spring 2009 EastThe Magazine of East Carolina University

Portrait of the Artist of viewfinder Jay Clark Jay spring 2009 EastThe Magazine of East Carolina University

16 FEATURES

PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST 16 Whether he’s holding a or a Bypaintbrush, Jimmy Rostar Scott Avett ’99 ’00 puts family ahead of fame.

INVISIBLE NO MORE 22 On a spring night in 1969, about By150 Marion mostly Blackburn black students came knocking on President Leo Jenkins’ front door asking tough questions about campus desegregation. Their questions and his answers changed 22 28 minds and the history of campus race relations.

GOOD CHEMISTRY 28 It isn’t easy explaining organic chemistryBy Leanne E. in Smith terms students can understand. But that’s a piece of cake for Brian Love, a fun-loving professor with an oddball sense of humor and a cool Camaro.

EQUITY, FINALLY 32 Women’s sports at ECU become “fullyBy Bethany funded,” Bradsher meaning their teams offer the maximum scholarships allowed.

Pee Dee shapes up A slimmer and healthier-looking Pee Dee debuted at the Homecoming game. A series of funny videos explaining the mascot’s new look can be seen at ECU’s YouTube channel. DEPARTMENTS Just search for “Pee Dee.” FROM OUR READERS ...... 3. 32 THE ECU REPORT ...... 4.

SPRING ARTS CALENDAR ...... 12 PIRATE NATION ...... 36. CLASS NOTES ...... 37. UPON THE PAST ...... 48. from the editor from our readers spring 2009 EastThe Magazine of East Carolina University

Volume 7, Number 2 Miss No. 7 I am currently editor of the Bring back the old Pee Dee is published four times a year by In the most recent edition and the CarolineCaroline County County editor I’m a very proud alum who loves coming East East Carolina University of , in the section forTimes-Record the (both on the back to visit Greenville and ECU. I attended Fall graduation Division of University Advancement East Easton Star-Democrat We had reached my favorite part of commencement ceremonies, where the 2200 South Charles Blvd. entitled “East Carolina eastern shore of Maryland), as well as a Homecoming weekend and had a wonderful graduates walk across the stage as their names are read aloud. I enjoy hearing Greenville, NC 27858 Timeline,” there was stringer for the AP. Tom Tozer and I worked time. As always, the campus, the weather, the shout-outs from parents and friends in the audience, and tonight Wright h mention of six ECU together on the student newspaper, where the activities, the cleanliness, the Greenville Auditorium is ringing with laughter as the 140 School of Communication’s students who have been I was first reviews editor and then sports southern charm were all perfect. I even graduates cross the stage. The loudest come when Pierre Bell, a popular EDITOR crowned Miss North editor. I worked in Rocky Mount, Durham, proposed to my girlfriend of four years student who’s a star linebacker on the football team, walks across. He flashes Steve Tuttle 252-328-2068 / tuttles@ecu edu. Carolina. I know of at least one other. Lynn for the Washington Post Co., then the (also an ECU alum) on the beautiful, grassy a dazzling smile, then hugs the lady department head as she hands him his Williford was crowned Miss North Carolina the and now campus mall late Friday afternoon. I couldn’t Salisbury Times, Annapolis Capital diploma. She practically disappears in his beefy embrace. ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER 1981, representing Wilmington. She also my current job. In between, there was a 12- have asked for a better weekend. My only Seven departmental graduation exercises are going on across campus tonight but Brent Burch competed in 1979, representing another year career as senior communications officer concern is the “new face” of Pee Dee, which community. for the Riggs National Bank. I noticed during the football game. My I’m at this one for two reasons. First, my wife is the commencement speaker, and, PHOTOGRAPHER second, I’m just one course shy of completing a B.S. degree in communication Forrest Croce Vista, Calif. — Denton, Md. girlfriend and I were very upset with the —Margaret Daniel Gafford ’79, John Evans ’76, and would be walking myself tonight if I’d managed my time better. We overlooked Williford mascot’s “new look” and I heard comments Time to replace the natatorium? COPY EDITOR Editor’sbecause note:she had already graduated when from other fans sitting around us. Please I’ve been taking a couple courses each semester for the past two and a half Jimmy Rostar ’94 After reading the article related to the she was crowned Miss North Carolina help bring the traditional Pee Dee back! years. Once you get used to being older than everyone in the room, including stadium expansion in the fall issue of East CONTRIBUTING WRITERS and thus was not on the ECU records we Charlotte the professor, attending classes is fun. I didn’t originally go to ECU, so being I believe that the vision of our Athletic —Heath Courtright ’03 ’05, Marion Blackburn, Bethany Bradsher, researched. A theatre arts major, Lynn Turn back a page to see the new a student here now helps me understand the East Carolina experience that we Director Terry Holland, his staff and Kellen Holtzman, Erica Plouffe Lazure, headed to Broadway after graduation and Editor’sPee Dee. note: reflect in this magazine. Christine Neff, Jimmy Rostar, the Pirate Club should be commended. had a small role in a 1980 production of Steve Row, Leanne Smith The range of projects would benefit not As the commencement speaker, Gayle McCracken Tuttle ’75 seems to really Today she’s director of national Pirates around the world Snow White. only football but also basketball, softball, connect with the Comm School graduates. She’s a corporate PR executive CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS field sales for Murad Inc., a global provider I was reading my wife’s most recent Clemson volleyball, tennis and other sports and now but previously she was a White House correspondent, and before that a David Butler, Brian Christiansen, of professional skin care products, and living alumni magazine. In it, they dedicate a activities utilizing these new facilities. great beat reporter; she tracked down racist serial sniper Joseph Paul Franklin. Jay Clark, Crackerfarm, Rob Goldberg, in Nashville, Tenn. “I still have wonderful section (similar to what does with Cliff Hollis, Kelsey Sutton However, I did notice that there was no East She sympathizes with the graduates, who are walking into the highest memories of ECU,” she told us. the Class Notes) showing alumni wearing mention of a new competitive swimming unemployment rate since 1975—the year she sat where they sit now. She CLASS NOTES EDITOR Clemson attire in various locations of the struggled to land her first job and they probably will, too. But you’ll do fine, Leanne Elizabeth Smith ’04 ’06 That was my sister! facility. Swimming has been one of the world, anywhere from the Great Wall of she assures them, because you’ve acquired that special ECU spirit. She leans ecuclassnotes@ecu edu. I could not help but smile to see the article most successful sports in the history of East China to Afghanistan to South Africa. I into the microphone, her voice rising: “You know what I’m talking about. Skip on page 56 of the Winter 2009 issue titled Carolina University. The swimming facility, thought it was really neat and would be a ADMINISTRATION though kept in great condition, is over 40 Holtz knows what I’m talking about. They don’t have it at Syracuse and they Michelle Sloan “Meeting Eleanor Roosevelt” by student great way to show how our ECU alumni are don’t have it at Auburn. It’s what lets us get things done when the chips are reporter Clarissa Humphrey—my sister! years old and is scheduled throughout the spreading the word about ECU throughout down.” The kids break into the “ECU, ECU, ECU” chant. h She worked part time free of charge for day and night. the world. I say that because I immediately the newspaper in Greenville so as to learn — start conversations with others, regardless At the university’s main fall graduation ceremony the next night, Phil Dixon ’71 Assistant Vice Chancellor Professor Emeritus Ray Scharf, for University Marketing something about newspapers and journalism. Harker’s Island of where we may be, if I see them wearing tosses off a statistic that put things into perspective for East Carolina’s 100th swim coach 1967-82, Clint Bailey She taught English and journalism at Jenkins something relating to ECU. Just as the case commencement class. Recent statistics show, he says, that out of 100 ninth- Holland said he stretched the High School in Savannah, Ga., for many Editor’s note: with the Class Notes, I am confident our graders only 58 finish high school. Of those 58, only 38 will begin college, 28 budget as far as he could to devise a plan that East Carolina University is a constituent institution of years and died in 1994. alumni would take great interest in not only will return for a second year and only 18 will earn a degree in six years. The University of North Carolina. It is a public doctoral/ will significantly improve the facilities used by Metter, Ga. learning about how others are prospering, research intensive university offering baccalaureate, master’s, —Richard Crotwell ’87, 13 of the school’s 19 teams. Building a new “This puts you in very unique company,” he says. Plus, “You know you specialist and doctoral degrees in the liberal arts, sciences swimming facility for the men’s and women’s but also “where” they are spreading the and professional fields, including medicine. Dedicated to the Another Ira Baker protege attended the best university in the state and you’re not snotty about it.” teams would cost about as much as all the pirate message. achievement of excellence, responsible stewardship of the Loved the story on ECU students who have public trust and academic freedom, ECU values the other Olympic Sports facility improvements — Greer, S.C. gone on to become journalists. I had both Drew Walker ’89, contributions of a diverse community, supports shared combined, Holland added. That does not governance and guarantees equality of opportunity. Ira Baker and Larry O’Keefe as my teachers. You can already see many photos include expansion of the football stadium, Editor’s note: ©2009 by East Carolina University During a 33-year career in journalism, I’ve like that at the Alumni Association’s web site, which will be funded by the sale of the Printed by Progress Printing won two Associated Press awards and several PirateAlumni.com. additional seats and the additional Pirate U.P. 09-328 74,000 copies of this public document were state awards for editorials and sports stories. printed at a cost of $42,539 or $.57 per copy. Club donations of the new seat holders.

2 3 the ecU Report Cliff H ollis

a “healthy disregard for the impossible.” The Campaign at $121 million ECU office that supervises LeaderShape is Halfway through its eight-year Second 20,000 jobs arrive via Highway 17 making plans for a third annual retreat in Century Campaign, East Carolina August, either on campus or at an outside University has raised more than $121 The huge investment the state has made While the costs for materials, site. The previous two sessions were held over million, or 60 percent of its $200 in four-laning U.S. Highway 17 is paying labor and expenditures can be spring break at Camp Carraway in Asheville. big dividends for eastern North Carolina, quantified, Wubneh said, other million goal. Launched in 2008, the according to an ECU study showing that benefits from the highway Any ECU student with at least a 2.5 GPA Second Century Campaign is providing every dollar the state spent on the roadway improvements can’t be can apply for the program, which uses an resources for student scholarships, has generated nearly three dollars in direct quantified, including interactive approach with an emphasis on faculty, program, and athletic support, output and earnings and created more than improved safety, small groups, problem solving and community and campus facility construction and 20,000 jobs. reduced building exercises. Halfway through the week, improvement. travel each participant develops a “Leadership Since 1989 the state Department “East Carolina is being called upon time and lower Breakthrough Blueprint” in which they of Transportation has spent $2.43 to enhance its service to students, transportation costs. define a specific leadership goal they hope to billion upgrading Highway 17, eastern the region and the state,” said Vice “These benefits are achieve within the ECU campus community. Closer to curing monkeypox North Carolina’s major north-south Chancellor for University Advancement present but we cannot assign transportation artery that stretches Camp participants explore topics around Mickey Dowdy. “The Second Century Brody School of Medicine microbiologist Dr. Rachel Roper is attracting national them dollar values,” he said. 300 miles from the Virginia border to a theme like “The Value of One, The Campaign is vital to the university’s attention, and a major grant, for research that brings doctors a step closer to Wilmington. In that time, more than Fifty miles of Highway 17 still Power of All” and “Living and Leading ability to continue that service, now stopping the spread of monkeypox, a coronavirus that’s a cousin of smallpox. $5.5 billion in output was produced are only two lanes and other with Integrity.” It’s not a week of leisure and in the years to come.” Once found only in Africa, monkeypox recently turned up in prairie dogs in the by any stretch, said Krista Wilhelm, U.S. and spread to humans. by the region’s construction sector, sections of the road remain in The Second Century Campaign is assistant director of the Center for Student resulting in more than $1 billion in need of upgrading. one of the major steps necessary to Her technique involves removing a specific gene from the pox virus that affects Leadership and Civic Engagement and the earnings, said Mulatu Wubneh, chair — accomplish the ambitious goals of immunity. Her research also may lead to better treatments for other viruses, Erica Plouffe Lazure coordinator for ECU LeaderShape. “It’s of ECU’s Urban and Regional particularly the human severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus. “The intensive,” Wilhelm says. “It’s almost like Planning Department, who led Shaping leaders ECU Tomorrow:the university’s A Vision for strategic Leadership plan emergence of SARS [and other viruses, including monkeypox] may well be the leadership boot camp.” the study. Construction workers andadopted Service, in 2007. To fully implement biggest infectious disease event since HIV,” Roper says. Brad Congleton is vice president earned $600 million during “I enjoyed how you moved around a good this strategic plan will require in excess of the student body, an office Roper, former program director for the British Columbia SARS Accelerated Vaccine the period studied. amount,” says Tiffany Mills, a senior from of $1 billion in new resources from he feels sure he never would Initiative, was one of the scientists who sequenced and analyzed the SARS genome, Hertford who attended in 2007 along with state, federal and private sources over “We were asked to find out what have sought successfully if he proving that the virus belongs to a previously unrecognized group of coronaviruses. Congleton; both returned to the camp the next 10–15 years. did the state get back in return hadn’t spent a week at ECU’s as program assistants last spring. After Now she’s working on a vaccine created by removing a gene from the virus that for its investment,” Wubneh said. Leadership Institute. “Even during these challenging they complete the program, LeaderShape seems to inhibit immune responses in mammals. She’s using a grant from the N.C. “This study shows that the economic times, when they have chosen “Attending LeaderShape was the graduates receive continuing encouragement Biotechnology Center to produce a vaccine that’s safer and more effective against investment in infrastructure where to spend their philanthropic difference maker in my life,” says from the ECU LeaderShape Society, which such threats as monkeypox. has a multiplier effect that dollar, alumni, friends and supporters Congleton, a senior from Wendell. meets throughout the school year and continues to grow over time have chosen East Carolina in record “Before going, I thought I knew who I reinforces the principles taught at the retreat. and generates additional numbers,” said Dowdy. “That Add two cups of science was, and what I wanted to do. I learned benefits to the region.” Students who are accepted to the August remarkable support is truly making quickly that becoming a successful leader The National Center for Research Resources, a part of the National Institutes of ECU conducted the session of LeaderShape will be asked to a difference at our university and we you must stay committed. I was searching Health, awarded a $504,000 grant to East Carolina researchers to study how K–12 study at request of make a nonrefundable deposit of $100, but are heartened by the dedication of the for an easy road, but the program taught students can use food to learn concepts in science, math and nutrition. The 2008 the Highway 17 campus organizations and local businesses Pirate Nation.” me that being a leader is a daily job and Science Education Partnership Award will fund the second phase of an earlier Association, are encouraged to sponsor a student who sometimes it’s very challenging.” Please use the envelope inserted in the ECU study that showed that such common items as measuring cups and spoons an alliance of might not otherwise be able to attend. magazine to make a donation. For more can become valuable learning tools. “Children love anything to do with food and businesses in Each year, up to 60 students like Anyone interested in sponsoring a student information about the Second Century food preparation,” said Melani Duffrin, professor of nutrition and dietetics. “We’ve the region. Congleton have the opportunity or donating to LeaderShape can contact Campaign, please visit www.ecu.edu/devt been watching enthusiastic, young students engage in scientific processes such as to attend LeaderShape, a weeklong Wilhelm at [email protected]. or call 252-328-9550. measurement, data collection, critical thinking and comparative analysis in very intensive leadership camp that teaches — Bethany Bradsher natural self-directed ways, and it’s exciting.” 4 5 the ecu report Cliff H ollis

