ECU’S TOP 20 OF 2020

News Services' top stories of the year show Pirate grit

2020 was a year unlike any other at East Carolina University.

More than 250 stories published this year by ECU News Services and University Communications paint a picture of world-class faculty and staff innovating despite the challenges, of resilient students adapting in the face of adversity and of loyal and bold alumni stepping up to serve in difficult times.

If nothing else, 2020 has placed a spotlight on Pirate grit, and our top 20 stories of 2020 demonstrate just that.

Here is ARRRGH top 20 story countdown:

Elliott Sidewalk Communities and ECU will redevelop our 19-acre Warehouse District to drive economic growth in Greenville.

A Brody School of Medicine-tested COVID-19 antibody treatment received emergency use authorization from the U.S. FDA.

ECU Campus Living implemented a modified move-in to maximize safety as nearly 3,600 Pirates returned for early drop-off in July.

From shipwreck to grad school, married alumni return 20 years later as Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences professors.

Faculty from the colleges of Education, Nursing and Business offered tips for successful eight-week classes.

Some Pirates came to ECU for quality education and ended up with a two-for-one deal when they found love.

For the first time, ECU held a full virtual spring commencement ceremony to celebrate Class of 2020 graduates.

As the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world, alumni and donors raised more than $50,000 for student emergency funds.

Doctoral candidate Christopher Curran’s research could lead to fewer injuries and better performance in baseball.

Associate professor Dr. Andrea Kitta explored the role of conspiracy thinking in an outbreak like COVID-19.

Public health major Adam Butler wants to become a pediatrician to make a difference in children’s lives, like his doctors did for him.

Doctors at Brody and Vidant Health were among the first in N.C. to perform new radiation therapy that could treat recurrent brain tumors.

Brody and Vidant physicians conduct a COVID-19 antibody clinical procedure, with encouraging results.

ECU master’s programs in business, criminal justice, education and nursing are ranked among the nation’s best.

Brody and Vidant canine partner Harley detects illness-causing bacteria to eradicate the threat of Clostridioides difficile in hospitals.

Brody held a drive-thru Match Day event to celebrate its fourth-year medical students learning their residency matches.

Greenville native and former ECU chief of staff Dr. Philip Rogers is returning home to take the helm as ECU’s 12th chancellor.

The Honors College welcomed 20 students to the EC Scholars Program, ECU’s most prestigious, competitive undergraduate award.

Before COVID-19 was a national emergency, a Brody infectious disease specialist shared expertise on prepping for a pandemic.

Fall semester began early, as ECU worked to fulfill its educational mission and safeguard the health of students, faculty and staff.