Pirates jump into new year with Polar Bear Plunge, Highlight the Night dance

East Carolina University’s Division of Student Affairs is hosting two events to help students kick off the spring semester.

The 18th annual Polar Bear Plunge is set for 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Student Recreation Center outdoor pool.  Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. with an ECU One Card required. All ECU students, faculty and staff are invited to jump into the icy waters of the outdoor pool. ECU Women’s Basketball Coach Heather Macy will kick-start the event as the ceremonial first jumper.

The first 1,100 jumpers will receive a free event T-shirt. Jumpers should bring a towel and fill out a waiver prior to jumping. The waiver can be completed on-site or downloaded at www.ecu.edu/polarbear.

The Polar Bear Plunge started at ECU in 1997 as part of the grand opening of the Student Recreation Center and 35 participants took the plunge. The event has grown annually, breaking records each year since 2010. Last year, 1,094 jumpers participated.

During the event, participants may enjoy refreshments and attend the Get-A-Clue Involvement Fair, which provides information on programs and activities with organizations on campus. Get-A-Clue begins at 6:30 p.m. and is also held at the Student Recreation Center. Campus Recreation & Wellness, Campus Living & Dining, Coca-Cola, and Student Involvement and Leadership sponsor the Polar Bear Plunge and Get-A-Clue.

On Jan. 24 from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. is the second annual Highlight the Night dance at ECU’s Student Recreation Center.  The dance will feature DJ K-Ro and DJ Thomas, both ECU students.  The Student Activities Board welcomed more than 1,200 students to the inaugural event last year.

Tickets to the dance are free to ECU students with their One Card. Guests accompanied by an ECU student can attend for $15.