Supply of dentists declines monitoring,” said Erin Fraher, director ECU plans Tuition rises 2.8 percent of the Health Professions Data System. an online After four years of moderate increases, the Tuition at ECU will rise 2.82 percent next “North Carolina already lags behind the high school state’s supply of dentists per capita has year for both in-state and out-of-state nation in dentist supply and we have an taken a downturn, according to the Sheps After studying undergraduate students, an increase that’s aging dentist workforce with nearly one Center for Health Services Research at the feasibility on the low end of what most other UNC in three dentists aged 55 and over. As this UNC Chapel Hill. According to the center’s of opening an campuses are adopting. Currently, tuition cohort begins to retire, it is likely that annual report, the dentist workforce grew Early College and fees are $4,219 per semester. The supply will contract at an even faster rate 4.8 percent in 2003–2004 but the growth High School Board of Trustees approved the increase and some counties, particularly rural ones rate slipped to 1.6 percent in 2006–2007. on campus for at a special meeting in November after where dentists are an average three years Adjusted for population growth, this pupils from the failing to reach a decision at its regular older, may be left without a dentist,” translates into a 3.9 percent increase in ’05– region, East October session. Fraher added. Carolina has ’06 and a 0.7 percent decrease in ’06–‘07. North Carolina residents will face a $69 East Carolina’s new dental school will determined Nationally, there are an average six dentists increase in tuition, while students from accept its first students this fall, and the that the better per 100,000 population but in North other states will see their rates increase by dental school at Chapel Hill is expanding, option is Carolina the ratio is 4.3 dentists per $366 annually. All students will pay an but these additional graduates will not creating the 100,000. Four counties in eastern North increase in fees of $25. Graduate students, enter the workforce until 2015 and 2016 special school Carolina—Camden, Gates, Hyde and both resident and nonresident, will pay an respectively, Fraher said. in cyberspace. Tyrrell—did not have an active dentist in extra $69 beginning next year. After adjusting for population growth, the Chancellor Steve Ballard said UNC 2007, and Camden and Tyrrell haven’t had Chancellor Steve Ballard proposed a 2.41 state’s supply of physicians, nurses and System President Erskine Bowles and a dentist since data collection began 1979. percent tuition increase at the trustees’ pharmacists increased while the supply the governor have given the go-ahead “The fact that our dentist supply is not October meeting but several members of physicians in primary care specialties for ECU to expand its existing Second keeping pace with population growth is of the executive committee thought that declined slightly. Life web portal, which already is used East Carolina officially opened of concern and a trend worth further by thousands of online students, to was too low. “We are trying to hold to a its newest student recreation minimum to North Carolina students,” facilities last semester with house the Early College High School. plenty of lacrosse sticks, rugby Ballard said Shirley Carraway ’75 ’80 Ballard said. “I think this is a reasonable balls, soccer cleats and free ’00, the recently retired superintendent compromise while paying attention to the food. Chancellor Steve Ballard led the ribbon-cutting for the of Orange County schools, has been needs of our students.” North Recreational Complex,

Cliff H ollis hired part time to work on this project Around $650,000 of the tuition increase an $8.5 million project on U.S. with Pitt County Schools and Pitt Highway 264 six miles from the will be used to boost faculty salaries; Main Campus in a booming area Community College. about $1.5 million will go to financial of big-box student apartment complexes. Women and men’s aid; the rest, nearly $500,000, will be club sports teams put the fields DE enrollment grows used for other support services at the to good use before downing lots university. Trustee Margaret Ward, who of hot dogs and hamburgers. The number of distance education Construction began on the project wanted to see a higher increase, voted students enrolled in East Carolina in March 2006. It sits on 129 against the compromise. acres and features eight lighted grew to 6,190 during fall semester. regulation fields for rugby and soccer. It is financed by student They are studying for more than 60 The hikes at ECU are lower than fee and North Recreational Complex opens fees. Ballard noted that with types of undergraduate, advanced and tuition increases at UNC Chapel Hill, N.C. the new fields and the existing certificate degrees. They range from 18 State, UNC Wilmington, Appalachian State Student Recreation Center on to 81 years old and log on to virtual and UNC Greensboro, where increases the core campus, ECU offers students some of the best and classrooms in 99 of the state’s 100 were 5.5 percent or higher. The Board of most comprehensive recreation counties, 43 of the 50 states and five Governors limits tuition increases at the and fitness opportunities in the countries other than the United States, state’s universities to a maximum of 6.5 nation. Nance Mize, assistant vice chancellor for campus recreation Interior design students display their ideas for “barracks of the future” that are better according to a new report. The 16 percent a year. and wellness, said the new fields able to accommodate sick and wounded Marines during their rehabilitation at Camp UNC system campuses combined now put the university in a position ECU, the third-largest school in the Lejeune’s Wounded Warrior Battalion. The students visited military bases and talked have more than 22,000 DE students, to host state, regional and with wounded Marines about what they would like to have in their barracks and UNC system, ranks sixth in fees and national championships in incorporated their input into the designs. The designs include public areas for Marines up 20 percent in just the past year. several club sports. seventh in tuition. who do not like to be alone, furniture specially crafted for wheelchair-users and storage — space designed to hold military gear. Christine Neff Daily Reflector —Greenville 6 7 the ecu report

Heart Center opens its doors ideological scale,” says political science means that McCain supporters are more professor Bonnie Mani. “Remember that conservative in publicly expressing their After two years of construction, the ideology and party affiliation are two political stances.” university and Pitt County Memorial Contributed photo Contributed different concepts—although Republicans are A Democrat hasn’t carried North Carolina Hospital jointly dedicated the East more likely to be conservative and Democrats since Carter in ’76. In 2004, George Bush Carolina Heart Institute on Dec. 11. The are likely to be further to the left.” $220 million heart institute includes a defeated John Kerry here 56 percent to 44 six-story patient bed tower to be used by Despite ECU’s Democratic leanings, the percent. In Pitt County, Bush edged out the hospital and a 206,000-square-foot Republican Party does target students with Kerry 53 percent to 46 percent. groups such as College Republicans and research, education and outpatient care Barack Obama carried Pitt County by 54 Students for McCain. Kim Hendrix, the chair facility for the Brody School of Medicine. percent to 46 percent. Of the 14 other of the Pitt County Republican Party Executive The dedication capped more than four years counties that host a UNC system campus, Board, echoed Mani’s sentiments. “Most of collaboration between ECU and PCMH only New Hanover County, home of UNC educators are Democrats, but there does seem supported by $60 million from the N.C. Wilmington, went for John McCain, and to be a Republican presence on campus.” General Assembly and $160 million from that by only the slightest of margins. PCMH for the bed tower. “I’ve noticed that just driving through the — faculty parking areas during the day that Kellen Holtzman East Just how blue is ECU? most cars are sporting Obama bumper Editor’s note: occasionally publishes original The Access Scholarship program, begun just two years ago, has grown to serve 62 students as of fall semester. The scholarships are worth stickers, ” says grad student and teaching writing by ECU students. This story was $5,000 a year for four years, enough to cover college costs beyond what’s available in most student loans. More than 9,000 undergraduate The widespread perception that college assistant Nicole Keech. “There are very few prepared by Holtzman as a research project students at East Carolina have demonstrated financial need, the highest in the UNC system. With existing resources ECU is only able to professors and top administrators are meet 60 percent of financial aid requests from students with the most need. A $250,000 gift from BB&T allowed the program to expand by in support of McCain—maybe that just for the Communications 3320 Investigative two scholarships. politically liberal would seem to have even . For more about this gift, see page 38. Reporting class greater credence now that North Carolina The fact that Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Sarah Palin all campaigned in Greenville stoked a Spiders for scholarships has turned blue for the first time since 1976. noticeable increase in political activity on campus. Obama filled Minges Auditorium on April But according to records at the State Board 18 and Sarah Palin did the same on Oct. 7. Three weeks later, Joe Biden walked out of the Greenville’s expensive real estate There’s a new reason to give money to of Elections, the East Carolina community, student center wearing an ECU baseball cap and talked to students gathered on the mall. ECU: You could get a spider named for Let’s say you’ve just taken a job teaching at East Carolina and will be moving at least, is about as divided in its politics as you. Biologist Jason Bond, who received to Greenville from, say, Raleigh. You should be able to buy a much nicer everyone else. international attention last summer for Nancy Ballard house in Greenville than the one you had in Raleigh, right? Wrong. Based naming two of his newly discovered trapdoor According to a search of records of the 500 welcomes Barack on sales over the past year, the average price of a 2,220-foot, four-bedroom spiders after musician Neil Young and talk highest-paid employees of East Carolina Obama to Minges. home with 2½ baths, a family room and a two-car garage here will cost show host Stephen Colbert, is offering similar University available online from the State you about $50,000 more than in Raleigh, according to a national survey naming rights to donors to a scholarship Board of Elections (SBOE), 36 percent are by Coldwell Banker Real Estate. Greenville real estate also is pricier than fund for students studying biodiversity. registered as Democrats and 23 percent are registered as Republicans. A little less than 20 Winston-Salem and Durham. “We want this event to be a lot of fun, as percent are unaffiliated and about 21 percent well as informative,” says Jeff McKinnon, of them couldn’t be found in SBOE records. Rank school City Housing cost chair of the biology department. As state employees, the university’s employee 1 stanford University Palo Alto, Calif . $ 1,740,731 The largest donor to the fund will win the and salary records are public documents, as 17 University of Virginia Charlottesville, Va . 408,475 opportunity to name one of Bond’s trapdoor are state voter registration lists. 21 University of North Carolina Chapel Hill 369,966 spiders. The winner was to be announced 30 west Virginia University Morgantown, w .va . 331,333 Those statistics indicate that ECU on Feb. 12. Bond discovered the new species 42 virginia Tech University Blacksburg, Va . 302,075 employees—at least the highest paid 47 East Carolina University greenville 283,022 of trapdoor spiders in late 2007 and is in ones, most of whom work on the medical 74 north Carolina State University raleigh 236,124 the process of naming them. Other species campus—are less Republican than the 78 wake Forest University winston-Salem 230,667 in Bond’s collection have been named after state as a whole. Statewide, 45 percent 83 Duke University Durham, n C. . 221,491 Nelson Mandela, Neil Young, Angelina Jolie, of all registered voters are Democrats, 34 90 University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tenn . 208,637 and Bond’s wife, Kristen. percent are Republicans and 21 percent are 100 University of South Carolina Columbia, s C. . 189,262 To learn who won and how much money was unaffiliated, according to SBOE data. raised for scholarships, visit www.ecu.edu/ “Those with higher levels of education biology. are likely to be further to the left on the

8 9 the ecu report

University Life S utton Kelsey estern Carolina University Carolina estern Marilyn Literatures, is the new director of the program coveted Master Educator Award. Sheerer was in Classical Studies within the College of Arts Beth Velde, a professor of occupational appointed and Sciences. He replaces John Stevens, who therapy and assistant dean in the College of W courtesy Photo provost and directed the Classical Studies program for Allied Health Sciences, was named director senior vice the past five years. Stevens will return to the of East Carolina’s new Outreach Scholars chancellor for classroom. Given has worked to create a full Academy. The academy will develop engaged academic and curriculum in Greek. Dr. Lessie Louise Bass, 62, died scholars who are leaders in their professions, student Jan. 18, weeks after receiving the Mary A. Farwell was appointed director working with communities to improve the affairs, a post 2008 Board of Governors Award for of undergraduate research in the Division quality of life and foster economic prosperity she had held Excellence in Public Service (above). of Research and Graduate Studies. She had for North Carolinians. The academy will on an interim Dr. Bass joined the ECU College of worked for 14 years as associate professor provide professional development for faculty basis. Sheerer came to ECU in 1996 as a Human Ecology School of Social and director of undergraduate studies in and enable them to pursue sponsored professor and chair of the Department of Work faculty in 1993. She also the Department of Biology. Farwell will be scholarship related to curricular engagement, Elementary and Middle Grades Education. taught at the University of Maryland, responsible for helping to organize and fund outreach and partnerships. She served as dean of the College of Fayetteville State University and undergraduate research projects. Education from 1998 to 2006 and also led Patrick Pellicane, dean of the Graduate Barton College. She also was Executive the university’s fund-raising operation and David Weismiller was named associate School, has resigned to become vice provost Director of the Lucille W. Gorham the Division of Student Life. In making the provost for the Office of Institutional for research and dean of the University of Intergenerational Community appointment, Chancellor Steve Ballard said Planning, Assessment and Research. He Arkansas at Little Rock Graduate School. Center of West Greenville. She was that Sheerer “is exactly the right person to was vice chair for academic affairs in the Paul Gemperline, associate vice chancellor a founding member of the Wilson, Department of Family Medicine. A faculty for research, will serve acting dean for the Omicron lota Zeta Chapter of Zeta The Green Grass Cloggers, founded at ECU in 1971, received the 2008 Mountain Heritage fill this critical role at the university.” Award at the 34th annual Mountain Heritage Day at Western Carolina University. In the member since 1996, he was recognized Graduate School while a search continues for Phi Beta Sorority and a life member John Given, an assistant professor in the years since the group was started by Dudley Culp ’71 and Toni Jordan Williams ’77, helped in 2004 with the School of Medicine’s a permanent replacement. of Norwayne Alumni. by recreation professor Ralph Steele and geology professor Stan Riggs, a third of its nearly Department of Foreign Languages and 160 members have been ECU graduates or faculty. Green Grass Cloggers now has a team based in Asheville, and a Home Team based in Greenville that performs regionally. The two teams perform together at least once a year. A 40th anniversary reunion of all former and current members is being planned for 2011 in Greenville.

East Carolina timeline

YEARS AGO YEARS AGO YEARS AGO YEARS AGO 100 75 40 25 The first faculty arrives Robert Wright dies President Messick’s last year Computerized In the spring and summer of Amid enthusiastic The rigors of leading a college registration begins 1909, President Robert Wright preparations for the undergoing constant growth As student complaints soar (far right) hires 10 teachers to 25th anniversary and change begins wearing on over long lines at registration instruct the inaugural class of of the school’s President John Messick . In his 12 and drop-add, East Carolina 174 East Carolina students, who founding, and Robert years at the helm, the student buys 50 IBM computers in the will arrive in the fall . Today, Wright’s 25th year body triples in size to 4,000, 11 spring of 1984 and becomes several buildings on campus are as president, the new buildings are constructed the first college in the state to named for those first faculty 64-year-old leader and 13 others on campus are move toward a computerized, members . From left to right, top suffers a heart enlarged or remodeled . In early decentralized system of row, are Kate w . Lewis, William attack while working 1959 he tells friends, “I’m just registering students for classes . Henry Ragsdale (residence hall), at his desk in the getting tired of the pressures The system requires students Birdie McKinney, Sallie Joyner Spilman Building involved, mostly the pressure to go to their advisors’ offices Davis (library), Maria D . Graham and dies two days of obtaining sufficient funds to and make out class schedules . (classroom building), Mamie e . later, April 25, 1934 . operate a college like ours ”. He The schedules are then given Jenkins (originally the infirmary, He lay in state in announces his resignation in to computer operators who feed the data into the campus mainframe . Observers are now an office building), Claude w . Wilson (residence hall), Jennie M . the auditorium later October . Leo Jenkins, Messick’s awed that the mainframe is able to crunch the data and confirm the requested classes Ogden, Fannie Bishop and Herbert e . Austin (classroom building) . named for him . longtime right-hand man, is “within minutes ”. After a year of testing, the system is first used in March 1985 . named to lead the college . Images courtesy University Archives 2009 Spring Arts Calendar

