Harriot College celebrates students, thanks donors at scholarship luncheon
East Carolina University’s Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences continues to thank its generous donors for their help in supporting and celebrating student success.
On Sept. 20, Dr. Allison S. Danell, interim dean of Harriot College, formally thanked donors at the fourth annual student scholarship luncheon attended by 250 guests. This academic year, about 200 Harriot College students will benefit from $315,000 in scholarship assistance.
University Studies Scholarship recipient Stephanie Pridgen visits with THCAS donor Harvey Sharp Wooten.
(Photos by Rob Taylor Photography & Design)
Opening remarks were given by ECU associate professor of maritime studies Dr. Jennifer McKinnon, who discussed the qualities that a liberal arts and sciences degree provides students.
“A liberal arts and sciences degree make you adaptable. It pushes you to take risks. It prepares you to deal with complexity, diversity and change,” said McKinnon.
Greenville Mayor P.J. Connelly congratulated the scholarship recipients and thanked the donors for the incredible number of scholarships they provide. He also discussed the importance of an education because a person never knows where he or she will end up in life.
Matt Slate, THCAS Dean’s Advancement Council member, presented the keynote address, discussing how students can control their destiny.
“Everyone of us has a different trajectory or path,” Slate said.
Interim Dean Dr. Allison S. Danell checks in with friends and donors at the fourth annual THCAS scholarship thank you luncheon.
Slate said controlling that trajectory, whether entering the workforce, continuing an education or starting a business, requires thoughtful planning.
He gave students five tips to help them achieve their goals, including building relationships, embracing change, seeking diversity, finding health and happiness, and being consistent, patient and humble.
Following Slate’s remarks, three Harriot College scholarship recipients formally thanked their donors and expressed their sincere gratitude for the opportunities provided them.
Melany Contreras, chemistry and physics major, is a GlaxoSmithKline Women in Science Scholar and recipient of the Joseph N. LeConte Memorial Scholarship.
“For me, scholarship support is the difference between a high school diploma and a college degree — the difference between dreams unfulfilled and dreams coming true,” Contreras said. “I cannot stress enough how grateful I am, so that I can become the first person in my family to graduate from college.”
Jim and Pam Mullen, donors of several study abroad scholarships, pose with student scholarship recipients Alexandria McLaughlin and Toby Haas.
Laura Bardin Pittman, a graduate student majoring in English, is the recipient of the Ebbs Graduate English Fellowship. She discussed her interest in stories and how she has found her distinct voice while balancing creativity and practicality.
“I am so honored to be here today,” said Pittman. “I discovered several years ago that schooling and life experiences were a lot less about what job I would one day hold, and a lot more about what type of person I wanted to become. I am thankful to continue my studies at a university that values the liberal arts tradition and is helping to shape me into who I am meant to be.”
Joshua Spears, a senior studying classical studies and economics, and pursuing minors in English and mathematics and a certificate in entrepreneurship, is the recipient of the Economics Outstanding Achievement Scholarship and the Papalas Scholarship in Classical Studies.
“So many different things in my life haven’t gone exactly as I’ve planned. My goal has been to make sure I learn something from every experience,” Spears said. “Everything I do, every person I meet and every place that I go represents an opportunity for me to learn. That has been my experience here in the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences. I feel fulfilled in my academic journey.”
Spears said he promises to one day help others achieve their academic and personal goals.
-by Lacey L. Gray, University Communications