ECU celebrates more than 4,600 graduates at spring commencement ceremony
East Carolina University celebrated the Class of 2022 in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in its first full-scale spring commencement ceremony since 2019.
The ceremony recognized the accomplishments of more than 4,600 spring and summer graduates. An estimated 20,000 friends and family filled the stands as the graduates filed onto the field, where they were welcomed by Chancellor Philip Rogers.
“Today’s ceremony — this time of togetherness and this time of celebration — is especially good for the Pirate soul,” Rogers said. “You’ve stayed strong and stayed committed throughout this unique journey and you’re now crossing the finish line at a moment when this world needs you the most. In many ways today simply marks a new beginning on your Pirate journey into the future, and ECU is deeply proud of you and your many accomplishments.”
Keynote speaker Matt Crisp, a two-time ECU alumnus, told the graduates to be lifelong learners, to find their purpose and to work hard. Crisp of Atlanta, originally from Washington, North Carolina, is co-founder and former chief operating officer of eVestment, an Atlanta-based financial technology company.
“Pirates know how to put in work, so let me encourage you to do that from day one, and you will quickly stand out by comparison, and opportunities will come your way earlier than you might have expected,” he said.
Student Government President Chandler Ward commended his fellow students for their ability to adapt to the challenges of the past few years.
“Think about the sacrifices you made to be here, the battles you fought that no one else even knew about,” Ward said. “Find confidence in your successful navigation of all of the highs and lows of these past four years.”
Dr. Purí Martínez, chair of the Faculty Senate, encouraged the graduates to pursue their dreams and serve their communities. “As you go out into the world, do not lose your Pirate spirit of adventure,” she said.
ECU Board of Trustees Chairman Scott Shook asked the Class of 2022 to stay connected to the university and give back to those who come behind. “Once you’re a Pirate, you’re always a Pirate,” he said.
During the ceremony, Sonja Nichols, who represented the UNC Board of Governors, presented the Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching to Dr. Teresa Ryan of the Department of Engineering.
Richard Spain, chair of the ECU Alumni Association Board of Directors, presented the Robert H. Wright Alumni Leadership Award to five students who demonstrated rare achievement in scholarship, leadership and service. This year’s recipients were Thekra Hindi of Charlotte, Evan Martschenko of Cary, Naimi Pothiwala of Raleigh, Elliot Paul of Greenville and Shaelyn Raleigh of Raleigh.
Individual school and college recognition ceremonies will continue through Saturday.
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Ravian Jordan, left, and Kayin Fails turn their tassels at commencement. (Photo by Cliff Hollis/ECU)
A graduating student wears a customized cap at the ceremony. (Photo by Rhett Butler/ECU)
From left, Shaelyn Raleigh, Evan Martschenko, Elliot Paul, Thekra Hindi and Naimi Pothiwala were honored as the 2022 recipients of the Robert H. Wright Alumni Leadership Award. (Photo by Rhett Butler)
Graduates from the School of Dental Medicine pose for a photo before the commencement ceremony. (Photo by Rhett Butler/ECU)
College of Health and Human Performance graduate Jaisen Ellis waves to her family and friends during ECU’s 2022 Spring Commencement Ceremony at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. (Photo by Rhett Butler/ECU)
ECU Chancellor Philip Rogers. (Photo by Rhett Butler/ECU)
ECU commencement speaker Matt Crisp (Photo by Cliff Hollis/ECU)