Marine commander to speak at ECU commencement

GREENVILLE, NC —   The commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune will deliver the featured address at ECU’s spring commencement on May 5.

Col. Adele E. Hodges took command in 2005 of Camp Lejeune, home of the “Expeditionary Forces in Readiness” for the past 65 years. It is the home base for the II Marine Expeditionary Force, the 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group and other combat units and support commands.

Chancellor Steve Ballard said, “ECU’s motto is ‘to serve,’ and no one embodies the notion of service more than the nation’s military forces. We are honored to have Col. Hodges bring the commencement address to our graduates.”

A member of the Marine Corps for almost 30 years, Hodges has received numerous military honors, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three stars. She has served at numerous military bases from Iraq, Kenya and Norway to Twentynine Palms, Calif., and Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

Hodges earned her undergraduate degree from Southern Connecticut State College in 1977 and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1978. She also holds master’s degrees in business administration, military arts and science and strategic military studies.

About 3,900 ECU students will be eligible to receive degrees at the ceremony in Ficklen Stadium. The ceremony will begin with a band concert at 9:30 a.m. and the commencement program will start at 10 a.m. The event will be held at the stadium rain or shine.

Information on individual college, school and departmental recognition ceremonies may be found at www.ecu.edu/commencement.