body President of [nearly] 28,000 students,” Smith said. While he is probably best known for his backflips during Marching Pirates performances, Smith demonstrated leadership in many ways on campus.

As head drum major, Smith was directing an immense undertaking that he never thought would be a part of his life. “Being a leader requires a willingness to be wrong and an eagerness to accept that. That was always at the back of my mind as the head drum major. Being a collegiate drum major was something that I had never even dreamed of. I distantly and faintly toiled with the idea in high school, but simply thought it was out of the question impossible. That mindset changed though. After marching for a year in the marching band, I decided that not only did I have what it took to be an effective drum major, but I also had what it took to be the head drum major, despite the fact that I was only a rising sophomore,” remembered Smith. He held the position for three consecutive years.

“A description of a game day atmosphere is 43,000-50,000 fans, all on one accord, gushing with Pirate passion and pride, all singing along to the rhythm and beats that I was conducting,” Smith recalled. “I had to be so locked in—so focused on keeping the band together with the chaos of Rowdy Dowdy in the backdrop…and yes, there were the backflips. Game day is nothing more than a massive production and everyone has

his or her role to play. I figured [the backflips were] my way to get people on their feet, entertain and awe them… being head drum major of the Marching Pirates was one of the high honors of my life, up to this point, and I will always have a high regard for that experience.”

Leadership in Marching Pirates led Smith to influential roles in other clubs and organizations, and his interests spanned a broad spectrum of what the University offers. Smith was an orientation assistant, a member of ECU Swing Dance and ECU College Democrats, was founding father of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, part of the Jarvis Leadership Program, a student teacher, and member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity.

“Perception is reception; what you perceive you receive. I wanted to be ‘the standard—the model’ that students looked to. I had a dynamic, to say the least, student experience,” Smith reflected.

His true calling was realized when he was elected to serve on Student Government. “There were many lessons learned,” Smith said. “I learned that you ‘grow through what you go through.’ Every day at ECU wasn’t cheerful and

sun-shiny, but I did take good and bad times alike in stride, and I kept pressing onward, forward, and upward—no matter what. It was important for me to approach everything with a healthy does of skepticism and a hearty does of optimism. Through my entire time at ECU, I was never in it for myself, alone. I approached everything with the perspective of ‘how can this help someone else,’ or ‘how can I include someone that may not have the opportunities that I have?’” Smith’s positive attitude and outlook was sometimes confused for selfish gain. “Where others saw arrogance, I saw aspiration; where people saw conceit, I saw confidence...stumbling blocks that were meant to trip me up became stepping stones that served to lift me up.”

As drum major, Smith was known for high-steppin’ and back flips during the Marching Pirates pregame show.

Jeff Toton, Smith, Chancellor Steve Ballard, and Michael Quidort at Smith’s last meeting as a member of the Board of Trustees.

PIRATEALUMNI.COM 23

Those lessons in leadership have taken him far. Now a staff assistant for U.S. Senator Kay Hagan, Smith continues to apply his leadership skills and generous heart to improve the lives of North Carolinians. “It’s a wonderful opportunity and I feel that my role is minute, yet integral to the grander picture,” he said. “That is, [helping] Senator Hagan provide the best representation to North Carolina that she can. I deal mainly with constituents from the state, but have other duties.”

Smith is soaking in the life, culture, pace, and wonder that is the nation’s Capitol. He spends his days in Washington experiencing only what that wondrous city can provide—the history of a nation, the pristine architecture of national monuments, a diverse culture where foreign influence meets the American dream, and the overwhelming fever of politics and the political machine.

“George Strait said it best when he said ‘I ain’t here for a long time—I’m here for a good time!’ That’s exactly how I feel. I’ve had some pretty incredible outings [since coming to Washington],” Smith commented. On Fathers Day 2011 he had yogurt while President Obama and his daughters sat at a nearby table. He met Harrison Ford, talked with Vice President Joe Biden in the House Chamber, and attended the South Korean President’s address to Congress. Smith was part of a group that sang Happy Birthday to the president, was in the House Chamber when Arizona Representative Gabby

Giffords returned to the Hill, and met the Australian Ambassador to the U.S.

