EC Alumni - Summer 2013

Top Cop

Raleigh Police Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown ’87 began her twentyfive-year law enforcement career at ECU

NIKE Ladies Polo

NIKE ladies purple Dri-Fit Pirate Head polo. $55.00

Ladies Watch

Sun Time ladies ECU and daber watch $58.95

Flower Earrings

Purple and Gold beaded flower earrings $15.95

EVERY DAY IS GAME DAY! Beaded Wave Bracelet

Beaded wave bracelets in purple and gold $7.95

ECU Flip Flops

Black and purple Pirate Head flip flops with ECU Saber logo $21.95

Elizabeth Pike

Manager at Catalog Connection Class of 2010

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features

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8 on the map Frederick Padilla ’82 charts his military career from geography major to brigadier general.

12 her own recipe

After her cakes were featured in Our State magazine, chef Wendy Perry ’82 is on to her next culinary adventure.

16 top cop Raleigh Police Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown ’87 got her start in law enforcement at ECU.

20 formula for success Mike Putnam ’98, ’01 founded Sequence, Inc. with good education, hard work, family, and faith.

departments on the cover Raleigh Police Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown ‘87 stands next to one of the police cruisers at the department’s headquarters.

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dear pirate nation pirate connections advancement update career corner around campus a look back

EC Alumni, the magazine of the East Carolina Alumni Association, takes a closer look at the accomplishments of our alumni, bringing you engaging feature articles highlighting their success. EC Alumni also features news from around campus, updates from University Advancement, career advice, how alumni and friends can support ECU’s legislative initiatives, and a look back at the University’s treasured history.

DEAR PIRATE NATION Tradition.

Webster defines tradition as “an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior; a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable.”

Tradition abounds at dear old East Carolina! First Down…Pirates!, the Purple-Gold cheer, Purple Haze, Barefoot on the Mall, not walking through the cupola, and the Homecoming parade... traditions define the East Carolina experience and make it unique.

My favorite tradition occurs on commencement weekend. It is actually a series of events in which the torch is passed from generations of Pirate alumni to our newest graduates. It all begins the night before commencement with the Associations’s Candlelight Ceremony on the Mall. Members of our fiftieth reunion class are inducted into the Golden Alumni Society and then pass the torch of tradition to our graduating seniors by sharing in the lighting of candles. This ceremony is a powerful and symbolic gesture that annually links generations of Pirates to our newest alumni.

Our reunion participants rejoice in the quality, spirit, and energy of the seniors and our seniors, some for the first time, begin to see how they are connected to pirates from all over the world and of all ages. They all see the power of the Pirate alumni network.

Then on commencement morning, the fiftieth reunion class, adorned in the gold robes, leads the purple-clad class of seniors into the football stadium to rousing cheers!

The mission of the East Carolina Alumni Association is to inform, involve, and serve members of the ECU family throughout their lifelong relationship with the University.

Paul J. Clifford PRESIDENT AND CEO

Christy Angle ’95 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR ALUMNI PROGRAMS

Monique Best ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN

Linda Cataldo ’80 ALUMNI CENTER COORDINATOR

Jackie Drake ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR ALUMNI COMMUNICATIONS

Candi High ’97 ACCOUNTANT

Michael S. Kowalczyk ’09, ’10 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR ALUMNI PROGRAMS

Shawn Moore ’91, ’98 DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI PROGRAMS

Doug Smith ’00, ’07 VICE PRESIDENT FOR ALUMNI MEMBERSHIP & MARKETING

These two traditions forever link these two groups of alumni together as they each share these milestone events.

Tradition abounds throughout the Pirate Nation and the Alumni Association is proud to be the torchbearer of tradition at East Carolina.

GO PIRATES!

Chris Williams ’01 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR ALUMNI MEMBERSHIP

ALUMNI

Vol. 6, No. 3

EC Alumni (ISSN: 2152-3886) is published quarterly by the East Carolina Alumni Association. The Alumni Association is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and Council of Alumni Association Executives (CAAE) and is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that operates interdependently with East Carolina University. The views expressed in EC Alumni magazine do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Alumni Association or the University. Reproduction of EC Alumni in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Paul J. Clifford

Let’s Be Social!

©2013 East Carolina Alumni Association

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To contact us or comment on this magazine: 252-328-4723 | 800-ECU-GRAD alumni@PirateAlumni.com

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Read EC Alumni online at: PirateAlumni.com/ECAlumni ISSN: 2152-5668

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Send change of address to: East Carolina Alumni Association Taylor-Slaughter Alumni Center Mail Stop 305 East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858-4353 EC Alumni is paid for with non-state funds.

