Black Alumni Chapter

 

Mission and Purpose

The ECU Alumni Association exists to inform, involve and serve members of the ECU family throughout their lifelong relationship with the university.

The Black Alumni Chapter is composed of alumni and friends who are interested in generating support for ECU and serving its constituencies by:

  • promoting the university’s reputation for excellence
  • building good will between the university and its alumni
  • promoting the African-American presence on campus
  • promoting alumni contributions to the university
  • aiding in minority student recruitment
  • promoting the welfare of its alumni

History

The first full-time African-American student at ECU was Laura Marie Leary (at right), a native of Vanceboro, NC. Leary enrolled in the fall of 1963 and attended the university for a full academic year as the only African-American student. She completed the requirements for a bachelor of science degree in business administration in 1966, becoming the first African-American graduate of ECU, and its first black alumna.

Following Leary was Bennie Teel of Greenville, NC. He received a bachelor of arts degree in English and French in 1967. Lillian T. Jones and Nellie Ross, both of Greenville, NC also graduated 1967. The Black Alumni Chapter began in the early 1980s under the leadership of Dr. Dennis Chestnut ’69, Jaquline Hawkins ’74, and Drs. Larry ’76 and Barbara ’76 Hines.

Get Involved & Support the Black Alumni Chapter

As members of the Black Alumni Chapter, it is important for us to support the ECU Alumni Association. Your engagement with the association strengthens Black Alumni Chapter programs and shows pride in ECU.  To learn more about the Black Alumni Chapter contact us at blackalumni@alumni.ecu.edu.
 

Recognition

The ECU Alumni Association’s Black Alumni Chapter recognizes awards the Dr. Andrew A. Best Trailblazer, Laura Marie Leary Elliott Courageous Leader, and Ledonia Wright Outstanding Faculty/Staff Awards at the Black Alumni Reunion during Homecoming.
Click here for more information about nominations.

Resources

Support

Participate

Stay Connected

The following groups have been setup to assist alumni with connecting with former classmates:


  ECU Alumni Association

Black Alumni Chapter