“Some mornings I will go into the grand rotunda of the Capitol, all alone, sit next to the statue of Abraham Lincoln, and listen to my favorite gospel song, Adele, or ECU Band tunes—just soaking in every minute of my time here,” Smith said. “Every morning that I walk to work, I always pause, look at the dome of the U.S. Capitol, take a deep breath and say (to God) ‘thank you.’”

He is still adjusting to the fast-paced lifestyle, cost of living, and lack of Southern hospitality to which he is accustomed. “Manners are rare, but when I show it to others, it’s doubly appreciated,” he commented. “I’ve enjoyed introducing [new friends] to sweet tea, Cheerwine, and Bojangles!” Smith certainly hasn’t lost his gracious roots.

Smith is soaking in every learning opportunity that comes his way and forming his own opinions about government, politicians, and the inner workings of the American infrastructure. “In my opinion (and I’m not speaking for Sen. Hagan’s office), the greatest challenges facing our country are two-fold: One, the ideological fringes, those with the most extreme views on issues, are controlling the debate. Two, there is unwillingness for bi-partisanship cooperation and that reeks with the stench of obstructionism—even at the cost of failing to address the important issues like providing affordable education, ending poverty, and addressing income inequality. This is a challenge and to me it’s

Smith with former SGA Presidents Brad “Cornbread” Congleton ’09 and Keri Brockett ’08 after ECU defeated NC State in 2010.

Smith with Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz and 2011-12 SGA President Josh Martinkovic ’12.

a shame that it is.” His sincere hope is that democrats and republicans can govern in a truly bi-partisan manner that is in the best interest of the country and its citizens.

His ultimate goal—for his time in Washington and for his future—is to make a difference. “I don’t know what my future holds, but I do know who holds my future (the Lord). Possible options for me include, law school, Officer Candidate School for the U.S. Air Force, master’s degree in government or international relations, and going abroad to Australia,” said Smith. “My dream job, frankly, is to be an excellent father and a great husband—that will take a great deal of work, I know. Career wise, my desire for public service will likely point me towards being an elected official at the state and federal level. I would love to be the first African-American Chancellor of East Carolina, too, but long-term, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. will be my future residence.”


Where Pirate Memories Continue...“With many former faculty, staff, and students at Cypress Glen we are fortunate to maintain a very close relationship with ECU.”

Official Partner

Bob Leith began his 29 years of dedication to East Carolina in 1957 when he was invited to join the Department of Industrial and Technical Education faculty. At that time the school was still named East Carolina College. Dr. Leith watched the school grow and diversify as he served as professor and, for a time, acting chair of the department. His passion was always working with the students teaching drafting and architectural engineering.

Dr. Leith was a charter member and president of the North Carolina Technology Education Association. He served as trustee and faculty advisor of the international honorary fraternity, Epsilon Pi Tau, and has been dedicated to numerous service organizations.

Several Leith family members are East Carolina graduates, including wife JoAnn (deceased), son Robert Leith Jr., daughter Sue Aldridge, and many grandchildren and their spouses.

Dr. Robert W. LeithCypress Glen Resident since 2009

www.cypressglen.org

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Are you an ECU alumnus considering a career change? Have you found that your current job no longer fulfills you and you’re staying only because it offers reliable income and benefits? Do you find yourself curious about others who seem enthusiastic about and energized by the work that they do? If you answered yes to just one of these questions, it may be time to take a serious look at some of the core values missing from the work that you do every day.

As a starting point in deliberating a career change, it is important to identify your work values. Many people skip over this essential component when considering a job change. All too often people enter into a job for the wrong reasons. Some look to make a great deal of money and others choose a job because they desire to be close to a significant other.