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Alumni Tailgate

AUG

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GREENVILLE • KNIGHTDALE

Sweet Zone provided by Fleur Delicious Cakes

SEPT

5 SEPT

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Sweet Zone provided by Heavenly Sweet Bakery

OCT

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Sweet Zone provided by The Cake Girlz

NOV

9 NOV

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Sweet Zone provided by Chef Kirk

For complete information on this year’s Tailgates including details about Away Game Tailgates at Middle Tennessee State, Florida International, and NC State, visit PirateAlumni.com/Tailgate or call the Alumni Center at 800-ECU-GRAD (328-4723).

Freshmen Sendoffs

Help welcome the Class of 2017!

pirate CONNECTIONS

Leave the grill at home and tailgate with fellow Pirate alumni and friends! The Alumni Association will host an Alumni Tailgate at each home game this season. Enjoy a variety of food from local area restaurants, Pirate beverages, door prizes, live music and entertainment, along with a chance to see the ECU Marching Pirates, the cheerleaders, and PeeDee the Pirate. Tickets are $10 for Alumni Association members and $25 for non-members. Children twelve and under are free. All tailgates will begin two-and-a-half hours prior to kick-off.

Members of the Alumni Association can begin purchasing Tailgate tickets on Tuesday, July 9. If tickets remain, non-members can purchase tickets beginning August 1.

Many thanks to our tailgate series sponsors: ARAMARK, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, ECU Dowdy Student Stores (title sponsor), Liberty Mutual, Occasions Party and Tent Rental, RA Jeffreys Distributing, and WITN.

The Alumni Association will host several Freshmen Sendoff events across the Pirate Nation this summer where freshmen and their families can get to know fellow Pirates and alumni in their area before coming to campus this fall. For dates and locations of these events, visit PirateAlumni.com/FreshmenSendoffs.

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PIRATE CONNECTIONS Save the Dates!

Five 2013 Graduates Receive Robert H. Wright Alumni Leadership Award The most prestigious award presented to graduating seniors during annual commencement exercises, the Robert H. Wright Alumni Leadership Award recognizes academic achievement, service to both the university and community, and both potential and demonstrated qualities of leadership. These five graduates were recognized on May 10 for those qualities that will make a difference in their respective professions and communities.

Arun Ajmera ’13 of Greenville, biology and chemistry Sarah Morgan Hunter ’13 of Henderson, business administration Danielle Nicole Martin ’13 of Greenville, multidisciplinary studies - neuroscience Mukund Mohan Patel ’13 of Greenville, biology Alyssa Diane Robinson ’13 of Concord, communication Visit PirateAlumni.com/2013WrightAwardRecipients to read more about this year’s recipients.

The sixth annual Pirate’s Bounty Scholarship Auction presented by Duplin Winery will be held Thursday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hilton Greenville. For details, visit PirateAlumni.com/PiratesBounty.

The ECU Alumni Scholarship Classic golf tournament will be held on Friday, September 13 at 9:00 a.m.

Get your foursome together and visit PirateAlumni.com/Golf to register.

Are you a graduate with a student currently attending ECU? Be a part of a new tradition on campus: the Pirate Alumni Legacy Brunch on Sunday, September 15 at 10:30 a.m. Registration information will be included in the Parents Weekend mailing and at PirateAlumni.com/2013LegacyBrunch.

The 2013 Alumni Awards Ceremony and Dinner will be held Friday, October 18 at 6:00 p.m. at the Greenville Convention Center. Information about this year’s recipients and how to register can be found at PirateAlumni.com/2013AwardsCeremony.

ALuMNI ASSOCIATION Board of Directors Diane Davis Ashe ’83, ’85

Celebration, FL

Charlie Martin Jr. ’68

Winston-Salem, NC

Greenville, NC

Virginia Beach, VA

Grifton, NC

Michael McShane ’66

Greenville, NC

Alexandria, VA

Charlotte, NC

Angela Moss ’97, ’98, Vice Chair

Marian McLawhorn ’67, ’88, ’97

Tarrick Cox ’96, ’07 Adrian Cullin ’04

Raleigh, NC

Chocowinity, NC

Dean Browder ’77 William Burnette ’96

Jim Newman Jr. ’68, ’74, Chair

Pat Lane ’67

Doug Morgan ’88

South Riding, VA

Ralph Finch ’67

Dan Spuller ’06, ’07

Midlothian, VA

Raleigh, NC

Jeff Foster ’83

Winterville, NC

Ainee Lynnette Taylor ’97

Winterville, NC

Dave Fussell Jr. ’90

Allen Thomas ’92

Rose Hill, NC

Winterville, NC

Raleigh, NC

Robin Good ’80

Jason Tomasula ’00, ’03, ’10

Richmond, VA

Houston, TX

Duane Grooms ’80, ’82

Charlotte, NC

Derwood, MD

Columbia, SC

Emeritus Members:

