ECU celebrated milestones and a military homecoming during graduation ceremonies
GREENVILLE, N.C. (5/9/2025) — Chancellor Philip Rogers welcomed family and friends who celebrated their graduates’ achievements at East Carolina University’s spring commencement ceremony in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium Friday morning. More than 4,600 students graduated bringing Pirate Nation to more than 200,000 living alumni.
“In many ways today simply marks a new beginning on your Pirate journey into the future,” Rogers said. “ECU is deeply proud of you and your many, many accomplishments.”
The ceremony’s keynote speaker, John May, a Greenville native, entrepreneur and 1993 alumnus, is the founder and managing partner of CORE Industrial Partners, a private equity firm with approximately $2 billion in assets under management. He shared three recommendations to guide graduates in their next steps — to put your faith first and to lead with love; work hard and make good decisions; and to be resilient when life knocks you down.
“Learn from your mistakes and build up grit, which will help you have a successful life. And always start your days full of gratitude,” he said. “Be grateful for all the love, faith, peace, mercy and success you have and will experience in the future. Each day be thankful for what you have. Be thankful for who you will become.”
Following May’s remarks, ECU alumni chair Dr. Shannon Minges recognized this year’s recipients of the Robert H. Wright Leadership Award — Hannah Blackburn, Christine Chan, Alexander Fisher, Alessio Fratarcangeli and Jethro Libutan.
Military homecoming
On a day filled with joy, hugs and tears, ECU social work graduate Karigan Zaferatos experienced all three simultaneously.
The only thing missing was her brother Ryan, a U.S. Coast Guardsman stationed in Oregon. Or so she thought.
Ryan Zaferatos traveled from the West Coast, arriving in time to surprise his sister and join in the celebration at the College of Health and Human Performance (HHP) recognition ceremonies later that afternoon in the Main Campus Student Center.
After HHP’s tradition of recognizing military service members and veterans, Ryan Zaferatos, in uniform, entered the room from a side hallway to surprise Karigan, whom he describes as his best friend. They embraced and were cheered by the other graduates and guests.
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About East Carolina University
Founded in 1907 as a teacher’s college, East Carolina University (ECU) is a Carnegie R1 designated research institution that is a national model for student success, public service and regional transformation. ECU is a member of the University of North Carolina System and serves nearly 27,000 students through more than 160 degree programs. The university advances innovation and discovery in health care, coastal resilience, education and regional economic growth. Located in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU is committed to being a national leader in community-focused innovation, bringing meaningful impact across the state and nation.
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