The Four Seasons Chamber 25–March 1, with the Daedalus 26 concert (Wright Auditorium, to the university’s Studies Music Festival closes its season Quartet and Pulsoptional among 3 p m. ). will include Borodin’s program . Performances begin at with trios, quartets and quintets . the featured guest performers . overture to Prince Igor and 8 p m. . The March 19–20 program will Festival director Edward Jacobs Stravinsky’s Symphony in Three The School of Art and Design’s feature Haydn’s Trio in planned seven concerts, along Movements. annual exhibition of art and Jennifer C, Schumann’s Piano Quartet with master classes with visiting Licko The ECU Jazz Studies Program’s craft work by undergraduate concert March S17helton at 8 p ’98 will present a special in E-flat major and Faure’s composers, performers and Jazz at Night series at the Hilton students will be on display s . R Piano Quartet No. 1 in C-minor. conductors, and reading sessions udolph m. . in Greenville Hotel ends Feb . 20 March 4–April 8, with an and plays piano,Alexander Performing and bodhrán—theWright St Performers will be ECU’s Ara of student composers’ works . Auditorium as . aPatrick’s fund-raiser Day for the and March 27 . Jazz students, awards ceremony scheduled native started performing as a Gregorian, violin; Shai Wosner, New this year is an orchestra Arts Series as well as faculty members and March 4 . The annual teenager . Licko sings Celtic music piano; Hsin-Yun Huang, viola; composition competition . Among . I guest musicians, perform, and the exhibition of thesis works with a musicShe degree has recorded severalHighland CDs dancersincerish graduatingdrum before she from was a and Zvi Plesser, . The finale the ECU performers will be . The S hotel donates a portion of ticket by graduate students is songs from her new album at www wansboro April 30 and May 1 will consist the Chamber Singers, Feb . 26 . She’s also studied in holders’ restaurant purchases scheduled April 17–May 22 . of Bloch’s Piano Quintet No. 1 at St . Paul’s Episcopal Church; Scotland and .jenniferlicko ECU and Dvorak’s Piano Quintet in NewMusic Camerata, Feb . 27 and Ireland com. . . Hear A. Joining Gregorian will be Feb . 28 at Fletcher Recital Hall; guests Thomas Sauer, piano; and Symphony Orchestra, March Nnenna Freelon will beA prilthe 16–18,principal with guest most artist eventsilton Jazz singer H Soovin Kim, violin; Elina Vahala, 1 at Wright Auditorium . Clarinetist for the Billy Taylor Jazz Festival Freelon, the violin; and Amit Peled, cello . Christopher Grymes of the music Who’s in town? Sole Nero, a piano and percussion Greenville Convention Center and adjacent held at the . Nnenna was The programs will be played in faculty will lead off the festival Uzee Brown Jr., president of the duo, will perform in Fletcher Hotel . Freelon lives in DurhamECU’s and newis married student to centerPhil Fletcher Recital Hall . Feb . 25 with a program at the National Association of Negro Recital Hall April 5 at 7 p m. . Ellis Marsalis and signed . Five by of Starlight Café . Percussionist Anthony Di Sanzais architect who is designing ECU Theatre and Dance. The Musicians, former chair of the discovered in 1990 by jazz pianist music department of Clark and pianist Jessica Johnson Records, which has released . 11S heof hasher albumsreceived the Billie ECU-Loessin Playouse series ECU Symphony programs in Columbia France and the Atlanta University, and choir explore new and existing works Grammy nominations he toured presents Shakespeare’s All’s late winter and early spring will for piano and percussion . them garnered Academie du Jazz inInstitute . S director at Martin Luther King’s ward from the Well That Ends Well April 2–7, include an unusual range of Holiday A National Jazz Award from the Anniversary Band in 2008 . and the season concludes musical selections and also will home congregation, Ebenezer Gary Smart, Yessin Professor Eubie Blake Festival’s 50th April 23–28 with Dance highlight winners of orchestral Baptist Church, will be the special of Music at the University of with the Monterey Jazz m. . closes the festival, which will guest of the School of Music North Florida in Jacksonville, will ,. director of jazz studies 2009, the annual program composition and concerto pril 18 performance at 8 Dashiellp Jr Freelon’s A v . featuring ECU dancers in competitions . A March 1 concert for a program, “The Art of the present a piano recital in Fletcher run under the directionO ofver Carroll three days the festival will include a free ballet, modern, jazz and in Wright Auditorium at 3 p m. . Spiritual,” in a J. . Fletcher Music Recital Hall April 9 at 7 p .m . Smart . Hilton, a ticketed performance by in the School of Music April 16 at the tap . The Family Fare series that is part of the NewMusic Center Recital Hall March 17 at 8 is a composer and improviser “Jazz Bones” program April 17 at the convention center,A priland 18 critiques at the winds up April 17 with an Festival will include Folksongs p .m . Brown recorded a CD of his whose music has been performed the ECU Jazz Ensemble ECU Storybook Theatre of the Vikings, a work by David own solo spiritual arrangements, at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall Great Day, in 2006 . and Kennedy Center . of visiting high school . and middle school jazz ensembles production of Willy Wonka, Dahlgren for tuba and string The S. Rudolph Alexander Performing Arts Series concludes its season —Steve Row convention center based on the book by Roald orchestra, which will feature with internationally known piano accompanist John Wustman and Rebecca Penneys will present a Dahl . The ECU production will be tuba soloist Tom McCaslin, and Metropolitan Opera baritone Nathan Gunn, who will perform Franz piano recital March 21 at 7 p m. . the musical version, with music a world premiere piece by Marc Schubert’s Die schone Mullerin Feb . 20, and the Russian National at Fletcher Recital Hall . She has For ticketing and The ECU Opera Theatre’s spring performances and one afternoon and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Faris of the Music School’s Ballet’s production of Giselle April 2 . Wustman, the Robert l . Jones been a resident artist at the other information, go production will be Puccini’s performance, which will be sung Anthony Newley . composition program . Faris also Distinguished Visiting Professor in the ECU School of Music, will Chautauqua Festival since 1978 is a co-founder of Pulsoptional, to www.ecu.edu/arts Madama Butterfly March 4, 5 and in Italian and accompanied by the The ninth annual NewMusic@ accompany members of the ECU Vocal Studies Department in the first and was appointed visiting artist the ensemble scheduled to play in 6 in Fletcher Recital Hall . John ECU Symphony Orchestra . ECU Festival takes place Feb . and second parts of Wolf’s Spanisches Liederbuch March 22 and 23 . at St . Petersburg College in Kramar will direct three evening the NewMusic Festival . The April Florida in 2001 .

12 13 Portrait

ofArtist the

Whether he’s holding a banjo or a paintbrush, Scott Avett ’99 ’00 puts family ahead of fame.

14 15 Each week Time magazine asks a notable person what they’re By Jimmy Rostar reading, watching or listening to . In the Jan . 8 issue, John It’s the last week of December, and brother Seth, a graduate of UNC plays piano and drums. The brothers share “The earliest memories are of whatever Grogan, author of the best-seller the Avett Brothers are playing the third Charlotte, with bandmates Bob most of the singing and songwriting duties. my parents were listening to and my dad Marley & Me, said he’s listening of five back-to-back, sold-out concerts. Crawford and Joe Kwon—will Crackerfarm Crawford is the bassist, and Kwon plays cello. was playing. I always remember this sort Sweat flies, strings break and fists pump follow the path of so many bands to Emotionalism by the Avett of mid-’70s John Denver vibe, and Tom T. However you categorize the tunes, 2008 was inside Asheville’s Orange Peel club as before them, from discovery to Brothers: “I discovered the Avett Hall. Those old country and country rock a momentous year for the Avetts. The band the band performs a string of their own sudden success, followed quickly Brothers while browsing in one of things were really inspiring, and they really released its 10th album, and songs and covers of tunes made famous by burnout and oblivion. They those iconic hippie shops in San impacted us as kids.” continued building an ever-growingThe Second Gleam, fan base by and Bob Wills. aren’t performing for the fame, Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district . through a grueling tour schedule. A visual Interest in the visual arts also developed the money, the attention. The album was playing on the The audience cheers for an encore and the artist as well as a musician, Scott showed early, Scott says, recalling a game in which “Salvation Song” tells you store’s sound system, and I was band complies, first with the ballad “If It’s paintings and other artwork at a gallery in his father encouraged his children to create exactly why the Avetts came. instantly smitten . It is impossible the Beaches,” a song from their 2006 album New York City. On personal notes, he also images out of simple shapes he would draw. that’s been featured on the NBC became a father, and Seth got married. not to grin while listening to this “They had art around,” says dramaThe Gleam Then the concert ‘Day by day—that’s the key’ infectiously upbeat blend of folk, This year is shaping up as an even greater of his parents. “We weren’t a family of ends withFriday the Nightanthemic Lights. “Salvation Song,” rock and bluegrass, all played on It’s difficult to define the type of music seminal period, with the much-anticipated means—there wasn’t a lot of money—but from the band’s 2004 album, As acoustic instruments and with The lights dim with the band right where the Avett Brothers play. The new album and another heavy touring if we wanted to hear music, there was the song reaches the final chorus,Mignonette. band and San Francisco whimsical, witty lyrics to boot ”. they spent many nights in 2008—on stage, describes it as “the heavy sadness schedule on the way. The Avett Brothers a record player in the living room. We audience become one as they sing together: Chronicle performing for enthusiastic fans who love of Townes Van Zandt, the light pop will play several shows with the Dave could hear Dad playing guitar and singing “We came for salvation the music and seemingly know all the lyrics concision of , the tuneful Matthews Band, including an April to us. There were some art books in the We came for family by heart. And with a new album coming out jangle of , the raw energy of the 22 concert at Raleigh’s Time Warner bookshelves, and there was a lot We came for all that’s good produced by the legendary —the [which] allows them to express a Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek of good literature around.” That’s how we’ll walk away full range of emotions and opt for honesty and an April 24 show at Charlotte’s man who revived Johnny Cash’s career—many The brothers agree that the family and optimism over irony and cynicism.” Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. We came to break the bad believe 2009 will be the year the band emerges bond has been essential in shaping With all of that ahead, Scott says it’s We came to cheer the sad as the next big thing in American music. Scott primarily plays the banjo, and he also who they are as people and as more important than ever for him We came to leave behind If that does happen, it’s unlikely the plays the guitar, piano, harmonica, and artists. “I’ve been very fortunate to keep focused on the family values the world a better way.” Avett Brothers—Scott Avett and younger drums. Seth’s mainly a guitarist, while he too to grow up and realize how much he learned growing up in Concord, that’s carried me,” Scott says. “Seth N.C., and the work ethic that and I wouldn’t be able to do what earned him two degrees from we do if our parents hadn’t been The Avett Brothers—Joe Kwon, Bob Crawford, Scott Avett and Seth East Carolina. Avett, from left—perform at the sold-out Belk Theater in Charlotte on so generous and forthcoming with David Butler David Dec. 30. They are joined by Bonnie Avett Rini, Scott and Seth’s sister. “I can’t think about the big supporting the music.” picture too much and what’s Now a father himself, Scott says he ahead because it’s way too even more deeply appreciates the overwhelming,” he says during importance of family as he and his wife, an interview in his art studio in Sarah, tend to their infant daughter. Concord, a suburb of Charlotte. “Our family has stepped up,” he says. “Day by day. That’s the key.” “We just do things for each other. He credits his parents, Jim and Susie, for There’s no talk about how anybody needs nurturing a love for family and the arts. A favors returned or how anybody is on welder by trade, Jim Avett played guitar and borrowed time or anything like that. As I get had a collection of records and 8-tracks that older, I realize how important that is.” he shared with his family. As children, Scott, Seth and sister Bonnie all learned to play gospel tunes featuring the Avett patriarch Coming to Greenville the piano. Family sing-alongs were common, along with his children, as well as Crawford and the three siblings regularly sang with At East Carolina, Scott found a home in the and Kwon. their father at church services. Some of those College of Fine Arts and Communication. In songs would make their way onto the 2008 “As far back as our memory goes, it’s there,” 1999, he earned a BS degree in communica­ album a collection of Scott recalls of his first exposure to music. tion. A year later, he earned a BFA degree in Jim Avett and Family, 16 17 art, focusing mainly on painting. “ECU was Nemo, eventually brought Scott and Seth absolutely awesome,” he says. Avett together along with a few friends. In the late 1990s, a side project featuring He says his college experience was especially acoustic instruments was born, and the fruitful once he opened himself to the Avetts began collaborating on songs over the Discography support his professors gave in shaping his phone. In 2000, Scott and Seth—along with craft. “ECU was there to offer whatever Nemo guitarist John Twomey—released a direction it was that I needed,” he adds. “It CD under the Avett Brothers name. 2000 was there to guide me. There was nothing The Avett Bros . stopping me after I homed in on what I Since that first album, the Avett Brothers wanted to do. For that, I have ECU to thank.” have continued a period of intensive 2002 Country Was songwriting, performing and recording. Leland Wallin, a professor emeritus of Their songs focus on many aspects of the painting, recalls Scott Avett the art student 2002 examined life—love, loss, regret, resolve, Live at the Double Door Inn as “an individual with enormous potential,” truth and honesty among them. and he encouraged the budding artist to 2003 continue in his studies. “The works he did David Butler, who hosts an Americana music A Carolina Jubilee with me were quite beautiful—painterly radio program on Guilford College’s WQFS portraits, lush brushwork and color, with in Greensboro, first heard the Avett Brothers’ 2004 Mignonette considerable amount of control,” he says. music on a box set of Charlotte-area

“Scott was one of my outstanding students. musicians. Later he saw the band perform 2005 . concerts year-end the band’s this print commemorating create campus in 2008 to to returned vett He’s a very talented guy in many ways, quite at MerleFest, the perennial music festival in Live, Vol . 2

cott A S cott diversified in his abilities.” Wilkesboro. He says he knew he had seen and heard something special. 2006 Scott also took an interest in printmaking Four Thieves Gone: The Robbinsville Sessions and continues to keep in touch with “They impressed me more than anybody

professor Michael Ehlbeck. He regularly I saw at MerleFest that year,” Butler says of 2006 returns to campus to create elaborately that 2004 performance. Since then he has The Gleam crafted prints that commemorate the band’s been to nearly 70 of their shows and plays 2007 annual New Year’s Eve and other big shows. the band’s music regularly on his program. Emotionalism He says the artistry of their songs keeps his “I have the highest opinion of Scott—the interest engaged. 2008 work he does, the work ethic that he has The Second Gleam set up for himself, things that he does on “I love them live, and I like the fact that In a recent post to the Ramseur Records blog and add touches and possibly more elements to (ramseurrecords.blogspot.com), Scott Avett talks the image on the linoleum, sometimes changing it the road, things that he does at home,” you can see them several nights in a row about his passion for printmaking: completely . Some images are drawn straight to linoleum Ehlbeck says. “He wants to keep his hands and it’s radically different each night,” he when traveling with scrap pieces . My introduction to printmaking was by professor in the printmaking and in the painting. says. “But to me, it’s their basic songwriting of printmaking at East Carolina University, Michael After the image is completely drawn in black ink on He continues to make prints and paintings skills. They’ve got the ability to write great, Ehlbeck . While focusing on painting as a concentration the linoleum, I began carving the unmarked areas because he feels it’s important.” amazing songs. Whether I’m listening to the at the School of Art, I also found time and the good away . This creates the “negative” space that ink will not studio things or listening to them live, it’s the fortune to learn multiple printmaking processes under touch, and will leave the paper exposed creating the Scott says his music and visual artwork Ehlbeck’s instruction . Among these processes was relief lighter value of the image . The black areas that make songs that stick with me.” block printing, which I initially learned on wood and up the drawing become the surface in which the ink are pursuits that parallel and complement then later on linoleum . is carried and make up the dark value of the image . one another, adding that his time at East Once the linoleum block is entirely carved I began the ‘They want to make great art’ The process has proven very useful in the moving printing process . Carolina definitely shaped his dedication to world that I live in, where mobility is a must due to the both as career and artistic options. changing workspace . Over the past five years I have Printing has been done in the printmaking department In 2003, the Avett Brothers connected used The Avett Brothers’ annual New Year’s shows as a at East Carolina University with the help and support “The same year that Leland Wallin said, with Dolph Ramseur, a former tennis pro commercial outlet to produce prints using this process . of Michael Ehlbeck and others . Without the faculty In between show posters I have also completed prints within the printmaking department at the School of ‘You’ve got to stay in this [painting]; this from Concord who owned an independent using other subject matter as well . Art at ECU, printmaking, for me, would not be possible . is what you’re obligated to do,’ I picked up label called Ramseur Records. The Avetts The prints are made in limited runs and are signed and the banjo and started playing,” he says. “So have been with him ever since. “They want The process of relief block printing starts with a numbered accordingly . Some will not be reproduced . drawing, usually in one of my many sketch books and I committed myself to both of them at the to make great art,” Ramseur says. “Their then it is transferred, in parts, to a large piece of tracing same time.” artwork is pretty much an extension of how paper to make up a unified composition . The image is Some of Avett’s artwork can be viewed and purchased they really live. They’re doing it the right way.” then traced again on the opposite side of the tracing at Envoy Gallery located in New York City’s Lower He sang in bands throughout his years at paper and then burnished onto a piece of linoleum . I East Side or at www.envoygallery.com. Prints are also then redraw the image over the lines I have transferred available through Applewood Gallery of Charlotte, N.C. East Carolina. One, a rock outfit called Even as they achieved early success with