Melanie Holden ’79

Raleigh, NC

John Israel ’82

Greenville, NC

Wesley Johnson ’85

Neal Crawford ’85, Treasurer Glenda Palmer-Moultrie ’79, Secretary Carl Davis ’73, Immediate Past Chair Paul J. Clifford, President and CEO

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Raleigh, NC Norfolk, VA

Powder Springs, GA

Virgil Clark ’50

Greenville, NC

Dave Englert ’75

Norfolk, VA

Ever wondered why ECU students call you around the same time each year to ask you lots of questions? The answer is simple: we care about you! As a member of the Pirate Nation, you are an important part of our University’s past, present, and future. By staying connected with East Carolina, you demonstrate your passion for, and pride in, this institution. Phone calls from the University’s Telefund are a great way for you to engage with current students, hear about exciting University news, and let us know about changes in your life. It’s also an opportunity for you to contribute to the mission of East Carolina University in order to make a real difference in the lives of our students.

Telefund student callers are ECU students who want to talk with you.

Brittney Burnette, a junior criminal justice major, said, “I love talking to alumni on the phone! They always make me laugh and they always have so much pride in ECU! They bleed purple and gold, which makes me proud to be a Pirate. Argggh!”

Jackie Ralston, a junior public relations major, agrees. “I enjoy the stories and memories alumni share from their time at ECU. Not only do I learn more of the University’s history, but I’m able to connect with fellow Pirates. I also appreciate when an alum takes the time to share advice.”

That connection between student and alumnus is a true point of pride for Kaylee

Reardon, ECU’s Telefund Manager. “Some of my favorite stories that come from working at the ECU Telefund include the connections that the students make with our alumni. It is always amazing to see our alumni encouraging our student callers as they continue their education.”

Along with updating details like home address, email, and employer, student callers also ask alumni to make charitable contributions to ECU. Alumni can designate their gift to the area of their choice—to their college or department, to scholarships, the library, or student life.

Telefund students see alumni donations at work every day. “ECU and its students benefit from alumni giving. With each dollar that is raised, a new opportunity opens for the Pirate Nation. Alumni can have the satisfaction of knowing they made a difference for their alma mater.

After all, they are helping to make a better ECU,” said Holly Chestnut, a junior public health major.

So, the next time your caller ID shows ECU is calling, answer the call from your alma mater! The students will only take a few minutes of your time, and the legacy you leave through your donation and through the conversation you have with student callers makes a difference for ECU. Thank you for your support!

advancement UPDATE

Calling All Alumni

PIRATEALUMNI.COM 5

ADVANCEMENT UPDATE

Jim Watts ’72 Honors Mother by Establishing the Ora Godwin Watts Access Scholarship One crisp fall morning, Ora Watts was standing at the window in her kitchen as she spotted that familiar yellow school bus coming by her house. As it passed by without stopping, she started to cry. Ora had raised nine children, and for thirty-some years she spent her mornings getting her kids up, preparing a hot breakfast, and getting them off to school on that yellow school bus. But now, her job was done. With her youngest child off at college, those hectic mornings she was so accustomed to had been replaced by the peace and quiet that all mothers both long for–and dread.

Born August 1,1909, Ora Godwin Watts was a devoutly religious woman who also firmly believed in the value of a good education. Of her nine children, six attended East Carolina University.

“She was a tremendous influence in many ways,” says her youngest son, Jim Watts. “It was amazing that a country woman who was born in 1909, and who only finished the eighth grade, was such a strong believer in education. She was there for us, and encouraged us to seek and do whatever we felt that we needed to do.”

It was his mother’s positive influence and unwavering support that inspired Jim to want to help others in the same way, so he established the Ora Godwin Watts Access Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded yearly to a student from a public school in Columbus County.

“I just want to help the students there who have proven themselves academically, and who also have a sense of community. I want to give them sort of a leg-up in life,” says Jim. His own leg-up in life began with his mother’s support, but continued once he attended East Carolina University. “I was a country barefoot boy…Columbus County is one of the four poorest counties in North Carolina, and East Carolina was my foundation to help me to achieve and accomplish what I’ve been able to do in my life, and it really opened the door to the world, and I’m just so grateful for that.”

