ECU Alumni Association welcomes new board members
The East Carolina University Alumni Association approved six new members to join its board of directors. The board operates to provide strategic direction, resources and professional expertise to carry out the university’s alumni engagement objectives. The elected members joined the board in July and will serve three-year terms that end in 2024.
“We are excited to welcome our new board members whose varied backgrounds and experiences will undoubtably be assets to the alumni association. Their collective insight will further our mission to inform, involve and serve the members of the ECU family throughout their lifelong relationship with the university,” said Scott Francis, associate vice chancellor for alumni relations.
Amanda Cochrane ’87
Amanda Cochrane (Contributed photo)
Amanda Cochrane has a bachelor’s in fine arts in communication arts and credits her success as a graphic designer and art director to her training at the School of Art & Design.
“My experience at ECU was amazing and I would love to have a role in the future of the university,” she said. “I am particularly interested in helping current students and recent graduates network with people in the community who could help them forward their careers. I wish that I had someone like that when I graduated.”
Cochrane is a marketing and business relations associate for the Town of Wake Forest, working heavily with the public and area businesses to help them gain exposure through sponsorship and advertising opportunities. She has a daughter who is a freshman studying theatre arts at ECU.
Lily Faulconer ’17, ’18
Lily Faulconer (Contributed photo)
Lily Faulconer was an EC Scholar and received her bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in kinesiology at ECU. She attends UNC School of Law in Chapel Hill and plans to return to Greenville to live and work following her graduation this spring.
“Being in close proximity to ECU’s campus will provide opportunities to be present and involved in new and different ways. I am eager to leverage my knowledge and skills to support the strategic plan of the alumni association,” she said. “As a young alumna, I would like to see more of my peers involved with the university and providing financial contributions to the school.”
Faulconer has stayed connected to ECU by volunteering as an interviewer and presenter, participating in EC Scholars Selection Sunday and working at student-alumni networking events.
Brandon Ives ’03
Brandon Ives (Contributed photo)
Brandon Ives is a School of Communication Alumni of the Year as well as an ECU 40 under 40 recipient, which recognizes emerging leaders who got their start at the university. He is the CEO at Brasco, an award-winning creative branding and digital marketing agency based in Raleigh.
“I believe we have an incredible alumni base. I believe our alumni want to be engaged in ways that are meaningful to them. I would like to contribute my skills in communications, marketing and organizational growth management to grow the alumni association and engage our alumni in unique ways that utilize their strengths and support their interests,” Ives said.
Since graduating, Ives has mentored ECU students and hired interns from the university. He has also served as speaker for career events for the School of Business and School of Communication.
Jacob Parish ’01, ’06
Jacob Parish (Contributed photo)
Jacob Parish is vice president of systems and procedures at Vidant Health. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in public health from ECU.
“North Carolina depends on ECU and Vidant Health for not only health care services, but also as the economic engine. Being able to carry that mission forward, and in partnership with this board, would allow for a new way to engage the community,” Parish said. “I will work to increase participation with my peers, educate others on the role of the alumni association and enhance our network of graduates both locally and beyond.”
In addition to supporting ECU Athletics and the Pirate Club, Parish serves as president of Greenville Community Shelters and Pitt County Group Homes. He is also a member of the Pack Committee for Cub Scout Pack 330 at Jarvis United Methodist Church.
Chris Tomasic ’87, ’14
Chris Tomasic (Contributed photo)
Retired educator Chris Tomasic completed his undergraduate degree in the College of Health and Human Performance and his graduate degree in the College of Education. During his career he served in numerous educational administration roles, most recently as assistant principal at Stories Creek Elementary School in Roxboro.
“As an educator, I proudly spoke of the education and opportunities that ECU provided me in my early adult years and the impact ECU alumni have had in the state and nation,” Tomasic said. “I now have the time, energy and passion to work for the betterment of my beloved university.”
As a student, Tomasic served as student body vice president from 1985-86 and was president of the Lacrosse Club from 1983-85. His wife, Marilyn B. Tomasic, is a 1987 graduate. His youngest son is also an alumnus and a current graduate student at ECU.
Robin Towle ’93
Robin Towle (Contributed photo)
Robin Towle is an economics graduate and suicide prevention advocate. She is the founder of Wolf Pact, a nonprofit organization that teaches emotional life skills to teenagers in hopes of helping them lead happier and healthier lives.
“I know our youth is our future. The young adults today are facing many challenges. Stress, anxiety and depression are at an all-time high. I believe in doing everything I can to empower our future generations. I have been blessed with many opportunities in fundraising, event planning, charity and humanitarian work, and I’d like to share my experience and give back to my alma mater,” Towle said.
As part of the alumni association’s board of directors, Towle would like to focus on a suicide prevention and healthy life skills campaign.
UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS
Purple Gold Golf Open, Sep. 10
Enjoy a day on the links with fellow ECU supporters for a game of golf and plenty of prizes! With trophies awarded to the teams with the lowest gross score and lowest net score your swing may land you a bounty. Best of all, it’s for a good cause — ECU scholarships!
Pirate Game Day Tailgate – South Carolina, Sep. 11
Join fellow alumni and fans for tailgating fun before the ECU vs. South Carolina home football game. Enjoy a variety of food from local restaurants, Pirate beverages, live music, entertainment, door prizes and more. Our tailgates often get visits from the ECU cheerleaders and PeeDee. Get ready to cheer the Pirates to victory!