UNDAUNTED GRADUATES
ECU celebrates commencement for more than 5,000 Pirates
East Carolina University celebrated the accomplishments of more than 5,000 graduates with its 111th spring commencement on Friday, delivering a virtual ceremony because of the coronavirus.
Interim Chancellor Ron Mitchelson acknowledged the unusual circumstances during the online commencement that included conferment of degrees for 3,860 undergraduates. The Class of 2020 also includes 1,201 recipients of master’s and doctoral degrees.
“I know there is no substitute for a commencement celebration in person on our beautiful campus,” Mitchelson said. “We recognize that this ceremony is just another example of how COVID-19 has disrupted every aspect of our lives. Despite these unusual and challenging times, this is still one of the most important moments in your lives, it is still an important moment in the life of this university, and it is still a great day to be a Pirate.”
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Colin Johnson, ECU student body president, said the class of 2020 endured challenges, such as hurricanes and the coronavirus.
“You go to show that Pirates have grit,” he said. “It’s what gives us this chip on our shoulder that tells us that nothing can stand in our way.”
Colin Johnson, ECU student body president, turns his tassel during commencement on Friday.
He acknowledged the support of family, friends and faculty and said it is up to each graduate to live out ECU’s motto of servire — to serve.
“Serve your family to secure continued prosperity, serve your communities to provide others with the same opportunities that have been provided to you, and always serve the mission of this great university,” he said.
Educational leader Dr. Lynn M. Gangone, the president and CEO of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, delivered the keynote address, also stressing ECU’s tradition of service.
“Regardless of your major at East Carolina University, I believe all of you can be of service to all of us at this time,” she said.
She acknowledged the fear and questions that many may have during these times, but quoting writer Julia Cameron, said love can overcome that fear.
“Let’s use our deep capacity for love — alongside fortitude, resilience and intelligence — to be part of the solution right now,” Gangone said. “Let us not be afraid to tackle the smallest or the biggest problems and challenges that lie ahead. … One of my fears right now is that what’s happening to the world will further divide us, and so I ask you dear graduates to think about how to counteract that fear and to use this time to unite us, to unite us to each other, to unite us to our local communities and to unite us throughout the world.”
Vern Davenport, chair of the ECU Board of Trustees, said the graduates were ready for the next steps in their lives because of what they’ve overcome and the skills they’ve developed through their academic careers.
“Through it all, you’ve shown resilience and you’ve shown toughness,” he said. “Never doubt for a second that you’re well educated and prepared for this world.”
For graduate Dr. Jonathon Firnhaber, a physician for 30 years, obtaining his Master of Business Administration degree on Friday was just part of the celebration. His daughter Jessica received her Doctor of Medical Dentistry from ECU on Friday. His other daughter, Julia, graduated from N.C. State and has been accepted to ECU’s Brody School of Medicine in the fall.
“I’m far more proud of my daughters than I am of myself,” Firnhaber said. “Jessica completed dental school and Julia completed a BS in the time it’s taken me to complete an MBA.”
It’s a family that bleeds purple and gold. Firnhaber’s wife Gina has four ECU degrees, and he and daughter Jessica have two each, bringing the family’s total to eight. When Julia completes medical school, another will be added to the total.
“I am a proud Pirate,” Jessica Firnhaber said. “ … It’s neat knowing both of my parents have degrees from ECU, and now my sister will too.”
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She said she would not have been able to achieve success without the love and support of her parents and family.
“I’m very lucky to have the family support that I do and know I would not have gotten to where I am without them,” she said.
Though Friday’s commencement was virtual, the family celebrated together.
“We are a family of proud Pirates. Arrrgh!” Jonathon Firnhaber said.