Pirate Passion | Eastern NC Now

    Publisher's note: The author of this post, Jackie Drake, is a contributor to ECU News Services.

East Carolina University raises record-breaking $39 million

    Supporters of East Carolina University gave a record-breaking $39 million in commitments in the 2014-15 year to benefit scholarships, faculty resources, programs, research, facilities, health care, athletics and more.

    The funds will impact all areas of the university, increasing educational opportunities for students and improving surrounding communities and workforces.

    The sum, which includes multi-year pledges, tops previous fundraising yields of $33 million in 2013-14 and $25 million in 2012-13.

    "This is a major accomplishment for ECU and we are all indebted to Vice Chancellor for Advancement Chris Dyba, his team, and our academic leadership for these great results," said Chancellor Steve Ballard. "All major revenue streams at ECU are on the rise, a reflection of the strength of our mission and Pirate passion."

    Major contributions were a multimillion-dollar pledge from J. Fielding Miller and Kim Grice Miller for a new School of Entrepreneurship, and a renewed $1 million pledge from James and Connie Maynard for scholarships in the College of Education. The Golden LEAF Foundation gave $1.1 million to form a Biopharmaceutical Work Force Development and Manufacturing Center of Excellence with Pitt Community College. Contributions also included continued support from the Brody family through the Brody Foundation, and the Harold H. Bate Foundation of New Bern as well as many other generous commitments across campus.

    In addition to corporations and organizations, more than 8,500 individual alumni, parents and friends donated to the university's academic priorities, with several thousand more giving to athletics.

    "We are so proud and grateful for the continued support of East Carolina as we help students succeed, serve the public, and transform the region," said Chris Dyba, vice chancellor for advancement. "While we are proud of all we have accomplished, we must continue to increase philanthropy to fund scholarships, support faculty, improve facilities, expand programs, and improve health care delivery in the years to come."


More than 8,500 individual donations, along with multiple pledges at or exceeding $1 million, led to a record $39 million in contributions to East Carolina University in 2014-15. (Photo by Cliff Hollis)