Young alumni honored for achievements

The grit, resilience and spirit of service that sets Pirates apart from others was magnified by 40 outstanding East Carolina University alumni who were honored Saturday by the ECU Alumni Association (ECUAA) at the 40 Under Forty Leadership Awards presented by ECU Health.

In its ninth celebration of ECU’s 40 Under Forty awards, the program recognized dedicated Pirates who have used their education to pursue their passions and lead positive change through their career achievements, leadership and service. Honorees represented a wide range of fields, including business, research, the arts, education, community leadership and health care. The honorees join 320 alumni recognized in classes since 2015.

Inductees participated in a weekend of events, including a networking social on Friday and a service project on Saturday, followed by the dinner and celebration on Saturday evening at the Main Campus Student Center. (Photo by George Crocker)

This year’s 40 Under Forty class are: Dr. Kristen J. Alston ’11 ’15, Eric J. Anthony ’11, Brittany Baker ’18, Tiana K. Berryman ’11 ’13, Timothy L. Brown ’08, Daniel Casale ’15, Taylor Chappell ’19 ’20, Caroline Basnight Collier ’18, Miller Orians Diaz-Cobo ’15, J. Scott Dixon ’10, Casey Dutton ’16, Nate Evans ’11, Lilian (Lily) Faulconer ’17 ’18, DJ Fussell III ’09 ’10, Katie Dodge Gillis ’15, Dr. Joel Glotfelty ’16, Cameron Gupton ’13 ’21, Adrian J. Harris ’12, Jenna Harris ’13 ’25, Julia Land Batts ’14 ’17, Kateryna Kosolapova (Kate Ker) ’20, Ali Krukowski ’12, Luke Lang ’17, Larissa Harris Liles ’11, Cornelius D. Martin ’19, Ariana McAuley ’16, Khalil McCollum ’18, Dr. Christine Mitchell ’09 ’16, Liz Mizelle ’09 ’15 ’21, Dr. Jeffrey Nickle ’09 ’10, Kate Oliphant ’16, Lucy Perry ’10 ’13, Austin Reese ’16 ’20, Nina Rose ’10, Ernest Ruffin III ’15, Andy Saunders ’12, Chase Sommer ’13 ’15, Mallory Strange Paulson ’17, Dr. Maria Jose Torres ’16 and Dr. Whitney Richardson White ’13.

Eric Rivenbark ’97 ’99, chair of the ECUAA board of directors, celebrated the 2026 honorees for their achievements and living ECU’s motto, Servire.

“Each of you is using your ECU education not only to pursue your passions, but to make a difference, to lead, to give back and to create lasting impact in your communities, across our state, and around the world. In turn, you shine a bright and positive light directly on our alma mater and on eastern North Carolina,” Rivenbark said.

Kate Ker ’20, who tells the stories of the People of Greenville, found herself in the spotlight, similar to the one she generally shines on others.

“This is very special because I could never imagine I would be one of the awardees or nominees tonight,” Ker said. “When I came here 15 years ago, I couldn’t even imagine being in a room like this. And I am so thankful for ECU and the community who supported me, accepted me, challenged me, made me a better, smarter, more amazing person.”

Ker described being a 40 Under Forty honoree as “a special, full-circle moment.”

“To be able to come back here as an alum and get this award as a recognition for the hard work that I did (is special), but also as a form of connection to this community that changed my life forever,” she said.

Honoree Taylor Chappell ’19 ’20 described the members of her 40 Under Forty class as a wonderful group she found to be super humble, hard-working, thoughtful people who want to give back to the community.

“There is nothing more inspiring than being around a group of people that make you want to be better than what you are right now,” Chappell said. “I am really grateful to be a part of this class and I’ve enjoyed getting to meet every single one of them.”

Chappell, who serves on the ECU Foundation board of directors, said she plans to continue her volunteer efforts on behalf of the university.

“I feel like ECU was there when I needed it the most from a growth standpoint. It put people in my life that have really made a difference and continue to make a difference,” she said. “I owe ECU my life, and I’ll just continue uplifting it.”

Always Connected

This was the first year the recognition was hosted by ECUAA. The program was previously hosted by ECU Student Affairs.

Inductees were invited to participate in a weekend of events, including a networking social on Friday and a service project — cleaning up the Grid — on Saturday, followed by the dinner and celebration on Saturday evening at the Main Campus Student Center.

Rivenbark encouraged the honorees to continue to share their time and talents with the ECUAA.

The ninth cohort of honorees joined 320 alumni recognized in classes since 2015. (Photo by George Crocker)

“As alumni, you are members of the ECUAA for free and for life, and the strength of this organization depends on your continued engagement and support,” Rivenbark said. “I promise you this, remaining connected to our alma mater will always be one of the most rewarding investments you can make.”

Ernest Ruffin III ’15, a senior logistics and supply chain leader with Tesla, praised his parents and mentors for setting the example that prepared him for his career and life achievements.

“I had a great example growing up, teaching me about hard work and unwavering confidence in myself,” Ruffin said. “Not being afraid to put myself out there comes from (my parents’) guidance growing up. I’ve also had tremendous mentors who have helped me along the way. I’ve had the opportunity to do tremendous things, and I’m very, very grateful for that.”

Ruffin said being included in the class of 2026 honorees has been fun and inspiring.

“I’m among a cohort of ECU alums who have achieved tremendous things. It’s really fun to be included with them,” he said. “Being among that crowd is, in itself, very motivating.”

Participating in 40 Under Forty was a homecoming for Ruffin, who hadn’t visited campus in nearly a decade. The visit has reinvigorated his commitment to his alma mater.

“One thing that I am excited about, now and into the future, is to be more of a part of East Carolina — helping with interns, some donations, and hopefully getting back to campus more often,” Ruffin said. “Being a part of the ECU Alumni Association is what I really look forward to, and I hope my cohort peers join me.”

Future Focused

Rivenbark said the success of ECU is reflected in the achievements of this cohort of alumni. It also serves as an inspiration for future generations of Pirates.

A group of young dance students cheered in the audience as their teacher, Larissa Liles ’11, accepted her 40 Under Forty Award. Having her dance students in attendance was exactly how Liles hoped the event would be.

“The fact that my dancers are here, and it was a surprise that they came, it already shows that we’re mentoring, we’re doing the right thing,” Liles said. “This is a huge honor to be able to represent East Carolina, but to also be an example for them is the most important thing.”

Liles also drew inspiration for future endeavors of her own. She said she would like to get a master’s degree. “On top of that, the Rockettes has always been in my future. So, I would love to have that,” she said.

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