Meet the orientation assistants who welcomed ECU class of 2028

During this summer’s new student orientation sessions, East Carolina University’s incoming freshmen were greeted by 27 welcoming faces that offered the new students guidance as they familiarized themselves with campus.

Orientation assistants, student leaders who facilitate the transition to college life, were selected in the spring after a rigorous selection process involving group and individual interviews, these exceptional leaders prepared diligently for the arrival of the future Pirates.

“Our May training mirrored the spring sessions but was more intensive,” said senior communication student Will Lukas, who also served as an orientation assistant. “We assembled hundreds of information packets for new students and families, practiced real-world scenarios and engaged with campus departments to learn about the resources available to students.”

Get to know some of our orientation assistants (OAs) below and discover why they chose to represent ECU.

Meghan Beam

Legacy Pirate Meghan Beam followed in her mother’s footsteps. (Photo by Rhett Butler)

For junior Meghan Beam, following her mother’s legacy was a proud moment. During orientation in summer 2022, Meghan watched the orientation assistants in awe — knowing one day she would be on the stage as well.

Beam’s mother, an alumna of ECU, would often share stories of her time on campus. These memories were filled with adventure, learning and the strong bonds she had formed. Beam’s grandmother, who had been a professor at ECU in the 1980s, added to these narratives with her own experiences, making ECU a place of legend and legacy in Beam’s mind. It was no surprise she decided to follow in their footsteps.

“I love my university and being able to be a part of someone’s journey as a Pirate,” said Beam.

Beam is majoring in biology with a minor in forensic science.

“I have always had a passion to learn, so being in the science field allows me to deepen my understanding and grow my mind,” said Beam.

Beam’s journey at ECU is marked by her involvement as an OA. It was during her own orientation that her mother pointed out the assistants on stage, predicting that Beam would love the role. She was right. Becoming an OA ignited a deep sense of pride in Beam for her university. She cherishes the opportunity to welcome new students and share her love for ECU with them.

“I feel that becoming an OA has been my favorite experience. Being an OA brought out a sense of pride in the university and I love the opportunity to talk about my school to anyone. I cannot imagine being anywhere else,” said Beam.

At ECU, she quickly made her favorite place her apartment, where she shares countless memories with her roommates and her best friend, Riley Landen. Together, they navigated the challenges and joys of college life, forming bonds that feel more like family.

Beam is also an ECU ambassador and enjoys sharing the rich history of the university.

As she walked across campus, Beam often reflected on her time at ECU.

ECU was more than just a university: It was a place where she had grown, learned and formed lifelong connections.

Fast Facts

Riley Landen

Senior Riley Landen wraps up her second summer serving as an orientation assistant. (Photo by Steven Mantilla)

Roanoke Rapids native Riley Landen is a senior at East Carolina University double majoring in psychology and rehabilitation, inspired by her passion for public service.

“Although they are completely different, I felt that they complemented each other,” she said. “I knew they would allow me to help people both mentally and physically.”

Coming from a small town, she remembers feeling at home right away in Pirate Nation. “I’ve always been on the shy side, and ECU gave me that sense of community that I love about living in a small town.”

Landen recently finished her second year of welcoming incoming ECU freshmen to college life by being an OA. She recalls reaching beyond her comfort zone when taking on this position.

“I knew that this job would force me to come out of my shell and grow both personally and professionally,” she said. “During my first summer as an OA, I learned so much about the university and what everyone does to support students. I felt so much pride for ECU and felt like a true Pirate being a part of it all.”

Aside from helping new Pirates acclimate to their surroundings, Landen works as an assistant for the football team. When reflecting on her favorite experience as a student, she remembers watching ECU play N.C. State from the sidelines.

“This was my favorite experience as a student because the energy was just amazing,” she said. “Seeing how many people came out to support ECU was incredible.”

“I’m so glad I chose to come to ECU. Not only has ECU provided me with so many amazing opportunities and allowed me to create amazing friendships, but it has also created an environment that allowed me to grow and become a person I am very proud of.”

Fast Facts

• Favorite place on campus: Joyner Library
• Favorite place in Greenville: McAllister’s. I always go there when I feel like I’ve earned a reward.
• One word to describe your time at ECU: Fruitful

Jake Pleasant

ECU junior Jake Pleasant leads a game with students at an orientation session. (Photo by Steven Mantilla)

Junior distribution and logistics major Jake Pleasant was looking for a place to call home while transitioning into adult life when he found ECU.

“I wanted a college with a beautiful campus for my walks, and a campus I could really stay involved on,” the Roanoke Rapids native said.

Pleasant recently finished his second summer of welcoming new Pirates to campus while serving as an OA.

“My favorite experience while being a student at ECU has probably been participating in organizations that help welcome new students to campus,” he said.

