ECU Advancement

06/01/2026

🎲 The bowl is back.

We handed our Major Gifts team another round of mystery prompts… and the answers did not disappoint 😂

From surprising picks to instant reactions, this edition of Match Game: Office Edition brought plenty of laughs and a few VERY telling handshakes.

Watch the latest round now 👀

05/22/2026

A new philanthropic investment is helping create more pathways for future educators across North Carolina. 💜📚

Thanks to support from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust, East Carolina University is expanding opportunities for teachers working toward licensure and graduate education.

See how this new program is supporting educators while strengthening schools and communities across the state. ⬇️

ECU will expand access to licensure and graduate education with support of a $500,000 grant from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust.

05/20/2026

Thank you to Appalachian State University for hosting an incredible 2026 UNC Advancement Symposium in Boone. From engaging sessions and meaningful conversations with colleagues across the UNC System to a memorable reception at Kidd Brewer Stadium, our team had a wonderful experience learning, sharing ideas and representing ECU.

We’re especially proud of our team members who presented during this year’s symposium and grateful for the opportunity to connect with advancement professionals from across the state.

We’re already looking forward to next year at University of North Carolina at Charlotte!

05/18/2026

🎤 Quick questions. Real answers.

We’re launching a new video series featuring members of our Major Gifts team sharing insights about philanthropy, impact, and the work happening behind the scenes at ECU.

Watch the first edition of Questions with Caroline 👀

05/15/2026

🎓 In case you missed it: ECU’s Spring 2026 Commencement was more than a celebration of degrees, it was a celebration of resilience, mentorship, opportunity and the people who help Pirates thrive.

From first-generation graduates and student-parents to future physicians, educators, performers and public servants, the Class of 2026 showed what’s possible when determination meets a supportive community.

Commencement speaker Kevin Williamson encouraged graduates to face fear, trust their voice and stay authentic in a changing world. His message reflected what so many ECU graduates experienced during their time here: growth happens when people believe in you.

Stories like these remind us that the Pirate experience is shaped not only in classrooms, but through mentorship, scholarships, hands-on learning, donor support and a community committed to student success.

💜 Congratulations to the Class of 2026, Pirate Nation is proud of you.

Read more from commencement: https://bit.ly/4duq5lG

05/14/2026

At ECU, transformational impact happens because of people who go above and beyond every single day.

Last week, faculty and staff from across the university were recognized for extraordinary service, leadership and dedication during ECU’s annual Treasured Pirate and State Service Awards ceremony.

We’re especially proud to celebrate Courtney Hollowell of University Advancement, who was recognized as a Treasured Pirate for Innovative Spirit for her work helping improve processes, strengthen collaboration and support donor engagement across our division.

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees who continue to move ECU forward through service, innovation and commitment to others. 🏴‍☠️💜

🔗 https://bit.ly/4eKN3Hx

Treasured Pirates making outstanding contributions to ECU’s mission, and faculty and staff with 30+ years of state service were honored.

05/13/2026

Momentum is building at ECU 💜

Hear directly from Chancellor Philip Rogers, donors and scholars about the growing impact of the Chancellor’s Scholars Initiative and the bold vision helping shape the future of East Carolina University.

🎯 Goal: 300 endowed scholarships
🤝 ECU Foundation matching gifts available

🔗 Learn more about the initiative: give.ecu.edu/chancellorsscholars

East Carolina University is building momentum behind the Chancellor’s Scholars Initiative and now, there’s an opportunity to make an even greater impact.With...

05/12/2026

More than 130 faculty, staff and students were recognized during ECU’s University Awards for Service ceremony for leadership, volunteerism and community impact across Pirate Nation. 💜💛

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees, including University Advancement’s Ann Windham and Patricia Suggs, who received Staff Emeritus recognition for their dedicated service to ECU.

Celebrate all of this year’s nominees and award recipients: https://bit.ly/48KsvuQ

05/11/2026

Welcome to Major Gifts Match Game: Office Edition 🎉

We handed our team a bowl full of mystery prompts and let the matches begin. From “who would win at Jeopardy?” to “who would you want stranded on an island with?” the answers were revealing 😂

Part 1 is here featuring three of our Major Gifts team members stepping up to the challenge. Who do you think got picked? 👀

05/08/2026

117 years of Pirate graduates.
One unforgettable day. 💜💛

From GradBash celebrations to commencement at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, today was all about celebrating the Class of 2026 and the people who helped them reach this moment.

Congratulations to every Pirate crossing the stage and to our own Kendra, Maggie and Melissa on earning their master’s degrees this weekend! ☠️🎓

Wherever life takes you next, Pirate Nation is behind you every step of the way.