18 19 Ramseur, the Avetts remained a small, do-it- and it’s like they’re good= friends who haven’t Working with a luminary label. Ramseur will stay on as manager. and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. “It’s really as they once were, and [Rubin] gravitated Townyourself operation consisting and of the band, Gownseen each other in a couple of Handyears—and in Glove amazing,” Scott says of working with Rubin. toward that. He gravitated toward the bigger, The music world sat up and took notice last The Grammy-winning Rubin, co-founder the label, a road manager, a sound engineer, they’ve been on the road for 200 days “Surreal at first, absolutely. The more we’ve serious-topic songs.” July when the band announced that its next of Def Jam Records, has produced albums a booking agent and a distributor. Marketing together,” Ehlbeck says. “It’s a pretty unique grown, the more serious we’ve become as album would be produced by Rick Rubin by Johnny Cash, Metallica, the Dixie The band was prepared to surrender a certain has largely been by word of mouth and the combination for all of them, and I think it musicians and the more serious we’ve gotten and released on his American Recordings Chicks, Neil Diamond, the Beastie Boys level of creative control to Rubin as they support of fans who volunteer to hang up feeds Scott’s work.” as songwriters. The songs aren’t as light Jacqueta Thomas made the record, but Scott says 95 percent of concert posters. volunteers as the decisions made were the band’s own. a tutor at the To date, they’ve sold more than 150,000 Building Hope Ramseur says the core organization that is Communityalbums. They’ve Life performed in all but a the Avett Brothers remains intact. “It’s still Centerhandful of the continental United States, a day-to-day operation,” he says. “There’s and they’ve done a string of shows in the going to be a lot more hard work ahead, and United Kingdom. They’ve built a successful we’re prepared for it. We could continue to business model based on good will and a put records out on Ramseur Records, and we handshake—the band and Ramseur never could have done really well. But sometimes signed any contracts with one another. you’ve got to see the big picture and realize “I want the whole world to hear them,” that if we partner with someone, maybe we Ramseur says. “I think they’ve got something can take this to a wider audience.” that touches everybody. We started out just Scott recalls that it wasn’t too long ago that winning over a fan at a time and selling one he and his brother were performing songs in record at a time. I feel we’ve grown at a great front of 10 people on a Charlotte sidewalk. pace, and it’s just a good situation.” Last summer, the band played to 7,000 Megan Westbrook ’08 was won over as a people at the in freshman at East Carolina when she saw Cary, near Raleigh. Whether the audience the band perform in Greenville. She’s seen includes 10 or 7,000 people, the connection them perform about 25 times since then. with them continues to be vital to him, Scott “It’s real music and honest lyrics, and says. As he meets fans and hears their stories, they’re such great songwriters,” Westbrook he says he is nourished by their energy and says. “There’s a wide range of emotion you feels a strong sense of obligation to continue can feel in their songs. They write what producing art. they feel.” “There’s a real goodness to this that has kind Their last two albums, and of blindsided me,” he says. “Where I’m at in madeEmotionalism it to the my life, I want to grab at that obligation, and TopThe Second200 chart. Gleam, When Billboard debuted, if we can make it into positives, then we it was No. 1 on the Emotionalism Heatseekers ought to.” chart as well. The bandBillboard has appeared on He pauses to consider his future in music and won awardsLate and art. “I’m going to see to it that my skill fromNight thewith Americana Conan O’Brien Music Association. and my craft are as well-refined in whatever Scott Avett continues to immerse himself way refined means,” he says. “I am going to in visual work as well as his music. A self- educate myself and learn. But everything portrait still in process is among a variety of learned and established and achieved amounts paintings in various stages of life at his art to nothing if there’s not some type of good studio. He recently began selling sketches coming from it. That takes a while to get to. through Envoy Gallery in New York, where “You can’t own enough to make yourself he has shown his works on several occasions. feel good. You can’t make enough to make And he still regularly visits Ehlbeck’s shop on yourself feel good. You can’t know enough to campus to make prints, often accompanied make yourself feel good. You’ve just got to by his brother. do the best at what you do and try to return “You watch Scott and Seth printing together, the favor by being positive.” East

20 21 University A rchives University Invisible no more

One spring night 40 years ago, about 150 students came knocking on President Leo Jenkins’ front door asking tough questions about campus desegregation. They wanted to know why persisted at football Dixie games, why there were no black faculty members, and by marion blackburn why the only other blacks on campus were janitors he iconic photograph captures a The visitors felt campus desegregation had into the ways and values of a modern, moment when minds and history stalled, and they wanted Jenkins to take action. multicultural university. Behind the were changed: On the evening of transformation were leaders like Jenkins and and housekeepers. The moment was tense but lines of T Because of Jenkins’ natural empathy for March 26, 1969, a group of angry students the late Dr. Andrew A. Best, Greenville’s first their cause, and the students’ own maturity, surround President Leo Jenkins on the front African American physician. Together, they the face-off ended peacefully that night. porch of Dail House, their arms crossed, crafted a thoughtful path to desegregation— communications were opened, and although the students The students went home with a promise the their faces intent. avoiding the courts, the National Guard and university would continue addressing their federal intervention. It was not a social call. Frustrated by concerns, and Jenkins kept his word. continued pressing for answers that spring, the path to lingering prejudice on campus, the students In the weeks after the front porch summit, That night marked an especially rocky rose from a meeting and strode across Fifth Jenkins held several high-profile meetings stretch on East Carolina’s road to Street to ask why, nearly seven years after the with students. By the next year, no one desegregation, which began in 1962 and campus equality continued peacefully. first black student enrolled at East Carolina, heard at games and the battle flag was perhaps culminated when the first group of they still endured the playing of at unwelcome.Dixie Though it would be years before African American faculty arrived in 1974. football games. Why the ConfederateDixie battle African American faculty were hired in flag appeared at sponsored events. Why there They were critical years for the university, significant numbers, the university was on its still were no black professors. marking its departure from provincialism way toward full desegregation.

23 First steps For campus pioneers like Ray Rogers, an stood for. It brings thoughts of slavery and ordinary walk across campus took enormous Jim Crowism, those kinds of things that In 1962, a single African American student inner strength. It was common to hear racial occurred after slavery was abolished.” arrived on campus, Laura Marie Leary Elliot slurs whispered and sometimes shouted at ’66. Two years later, a hopeful class of 16 Today, Moore works as a guidance counselor him. He recalls a rally by the Ku Klux Klan other black students arrived with a sense that at Clinton High School and, as the county’s at the site of today’s Minges Coliseum, they weren’t just going to learn history, they only African American male counselor, is and says his classmates were aware of their were going to write it. still something of a pathfinder. He vividly unspoken boundaries. “Downtown was not a remembers those heady days. “We stepped out on faith,” says Ray Rogers place you were welcomed,” he says. ’72 of Greenville. “If you live in a dorm “We were a small group of African When Rogers returned to ECU from overseas with only four blacks and you walk across Americans and bonded,” he says. “We military service in 1970, he noticed quite campus and you’re always in class by yourself, became a group I could socialize with, and a few changes. He no longer heard at it takes a lot of inward peace and feeling feel part of something. I am humble, but I sporting events; he didn’t feel so alone.Dixie By that good about yourself. Everywhere you went, knew we were pioneers, because there were time, about 200 black students were enrolled. there was a culture of 16 versus 10,000.” very few of us. I felt like I had to be my best. Academically, I didn’t set the world on fire, He later met and married another dynamic Second wave but I was successful.” African American student, Eve (Everlena) Clark ’69, who arrived on campus in 1967. In 1969, however, the mood was grim. Dr. The students weren’t alone that night on Rogers, a financial administrator, today Martin Luther King and Robert F. Kennedy the front porch of Dail House. Watching works as a consultant, and his wife, a retired were assassinated the year before and racial from the shadows were campus police, state juvenile justice administrator, has been tensions were high throughout the nation. troopers and an agent of the State Bureau of recognized with the Order of the Long Leaf Black students numbered about 90 on a Investigation, who took the historic image. Pine award. campus they felt was still largely segregated. In the original photograph stored in the University Archives, you can see numbers “We had a sense that there was a movement Student William Lowe was quoted as saying written on several faces, an apparent attempt afoot concerning civil rights,” Eve Rogers says. in 1969, “When you see your race being by the SBI agent to identify those involved. Though without a lot of money, she says, cast in the role of invisible people, it gives her parents were keenly aware of the value of you a feeling of inferiority.” There was work “We were aware of the fact that we were a good education for their daughter. She felt to be done. involved in events where there were people inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King to take To unify their calls for progress, the students taking photographs,” says Roosevelt Morton part of the change happening around her. created SOULS, or Society of United ’84 of Raleigh, who works with the state Department of Public Instruction. “We “We felt that however small, we were part of Liberal Students. They developed a list of didn’t know who the people were, but it it,” she says. requests and in a dramatic move, presented them to Jenkins on his front porch on March wouldn’t have been a stretch to imagine that Meanwhile, out of the public eye, Jenkins and 26, 1969. While by the late 1960s most it was an official arm of the government.” Dr. Best worked to accelerate desegregation. universities had successfully desegregated, As a result of that meeting, Jenkins initiated They knew strong forces beyond the memories of the beatings, high-pressure water a series of roundtable discussions and university opposed them. They also knew hoses and imprisonments could not have been eventually held a special convocation. what happened further south, where armed far from the students’ minds that night. intervention ushered desegregation onto Morton remembers those meetings. “He gave campuses in Mississippi and Georgia in the For them, Jenkins was a lightning rod. “If us the opportunity to sit down and talk about early 1960s. we were to be a true part of the campus, we what was on our minds,” he says. “I think needed to have our ideas heard,” says Luther that was an initial step. But we also weren’t The two men held deep personal commit­ Moore ’72, who was among the 150 or so sure of the changes that would result, after ments to racial equality. Dr. Best befriended students facing Jenkins that night. “One of our meeting. We didn’t see immediate change.” the trailblazing African American students, and the first concerns was with playing at In his convocation, Jenkins asked students tirelessly advocated for them. Jenkins instructed football games…and displaying ConfederateDixie for patience during those turbulent times. staff and faculty to welcome and support black flags at school sponsored events. students, seeing to it they received financial aid. “We will settle what we can here, but on That assistance was critical, because though “Our job was to try to make the student matters requiring a broader consensus, Ray and Eve Rogers, they were high achievers, they likely could not body understand how we felt, why we didn’t we must be patient and we must take into at home with have afforded college. like the playing of that song and what it consideration that we do not get everything daughter Adeea

24 ® Integration Timeline planned giving at east carolina university we want. I am aware that this was named an Outstanding Laura Marie Leary Elliot ’66 of Vanceboro may be taken as a statement Alumni, one of the 1962 becomes East Carolina’s first black student . for the maintenance of university’s highest honors. In Volatile Economic Sixteen African American students are the status quo in a time of “From day one I was involved 1964 enrolled, including Ray Rogers ’72 . change. But you are well in campus life, and those are Times, Invest In About 50 black students are enrolled . Paul aware that I do not have the memories that I cherish,” he 1966 D . Scott is the first black student to receive reputation of a defender of a football scholarship . Vincent Colbert and Marvin Simpson says. “ECU will always be a What You Believe In become the first black players on the basketball team . Elliott the status quo.” becomes the first black graduate . very special place. It provided an atmosphere to excel.” As you evaluate your top priorities, know that your investment a future gift (either dollar total or percentage) to ECU. Dennis Chestnut is selected for the SGA First black Greeks 1967 Judiciary Board, the first black in a student in East Carolina University through one of our foundations Your planned gift enables you to designate your future leadership role . In 1969, Ken Hammond ’73 A legacy for tomorrow (East Carolina University Foundation Inc., the East Carolina contribution to any area for the purpose of your choice. Bennie Teel, managing editor of The East ’83 ’85 was among the change University Medical & Health Sciences Foundation Inc., and 1967 Carolinian, is the first black from East Carolina In 1974, the university hired leaders who helped establish Your support will help us attain our Second Century in Who’s Who. Lillian T . Jones and Nellie Ross graduate . several African American the East Carolina Educational Foundation Inc. [Pirate Club]) ECU’s first black fraternity, Campaign goal while you earn membership benefits in the About 90 black students form faculty, including Ledonia will ensure meaningful future opportunities for students. the Society of United Liberal Alpha Phi Alpha. These days Leo W. Jenkins Society. 1968-69 Wright, a community health Students, or SOUls . They come up with a list of demands Hammond pastors Union A revocable gift such as a bequest provision in your will, at a March 3 meeting and present them to President Leo professor originally from Baptist Church in Durham, a beneficiary designation from your qualified retirement Please call Greg Abeyounis, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Jenkins . At SOULS’ next meeting on March 26, 1969, the Rockingham County with a students decide to march to Dail House to press Jenkins for a congregation of more than plan such as an IRA or 401(k), or an owner/beneficiary Development, at 252-328-9573 or e-mail at abeyounisg@ faster action . In coming weeks Jenkins meets with SOULS distinguished career in New 5,100 members. ecu.edu for more information or to schedule an appointment several times, then calls the entire student body and faculty York and Boston. She briefly designation from an insurance policy serves as a meaningful together for a convocation in Ficklen Stadium . He urges gift that does not distribute assets from your estate during to discuss these or other planned giving options. patience and predicts progress will be slow, but he makes He remembers how Dr. Best served as adviser to SOULS it clear that overt prejudice will no longer be tolerated . successfully negotiated a before her death in 1976. your lifetime. These options are an excellent way to leave www.ecu.edu/devt Referring to two professors accused of discrimination by change in the rule barring SOULS, Jenkins says “one of these is no longer with us, and In 2006, the university the other is leaving at the end of this year ”. students who received awarded the Jarvis Medal, Black enrollment grows to about 200 . financial aid from joining a its highest service award, 1970 social organization, which posthumously to Dr. Best, The Admissions Office turns to the SGA effectively banned black Office of Minority Affairs for help writing a who died in 2004. 1971 fraternities and sororities. ® recruitment brochure aimed at black high school students . EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY Ray and Eve Rogers today Although brutally frank about the state of race relations “That rule was suggested as on campus—it admits there have been “open displays of are proud of their daughter, prejudice by some whites to some blacks” and that some a means of keeping blacks Adeea Rogers ’05, for many white professors discriminate against black students—the from joining white sororities brochure is highly effective and widely praised . Ken reasons, but high on the list is Hammond ’73 ’83 ’85 and other black students establish and fraternities,” Hammond a passion for leadership. You the Eta Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, ECU’s first black recalls. “Dr. Best had to fraternity . Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first black sorority, is could say it runs in the family. formed . negotiate with Dr. Jenkins to have it changed.” It’s no Adeea Rogers works at the Hammond is the first African American 1973 elected senior class president . surprise that Dr. Best, himself university union as an event a member of APA, paid the planner, but she’s carrying on The first black faculty members arrive Thursday, April 2 www.ecu.edu/srapas THE RUSSIAN NATIONAL BALLET 1974 on campus, including Ledonia Wright, a charter’s start-up fees. The her parents’ legacy as staff community health professor originally from Rockingham university’s first black sorority, adviser to the Black Student County who has had a distinguished career in New York and Boston . She becomes adviser to SOUls . Alpha Kappa Alpha, was Union—the grandchild organization of SOULS. The old “Y” Hut is converted into the Afro- founded in 1973. 1975 American Cultural Center . A year later, it is Hammond became senior “I tell my students stories renamed the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center upon Wright’s Giselle sudden death . class president and later about my parents, and remind

The separate black and white homecoming worked at the university for them they can learn from 1976 queen contests are merged, and Jeri Barnes many years before leaving others,” Adeea Rogers says. becomes the school’s first black Homecoming Queen at ECU . his post in 1991 as associate “We have immense pride Natalear Collins and Brenda Klutz became the director of student activities in ECU and the strides it 1981 first African American graduates of the Brody School of Medicine . to assume leadership of the has made. It’s important for Durham church. During 2008 students to know that history.” Homecoming festivities, he East

26 from the classroom

Good Chemistry

It isn’t easy explaining organic chemistry in terms students understand . But that’s a piece of cake for Brian Love, a fun-loving professor with an unique sense of humor . “If we were making cars instead of molecules,” he says, “we’d be building the drill presses and lathes to make the parts ”. It’s not surprising that Love uses cars in his analogy because his hobby is maintaining his classic ’74 Camaro that’s often parked near the Sci-Tech building .