When considering a career or job move, look for opportunities that are a good match for your work values and allow you to use the skills that you excel at and enjoy. Evaluating work values and identifying your top skills prior to making a change results in fulfilling work. Experienced interviewers can readily discern between candidates who demonstrate that they fit the position and other candidates just trying to get a job.

Remember what you have to offer must be a “fit” for what the organization needs. Examining the position description and the qualifications will inform you if there is a potential match. Save yourself the time and energy if you do not have at least three of the essentials skills that the employer requests.

When beginning the process to review your work values, there are a few things to consider.

Understand that reassessing your work values and skills is a cycle and should be done periodically throughout your working life.Yourworkvaluescyclecouldbe every two to three years or every five or more years. The events in your life beyond work will often have an influence on your

Finding Career Success and Fulfillment...It Does Exist!

work values. For example, the economy, a relationship with another person outside of work, children, the location where you currently live, where you would like to live in the future, and your interests outside of work all indirectly have some influence on your work values.

Consider what your values are. Review this list and identify what is always important, somewhat important, or not important in your work:

•achievement•autonomy•job security•collaboration•prestige•recognition•compensation•leadership•influence•creativity•variety•leisure time•location•travel•flexibility•helping others•independence•balance•power•pace•predictability•competitiveness•riskOnce you prioritize those values,

decide which ones motivate you the most in a work setting. Let them serve as a foundation to evaluate and select potential jobs and positions.

As you progress through your working years expect to revisit work values each time a career opportunity arises. Most people have two to three careers in their working life and within each career will work several jobs. Because we evolve and change with every experience that we encounter, our lives and work are a true journey. It is important to enjoy the trip.


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Pirate C.A.V.E. Enhances Learning for ECU College Algebra Students

This fall, East Carolina University students taking college algebra noticed a change in curriculum modeled largely after a program based at Louisiana State University. The Pirate C.A.V.E. (College Algebra Virtual Environment) Math 1065 Lab is a new learning lab located in the basement of Joyner Library. Students enrolled in Math 1065 attend one 50-minute class session each week. The students then are required to attend at least three hours in the Pirate C.A.V.E.

While in the Pirate C.A.V.E., students use the MyMathLab software program to complete homework assignments and take all quizzes and exams. Supplemental videos provided by LSU also are available to students in the lab, and students receive assistance from instructors, as well as lab tutors.

For every section of Math 1065 that a professor teaches at ECU, that professor spends two hours in the lab. A total of 20 student tutors also work in the lab. Tutors receive training and must successfully complete three problem sets containing exercises the students in Math 1065 are assigned.

Lab Director and mathematics instructor Cathy Wilkerson said this model of teaching mathematics at other institutions has been very successful in decreasing D/F grades, and has positively increased passing rates and retention for students.

“I am very excited to be a part of our redesign of Math 1065. We have a great team of college algebra instructors, and we have been planning for its implementation for over a year,” said Wilkerson. “We are hopeful that we can achieve the same success that other universities have experienced with their redesigns.”

According to Dr. Johan Hattingh, chair of the Department of Mathematics, the primary goal of the redesign of Math 1065 is to shift students from a passive, note-taking role to an active orientation that will enhance learning.

“In essence, students learn math by doing math, not by listening to someone talk about doing math,” said Hattingh.

The Pirate C.A.V.E. celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 15, and is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ALLIED HEALTHDepartment Changes Name

The name of ECU’s Department of Rehabilitation Studies has changed to the Department of Addictions and Rehabilitation Studies.

According to Dean Stephen Thomas, the new name “better reflects the direction of the department.”

ECU is one of the few schools in the nation to offer a master’s degree in substance abuse and clinical counseling (SACC). Since its inception in 1989, the SACC degree program has attracted a majority of matriculating students in the department.

