ECU graduates nearly 2,800

East Carolina University graduates were challenged today to embrace their leadership.

Henry Williamson, recently retired as chief operating officer of BB&T Corp., and an ECU alumnus, said, “As you enter this next phase of your life, I want to challenge you to be a leader. Leadership should not be defined in elitist terms.”

Nearly 2,800 candidates were eligible to receive undergraduate and graduate degrees in two ceremonies today in Minges Coliseum on the ECU campus. It was the university’s 96th spring commencement.

Williamson advised graduates to consider balancing their life with family, friends and spirituality; looking to others for strength; andserving others. These attributes help make leaders, he said.

“Your moments of influence and impact will come when you do not expect them and often when you do not want them,” he said. “Be on your guard.You rarely get to choose your moments of influence.”