By Leanne E. Smith

Brian Love says most of the problems his stylish efficiency: suspend the models from Andrew Morehead, director of graduate students confront involve mixing materials, the ceiling and they don’t get tangled in a studies, says Love is “a wonderful colleague identifying variables and predicting what box. He says, “It’s quirky. It’s chemical. and mentor to the young faculty. He will happen in the ensuing chemical reaction. I just pluck them down when I need them tirelessly serves the department and students, “We don’t have to study that sugar makes for class.” but what I enjoy most about him is his tea sweet,” he explains. Students just need to sneaky sense of humor. As his many lucky Love has taught at East Carolina since 1994. know that A+B=C. “We learn by doing and students can attest, Brian’s dry wit and puns He received his undergraduate degree from remembering.” However he explains it, Love can enliven the driest of subjects—and Texas Christian University in 1980. He says he knows he’s reached students when fortunately for his colleagues, meetings.” received his doctorate from Princeton in their facial expressions change from “What?” 1986, completed his postdoctoral fellowship Students don’t forget his influence. Love’s to “Now I get it!” Then he knows “they can at UCLA the following year, and taught first thesis advisee, James Wynne ’94 ’96, now solve a problem they couldn’t before.” at Auburn University before settling in is senior research chemist at the U.S. Naval Even some colleagues don’t fully understand Greenville. Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., Love’s specialty: organic synthesis and and a professor at George Mason University. He chose teaching as a career almost as synthetic methodology. To those who say As a professor Wynne says he tries to pass an afterthought. “There was no big aha “all you’re doing is cooking” in his field of on Love’s “immense passion for organic moment,” he says. In college he had many study, Love responds with the ever-present chemistry and immeasurable patience with good teachers and some bad ones. He twinkle in his eye: “So? How do eat? new researchers.” He recalls a time when Love observed his professors’ lifestyles and Someone has to make the molecules,you so it’s captured the imagination of the class by thought, “I could do this.” Besides, teaching not an insult to be accused of cooking.” letting students create esters, or fragrances, sounded better than company lab work, plus and try to identify the starting ingredients. As for culinary preferences, he loves desserts. he likes “explaining stuff to people, not He says, “I still practice Dr. Love’s perfected That’s why there’s a Periodic Table of having to wear a suit to work, and picking technique of glassware cleaning—no bubbles Desserts poster in his office peeking through my own projects.” allowed in the base bath!” hanging storage for his molecular models. It’s

28 29 from the classroom Books by ECU Faculty

If you think politics was hot and voters were demanding change in last Love teaches both undergraduate about that and likens it to the fall’s presidential election, and graduate classes. He says near constant work he must do you should have been the latter are fun for him to keep his Camaro running. It’s around in 1888, when because they are more like his the first car he ever drove; he says an issues-dominated lab work, and he can integrate he keeps it around because “it campaign current research. He has greater seems silly to sell it now.” produced an expectations for independence Keeping things running also 80 percent and gives take-home problem sets is what he enjoys about being voter turnout . to be completed on the honor director of Organic Labs, a That heated system, for which his analogy is: position he’s held for eight years. race between if two paratroopers jump out In that capacity he’s responsible Democratic of a plane, one who studied and for revising the lab course pack, incumbent one who cheated, the one who scheduling classrooms, restocking Grover Cleveland studied is more likely to land supplies and many routine tasks and the GOP’s safely. At the graduate stage, he such as repairing drawer locks. Benjamin Harrison assumes, “There’s a drive to learn “His ability to organize labs has foreshadowed both instead of just get by.” the modern political helped our students have the best campaign and the One of his most vivid teaching learning experience possible in the memories challenged his lab classes,” says Morehead, the arrrrgh modern presidency, arrrrgh or so ECU history preconceptions but showed he graduate studies director. “The professor Charles w . was doing something right. A job needs someone who can keep Calhoun argues in his new student, unhappy with an exam it together, so I’ll do it till it’s book, Minority Victory. grade, complained that the set so the next person won’t have test wasn’t fair because some trouble,” says Love, who admits Americans had money in the Gilded questions weren’t straight out he’s an “organization freak.” Age and spent a lot of it on imported of the book. He asked the In research, too, he looks forward goods . Tariffs on those goods piled student, “Do you think it’s to a sense of accomplishment. up as surpluses in the federal budget . unfair to expect students to think He’s won numerous grants and Most Democrats, Cleveland among on exams?” Love says he was published a dozen articles but them, took the small-world view of blown away when the student says it’s a “way bigger thrill government and supported slashing responded, “Yes.” He laughs [when] something we did duties on imports, thereby cutting about it now, calls it a “slap-my- is getting used. When Love prices for consumers . Harrison stood forehead moment,” but his tests read in a journal article that on his front porch daily to rail against still have at least one question “Cleveland’s pinched sense of what someone was finally able to requiring students to explain the government could and should do ”. solve a problem using one of his something. Cleveland won the popular vote but methods, he thought, “Woohoo! Harrison took the Electoral College, “I try, anytime we’re talking about Circle that!” Most of those becoming one of only four presidents something we’ve done, to show revelations happen accidentally The Voice of the (Bush is another) to lose the popular connections,” he says. Sometimes from working on projects where vote but win the White House . students ask, “Do we need to he found published research remember that?” To which he methods impractical. bent,” he Harrison told Americans “Yes we can,” responds: “Yes, we’re now using says. “Like my students, I want an outlook that kept his party in what seemed useless.” something to be easy.” power for a generation . Pirate Nation —Steve Tuttle One of his biggest surprises But his sense of humor shines Minority Victory about teaching is the fact that through in the serious subject of By Charles W. Calhoun professors must keep updating research. “How can there be this listen free online University Press of Kansas, their lectures and teaching many chemists, and we haven’t 243 pages, $29.95 strategies. But he’s philosophical done everything already?” www.pirateradio1250.com 30 Equity, Clark Jay

Finally By Bethany Bradsher Tracey Kee and Charina Sumner wore the Women’s sports become ‘fully funded,’ same uniform and played the same sport. But 20 years have passed since Kee represented meaning their teams offer the maximum the Pirates on the softball diamond where Sumner stars today. And there’s a world of number of scholarships allowed . difference in how the two women athletes were treated. Kee, who is Sumner’s coach, came to East Carolina from Virginia on a partial scholarship and many of her teammates received only textbook money. Sumner was recruited all the way from Hawaii and was offered a full scholarship. When Kee was a player, the women’s softball team stayed in budget hotels, sometimes five to a room, and ate on $12 a day. For their away games this season, the Lady Pirates will stay in Marriotts and Hiltons, two to a room, and receive $30 a day for meals. Kee remembers walking along the railroad tracks in downtown Greenville to get to their weightlifting facility in a warehouse on 14th Street. Today’s teams lift in the Murphy Center, considered one of the finest collegiate fitness centers in the country. “I share lots and lots of stories from back in the day when I played,” says Kee, who is starting her 12th season as the women’s softball coach. “I want them to appreciate what they have, and appreciate those that helped build our program by playing with less.”

32 33 They made it to the championship game are realizing that it’s a pretty good game.” practice courts for the men’s and women’s

G oldberg of the C-USA tournament, where they fell basketball teams and the volleyball team. The softball team benefits from close ob

R to Memphis and narrowly missed an at- Also on the list are 12 new tennis courts, proximity to the baseball stadium. At times large bid for the NCAA field. a women’s soccer field and practice facility, during the season, men’s baseball fans will a women’s sports field house and a sports n The golf team has finished second in the stick around after that game ends to watch medicine facility. Funding for the new conference for the past two seasons. Junior the women play. Kee remembers one of the facilities is coming out of the student Abby Bools—the reigning C-USA Golfer first times that happened, in 2006, when the activity fee. of the Year—finished in the top four in all Lady Pirates were in extra innings against but one of the fall tournaments the team UNC Chapel Hill. “I bet they were 25 When Rick Kobe started coaching the swim played this season. And the competition people deep along our sideline, just heckling team in 1982, he had exactly one-half of a for the golf team keeps getting steeper— [the Tar Heels]. You see a little bit more scholarship for a female swimmer. Today he their first tournament of the spring season rowdy crowds, and I think that’s a good is fully funded at 14, but his swimmers— is hosted by Ohio State and features 15 of thing. People are getting a little bit more both male and female—are still using the the nation’s top Division I teams, including passionate about it.” natatorium that was built in 1968. Kobe can Florida, Notre Dame, Stanford and the promote an array of benefits to recruits who Junior tennis player Brooke Walter says she’s University of Southern California. are considering ECU—decades of winning seen public awareness and fan support—as records, the team’s camaraderie, dedicated n The women’s swimmers finished the 2007– well as the team’s expectations of itself—rise coaches—but he still occasionally loses 08 season 7-1 in dual meets. The tennis every year. “Last year we were nationally swimmers to schools with superior facilities. team has compiled four consecutive winning ranked for the first time in years, so that got seasons, including a 17-6 mark in 2008. some people’s attention.” Baldwin-Tener is competing in recruiting against schools that have three different More success, more pressure Smart players, smart students dedicated gyms—one each for men’s basketball, women’s basketball and volleyball. When the administration throws its support Female athletes at ECU historically have ECU has one gym for all three sports, a behind women’s sports with full funding, the excelled in the classroom, and that tradition facility that’s used by physical education coaches feel the need to set higher goals, Kee is continuing even as the teams win more classes in the mornings. The volleyball It’s a new day for the female athlete at East fully funded women’s teams. At the time, the coach who also headed up the men’s team. says. “When someone is putting that much games. The volleyball, golf, soccer and coaching staff can schedule up to 20 hours Carolina in terms of scholarships, amenities, the women had a total of 63.5 scholarships Now, the swim team and track and field are money and care into your student athletes, softball teams all were honored by their of practice a week according to the NCAA, facilities and victories. “It’s hard to compare overall out of a maximum allowed 99. the only teams that still have just one coach then with that comes a lot of responsibility coaching associations in the past year for but the team never comes close to that where we were,” says Tom Morris, the and one training program for both teams. “We just made sure we stayed on track and a lot of pressure. You want to win.” their high cumulative team GPAs. In April number because they have to share the gym women’s tennis coach and a 10-year veteran the tennis team was the only sports program and improved on the schedule as more It shouldn’t come as a surprise that as the And more victories by the women’s teams with so many others. of the athletics staff. “Women’s sports are at ECU to receive a special NCAA honor for funding became available,” athletic director number of scholarships available to women is translating into greater fan support of really on the rise here. And I think that’s compiling a team GPA in the top 10 percent “We need a practice facility, and I think Terry Holland says of the gender equity athletes rose, and coaching improved, the rabid kind usually reserved for the going to continue to improve.” nationally. The softball team was recognized everyone knows that,” Baldwin-Tener said. plan. “Having the maximum number of there has been a corresponding increase in “big three” of football, baseball and men’s by C-USA in July for having the highest “It’s a huge factor right now in recruiting.” It’s been an uphill climb and no one can see scholarships allowed by the NCAA is victories and other successes. Over the past basketball. “When we’re getting closer to GPA of its sport among conference members the summit yet. That may come when new normally viewed as essential to having an three years: these postseason invites and that kind of No one denies that women’s sports have playing facilities for sports like softball, equal opportunity to be competitive.” The men’s basketball, men’s golf and men’s come a long way since 1932, when President n Both the basketball and softball teams thing,” Kee says, “I think that’s when the tennis and volleyball, now on the drawing tennis programs also were at the top of their Robert H. Wright refused a request for an Today all sports teams are fully funded, earned bids to the NCAA tournament. regular fan notices us.” board, actually become reality. Still, in the sports academically. organized girls’ basketball on the grounds which allows coaches to recruit superior The basketball team stunned Conference When the women’s soccer team started gauge that means the most to the coaches— While most women’s teams have achieved that such “boisterous activity” would be players, compete with tougher opponents USA by winning the tournament and to climb the C-USA ladder last fall, the scholarship numbers—East Carolina is parity with the men in scholarships, coaching unladylike for the young women who and amass more wins. “I don’t think it’s any making the field of 64 in 2007, and the message boards on several Pirate fan sites finally right where it should be. and equipment, they still largely lag behind attended ECTC. mistake that we’re very close to being fully softball team earned its first-ever NCAA were heavy with positive comments from fans in one major area—facilities. But that In coach talk, the magic word is “fully funded now, and you start to see some success at-large bid last spring after reaching the who normally only follow football. Bodies Funding is up, success in many seasons is changing with a plan adopted by the funded,” which means that a sport is able to in women’s programs with that,” says women’s semifinals of the C-USA tournament. in the bleachers are also a tangible gauge. is surpassing that in the men’s arenas, offer the maximum number of scholarships soccer coach Rob Donnenwirth, who will use university that will see major enhancements and talented recruits are choosing to be n The soccer team made a national name for “Every year that I’ve been here attendance allotted to it by the NCAA. In 2001, at all 14 scholarships—the maximum—for the to women’s sports facilities over the next two Pirates by the dozen. Once the physical itself last fall, becoming the first women’s has been up,” said basketball coach Sharon the urging of the NCAA, East Carolina first time this fall. “That’s a big piece of the or three years: East Carolina has committed accommodations catch up to the talent and team to clinch a C-USA regular season Baldwin-Tener. “The year before I got here drafted a gender equity plan and appointed puzzle that is now there for us.” to a new women’s softball stadium; a new motivation among the Lady Pirates, ECU’s title after going 12 games without a loss we averaged 191 [fans per game in Minges], a task force to make sure it was followed. track and field facility; and a new auxiliary evolution to a friendly place for female In the past, most women’s teams were led by in the heart of conference competition. and this season it was 2,500. I think people That year basketball and golf were the only gym at Minges Coliseum that will house athletes will be complete. East

35 pirate nation CLASS NOTES

Alumni Spotlight April is service month Pirate Career Calls Come out to run for fun 2008 Maggie O’Neill is the new executive director at The university’s motto, meaning To The Alumni Association has teamed up Lace up your running shoes for a good Servire, Wake Forest Downtown Revitalization Corp. From Serve, is dear to the hearts of many East with the Career Center and ECU’s Human cause—student scholarships. The Alumni Raleigh, she previously was deputy town clerk in Carolina alumni and friends. To capture that Resources office to offer monthly training Association will host its second annual Garner; town clerk and finance director in Bethel; and spirit, the Alumni Association celebrates sessions via teleconference. Pirate Career Pirate Alumni 5K Road Race and 1 Mile a management intern in Ayden, which was named a e . Christiansen service month every April. Hundreds of Calls offer career advice, tips and tools to Fun Run on Saturday, April 18, as part of Small Town Main Street Town during her time there. Brian alumni and friends will be volunteering help you get ahead in your PirateFest. All proceeds will benefit Alumni 2007 their time helping their profession. Offered the first Association scholarships that are awarded to ate! Amanda Faye Hall of Fayetteville and John communities through ve the D Thursday of each month from undergraduates who excel in the classroom, Sa Association Delanion Fisher II of Stedman were married May service projects, helping Alumni noon to 1:00 p.m., Career on campus and in the community. Our 5K 24 in Fayetteville and live in Buies Creek. She teaches April 4— Luncheon others in need. The Scholarship Annual Calls are free to alumni and race travels down historic 5th Street and business at West Johnston High School in Benson. leaders of many regional April 16–19—26thGold Pigskin friends. Topics that will be is a USATF certified course. Awards are Leslie Ann Hart and Jason Scott Mozingo were Pirate Purple/ married July 12 at Yankee Hall Plantation in Pactolus Alumni Association Road covered this spring include: presented to the first three male finishers Pig-Out Party Alumni and live in Winterville. She works at Golden Living groups are planning Salary Negotiations (March overall, the first three female finishers overall, Center of Greenville. Emery Derek Smith and April 18—PirateFun R un service projects in their Race and est 2009 5), Career Changers (April and the top three male and female finishers Sonya Nichole Edens of Grifton were married June 28 corners of the Pirate April 18—PirateF 2) and Taking Advantage of in each of six age categories. Registration in Winterville. He works at West Greene Elementary In a ceremony in the Old House Chamber in the State Capital Nation. We hope you will Development Opportunities is $15 and includes a race packet and School in Snow Hill. Laci Lee Stanley of Fuquay-Varina and Justin Keith McDonald of building, James R. Gorham ’81 of Kernersville (at podium) volunteer wherever help in Your Workplace (May 7). Visit complimentary T-shirt. Visit PirateAlumni. Winston-Salem were married Oct. 11 at the Cape Fear was promoted to brigadier general in the n C. . Army National is needed. Have fun and be creative—there PirateAlumni.com/careercalls to register. com/roadrace or call the Alumni Center at River Deck in Wilmington and live in Morrisville. She Guard . State and Army officials congratulated Gorham on are plenty of ways to serve the environment, 800-ECU-GRAD to register. teaches at the Ballet School of Chapel Hill and Cary becoming the first African American to attain that rank in children, senior citizens, four-legged friends, Call for nominations Ballet Conservatory. the state Guard . A vice president of First Citizens Bank, Gorham enlisted in the Army after high school and used the nonprofit organizations, local hospitals and Buy a Painted Pirate Vacancies will soon occur on the Alumni 2006 GI bill to earn a history degree from ECU . He’s been in the schools, and even those in your family. Association board, and Chair Sabrina Bengel Last spring 16 “Painted Pirate” statues were Guard for 34 years . In 2004, his unit was deployed to Iraq for APRIL PAUL BAER, originally of Benson, is the 15 months, where he was promoted to colonel . He told the The Alumni Association is glad to assist is asking for nominations to fill the seats. unveiled during Greenville’s 2nd annual project coordinator for university wellness at Frostburg Winston-Salem Journal that his latest promotion is as much you in promoting your planned service Nominees must be dues-paying members PirateFest. After spending a year on display State University in Maryland. His latest project is about opportunity as race . He said it “gives soldiers the projects by spreading the word to fellow of the association but do not have to be at each sponsor’s business, 15 statues will Creating Healthy Informed Lasting Lifestyles, where he knowledge that they can go from private to general ”. will manage modeling a biomedical and health initiative alumni in your area. Be sure to take plenty graduates. Members of the board serve three- be auctioned off during PirateFest 2009. that may be used at universities across the county. of photos, and remember to wear purple year terms and can be reappointed for an Proceeds will benefit the Historic Fleming Nick D. Kistler is the new corporate sponsorship Roger W. Newsom ’86 made a lot and gold to show your Pirate spirit! additional term, including a term as an officer. House Renovation Fund and the Alumni sales executive with ISP Sports’ University of Southern of birdies as a member of the ECU Mississippi property in Hattiesburg. Kistler was assistant golf team from 1982-85, and he’s We’ll put all service project photos on our A slate of candidates will be presented to the Association Scholarship Fund. The ECU still sinking long putts, as evidenced board in April. New directors will assume Office of Centennial Events, the Greenville- general manager with a collegiate summer league baseball web site at PirateAlumni.com. Contact club in Edenton. Clayton McCullough is by his win at the 2008 SunTrust Kendra Alexander at 800-ECU-GRAD office July 1. Nominate someone today at Pitt Chamber of Commerce, and the Alumni the youngest inductee for the J.H. Rose Walk of Fame State Open golf tournament . His July victory was followed by golfer or [email protected]. PirateAlumni.com/boardnomination. Association sponsor this public arts project. at J.H. Rose High School in Greenville. After playing baseball and football at Rose and baseball at ECU, of the year honors from the Virginia he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians, made AAA State Golf Association . The Alumni Association recognized its 2008 Alumni Award recipients during halftime of the Homecoming football game. Standing left Buffalo, worked as a hitting coach and manager for Newsome, 44, is an ophthalmologist to right are Chancellor Steve Ballard, Distinguished Service Award recipient Steve Showfety ’70, Alumni Association Board Chair Sabrina minor league baseball operations in the Gulf Coast Bengel, Honorary Alumni Award recipients Charles Rogers, Mrs. JoAnn Eakin and Dr. Richard Eakin, Outstanding Alumni Award recipients who practices in the Hampton Capt. (Ret.) David Fitzgerald ’66, Rev. Ken Hammond ’73, ’83, ’85, Dr. Jerry McGee ’66, and Lt. Gen. Gary North ’76. League for the Toronto Blue Jays, and now manages the Roads area . After ECU, Newsom rookie league Lansing Lugnuts in Michigan. Joanne studied at the Eastern Virginia Morace is a nurse practitioner at Eastern Psychiatric Medical School, then did his & Behavioral Specialists. An RN for 15 years, she residency at the Wake Forest worked with critical care patients at PCMH. University Eye Center, where he won a fellowship to study plastic 2005 and reconstructive surgery of the Celeste Amstutz and David Leich ’06 eye at the University of Toronto . He is especially skilled in were married July 26 at Airlie Gardens in Wilmington. cataract and implant treatment techniques and the treatment At ECU, she was in Alpha Xi Delta, he was in Kappa of other ocular problems . Dr . Newsom also serves as a Alpha, and both are in the MBA program. diplomat on the National Board of Medical Examiners .