Training for High-Tech Healthcare

The ECU Department of Health Services and Information Management will offer the Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management program beginning Fall 2013. The MS degree will replace the current BS degree in Health Information Management.

Since 1970, the BS in Health Information Management has been successfully training administrators.

Today, the health care system is moving towards digitization and interconnectivity, with universal EHRs and reliable health information exchanges across the US as the goal. New specialists will be needed to lead such systematic changes.

PIRATEALUMNI.COM 27

New Leadership for Two Departments

Alan Gindoff, DHSc, PA-C has joined the Department of Physician Assistant Studies as Chair and Program Director. Prior to his ECU appointment, he spent 11 years on the faculty at the School of PA Studies at the University of Florida. He also holds the Bachelor’s degree in zoology from Ohio Wesleyan University, a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from the University of Nebraska, and the Doctor of Health Science degree from Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Paul Toriello has been hired as the new chair of the Department of Additions and Rehabilitation Studies. Toriello has been working in the addictions and rehabilitation field since 1991. He joined ECU in 2005, and has directed the PhD in Rehabilitation Counseling and Administration since 2009. He has served as the CAHS Interim Assistant Dean for Research Grants since 2011. Toriello earned his Doctor of Rehabilitation (RhD) specializing in substance related disorders from the Rehabilitation Institute, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

BUSINESSPersonal Finance Instructors Inspire Students To Save Over $100,000

Three personal finance instructors in the ECU College of Business challenged their students to save $50,000 this past semester by sharing tips on changing spending behaviors. Together the 500 students saved an astounding $130,000.

“We were hoping to help our students save up to $50,000 for the year, averaging to $100 per student,” said instructor Bill Pratt. “I couldn’t help but smile as I tallied the amount of savings.”

The submission did not count as part of their course grade; instead student names were entered into a drawing for several $50 gift cards.

“We begin the semester by discussing jobs, careers, and the importance of internships. From there we move into basic financial topics such as how to create a college budget, how to pay for college, how to save on the cost of a car, how to buy insurance, and many other personal finance topics,” said Mark Weitzel, who created the course more than 10 years ago. “We wanted a fun

way to demonstrate to our students that making good financial decisions as a result of what they learn in class is easy and will make a real difference in their lives.”

Savings ranged from a few dollars on eating out less to saving thousands of dollars on the purchase of a car. One student saved an average of $100 per month by riding his bike to school. Another student stopped buying a snack before her first class and saved more than $50 each month. One couple kept heating and cooling costs to a minimum by turning the thermostat low in the winter and high in the summer.

“Our goal is to teach students enough about money so they know the right questions to ask and where to find the answers they need. We want our students to know enough so that no one can take advantage of their financial inexperience,” said instructor Len Rhodes.

The personal finance class at ECU is a three credit hour elective course that fills to its 500 student capacity each semester.

For more information about ECU’s financial literacy initiatives or the personal finance course, contact teaching instructor Mark Weitzel at [email protected].

DENTAL MEDICINEFirst Community Service Learning Center Opens

June 28, 2012, was another first for the ECU School of Dental Medicine. Faculty, students, and supporters gathered in Ahoskie, N.C., to open the first of ten community service learning centers that eventually will span the state.

The centers will be staffed by faculty, students, residents and other dental professionals who will provide dental care at reduced costs to Medicaid eligible patients, sliding-fee scale patients and local citizens who don’t have access to regular dental care. Dental students will learn and gain experience first-hand in these community settings.

The $3.3 million, 7,700 square-foot service learning center in Ahoskie offers residents of Bertie, Gates, Hertford, and Northampton Counties 16 dental chairs in which to receive general, preventive and emergency dental care.

Dr. Greg Chadwick, interim dean of the School of Dental Medicine, recognized crowd members, saying, “Many of those here today can rightfully claim a role in the events that led to this state-of-the-art center.”