And what a world Jim stepped into after graduating with a degree in business administration in 1972. First, he worked as an accountant for the General Services Administration in Washington, D.C. He loved to teach, so he started teaching and then decided to get his master’s degree in business administration from George Mason University. He was then recruited by a business education publisher to help start up their line of computer textbooks and software products.

“In 1979 there was a buzz about something called an Altair, and a Commodore, and a TRS-80, and something called an Apple computer, and I thought…that is the future,” Jim recalls.

“And so I convinced the CEO of the publishing house that we needed a strategic alliance with Apple computer in California, and with Radio Shack (they were the two leading microcomputer manufacturers at the time) and they said, ‘we don’t even know what you’re talking about–go for it!’ So I did, and struck up an agreement with both companies. In fact, they were so impressed that we were so far ahead thinking, I was offered the same job at both companies. Who would turn down a chance to work for a company in California, and especially a farm boy from 6 EC ALUMNI SUMMER 2013

Columbus County, North Carolina?”

So, Jim worked with Apple computer in its early days from 1981-1986 when the Macintosh was first launched, and later returned to Fairfax County schools to work as a business teacher and to finally retire as the coordinator of procurement for the Fairfax County school system.

Throughout the Ora Godwin Watts years, no matter where he worked or lived, Jim always had the feeling he would end up back in North Carolina. He and his sisters, Retha Mae Watts Thompson ’48 (ECTC) and Eula Pearl Watts Freedman ’60 (ECC), came back to campus for a tour and were amazed. “My oldest sister was almost speechless the entire time because she was just so blown away by how much the campus has changed. When she was in college there was no College Hill Drive, everything was between Fifth and Tenth streets. I’m so incredibly proud of ECU and how far it has advanced in all aspects of academia since the 50s and 60s even going on back to the 40s,” says Jim. And he is proud of the connection and history he and his family have with ECU as well. Jim’s brother, Bobby Dale Watts, attended ECU from 1961-1963, and all five of the Watts siblings who earned their degrees at ECU, including Rosa Gertrude “Trudy” Watts Blake ’52 and Mona Lee Watts Kahl ’54, earned degrees in education, and all 5 were teachers at one time or another.

Jim is also proud of the connection and the future he now has with ECU as a permanent resident of Greenville. He not only contributes monetarily to ECU and its mission, he also gives of his time. Jim has visited and spoken to some of the College of Business classes, and participated in some of the discussion panels in classrooms to enhance students’ knowledge of theories and practices of modern business operations. He also helped conduct mock interviews for students to prepare for real-world interviews, and hosted a table at a special business dinner put on by the College of Business where the students attend and display their best social skills in preparation for future business functions they will be expected to attend. “It’s an intensely gratifying feeling to know that you’re contributing to the ongoing success of a great university that’s destined to become even greater and to know that what you’ve accumulated will be used as a springboard for those who follow you to be successful in life also.”

ADVANCEMENT UPDATE

Where Pirate Memories Continue...

“After a long career and attachment to East Carolina University, it would have been difficult to leave this area. Living at Cypress Glen allows me the privilege of staying closely connected to the university.”

Bea Chauncey joined the faculty of East Carolina Teachers College in 1949 as a flute instructor. Thus began her illustrious career with the school, one which spanned more than forty years. One could argue her career expanded well past her retirement in 1990, as Bea helped establish and manage the ECU Retired Faculty Association, serving as its president numerous times. She has been the recipient of copious awards for outstanding participation in many professional music organizations. Bea was recipient of East Carolina’s Honorary Alumni Award in 2011. She is a member of the Chancellor’s Society, the Order of the Cupola, and the Leo Jenkins Society.

Bea continues to make an impact on ECU students today through her considerable financial contributions.

She has established the Beatrice A. Chauncey Endowed Music Scholars Program, the largest inclusive endowment given by an ECU faculty member. Additionally, Bea donates to an annual ECU music scholarship and two fellowships given through the Retired Faculty Association.

Bea Chauncey ’11 (h) Cypress Glen Resident since 2005

Official Partner

SAV E TH E DAT E! Incredible ECU Women Series

Women Empowered: Service and Leadership Thursday, October 10, 2013 Greenville Convention Center Greenville, NC

www.cypressglen.org

This event will feature keynote speaker Erin Brockovich (top), consumer advocate and the subject of the 2000 biographical film titled “Erin Brockovich,” in which she was portrayed by actress Julia Roberts. Bonnie St. John (bottom), author, speaker, and first African-American woman to win an Olympic medal in downhill skiing, will join us as the luncheon speaker, and we will recognize ten ECU alumnae as Incredible ECU Women.

