ECU students were welcomed back with a lot of smiles and a big dose of humidity for the start of Move-In 2017 Wednesday, Aug. 16. Almost 5,900 students return to campus residence halls this week to prepare for the start of the new academic year.
Malik Atkinson
Malik Atkinson of Wilson is the first in his family to go to college. “I’m ready,” said Atkinson, who plans to study industrial engineering technology.
“It’s an honor really. I want to set the tone for my little brother and sisters. I’m going to push them to go on to college too.”
- Malik Atkinson
The Fike High School graduate said he picked ECU because of the engineering program and its nearness to home. He also has two cousins who graduated from ECU.
Cameron Bordeaux
With the threat of rain, Bryan and Teresa Bordeaux of Apex had covered all their daughter’s belongings in plastic wrap, filling up the back of their full-size pickup truck. Items also were neatly organized inside the cab, either wrapped or in plastic bins.
Cameron is their first to go to college. She will be studying health care management at ECU.
“I’m excited for her, it’s the first day of her future on her own.”
- Bryan Bordeaux
Provost Ron Mitchelson said he was excited about the incoming class and the start of the new academic year.
“This is the first incoming class that our ‘Finish in Four’ initiative was stressed during orientation. As part of our university and UNC system strategic plan, ‘Finish in Four’ reflects our commitment as a university to assist and support our students to finish their undergraduate degree from ECU in four years. We claim to be a four-year institution and our graduation rates should reflect that. The cost of a university education is obviously reduced if students complete degree requirements in four years.”
Brittany Tankard
Brittany, who will be the first Pirate in the family, was valedictorian of her class at Mt. Zion Christian Academy in Durham. She will be studying biology and plans to attend medical school to become a pediatrician. The biology program and the Brody School of Medicine helped sway her decision to attend ECU.
"She’s my little minion, I’m going to miss her very much, and I’m so proud of her.”
- Angela Tankard
The ECU women’s rugby team was one of several groups wearing bright yellow “Need Help?” shirts helping new students and parents lug bins and boxes inside Jarvis Hall. The team does service projects throughout the year, but it’s their first time helping at move in, said Cristina Martinez, a sophomore who is double majoring in psychology and criminal justice.
“A lot of parents seem pretty grateful for our help.”
- Christina Martinez
Derwin Davis II
“Well son, I get to go home to an empty house.”
-Derwin Davis, who stood in Jarvis Hall with his son, Derwin Davis II, from Jacksonville
The older Davis is a retired 21-year veteran of the U.S. Marines. He said he wants his son, who was an all-conference basketball player at White Oak High School, to have more opportunities than he did.
Upcoming Events for New Pirates
New Student Convocation will be held Sunday, Aug. 20 at 4:30 p.m. in Minges Coliseum. The convocation speaker is alumnus Lex Gillette, a world record-holder in the long jump and Paralympic medalist.
Pirate Palooza - ECU’s largest welcome back celebration with inflatables and free prizes – will be held Sunday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m.in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
This is the part where YOU find out who YOU are… Welcome, #ECU21! We can't wait to see all that you will accomplish.
Credits:
Words by Jamie Smith and Crystal Baity/Photos by Cliff Hollis and Rhett Butler/Video by Rich Klindworth