ECU Advancement

10/14/2026

A family’s heartbreaking loss has become a mission to help save lives. 💜

More than two decades after the death of beloved actor John Ritter from an aortic dissection, his wife, Amy Yasbeck, and son, Tyler Ritter, continue to champion awareness, research and early detection through the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health.

Recently, they joined patients, families, physicians and researchers at ECU Health’s third annual Aortic Awareness Day.

Their visit highlighted a growing partnership that’s helping advance aortic care right here in eastern North Carolina.

Through philanthropic support, innovative research and a commitment to treating the whole patient, ECU Health is helping individuals and families navigate aortic disease and giving patients like Hannah Johnson renewed confidence in their futures.

It’s a powerful reminder of what can happen when personal purpose, generosity and medical innovation come together.

Read how ECU Health and its philanthropic partners are making a difference:

ECU and ECU Health welcomed Amy Yasbeck and Tyler Ritter to the third annual Aortic Awareness Day event.

10/13/2026

The Homecoming memories just keep coming! 💜💛🏴‍☠️

Whether cheering from the stands at Dowdy-Ficklen, enjoying the parade along the streets of Greenville or showing off their Pirate pride on four legs, fans of all ages made this Homecoming weekend one to remember.

We’ve gathered another collection of favorite moments featuring Little Pirates, familiar faces, furry friends and plenty of purple-and-gold spirit.

📸 Take another look at Homecoming through our lens, tag someone you recognize and share your favorite memories from the weekend!

Because the best part of coming home is the people who make it feel like home. 💜

10/12/2026

Some of the most extraordinary legacies are built quietly, through a lifetime of generosity and service.

Max Joyner Sr. ’55 devoted much of his life to East Carolina University, helping shape the institution through decades of leadership, volunteerism and philanthropy.

Together with his wife, Kitty ’57, Max supported countless opportunities across ECU from scholarships and academic programs to the arts, medicine and athletics. Their generosity touched nearly every corner of campus, often without fanfare or recognition.

While his name graces several beloved ECU landmarks, his greatest legacy may be the lives he touched and the opportunities he helped create for generations of Pirates.

We remember Max with profound gratitude for his unwavering devotion to East Carolina University.

Read more about his remarkable life and enduring legacy:

Philanthropist Max Joyner was known for his unwavering service and involvement during landmark moments on campus.

10/11/2026

All smiles. All Pirates. All Homecoming. 💜💛🏴‍☠️

From Little Pirates experiencing the magic of game day to alumni returning to familiar stomping grounds, the stands at Dowdy-Ficklen were filled with the faces that make Pirate Nation special.

We caught some of that Homecoming happiness on camera! 📸

Swipe through, find your favorite faces and tag a Pirate you recognize. 👀

10/09/2026

🥁 From Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium to the streets of New York City!

For the first time in ECU history, the East Carolina University Marching Pirates have been invited to perform in the 2027 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! 💜💛

It’s an extraordinary opportunity for 300 student musicians to represent Pirate Nation on a national stage and YOU can help make it happen!

We’re rallying support to raise $500,000 to help cover the cost of getting our students, their instruments and equipment to New York City.

Every gift brings the Marching Pirates one step closer to making history.

🏴‍☠️ Let’s show the nation what Pirate Pride sounds like!

🔗 http://spr.ly/6188BGAgbE

East Carolina University ECU Alumni

10/08/2026

Pirate Nation came together in the nation’s capital a week ago Tuesday evening with a shared purpose: creating opportunities for the next generation of Chancellor’s Scholars. 💜

Against a spectacular Washington, D.C., backdrop, Chancellor Rogers, ECU leadership and fellow Pirates gathered for an evening of conversation and connection centered on the transformative impact of scholarships and the philanthropic support that makes them possible.

📸 Take in some of the views and moments from a memorable evening, then learn how you can help invest in the next generation of Pirates through the Chancellor’s Scholars Initiative.

🔗 http://spr.ly/6187BG4gMW

10/08/2026

10/07/2026

There’s nothing quite like coming home. 💜💛

Homecoming brings generations of Pirates back together, celebrating the memories we’ve made, the traditions we share and the university we continue to shape together.

Whether you’re returning to campus, cheering from the stands or celebrating from afar, this weekend is a reminder that the bonds of Pirate Nation extend well beyond our time at ECU.

Welcome home, Pirates. 🏴‍☠️

A throwback worth coming home for. 🏠

2026 Homecoming events take through the decades from Wednesday, Oct. 7 through Saturday, Oct. 10.
🎉 Homecoming Kickoff – Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. – Main Campus Student Center and Health Sciences Student Center
🎭 Skit Competition – Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. – Minges Coliseum
🥫 Canned Food Drive – Thursday, Oct. 8 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Main Campus Student Center Parking Lot
🥁 Homecoming Parade – Saturday, Oct. 10 at 9 a.m. – Fifth Street, from Hilltop Street to Reade Circle

Then, it all leads to Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium as ECU Football takes on Rice at 4 p.m. Saturday.

🔗 See the full list of events: http://spr.ly/6181BGFTMW

10/06/2026

Opportunity can change the trajectory of a student’s life. 💜

Through the Chancellor’s Scholars Initiative, ECU is investing in outstanding students by providing scholarship support that can help them graduate on time, take on less debt and pursue greater opportunities after graduation.

With the support of Pirate Nation, the State of North Carolina and the ECU Foundation, our goal is to create 300 endowed Chancellor’s Scholarships by 2028.

Chancellor’s Society donors help make bold investments like these possible. Join us in creating opportunities for the next generation of Pirates and strengthening ECU’s impact across our region, state and beyond.

🔗 http://spr.ly/6187BG0SWS

10/01/2026

Pirate pride starts early. 💜💛

Some of our favorite game day moments are the ones shared with family, from Little Pirates experiencing the excitement of Dowdy-Ficklen to generations of fans making memories together.

Because for so many Pirates, purple and gold is a family tradition. 🏴‍☠️

Swipe through for some of the families and smiling faces we found in the stands. 📸