37 class notes

Alumni Spotlight Amy Britt Askew and Stephen Douglas 2002 Dawn Casper ’01 ’04 and Christopher Aaron operations department in Wilson. Chad Tracy, Craft III were married Sept. 20 in Kinston and live Reaves were married Sept. 17. She is a financial analyst the Arizona Diamondbacks’ third baseman, visited Dr. John Howard Brooks, a cardiologist at in Greenville. She is office manager of Hometown for Time Warner Cable in Wilmington. Laurin Clark-LeClair Stadium for the first time during Scotland Memorial Hospital and a Pembroke native, Chalk (center) with Pharmacy of Greenville. Nichole Dunn ’05 Leonard Deaton and Zachary Norris Homecoming 2008 and talked with the ECU baseball opened Lumber River Cardiology in Laurinburg. Williamson (left) and King ’08 is a student counselor at Edgecombe Community Deaton ’04 ’07 had a son, Luke Zachary, on Nov. players. He is married to Katie Martin Tracy At BSOM, where he completed a three-year College. She was a rehabilitation counselor at 6. Todd Alston Hales ’01 ’05 and Emily ’03. Ashley Wright of Newport News, Va., cardiovascular-disease fellowship, he received the Vocational Rehabilitation in Rocky Mount. Jeff Kelly Fleming of Greenville were married Aug. 9 and and Morgan Ryan Terry of Dallas, Tex., were married PCMH Presidential Service Award. Steve Setser Gaddis is a maintenance sales consultant at the live in Durham. He is a project analyst with PRA in Williamsburg, Va., on Nov. 1 and live in Charlotte. of Belhaven was promoted to vice president and Greenville office of Piedmont Air Conditioning. International. April Nicole Herring ’01 ’02 She is a transportation planner with PBS&J, a national auditor for The East Carolina Bank. He was a staff He previously worked with a property management and John Patrick Garver ’03 of Goldsboro planning and engineering consulting firm. auditor for four years, completed his third year at the company. Erin Marie Sowell and David were married Nov. 8. She is marketing director at N.C. Bankers Association School of Banking, and is in Charles Davis of Greenville were married Nov. 1 in Southco Distributing Co. in Goldsboro. He is a 2000 ECU’s MBA program. Wilmington. She is an advertising executive with sales representative with Eastern Turf Equipment in Donna Dees Aldredge, a Chi Omega sister, Inner Banks Media. Fayetteville. Bryan Holley ’01 ’07 of Wilson, a 2001 had a son, William Beecher Aldredge, on Jan. 23, 2008. fourth-grade teacher at Corinth-Holders Elementary Richardson Cowles Tally of Oakland, 2004 Patrick F. Abrams of Mount Olive was School in Zebulon, received the Milken Family Calif., and Elise Marie Kopesky of Camden, Maine, promoted to banking officer in the Warsaw office Foundation National Educator award, which includes Jason Matthew Eldridge and Kendra were married July 27 outdoors at Garre Vineyard in of Southern Bank. He previously was a repairman $25,000 and a free trip to the Milken National Nicole Clement ’06 were married Oct. 18 at the Livermore, Calif., and live in Oakland. He is patron at Buddy’s Jewelry in Mount Olive. Jennifer Education Conference in Los Angeles. The award goes Village Inn Golf and Conference Center in Clemmons, services manager for the Berkeley Symphony. Diane Angevine and James William Gentry of to no more than 80 teachers each year, and since the and they live in Mount Airy. He is a graphic artist Winterville were married July 19 in Wilmington. She program’s start in 1985, 43 N.C. teachers have received with Encore Group in Winston-Salem, and she is a 1999 works at the N.C. Biotechnology Center in Greenville the award. Joseph Hoover was promoted to court counselor with the N.C. Department of Juvenile and is in Pitt Community College’s nursing program. assistant vice president with BB&T in Raleigh. From Tamika “Meek” Jackson and Onjeinika Justice and Delinquency Prevention in Stokes County. Melissa Dawn Barrington and Matthew Greensboro, he joined the bank in 2005 and is an “Polly” Brooks, sisters originally from Wilmington, Michael Holt is a vice president and commercial After a 33-year career, W. Kendall Chalk ’68 MBA ’71 Douglas McClelland of Raleigh were married Aug. 23 investment counselor. Donna Weller Stalls founded Polly & Meek Partnership, a book writing banker in the Greenville office of The Little Bank. He retired from BB&T in September and the bank honored in the Preston Woodall House gardens in Benson. She was promoted to vice president at BB&T. Since 2001, company. Their first book, , worked for First Citizens Bank and Albemarle Bank & Sisters Are from Heaven his 33 years of service, most recently as CFO, by is a realtor for Keller-Williams in Raleigh. Melissa she was process and quality manager in BB&T’s branch includes Meek’s photos and Polly’s lessons for children. Trust. Marian Ione Lowe ’04 ’06 of Raleigh donating $250,000 to East Carolina to endow two and Darryl Ross Kennedy ’05 of Goldsboro scholarships in the Access Scholarship program . The were married Oct. 25 in Winston-Salem. A 2001 contribution creates the first two endowed Access debutante and member of Phi Kappa Phi and Kappa Scholarships, which are given to students with the best Omicron Nu honor societies, she is an early intervention academic potential and the least financial resources . service coordinator for the N.C. Department of Health The grant is the latest in a long list of gifts to East and Human Services in Smithfield. He is a project Carolina from BB&T . Three of the five executives who manager for Hine Sitework in Goldsboro, where they helped transform a regional farm lender in Wilson into live. Kristie Michelle Petterson of the nation’s 14th largest bank are graduates of ECU’s Pfafftown andJ onathan Bruce Comer of business school and the MBA program . Yadkinville were married Dec. 6 in Winston-Salem and live in King. In Winston-Salem, she is an R.N. at Of the three, only President and CEO Kelly King ’70 Forsyth Medical Center, and he is a quality engineer for ‘71 still goes to the office every day . Henry Williamson BE Aerospace. William Lee Percise II of Snow ’69 ‘72, Chalk’s predecessor as CFO, retired earlier . Hill is an attorney with White & Allen, a regional firm All three are active supporters of the university . Ken based in Kinston. He received his law license on Sept. 8. Chalk is a former chair of the ECU Foundation board Erica Lynn Stocks and Christopher Brian Evans and currently is co-chair, with King, of the board of the were married Aug. 2 at Yankee Hall Plantation and live BB&T Center for Leadership Development within the in Greenville. She is self-employed. College of Business . “I am very grateful to my associates at BB&T, the 2003 executive management team, and the board of Christina Lynn Crawford ’03 ’08 and directors for this recognition,” Chalk said about the Frederick Casey Edwards of Ayden were married grant . “The Access Scholarship program is essential to Oct. 4. She works for Pitt County Schools. Dena help students who could not otherwise afford higher Marshall and Jeremy Konkel of Apex had a son, education to attend ECU and become successful Nolan Adam, on May 2. She is assistant director of leaders in their communities ”. public affairs at the N.C. Medical Board.L eigh Ann BB&T has contributed more than $1 .6 million to date in Potter and Kelly Christopher Hodges support of ECU’s efforts to become the best leadership ’04 of Wilmington were married Oct. 11 in Greenville. university in the state . She works at Cape Fear Academy, and he is a project superintendent with Harold K. Jordan Construction. Benjamin Taylor Williams and Jeanne Nicole Horne Williams ’04 of Pinehurst had a daughter, Kenley Nicole, on Sept. 6.

