GRAD PROFILES FALL 22: PIRATE RESILIENCY

Nearly 2,000 ECU grads celebrate Fall 2022 commencement

Resiliency is a common theme for many students that make up Pirate Nation. Hard work and dedication are in their DNA and you’ll often find Pirates lending a helping hand to others in need.

This fall’s group of East Carolina University graduate profiles embody that theme perfectly. On Friday, Dec. 16, they’ll be part of the nearly 2,000 graduates celebrating with family and friends at winter commencement.

One graduate rediscovered his place in Pirate Nation after a 15-year hiatus, continuing a family legacy of ECU grads. Another battled cancer — and won — persevering through treatments while taking exams between hospital stops.

Another combined her passion for the outdoors with her love of math and will pursue a career in environmental engineering with plans to better the world. A grandfather’s challenge to his grandson led to him pursuing his degree in physical education years after serving in the United States Navy. And a Pirate staff member used her adoption experience to fuel her doctoral research, leading to her third ECU degree.

These stories encapsulate just a few of the amazing journeys graduates took to their degrees.

Learn more about their experiences and the resilient graduates that make up the heart of Pirate Nation.