Welcome Back!
Keynote speaker Stephanie Lee ’08 addresses students at Student Convocation on Aug. 19.
Before they headed to their first day of class Aug. 20, ECU students learned about Pirate Nation traditions, were reminded of the importance of going to class and had some fun at the annual student convocation, Pirate Palooza and Raid the Rec events.
During her keynote address at student convocation, Stephanie Lee ’08 encouraged students to challenge themselves during their college career. In the decade since she graduated, Lee has worked as a field organizer for a presidential campaign, on the staff of former First Lady Michelle Obama and is now a product developer for MAC Cosmetics.
“Here is where you can start exploring your true self,” said Lee.
“You can explore what makes us human and how we’re all the same. And that sameness is how we’re all connected to each other.”
Virginia Hardy, vice chancellor for student affairs, put in a plug for keeping up with schoolwork.
“We want you to enjoy your collegiate experience in every way,” she said. “But it all starts with going to class and making the most of your academic endeavors.”
Following convocation, students gathered at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium for the 18th annual Pirate Palooza. They had the opportunity to participate in fun activities and receive a T-shirt and/or a drawstring bag. Free food was provided by Aramark Catering Services as well as a Taste of Greenville, featuring local eateries.
On the first morning of classes Aug. 20, Chancellor Cecil Staton handed out coffee and cookies to students.
Campus Recreation & Wellness presented the second annual Raid the Rec at the Student Recreation Center on Aug. 17. Activities included glow-in-the-dark miniature golf, a competitive inflatable obstacle course, an indoor roller rink, a punching meter and bubble sumo wrestling.