38 class notes Educators Hall of Fame The 2008 class of inductees into the ECU Jackson works in biotechnology in Washington, D.C., founded It’s Her Team, a women’s line of sportswear. He previously worked with design and installation Educators Hall of Fame includes: Alumni Spotlight and owns Portraits by Tamika, a company specializing Jennifer Hemink is the new owner of A of commercial security systems. He is married to Tony Robertson Banks ’72 of Winterville, in affordable location and small wedding shoots. Proper Setting in Greenville’s Arlington Village after Gina Prescott Beaman ’88 ’96 of Greenville, Karen Klaich ’83. Nancy McNeill teaching middle school for nine years. Dr. Scott Dorothy Brannan ’50 of Greenville, Peterson ’89 ’93 and Jeff Peterson of Wilmington Grover J. “Russ” Whitehurst ’66, 1998 Alan Kendrick ’96 ’02 is a nephrologist at the Sylvian K. Brooks ’35 ’37 ’58 of Holly had a son, Chase McNeill Peterson, on Aug. 5. director of the Institute of Education Greenville office of Eastern Nephrology Associates Debra Ann Bard and Gregory Thomas Fowler Springs, Mary Elizabeth McKim Corbin Sciences in the U .s . Department of after completing his residency in Maine and 1987 Jr. of Raleigh were married Oct. 4 at Haywood Hall ’07 of Greenville, Anthony “Tony” Y. Education, won the prestigious Peter h . fellowships in Alabama. in Raleigh. She is a pharmaceutical representative Gray ’73 of Vilas, Lennon Hooper ’57 of Charles Pilkey of Mint Hill exhibited his Rossi Award for contributions to the Greenville, ’43 with Merck & Co. Ian Andrew Cary and Gwen Goodson Jeffreys sculpture at the Mint Hill Arts theory or practice of program 1995 of Greensboro, Paul Jones ’55 of Kinston, Jennifer Joy Prevatt Cary ’99 of NovemberThe show Sound “Three of Waves in One.” After growing up evaluation . The Association for Public Charles E. Long ’69 ’71 of Farmville, Statesville had their first child, Callum Andrew, on Lisa Wright Cartwright and Clay in Hillsborough, working for an oil company, sailing Policy and Management presents the Dorothy Pruitt ‘56 of Oxford, award annually . Whitehurst has led IES June 12. Joy Eubanks started the Marley Fund Cartwright ’96 expanded their 10-year-old Rita Reaves ’73 ’75 ’80 of Greenville, the East Coast, bartending in Wrightsville Beach, since it was established in 2002 . He in 2001 to memorialize her cat who died of feline Halloween Express franchise to two locations in Pamela Bass Strickland ’70 of Dunn, living in Japan for 15 years and teaching at Kyushu leukemia, and the Greenville-based program has Greenville for the fall 2008 season. Lisa also owns Wheatley Martin Strickland ‘36 of Dunn, Sangyo University in Fujuoka, he paints and sculpts previously was assistant secretary for expanded to the Triangle with a foster program called Debu Cafe and Catering. Claire Culbreath Sarah Carver Williams ’90 of Grimesland at his home studio. He teaches part time at Central the Office of Educational Research and Marley’s Cat Tales for cats with feline AIDS. Ted of Winston-Salem started a new career as a singer- and Ted Williams ‘62 of Durham . Piedmont Community College and Spartanburg Improvement . Before that he was chairman of the Lockamon is recreation services supervisor for songwriter. A music therapy major, she went blind Community College; he has exhibited pieces in Japan, Department of Psychology at the State University of New Henderson, Nev. There since 1998, he is married from juvenile diabetes in 1998 at age 28, and China, Korea, Turkey and Italy. York at Stony Brook . He is the author or editor of five books to Elizabeth Brussock ’95. Edward underwent years of rehabilitation that included and has published more than 100 scholarly papers . William Turcotte III and Meghann Rae learning to play piano by ear with the help of Michael 1992 1986 Whitehurst was born and reared in Washington, n C. . After Stubbs were married July 12 on the promenade deck “Zoo” Zeoli of the band Joe Next Door. She plays majoring in psychology at ECU, he obtained a Ph .D . in CHRISTIAN KEIBER of Los Angeles guest Karen J. Renz was a finalist for ’s of the in Wilmington. He is a sales jazz, sacred and popular songs in a band called experimental child psychology from the University of Illinois, starred as Boston wise-guy Paul Reilly on TNT’s ATHENA Award for women professionalsCincy Magazine and associateHenrietta with Carolina III Jewelry in Wilmington, where Shadowbox Two. William Hunter Lloyd Jr. Urbana-Champaign . He is married and has two children . as ex-mobster Paulie on ABC’s community leaders in the Greater Cincinnati Area. they live. Russell Vernon of Wentworth was and Kathryn Elizabeth Lennox ’01 of Raising the Bar, General and federal marshal Panicali on NBC’s in A partner in Graydon Head & Ritchey law firm, she named Rockingham County Schools 2008–2009 Greenville were married Nov. 22. Hospital, ER Professor Emeritus and former swim September. Kenny Strickland of Fayetteville co-chairs the firm’s communications and information Assistant Principal of the Year. He taught science, and coach Ray Scharf won five gold was appointed to the ECU Board of Visitors. industry and women’s professional development since receiving his master’s from Appalachian State 1994 medals at the n C. . Senior Games Kendrick Whitehurst was promoted to groups. She is involved in the Cincinnati Area Senior in 2006, has been assistant principal at Wentworth State Championships in September Matt Holder returned to Greenville, reopened senior vice president with BB&T in Greenville. From Services Board, Leadership Cincinnati Class XXVIII, Elementary School. CHRIS WALKER of Greensboro and qualified for the National Senior his hair salon and expanded his Matt Holder Wilson, he joined the bank in 2001 and is a group Executive Women’s Golf Association, and volunteers in launched Produce-A-Pic, a company that sells film Games to be held at Stanford Hairstyling products to 14 shampoos, conditioners, director in the private financial services department. pet therapy at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical promo packs to help finance independent films in pre- University in San Francisco in sprays, mists, foams and smoothers. A stylist for He is president of Literacy Volunteers of Pitt County Center and with VITAS. The West Chester Chamber production stages. Walker also owns 5Rings Design, a August . Competing in the 70-74 age 20 years, he was a product formulation educator and treasurer of the United Way of Pitt County. Alliance named her a Woman of Excellence. Olivia branded content development company, and Ve-Shan, a group, Scharf placed first in the 50- for Joico in California, but left for lack of sweet tea Scott founded a promotional products company, documentary and feature film company. and 100-yard freestyle and in the and barbecue. He plans to start an apprenticeship- 1991 Promotional Partners, in 2007. Based in Cary, it 50-, 100- and 200-yard breaststroke . style education alternative to community college David Crumpler of Greenville was promoted supports two high school intern programs, PTA school 1997 He coached the ECU swim team beauty school programs. Brian Johnson and to assistant vice president for East Carolina Bank improvement teams, and business alliance committees. from 1967 to 1981, winning 11 consecutive Southern Matthew Cave was promoted to senior project Jamie Rothman of Raleigh and Jacksonville, Fla., marketing, which works with all 24 ECB locations As an Apex Chamber ambassador, she is on an Conference titles . He trained more than 30 All Americans manager for the Target store construction team were married Oct. 25 at Old St. Andrew’s Episcopal and ECB Bancorp. He previously was a marketing and education committee that develops opportunities for and sent more than 40 swimmers to NCAA championship with John S. Clark Co., where he has worked at the Church in Jacksonville. They work for a local television public relations consultant in Wake County. MARK youth and business leaders to interact. meets . He was inducted into the ECU Athletics Hall of corporate office in Mount Airy since 2003. He and station. Charlie Lee Meeks Jr. of Newport A. MOORE of Raleigh co-produced a surf-rock Fame in 2002, the same year he retired from teaching his wife, Emily Cave ’05, live in Dobson, manage and Erin Ruth Bradley of Garner were married Oct. album, 1985 after a 35-year career here . He returned to competitive a family farm, and have three daughters. Jenny 18 at Jones Chapel at Meredith College in Raleigh Encomium with InCameron Memoriam Michael Vol. 1: Parkes Jan Berry of Box of o’ Kathee Brown Staton ’85 ’88 and Boyd swimming in 2007 for the first time since graduating Gay and Jason Everett of Huntersville were married and live in Morehead City. He is a probation officer in Clox.Jan & The Dean, album includes more than 20 guest artists, Ingram of Nashville, Tenn., are married and live in from college in 1961 . Over the past two years he has won Sept. 13 in Clinton. She works with Stone Properties Jacksonville. Jean M. Sugg ’94 ’06 of Grifton is a five of whom played or sang for original Jan & Dean Lebanon, Tenn. They were regulars on the Renfro 10 gold medals in local competitions and three gold and of Huntersville. Amanda Ross Mazey and legal administrator with White & Allen, a regional law material in the 1960s. It was also featured in Valley Barndance show in Kentucky, where he was a two silver medals at the state level . Scharf and his wife her husband, Randy, had a daughter, Sierra Maranda firm based in Kinston. The News lead singer for and she recently hosted the now live on Harkers Island . Mazey, on Aug. 24. A WITN news/sports anchor/ & Observer. annual AlumniThe Day Casinos performance. reporter for eight years, Mazey is now a freelance 1993 1990 broadcaster in Fort Worth, Texas, and also works for Breast cancer survivor Valerie Kim Hampton ’93 ’05 is the new student support Susan Lanehart Rhodes of Fuquay-Varina 1984 The Mountain Network. Janie Sowers Taylor Weathington Kolkjen ’80 has specialist at Edgecombe Community College. She was a received her National Board Certification in school is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an Tom Hales of Greenville received the Regional launched an online business selling counselor and taught French and Spanish at Southwest counseling. She has 16 years of experience as a teacher approved clinical supervisor at CareNet Counseling Service Award from the N.C. Association of Realtors. fine soaps and other skin care Edgecombe High School. Lisa Spiridopoulos and counselor in Wake County Public Schools. She and East in Greenville, and she is working on her doctorate He was president of his local association in 1994, products, many of which she Herman and her husband, Josh, of La Quinta, her husband, Michael Rhodes ’04, have three in medical family therapy. director and chair of the Legislative Committee and discovered while undergoing Calif., had their first child, Mackenzie Barbara, on June sons. Doug Walker, a Miami, Fla.-based steel Professional Standards, and for 20 years has been a radiation treatment . Her business, 17. Michael Pollard ’93 ’06, assistant principal drum artist, released a 17-track CD titled 1996 member of the Greenville-Pitt Association of Realtors. www finegiftsoaps. com,. also offers a at Greenville’s Hope Middle School, was named Pitt Caribbean BETH A. WOOD of Raleigh, a Durham CPA, blog and a newsletter with tips and Debra DAVis Bailey ’96 ’00 became director County’s assistant principal of the year. In education Christmas: Holiday Songs in a Steel Band Style. was elected North Carolina state auditor. It was her encouragement for women suffering of student loans at ECU in July after eight years for 16 years, he was president of the N.C. Bandmasters 1989 first run for office. When not crunching numbers, from breast cancer . Kolkjen also has as the financial administrator at Philippi Church Association Eastern District and helps coordinate the Mark Klaich is the new manager of the she enjoys shag dancing, snow and water skiing, and a day job as vice president of of Christ. Kathy Flick ’96 ’97 of Atlanta “Stang Power” mentoring program. ReStore at Habitat for Humanity of Pitt County. reading bestsellers. Atlanta-based Sales Performance Group .

40 41 class notes

1982 was linebackers coach before his promotion to assistant REGGIE PINKNEY was inducted into the ECU head coach in 2003. He is married to Erlene Athletics Hall of Fame. A defensive back who played Jamye Borchert Cooper is a major gifts McNeill ’79. James M. Rankins received in the NFL for five years, he set the school record of officer for UNC Asheville. She previously was executive the Amy Carroll-Sherry Little Award for excellence 197 yards in interception returns his senior year. His director of the international festival Folkmoot USA in physical education in Pitt County Schools and son Patrick is an ECU quarterback. and chief financial officer for the Daniel Boone Boy was selected to coach the East team in the N.C. High Scout Council in Asheville. Susan Freeland School Athletic Association East-West All Star Game. 1976 Paparazo of Morehead City got her master’s at He and his wife, Doris Kornegay Rankins Old Dominion University, has two daughters aged 23 MIKE RADFORD and Maureen Ryczak of Wilson ’79 ’88, have a teenage son, Tyler. Thomas Craig and 25, and is a nurse practitioner at Western Carteret celebrated their 30th anniversary on Dec. 29. A diabetes Williams ’80 ’83, formerly of Jacksonville, Fla., is Medical Center in Cedar Point. care specialist with Novo Nordisk, he has 25 years of vice president for global organizational effectiveness experience in the pharmaceutical industry. They have with Wal-Mart and is based at the company’s home 1981 two sons, Brian and CHRIS RADFORD ’07. office in Bentonville, Ark. Dawn Singleton ’81 ’93, principal at 1975 Wintergreen Primary and Intermediate schools, was 1978 named Pitt County’s principal of the year. She was on Robert Barefoot retired as Fayetteville- William Joseph Etheridge ’78 ’86 ’03, the State Department of Public Instruction’s Testing and Cumberland Parks and Recreation director after principal of Phillips Middle School in Battleboro, Accountability Compliance Commission for four years. 30 years in parks management. He was parks and was named 2008–2009 Edgecombe County Public recreation director for Harnett County and Wake Schools Principal of the Year. He has more than 30 1980 Forest before becoming the Fayetteville-Cumberland years experience as a teacher, counselor, instructional superintendent of parks in 1983 and director in WALLACE “BUTCH” DAVIS was inducted into the support specialist, and administrator. 1988. GLENN EURE, the Nags Head artist who ECU Athletics Hall of Fame. He lettered in baseball created the original design for Greenville’s Pirate for three years, leading the team his senior year in 1977 statues unveiled in 2008, was featured on WRAL TV’s batting average (.362), home runs (12), and RBIs (27). Jack D. Lail, news director of innovation for the “Tar Heel Traveler” news segment in October. Ira Ruffin McNeill Jr., originally of Lumberton was elected to a one-year term “Glenn” Cutrell Jr. retired from Pitt County and now of Lubbock, Texas, is defensive coordinator Knoxvilleon the Associated News Sentinel, Press Managing Editors board government after 30 years with the tax assessor’s office, for the Texas Tech football team. At Tech since 2000, he during the group’s annual conference in Las Vegas. the last nine years as tax assessor. He works part-time

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42 43 class notes in memoriam

Alumni Spotlight in marketing with Tax Management Associates of Charlotte. H. Gerald Pittman of Kenly retired Nov. 1 after 30 years as an accounting manager with the City of Wilson. 1920s ’39 of Shawboro died Sept. 29 at 90. A retired home Association; Civitan, Pitt County Wildlife, and Eastern 1972 economist, she was a life member of the American Pines Men’s Fellowship clubs. He was a member of Gretta Mae Little Neely ’29 of Pineville Tony Robertson Banks of Winterville Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and the Chancellors’ Society with his wife, retired ECU died Feb. 24, 2001. Originally from Marshville, she pledged $100,000 to the ECU College of Education. was active in Providence Baptist Church. Lucy instructor Judy B. Baker ’63 ’82. He was the brother taught in Mecklenburg County for more than 40 years, Edward V. English retired as director of McLawhorn Smith ’36 of Ayden died Sept. of Patsy Baker O’Leary ’59. Memorials may be made beginning her career at Steele Creek and retiring from children’s outpatient services at Edgecombe-Nash 19 at 91. She retired from Pitt County Schools to ECU’s Volunteer and Service Learning Center. Berryhill elementary schools. She was active in Steele Mental Health Center in Rocky Mount. He also ran and PCMH, owned Smith Lumber Co. with her Wilbur I. Bennett Jr. ’58 ’69 of Greenville Creek Presbyterian Church. a private psychology practice. Michael “Mike” husband, and was active in Ayden Christian Church died Oct. 16. He was in the Air Force during the David Jarrell retired to Southern Pines after 35 and the Keen-Agers group. Lillian Mitchiner Korean Conflict, worked in finance in Charlotte, 1930s years in the brick industry, the last 13 as director of Stephenson ’32 of Raleigh died Nov. 12 at 98. returned to ECU to study geography while teaching national sales for Triangle Brick Co. Mattie Lucile Allen ’30 of Raleigh died Nov. She taught school in Roanoke Rapids before traveling evening classes, and taught in Pitt County Schools for 22 at 100. For 39 years, she taught elementary school cross-country with her salesman husband. In Charlotte 19 years. He was active in Covenant United Methodist 1971 in Johnston, Wayne, Harnett and Wake counties. for 40 years until 1984, she was active in her church Church, ECU’s Pirate Club and Alumni Association, Four Pirates are being groomed for greater roles in public She was active in Trinity United Methodist Church, and the Salvation Army and Professional Engineers and the Greenville Recreation and Parks committee. service to the state as students in this year’s class of Leadership David L. Best, owner of David L. Best and and after retirement, traveled the U.S. Christine women’s auxiliaries. She was also an N.C. Century Memorials may be made to the ECU Educational North Carolina . They are (from left) Robert S. Parker ’72 ’78 Associates since 1990 in Clinton, received his “Tena” Alford Benton ’38 of Raleigh died Farmer with land in Northampton County. Flora Foundation or Greenville Recreation and Parks Extreme of Winston-Salem, vice president of special operations and certification as a Social Security Disability Law Oct. 8 at 93. She gave the first classical piano recital A. Yeargan ’36 of Garner died Oct. 13 at 93. She Park. Mary P. Edwards ’51 of Brown Summit community health at North Carolina Baptist Hospital; Jerry specialist from the N.C. State Bar. at ECTC and retired from teaching at Governor worked for Carolina Power and Light Co. died Sept. 15. She was a home demonstrator for county Beckman ’84 of Raleigh, South Atlantic Operations manager Morehead School for the Blind. Hilda Blair extension services. Dr. Kenneth D. Hall ’56 ’61 for Arcadis; Gayle McCracken Tuttle ’75 of Raleigh, director 1965 Barnhill Carson ’34 of Bethel died Sept. 1940s of Punta Gorda, Fla., and formerly of Brick, N.J., died of strategic communications for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Dr. Maria H. Koonce of Cocoa, Fla., published 23 at 95. She retired from Pitt County Schools after Nov. 5. He taught, coached, and was an administrator North Carolina; and John Cantrell ’92 of Charlotte, president of Elizabeth Thigpen Braxton ’40 died a book, about teaching at Bethel and North Pitt High schools and in five districts. After his 1995 retirement, he directed h .B . Cantrell & Co . insurance firm . Oct. 23. Traveling with her Army husband of 66 multiculturalLoving issues the Gringo: in her A and Bicultural her husband’s Life, lives. She was active in Bethel Baptist Church. Rosa Jones the Futures American School in Cairo, Egypt. He years, Col. Joseph C. Braxton ’38, she taught in and Bill Koonce ’68 met at the 1962 orientation Little Cook ’34 of Brandon, Fla., died Nov. later was president of the N.J. Association of School All four have deep ECU roots . The son of an alumna, Parker North Carolina, Maryland, Germany, and Japan dance behind Flanagan after he left the Navy and she 24 at 100. She taught music and was chorus director Administrators. Laura Horton Hamlet ’55 has a daughter who earned her nursing degree here in 1998 . before their 1972 retirement. She visited more than arrived as a Fulbright Exchange student from Uruguay, at Tyrone Junior High School in St. Petersburg and of Burlington died Feb. 16, 2002. She retired from In recognition of ECU’s service to their family, the Parker Merit 50 countries. Pinear Mae “Pat” Windley and they pursued education careers. Jerry Tolley was active in Palm Lake Christian Church. Nina teaching elementary school. Sarah Bowland Scholarship was established several years ago and is now Epps ’45 of Edenton died Nov. 23. She started her ’65 ’66 was named to the 2008–2009 class of the Walston Fountain ’32 ’69 of Tarboro died McLawhorn ’54 of Greenville died Oct. 13. awarding a scholarship to a deserving student each year . 40-year education career at Brogden High School National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Nov. 27 at 95. She retired in 1978 after 17 years She taught home economics at Chocowinity High in Dudley and continued it in several Eastern N.C. Beckman, a School of Technology graduate, started working for with Edgecombe County Schools; was president of School, and after 30 years with Wachovia, retired as locations teaching gifted education, social studies, and Arcadis while a junior at ECU and is still with the international 1961 the Edgecombe Community College Foundation for an operations officer.M artin Rabunsky ’52 home economics. She and her Methodist minister consulting and engineering company . He’s a past president of 22 years, a Democratic Party and Nursing Homes of Silver Spring, Md., died Aug. 26. He taught public Barbara Kelly of Keswick, Va., retired after 38 husband of 60 years were known as “Preacher & the Pitt County Alumni Chapter and is active in the Pirate Club . Advisory Committee chair, charter member of the school in several states and retired as assistant principal years as assistant athletics director at the University Pat.” Christine Gray Smith ’48 of Winter He is married to Ingrid Lutman Bechman ’93 . Tarboro Pilot Club, Red Cross volunteer; and received and history department head at Wheaton, Md. of Virginia. She also helped create the ACC women’s Park, Fla., died Oct. 4. At ECTC, she was junior three Governor’s Volunteer Awards, the last in 2000. Shelby Eugene “Gene” Russ Sr. ’54 died Tuttle was the fall graduation speaker for the School of basketball tournament and co-founded U.Va.’s Women’s class vice president, Y.W.C.A. president and regional Emma Gladys Gray Harrison ’39, of Sept. 19. He worked in Wilmington for the Remington Communication . After serving as White House correspondent Faculty and Professional Association. She was the first delegate, Emerson Society treasurer, and a member of Williamston and later Cypress Glen in Greenville, Rand Co., with which he held executive positions in for the Pittsburgh Press, Tuttle became an entrepreneur . She woman on the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame board and the Science Club, Women’s Athletic Association, and died Sept. 11. She taught school in several Eastern New York and Ohio. In 1976, he started Associated started two businesses providing quality assurance and public was named one of ECU’s 100 Incredible Women. varsity softball, basketball, and gymnastics teams. She N.C. counties, played golf and bridge, and was active Office Systems.A. Louis Singleton ’56 of relations consultation and services to insurers and health care taught chemistry and biology in Lenoir County and in Williamston’s First Christian Church. Mary Greenville died Sept. 17. From 1961 to 1995, he was provider organizations . Married to East magazine editor Steve 1960 later at the Lankenau School for Girls in Pennsylvania. Helen Hammond Hill ’38 died Oct. 2 at 91. a lawyer with Gaylord and Singleton in Greenville. Tuttle, she joined Blue Cross in 2004 . They have a son who is a She and her dentist husband, Dr. Grover W. Smith Dave Thomas was inducted into the Wingate She taught school in Cary from 1955 until her 1977 A past president of the Pitt County Bar Association sophomore at ECU . ’49, returned to Kinston in 1953 when he opened his University Sports Hall of Fame in October after being retirement and was a Glenaire resident for nine years. and Third Judicial District Bar and member of the dental practice. She was involved in fund-raisers and Cantrell, president of h .B . Cantrell & Co ., a family insurance inducted into the N.C. Athletic Directors Hall of Mary Craven Lowe ’39 of Charlotte died American Bar Association and Greenville Planning scouting activities at Northwest Christian Church. J.B. business started by his father, Henry B . Cantrell ’65, was tapped Fame in 2005 and the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame in Oct. 13 at 90. She was active in Myers Park United Commission, he was Greenville’s city attorney and an Spilman Jr. ’44 of Greenville died Oct. 1. In the for LNC after achieving another life goal: becoming an ironman . 1998. He retired in 2003 after 42 years in education Methodist Church, played golf at Carmel Country attorney for Greenville Utilities Commission. He was a Army during WWII, he served in North Africa, Sicily He completed the Ford Ironman Wisconsin competition last and is now on the Wayne County Board of Education. Club, and enjoyed Duke sports and playing cards. trustee for ECU and PCMH, a charter member of the and Italy. He was a traveling sales representative until fall in 13 hours and 45 minutes, finishing in the middle of some Ruth Belch McDaniel ’39 of Woodland Greenville Noon Rotary Club, and board member and his 2004 retirement, chaired the Pitt County Board of 2,100 men and women competitors . After swimming 2 .5 miles 1953 died Nov. 25 at 90 in Ahoskie. She taught for Sunday school teacher at St. James United Methodist Elections and the Pitt County Democratic Party, and in Lake Monona, Cantrell pedaled 112 more on his bike, then 31 years in Northampton County until her 1979 Church. Patricia Gray Sutton Speight ’51 William “Bill” H. Rowland received the was active in The Memorial Baptist Church. he ran 26 .2 miles . Training for and then being in the ironman retirement. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, of Kinston died Oct. 23. She retired from teaching at Willie Parker Peace History Book Award from the competition “taught me the importance of being present, Halifax-Northampton Retired School Personnel, Kinston High School and was the New Hope Baptist N.C. Society of Historians for 1950s of living in the moment,” Cantrell says . “Truly, it was a life- Through the Eyes of and Woodland Baptist Church. Selma Odell Church pianist for 50 years. changing experience ”. Pritchard ’36 ’39 of Williston died Nov. 25 Gene P. Baker ’58 died Sept. 14. He worked in Soldiers: The Battle of Wysea book Fork, that Kinston, documents North Union Carolina, at 97. She taught in Weldon and Rocky Mount and education for 32 years and then at Greenville Marine 1960s The four will complete their LNC training in April . Marchand Confederate 7–10, 1865, troop movements and battle lines and was Craven County supervisor of schools for many and Sports Center for 16 years. He was a member describes the largest mass capture of Union troops in Carolyn Sumrell Bright ’69 of Roanoke, years. Ida Ophelia Roberts Robertson of the N.C. Teachers Association and Principals North Carolina during the Civil War. Va., died Oct. 7. A Simpson native, she taught

