Friends,
We have reached the end of another successful and inspiring year and we have spent the past few weeks celebrating with students, their families, and our colleagues. In mid-April, we presented the Class of 2024 with their well-earned East Carolina University - Honors College medallions and applauded their accomplishments. This class entered ECU during a time of tremendous uncertainty and disruption. We are proud of how they persevered, remained focused, stayed patient, and trusted us. Their list of accolades is noteworthy, and I am certain they will continue to have a positive impact on ECU and the larger community. They should be applauded.
This exciting time of year is marked with award ceremonies, and over the past few weeks, our students have been decorated with honors from our campus partners in recognition of their academic achievement, university and community service, and leadership qualities. In addition, their work and interests have led the Honors College staff to Hyde County, Jamaica, Mexico, and the ECU campus in Italy. We attempted to talk to the over 100 Honors College students who presented their research during ECU’s annual Research and Creative Activity Week. We smiled as our students secured summer internships and fellowships all across the country, and accepted job offers in numerous professional fields. (If you haven’t already, follow our Got Hooked series on Instagram to learn more). And most importantly, we felt pride as we watched numerous young people we have had the pleasure of working with earn their undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in early May. Because of their successes and your continued support, we will soon welcome another Honors College class (nearly 300 thanks to the support of University Administration) to campus this fall and we are excited to begin working with them.
To support these inspiring students, we set aspirational goals during ECU’s annual Pirate Nation Gives. Thanks to many of you who supported the Honors College and Brinkley-Lane Scholars programs during this event, we surpassed those goals. It has been a remarkable year and I am excited about the future. The Honors College is nearing its 15-year anniversary so be on the lookout for information about upcoming celebrations around this milestone. As you enjoy this latest edition of Purple and Bold notice the features on our newest staff member, our student athletes and our honors seminar to Baja, Mexico to watch whales. Mamie Jenkins is home to a dedicated staff, inspiring students, and successful alumni who truly represent the best of Pirate Nation. They all continue to make us very proud.
Over the next few months, I will continue to look for ways to connect with each of you to share our story and provide updates on the College. If you will be back on campus or in the Greenville area, please let us know. As always, follow us on social media, and share questions, comments, updates, and other news we can provide in our upcoming editions. Thank you for your continued support. Go Pirates.
Have a wonderful and relaxing summer.
Warm regards,
Todd