One extraordinary partner at the event was 87-year-old Dr. Ledyard Ross, a retired Greenville orthodontist whose $4 million gift led to the naming of the School’s new building on the ECU campus as Ross Hall.

Another major partner at the opening was Kim Schwartz, CEO of the Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center (RCCHC), who spearheaded the effort with the dental school that led to the new dental facility in Ahoskie. The RCCHC offers health services to the community and will soon open its own new health center next to ECU’s building.

Schwartz and leaders of the Roanoke-Chowan Foundation also announced an $83,000 grant to help pay for dental care for the health center’s sliding-fee-scale patients at the ECU center.

The Office of Rural Health and Community Care has also committed $100,000 to create and pilot a “Dental Access Plan” at

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ECU Personal Finance Instructors Bill Pratt, Len Rhodes, and Mark Weitzel.


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the center in Ahoskie to provide health care for uninsured patients.ECU admitted its first class of 52 dental students in 2011. The

second class of 52 started in August 2012. All are North Carolina residents.

Other community service learning centers are planned for Elizabeth City, Sylva, Lillington, Spruce Pine, and Lexington.

EDUCATIONCollege of Education Helps Teachers Adopt New Standards

North Carolina adopted Common Core standards in 2010, which focus on skills needed in core subjects: language arts, math, social studies and science. Since teachers will soon be tasked with covering these essential subjects in a new way, faculty from the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences spent two weeks training teachers how to craft curriculum to meet these core standards. The training is part of the Teacher Quality Partnership Institute, which is funded from a five-year, $9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. As the largest producer of educators in North Carolina, the ECU College of Education is committed to finding the most effective ways to teach our students how to have a positive impact on the children in their classrooms and the people in our communities.

Volunteers Sought to Help Evaluate Teacher Portfolios The College of Education is recruiting volunteers to evaluate portfolios produced by student teachers in their final semester at East Carolina University. In 2011, the college adopted a new model for assessing teacher performance. Created by Stanford University and the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, this national, valid, and reliable instrument allows the College to be see where our graduates rank compared to other colleges and universities across the country. In 2012, 280 students were evaluated. The pilot program will expand again in 2013 to include 500 students across all education programs.

Faculty Recognitions

Sara Graves was selected as the recipient of the 2012 Council for Exceptional Children Outstanding Undergraduate Student Member of theYear Award.This national award winner studies adaptedspecial education, which focuses on developing curriculum students with severe and profound disabilities. She plans to teach high school.

Dr.GuiliZhangwonaFive-YearAchievementAwardduetoher exceptional research accomplishments and achievements in her years at ECU. Since joining the faculty in 2006, Zhang has become a leading researcher in the College of Education. Her work centers on designing and conducting statistical analyses used in measuring academic program success. Zhang has examined the existing statistical standards, identified inadequacies and developed new tools to better evaluate the effectiveness of programs or treatments.

East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine class of 2015 look forward to working with patients in their senior year at the new Community Service Learning Center in Ahoskie, N.C. The center, opened on June 28, is the first of ten centers planned to span the state.

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The School of Music hosts a plethora of events in both A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall and Wright Auditorium. September 13 and 14 mark the opening extravaganza of the popular Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival. ECU Opera Theatre will stage Jack Beeson’s 1965 opera Lizzie Borden (November 1-4).

For more information visit www.ecu.edu/artscomm.

HONORS COLLEGEThe Honors College Announces 2012 Homecoming Gathering

The Honors College invites all Honors alumni, Honors students, families, friends of the college, and prospective students to the 2012 Honors Homecoming Breakfast on Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Please join the Honors College faculty and staff on the front porch of Mamie Jenkins for refreshments. Tours of the Mamie Jenkins Building, the home of the Honors College, will be available from 9:00-10:00 a.m. before parade watching begins at 10:00 a.m. Please drop by for a tour or visit.