44 45 in memoriam elementary school and was a reading tutor in Danville He was a geologist, quarry manager, science teacher, the Washington Studio School, and for the last 10 Faculty Deaths years with the N.C. Rural Fund for Development. from 1965 to 1994. She served in several roles not City Schools until her retirement. She was married to and most recently a project environmental analyst years was associate director of the School of Art traditionally held by women, including president of Mavis Ray, one of the founding members of Danny Lee Bright ’68, had four children and eight for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. He & Design at Montgomery College. Victoria Evelyn Lawrence Boyette ’62 ’65 the N.C. Vocational State Association and the North what is today the School of Theatre and Dance, died grandchildren, was sister of Chris A. Sumrell ’78, volunteered at the Oklahoma City Zoo for 10 years. Lynn O’Neal Pittman ’84 of Elizabeth City of Greenville died Oct. 4. A Falkland native, she Carolina Milk Commission. She helped develop the Tax Jan. 11 at her Florida home. Born in England, she and battled multiple sclerosis. John G. “Sonny” Ina Sue Cannon Williams ’66 of Virginia died Nov. 11. She was an animal nurse and foster graduated Phi Beta Kappa at Women’s College in Aid program and served on the Greenville Affordable was an accomplished ballet dancer and actress who Gillikin ’60 of Minnesott Beach died Dec. 4. He Beach died Oct. 7. She was a librarian at Princess Anne parent, and participated in the Huntington’s Research Greensboro and taught history at Ayden High School, Housing Loan Committee, and in 2005 was honored was persuaded to come to ECU in 1965 by Edgar worked for the Social Security Administration for High School for 19 years. Sandra Kay Yow Center. David Marshall Robertson PCC, and then at ECU from 1964 to 1982. She was by the National Campaign for Tolerance. She was Loessin, who had been charged with creating a theatre 27 years until his 1986 retirement. He was mayor of ’64, who won more than 600 games as coach of the ’83 of Ahoskie died Oct. 11. He was president of active in the Mayflower and Pitt County Historical married to Dr. Norman Rosenfeld, who taught in department for the school. Together they staged over Minnesott Beach from 1993 to 2001, and a town women’s basketball team at N.C. State University, Boyette & Robertson Insurance Agency and sang societies, Friends of Sheppard Memorial Library, ECU’s English department from 1965 to 1995. 75 musicals and several operas on campus. She took commissioner. Walter Perry Harrell Sr. and more than 700 overall, died Jan. 24. She was 66. in the choir at First Baptist Church in Ahoskie. He and First Presbyterian Church. She was married to a leave of absence to return to Broadway and was in Dr. Maurice Dean Schnell of Davenport, ’60 of Suffolk, Va., died Nov. 12. He retired as a sales She coached the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal was president of the Ahoskie Jaycees. Ginger Dr. Joseph G. Boyette ’55 ’57, who taught biology the cast of which won the 1979 Tony Award Iowa, died Nov. 15. He played football at Iowa supervisor with Union Camp Corp. in 1997, and in 1988, won four ACC tournament championships, Stodard Thomas ’86 died Oct. 20. A behavior at ECU from 1957 to 1989 and died in 2001. for Best Musical.Ballroom, She returned to campus in 1983 and State and after serving in the Army during the enjoyed genealogy, traveling, and fishing.C harles earned 20 NCAA tournament bids and reached the analyst for 20 years in Florida, she worked at Liberty Memorials may be made to ECU’s Evelyn and Joseph remained here through her retirement in 1989. Korean Conflict, bypassed a pro football career for Tayloe Hoyt Jr. ’66 ’81 of Jacksonville died Final Four in 1998. ICF, Northeast Florida State Hospital, Behavior Boyette Fellowship. medical school. Certified in physical medicine and Oct. 8. He became director of education and media Management Consultants, and Pace Secondary School. David W. King of Williamsburg, Va., died Dec. Vila Rosenfeld with Ralph Nader at a 1982 rehabilitation and orthopedics, he taught at several services for Onslow County Schools in 1964. He 1970s Nathan Alexander White ’89 of Elon died 7. He taught at Valdosta State University, LaValle, campus panel session universities, including ECU from 1979 to 1981, worked with the school system in several capacities, Dec. 9. He made Phi Beta Kappa at UNC, studied Walter J. Arseneau Jr. ’75 of Niceville, Fla., and at ECU from 1967 to 1971, before retiring from before becoming medical director of rehabilitation at including assistant superintendent, for more than 38 math at ECU, was active in Oakmont Baptist Church, died Nov. 29. He was a businessman, international Christopher Newport University. He co-authored a Genesis Medical Center in Davenport, Iowa. years, during which time he oversaw the construction and enjoyed art, butterflies, and playing piano.L ee industrial union electrician/supervisor, retired N.C. college French textbook and played piano and organ. A rchives University of 17 schools and renovations at 17 others before his William Waszak ’84 of Wendell died Sept. 22. public school teacher, and Washington, N.C., real estate Dr. James A. “Jim” Van Fleet of Naples, Fla., 2002 retirement. He was in the vestry and choir at St. He worked with This End Up Furniture and later agent. Thomas G. “Tommy” Little Jr. ’74 Dr. David John “Jack” Middleton Jr. died Sept. 26. He taught political science at ECU from Anne’s Episcopal Church, trained American Saddlebred with Kioti Tractors. He was an elder in Covenant of Winterville died Nov. 20. Since 1978, he worked of Gloucester died Nov. 12 in Raleigh. Originally 1998 to 2001. He worked with the Peace Corps in show horses, and was an official for Coastal Plains Presbyterian Church and was married to Donna for NACCO Materials Handling Group, most recently from Warsaw, he graduated from Duke and UNC the Dominican Republic and taught at the University Horse Show Association. Robert Lee “Pops” Holliday Waszak ’83 for 22 years. Darlene Hall as divisional DFT manager. He was a deacon at The Chapel Hill and was director of continuing education of the Pacific before he was appointed to the U.S. Huffman Jr. ’68 of Birmingham, Ala., died Sept. Wyrick ’86 of Sophia died Sept. 16. She worked Memorial Baptist Church, a Gideon, and member at Appalachian State before serving as ECU’s dean AID mission in Bolivia. He taught at Wichita State 21. He worked for R.J. Reynolds. Iris Newton in Infant Bereavement Services and coordinated the of the Delta Waterfowl Foundation. William C. of continuing education from 1962 to 1980. In University and was dean of foreign students at the Kendrick ’65 of Jamestown died Nov. 15. From annual Walk to Remember at Randolph Hospital, Smith Jr. ’76 died Feb. 28 in Purcellville, Va. He retirement, he moved to Gloucester and served on Dr. Vila Mayberry Rosenfeld died Nov. 8 universities of Louisville and Toledo. Bayboro, she taught English and reading in Florida, taught nursing at Davidson Community College, and majored in business. Bradford Lee Sneeden several boards and commissions in addition to his 40 in Greenville. She taught in ECU’s Education program Virginia, and several N.C. school systems. She also was a member of Neighbors Grove Wesleyan Church. ’75 ’77 ’81 of Pine Knoll Shores and Cary died Oct. worked for the and sang 23. He was superintendent of Carteret County schools in the choir at HickoryGreensboro Chapel News Wesleyan and Record Church 1990s and was working on his doctorate in educational in High Point. Melvin T. “Tom” Ray ’61 of leadership at ECU. He taught elementary school, Erika S. Hornsleth ’98 of Scottsdale, Ariz., Whiteville died Nov. 4. He taught in Southport, and UNC community college, and from 1996 to 1998, he was formerly of West Chester, Pa., died Nov. 5. She Forever Pirate from 1964 to 1992 worked for the N.C. Division of olinaTION an adjunct professor in educational leadership at ECU, worked with Vanguard, most recently as a relationship EastALUMNI CarASSOCIA Over 70,000 Motor Vehicles. He was president of the Whiteville where he also directed the Office of School Services manager. She was a swim instructor at Malvern Prep Lions Club. Ernestine Nichols REEDER Association members and was named a James Batten Outstanding Educator. Swim School and Pennypacker Country Club, where ’59 of Murfreesboro, Tenn., died Nov. 7. She taught He received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2003. she was assistant manager. Donna Lauren high school in Elizabeth City and classes at ECU He was married to Carolyn Mayo Sneeden ’75 ’77. Matthews Nunnally ’94 of Warfield, Va., before teaching for 22 years at Middle Tennessee State died Nov. 2. She was social services director at Golden University, where she chaired the human sciences ee Dee 1980s Living Center-Petersburg and a board member for P department before retiring. Judy Whitley Rose Brunswick Crime Solvers. Xiaoyu Weng ’92, of ’67 ’68 of Princeton died Oct. 17. A Delta Sigma Mitchell “Mitch” Lyle Byrd ’83 of ID: #1907 NanJing, China, and Raleigh, died Oct. 2. He was a Phi member, she was named an outstanding teacher at Concord died Nov. 5. He was vice president of financial analyst with GlaxoSmithKline in Research HELP Member Since 2006 Southern Nash Elementary and South Johnston High business development at Technology Partners Inc. Triangle Park and was active in Chinese Baptist Church School, where she headed the vocational academy. He was past president of the Risk and Insurance in Raleigh. versity Connection She was active in the Princeton Lions and Women’s Management Society. James Bradley Eure ’84 Your East Carolina Uni clubs and the local chapter of the American Business of Chilhowie, Va., died Nov. 8 in Nashville, Tenn. For 2000s US Women’s Association. Haywood Spruill Jr. nearly 20 years he was a Meineke manager. Sandra ’68 of Winter Haven, Fla., died Nov. 27. A native of Zaremski Graham ’82 of Fayetteville died Corey Chapman Haddon ’05 of Cary died Visit PirateAlumni.com Roper, he was a retired financial advisor.W illard Nov. 6. She was a trustee for Camp Ground United Oct. 26. She studied communication arts and taught or call 800-ECU-GRAD Garland “Gary” Stephenson ’69 of Methodist Church. BRUCE rivers Hall of art. Michael Edward Peele ’00 of Baltimore Raleigh died Sept. 22. A Sigma Phi Epsilon brother, Tallahassee, Fla., died Aug. 30. He was an illustrator and formerly of Hatteras died Oct. 8. He was a RAISE to make your he retired as a software engineer with Alcatel-Lucent in and graphic designer with Cliett Creative Group. massage therapist and enjoyed cooking and bowling. tax-deductible NC STATE 2007, volunteered with the Alliance of AIDS Services- He was a member of several bands, including 911, Carolina, and enjoyed raising Dobermans. Larry Del Suggs, and Contents Under Pressure. Kathy membership Over 20,000 Roger Taylor ’67 of St. James died Sept. 7. He LaMarr Munday ’80 of Tarboro died Oct. THE contribution today! Association members was a Lamba Chi Alpha brother at ECU, owned Realty 1 in Statesville. She retired as an administrator at World Taylor and Associates in Winston-Salem and Edgecombe Community College and was active Taylor Family Appraisals in Southport, played bridge in Monticello Baptist Church. Margaret and golf, and was a St. James Bowling Team member. Dorothea “Maggie” Noss ’82 of Takoma BAR! Gail Franklin “Frank” Vernon, Jr. ’69, Park, Md., died Nov. 20. She was a ceramic sculptor, ECU - 4,715 an 18-year resident of Edmond, Okla., died Sept. 30. artist, and printmaker and was executive director of

46 47 upon THE PAST “We are not here to destroy the old and accept only the new, but to build upon the past…” —Robert h . Wright, Nov . 12, 1909 From his inaugural address and installation as East Carolina’s first president

April 2 April 6

April 7

April 9 April 10 April 12

Cafeteria fire closes school What’s now called the Old Cafeteria Building was known as the Refectory when the three-year-old building burns on the evening of April 1, 1915. The roof is destroyed but the walls are left standing and nearly all the dining room furniture is saved. Before the fire is out, President Robert Wright summons students to the auditorium at midnight. He tells them they should leave for home immediately and to stay home for a week—the school’s first spring break. The students return to their dorms and pack; townspeople prepare breakfast for them later that morning. By noon the campus is empty. It requires a Herculean effort, but Wright makes good on his promise to reopen the cafeteria within 10 days when faculty and students dine together on April 12.

All images courtesy University Archives

48 ecu gallery

A snowstorm in January transformed Greenville into its more aptly named neighbors, Winterville and Snow Hill. Photo by Jay Clark

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