Donors recognized with new award
To show his and East Carolina University’s appreciation for the generosity of significant donors, Chancellor Cecil Staton has created a special recognition he calls “the Chancellor’s Amethyst.”
It is the premier recognition of philanthropic commitment to ECU. The distinction celebrates a demonstrated and ongoing legacy of philanthropy to the university. The amethyst vase will be awarded twice a year — in the fall and in the spring. So far, amethysts have been awarded to the following individuals and organizations:
Fall 2016
Golden LEAF Foundation. The foundation has given more than $6.5 million in grants for programs at ECU focused on transforming the formerly tobacco-dependent areas of eastern North Carolina as well as providing
Walter and Marie Williams. The Williamses, multi-million-dollar donors, have supported many campaigns and initiatives over the years, most recently the Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium Southside Renovation project.
Carl and Connie Rogers
Spring 2017
BB&T. Over its lifetime of support, BB&T has donated more than $3.6 million to ECU to fund student success and leadership among other priorities. Additionally, BB&T has pledged $1 million to the Southside Stadium Renovation Project. Scott Evans, BB&T northeastern N.C. regional president, accepted the award.
Carl and Connie Rogers. The Rogerses, Pirate Club members and season ticket holders for 25 years, have pledged $875,000 to name the Pirate Club Level at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium that will be in the soon-to-be-renovated southside tower. Carl Rogers is in his sixth year as a member of the Pirate Club Executive Committee after serving as president in 2015-16.
Drs. Mary Raab and William McConnell
Drs. Mary Raab and William McConnell. Raab and her late husband, Dr. Spencer Raab, played pivotal roles in establishing the Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center. McConnell has supported student scholarships and numerous other projects around campus.
“When you see who has been recognized with the Chancellor’s Amethyst, you notice a common theme,” Staton said. “These are individuals and corporations that show their servant-leadership in a way that helps and inspires others and, at the same time, shows their love for ECU.”
The next Chancellor’s Amethysts will be given out during a fall Board of Trustees meeting.