The Honors College Welcomes the Incoming Class with Summer Connection Events

The Honors College is delighted to welcome 110 incoming freshmen as the third entering class to the Honors College. These students will receive a scholarship equal to the amount of in-state tuition for four years provided they remain in good standing in the college. The Honors College welcomed the incoming class at three kickoff events this summer. These programs featured opportunities for students to connect with friends of the college, faculty, staff, and peers prior to the first day of fall classes. The first event included a sail aboard the 72-foot schooner Jeanie B from Washington Harbor on the Pamlico River. The students learned how to navigate the boat and assisted the captain throughout the trip. The second event was a service project at William B. Umstead State Park in Raleigh, NC. Students cleaned 32 cabins and split firewood to assist the park staff. Mr. Irwin Roberts ’66 and Golden Corral generously sponsored dinner for the students. The final event began in Charlotte, NC at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Students participated in whitewater rafting, rock climbing, zip lines, and challenge courses. Later that day the students attended a minor league baseball game at Knights Stadium. Admission and dinner at the baseball game were kindly provided by Bill Langley ’72. Langley, vice chair of the Honors College Advancement Council and Robert Brinkley ’78, vice chair of the ECU Board of Trustees, attended the game and connected with incoming Honors College students.

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FINE ARTS & COMMUNICATION

Fall Events in the College of Fine Arts and Communication

The S. Rudolph Alexander Performing Arts Series kicks off its 51st season with comedian Bill Cosby on September 20. An additional eleven performances—including jazz, dance, chamber music and American songbook—follow throughout the year.

Family Fare, a six-title performing arts primer for elementary-aged children, launches in Wright Auditorium with ECU Storybook Theatre in The Hobbit on October 19. Additional titles in the series include Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom starring Peter Gros and the doggone funny musical adaptation of the children’s book, Martha Speaks!

The Southern Circuit Film Festival, a six-film series that brings to town independent films and the artists that created them, begins with Small, Beautifully Moving Parts. Filmmaker Lisa Robinson will make remarks following the free screening on September 26 at the Greenville Museum of Art.

The School of Art and Design opens the exhibition season in Wellington B. Gray Gallery with the 2012 Tri-State Sculpture Exhibition. A symposium and closing reception will take place on October 5.

The School of Communication hosts visiting scholar Robin Bronk on October 24-26. Bronk is the CEO of the Creative Coalition, a national nonprofit and nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment industry. While on campus, Bronk will work with Communication students, address the public in a variety of forums and serve as the keynote speaker at the annual high school media workshop.

The School of Theatre and Dance lights the McGinnis Theatre stage with the irreverent and zany Crimes of the Heart (September 27 through October 2). The ECU/Loessin Playhouse season features four additional titles including the blockbuster Cabaret and the perennial favorite, Dance 2012.

Meet the filmmaker of “Small, Beautifully Moving Parts” following a screening on September 26. When technophile Sara Sparks (Anna Margaret Hollyman, above) becomes pregnant, her uncertainties about motherhood trigger an impulsive roadtrip in search of the source of her anxiety: her long-estranged mother, who lives far away and off the grid.

Honors incoming freshmen enjoy a short break while cleaning cabins at Umstead State Park.


HUMAN ECOLOGYHospitality entrepreneur wins Bootstrap

Wilmington Downtown, Inc. recently named College of Human Ecology alumnus Spencer Barrick ’11 the winner of its BootStrap competition, which helps launch technology start-ups. Barrick won for EyeBar LLC, his new website and iPhone app that streams live video of bars, clubs, and restaurants to the user’s cell phone.

“The venues pay a monthly subscription for the service,” said Barrick. “I work with a team of web developers, graphic designers, marketing firms, and I have three ECU hospitality management interns. Soon EyeBar will be live streaming events, concerts, and festivals.”

