ECU holds spring commencement

East Carolina University will award an honorary degree to a regional banking executive during commencement ceremonies for 2,100 graduates on May 6.

John Allison, chairman and chief executive officer of the BB&T Financial Corp., will receive the honorary doctor of letters degree following his presentation to the graduates at 10 a.m. The ceremony is at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. A Charlotte native, Allison will become head of the bank that will be created by the planned merger of BB&T with Southern National Corporation. He joined BB&T in 1971 and rose through the ranks, becoming chairman and CEO of the Wilson-based corporation in 1989.

“He is obviously an outstanding leader in the banking community, and few people in any field can match his interest in the study and understanding of leadership,” said ECU Chancellor Richard Eakin. “We are delighted that he is addressing our graduates, and we are proud to have the opportunity to award him an honorary degree.”

The commencement day program opens with a band concert at 9:15 a.m. The colorful processional of graduates and faculty begins at 9:45 a.m. If weather conditions are unfavorable for an outside program, the ceremony will move to the newly renovated Williams Arena in Minges Coliseum. An indoor commencement entrails two separate ceremonies, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., to accommodate the large number of relatives and friends that wish to attend the program.

ECU provides a Commencement Hotline for students and parents wanting current information about the commencement program. The telephone number is (919) 328-4884.