His interest in being an OA began when had to attend his own orientation as a new student virtually in the summer of 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I wanted to give the new freshmen an orientation experience like I never had. I wanted it to be great, since I had to attend from a computer screen,” he said.

When asked about his favorite words of wisdom to share with new Pirates visiting campus, he emphasized making the most of your time as a student.

“ECU is a great experience,” he said, “but it is only what you make of it. So, please … make it a Pirate experience.”

Fast Facts

• Favorite place on campus: Behind Minges Coliseum on a fall day
• Favorite place in Greenville: Hibachi Japan on 10th Street
• One word to describe your time at ECU: Family

Azari Dedeaux

ECU sophomore Azari Dedeaux has concluded her first summer as serving as an orientation assistant. (Photo by Steve Mantilla)

Growing up in Fayetteville, Azari Dedeaux was determined to turn her dreams of being a dentist into reality.

ECU’s prestigious dental school, her passion for biology and Greenville’s inviting community drew the sophomore to Pirate Nation. Choosing ECU was an easy decision for her as she found the campus to be amazing and welcoming.

Beyond the academics and the campus scenery, what truly makes Dedeaux’s experience at ECU special are the friendships formed on campus. These connections, which blossomed from nervous introductions during orientation to meaningful bonds, became the heart of Dedeaux’s journey as a Pirate.

Dedeaux found her calling as an OA, welcoming new students with the same positivity she experienced during her own orientation. This role solidified Dedeaux’s place within the ECU community, but also enriched her college experience with leadership and service.

“I would like everyone to know that it is OK to be nervous, but to also put yourself out there because there is nothing like new experiences and people to make you feel comfortable,” said Dedeaux.

As Dedeaux continues her journey through biology, paving the way toward dental school and a career in dentistry, she carries the lessons of ECU  — the importance of community, the joy of new experiences, and the power of embracing one’s aspirations with courage and enthusiasm.

Fast Facts

• Favorite place on campus: The basketball court outside of Ballard Hall
• Favorite place in Greenville: Cook Out
• One word to describe your time at ECU: Growth

Kenyon Parrish

ECU junior Kenyon Parrish enjoys being a Pirate on the last day of new student orientation. (Photo by Steve Mantilla)

Junior Kenyon Parrish became an OA this year with one goal: to break out of his comfort zone. With the opportunity to lead multiple groups of incoming Pirates in his new role, he learned to improve his communication skills while meeting many new people.

Parrish branched out as he led 10 groups through the orientation process, including guided tours, seminars and providing insight on becoming a student at ECU.

As a native of Graham, he chose ECU to be close to home, but far enough away to feel the distance. His love of design inspired him to major in interior merchandising.

“I love to design and make something out of nothing. I have found a new love of helping build things for others,” said Parrish.

Parrish said becoming an OA made him feel like a Pirate. “It’s the first time in my two years that I’ve been here that I’ve broken out of my comfort zone.”

His advice to students is to follow ECU social media pages to find out campus happenings quickly and easily. Attending events is an easy way for new students to get involved, he said.

Fast Facts

• Favorite place on campus: Main Campus Student Center
• Favorite place in Greenville: Sup Dogs
• One word to describe your time at ECU: Roller coaster

Angie Mojica-Juan

Angie Mojica-Juan is passionate about helping others on campus

Senior Angie Mojica-Juan, a public health major with a minor in natural composite science, is a first-year OA from Pink Hill. The choice to attend ECU came easy after Mojica-Juan attended her freshman orientation.

“When I first visited here for orientation, I absolutely fell in love with the campus and that’s when I knew I could see my future here. I’m also close to home,” she said.

With a passion for helping others, Mojica-Juan became an OA to help incoming students transition into their next chapter.

“I wanted to become an OA because I wanted to help in any way I could. I’m able to show incoming freshmen what ECU is about,” said Mojica-Juan.

Being an OA includes leading tours and seminars, answering student and parent questions, and giving new students an inside look on what it’s like to being a Pirate.

Helping others is also what helped her decide on her future career.

“Since I was younger, I’ve always wanted to help people, regardless of what I was helping them with,” said Mojica-Juan. “I initially applied with the intention of studying biology, but later researched different majors and found public health, which I felt represented my values. This major allowed me to combine my passions of helping people with my desire to make a difference in the lives of others.”

She acknowledges that attending her first football game made her really feel like a Pirate. Still when asked about her favorite experience at ECU, Mojica-Juan talks of membership in Epsilon Sigma Alpha, a service sorority on campus.

“It opened me up to meeting new people who are now some of my closest friends and creating memories that I will forever cherish,” said Mojica-Juan.

She describes her time at ECU as a roller coaster ride but encourages students to get involved on campus. “I promise it’s worth it,” she said.

Fast Facts

• Favorite place on campus: The mall on Main Campus
• Favorite place in Greenville: The SnowGlobe
• One word to describe your time at ECU: Roller coaster

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