Barrick chose Wilmington, NC, for EyeBar because he wants the city to thrive. “Wilmington is a perfect location to incubate EyeBar. It has a diverse bar scene that works perfectly with my concept,” he said. “I’m also looking into incorporating the app into Wilmington events like the Azalea Festival, Downtown Sundown Concert Series and Wing Fling. Live streaming will give these events a global reach.”

A lucky string of events led Barrick to enter BootStrap. Some months ago, he met with Judy Siguaw, dean of the College of Human Ecology, to ask her for business advice. Dean Siguaw introduced him to a former colleague at UNCW, who told him about the competition.

“I was one of the five finalists selected to be interviewed,” said Barrick. “I pitched my business to local business professionals, who liked my concept.” Bootstrap rewarded Spencer with several prizes, including free office space in downtown Wilmington.

Barrick is not a newcomer to the hospitality industry or to hard work. He’s worked in hotels and restaurants since high school. At ECU, he was an All-American track athlete and a record holding javelin thrower. He was also selected as an Elite Pirate, founding president of Eta Sigma Delta (hospitality management honor society), and member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

For Barrick, one of the perks of starting his own business is that he inspires others to chase their dreams. “People tell me that what I am doing is inspirational,” he said. “I believe that anything is possible with a little bit of creativity and drive. I also have the mentality of a Pirate; I like to steer my own ship.”

Learn more at www.eyebarUSA.com.

JOYNER LIBRARYEastern North Carolina Literary Homecoming

The annual Eastern North Carolina Literary Homecoming is a day-and-a-half event beginning Friday evening September 21 at 6:30 p.m. Saturday’s events run from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and will be held on the second floor of Joyner Library. The theme for this year’s event is Litflix: Adapting North Carolina Literature into Film. Authors whose written works have been turned into film will discuss their experiences of turning their work into visual expression. The program includes three panel discussions, five workshops, a luncheon presentation and a keynote address. A special presenter this year is ECU alumnus James Dodson ’75.

Dodson is a NC native from Greensboro where his journalism career began in 1976. He graduated from ECU in 1975 with a bachelor of arts in English. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2002 and recently served as the Distinguished Charles Rubin Writer-in-Residence at Hollins University in Virginia. His journalism awards include the prestigious William Allen White Award for Public Affairs Journalism from the University of Kansas. In May 2011, he was awarded the prestigious Donald Ross Award for his lifetime contributions to golf literature. His bestselling books include Ben-Hogan: An American Life (2005), which won the USGA International Book Award; A Son of the Game (2009), which was namedthe2010TopGolf Bookof theYearbytheInternationalNetwork of Golf; and Faithful Travelers (1998), which was turned into the 2001 made-for-TV movie Dodson’s Journey.

Other notable authors featured in the Literary Homecoming include Charles Frazier, author of Cold Mountain, Daniel Wallace, authorof BigFish,LoisDuncan,authorof IKnowWhatYouDidLast Summer, and Randall Kenan, author of Foundations of the Earth.

All events are free with the exception of the luncheon, which costs $15.00. Participants should register for all events and must register for workshops and the author luncheon.

Visit our website at www.ecu.edu/lithomecoming for more details and to register for the program.

ECU alumnus James Dodson will be one of the presenting authors when Joyner Library hosts the Eastern North Carolina Literary Homecoming on September 21 and 22.

Spencer Barrick with EyeBar

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NURSINGCollege of Nursing begins living and learning community

The College of Nursing is pleased to welcome 27 students to the first Future Pirate Nurse Living and Learning Village. The FPNLLV is a community of intended nursing majors who will live together in Umstead Hall during their freshman year and take several pre-requisite classes together during the fall and spring semesters.

The students will also participate in enrichment and learning activities to help them prepare to apply to the College of Nursing. Students and their advisors will visit the ECU’s Ropes Challenge Course during the second week of classes to build teamwork and group communication skills. Later in the semester, the group will attend academic success programs related to preparing for theNLNPAX entrance test, timemanagementand test taking skills.

The Future Pirate Nurse Living and Learning Village provides an environment that promotes academic achievement. Living and learning with a consistent group of students who have similar goals will allow students to grow academically as they work toward their goal to become an ECU nurse.

Because students will be taking the same classes, they will support each other as they go through the rigorous pre-requisites for the College of Nursing.

The FPNLLV students will be tracked through application to the College of Nursing and graduation to determine if the learning village model increases success in nursing school.

There are no additional costs associated with the FPNLLV beyond the standard room and board for central campus residence halls. Prospective high school students who are interested in the nursing community may contact Traci Baer in the College of Nursing at (252)744-6471 or [email protected] for more information.

TECHNOLOGY& COMPUTER SCIENCE

Donations to College of Technology and Computer Science help STEM careers

The Caterpillar Foundation along with Gregory Poole Equipment Co. continues their longstanding partnership with the College of Technology and Computer Science at East Carolina University through a gift to promote and support the STEM pipeline by increasing the number of school-aged youth who have an interest in a STEM-related career.

“It is critical for our region and our nation to build and maintain a strong workforce in engineering, technology and science-related professions. This funding enables the College to expand our efforts to encourage young students to pursue STEM studies, particularly those from traditionally under-represented groups in the STEM fields, such as women and minorities,” states David White, Dean of the College of Technology and Computer Science.

Through the support from Caterpillar along with a matching gift from Gregory Poole, Caterpillar’s eastern North Carolina distributor, these dollars will allow the college to further enhance three areas of focus through established outreach programs with a focus on middle school girls and high school students.

The funds will enable the college to expand their TEAMS competition where regional high schools send students to ECU to compete as teams to find efficient solutions to modern day problems. Teams complete a written examination that evaluates the collective knowledge of each team. The second part requires each team to apply that knowledge to different scenarios that relate to the program theme.

Additionally the college will be able to support a STEM Day which allows high school students along with their teachers receive visit ECU’s College of Technology and Computer Science and discuss STEM careers with faculty from the College and other STEM-related faculty.

The support will enable the college to expand its STEM Girls programs in the fall of 2012. Middle school girls participate in on-campus programs and learn about STEM careers and pathways of study. The program is led by ECU women who are faculty and leaders in the STEM disciplines.

Dean David White and Vice Chancellor Mickey Dowdy with Caterpillar and Gregory Poole representatives. Alumni in the picture include: Scott Cooper ‘90, Charlotte Keppler ‘11

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September, 1954

East Carolina College’s first TV course of instruction“GuidingYoungChildren”willbegin Monday afternoon, September 6, at one o’clock over station WNCT-TV of Greenville.

A new venture on education, the course of study will be the first telecast college course offered in the Southern States. It is sponsored by the college and the local radio station, and had been jointly arranged through the efforts of East Carolina President John D. Messick and A. Hartwell, manager of WNCT.

Annie Mae Murray, director of the East Carolina Kindergarten in the Wahl-Coates Laboratory School and president of the North Carolina Association for Childhood Education, will serve as instructor during the fall quarter.

Classes will be on a five-day-a-week schedule from one to one-thirty o’clock, Monday through Friday.

East Carolina College Begins South’s First TV College Course of Instruction Today

The course may be taken for either three quarter hours credit, or it may be audited without credit. Programs will, of course, be open to the public and are expected to be of interest to parents, teachers, and others interested in the training of young children.

Those taking the course for credit must be graduates of an accredited high school, must register through the college registrar, and pay the regular extension fee for the course.

The fee for three quarter hours credit is $18 and includes the cost the manual for the course and all materials except the textbook. Those who wish to audit the course without credit may secure the manual and other materials upon payment of a fee of $5.

Those wishing to enroll are asked to contact Dr. Orval L. Phillips, registrar of East Carolina College, immediately.

This article describes the premier of the first college course administered over TV in the South. This and other articles may be found in the University Archives.

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