Please make plans to join us for this entertaining, educational, and inspirational day as we celebrate phenomenal ECU women past, present, and future.

For more information on these and other events, or to find out how you can become involved, visit the Women’s Roundtable at East Carolina University on our website at www.ecu.edu/ womensroundtable or Like us on Facebook.

PIRATEALUMNI.COM 7

8 EC ALUMNI SUMMER 2013

On the Map Frederick Padilla ’82 charts his military career from geography major to brigadier general

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arine Corps Brigadier General Frederick Padilla ’82 has been dispatched all over the world in his thirty-year military career, including places he studied on maps when he was majoring in geography at East Carolina University.

“I actually went to a lot of the countries we talked about in class,” recalled Padilla, who has been deployed into combat in Somalia and Iraq. He has also served all over the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

As commanding general of the Third Marine Division, Padilla is responsible for 7,700 Marines across the Pacific, from Australia to Japan and the Philippines to Hawaii.

Padilla picked geography as his major initially because he found it interesting, not realizing how beneficial it would be when he later decided to serve in the military.

“There’s a lot more to geography than just maps,” Padilla says. “It’s studying the planet on which we live and how the land impacts climate, science, politics, and economy. It’s really all-encompassing.

Of course there’s always the map-reading and navigation part of it, which helps when you’re trying to navigate through thick jungle. If you don’t understand the terrain and what that terrain does to your movement, you can get lost in a hurry.

But knowing the terrain was a strength of mine.”

Having background on the lay of the land both physically and politically turned out to be very helpful for Padilla.

Military officers must show that they can complete a college degree, Padilla says, but they don’t always get to use their specific majors. However, Padilla’s geography degree provided a useful foundation of knowledge as he moved up the ranks as an infantry commander moving troops over unfamiliar territory.

“I definitely used my major, which was great,” Padilla said. “I didn’t think I would, but I did.”

Though his father was in the military, Padilla didn’t think at first that he would serve. After moving around a lot, Padilla started high school in California, and when his father retired after his last assignment at Pope Air Force base, Padilla

wanted to stay in North Carolina after he finished high school here.

“When I first got to East Carolina, like many college students, I didn’t really have a clue what I wanted to major in, and not much more of a clue about what I wanted to do,” he said.

So he started fulfilling his general education requirements, and found himself enjoying his geography classes.

“The geography department had some very interesting professors who were wellread and well-traveled,” Padilla said.

He fondly remembers classes with Dr. Edward Leahy, a fellow Marine who served in World War II, and his wife Palmyra or “Pia,” of Brazil, whom he met on his postwar travels. They made geography exciting and were both very popular professors in the department, Padilla recalled.

“When it came down to it, I really enjoyed the geography department, the professors, and the curriculum, so I just picked that,” he said.

While at ECU, Padilla worked at Chanello’s Pizza and the Hardee’s that used to be on Tenth Street. Hardee’s was

PIRATEALUMNI.COM 9

Padilla (left) with Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-NC, during Military Appreciation Day at ECU in 2009. Photo by Rob Goldberg.

the only place that was open twenty-four hours at the time, and Padilla had many entertaining visitors during his early morning shifts as a breakfast cook. He was also very active with intramural sports.

At first he entertained the idea of playing football for the Pirates, but once he realized he wasn’t going to make a career as an athlete, Padilla eventually started to think about serving in the military.

“I felt like I had to serve at least a few years, if not I knew I’d regret it,” he said.

He joined the Air Force ROTC during college, but later found he was more suited to be a Marine. In the Air Force, he would

Padilla talks with former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates.

have been a navigator, but he wanted to work more with people than with equipment.

After graduating, he looked at various branches but was “blown away” by his introduction to the Marines. He went to officer candidate school and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. His first assignment was at Camp Lejeune.

“Over thirty years later, I still think that’s the best decision I ever made,” he said. “And I wouldn’t trade a minute of it.”

Padilla worked his way up through the ranks to first lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel, and brigadier

general. At the time of his interview, Padilla was about to become a major general.

He is currently based in Okinawa, Japan, but traveling is a big part of the job.

“I’ve got to go where my Marines are,” Padilla says. “Traveling allows me to talk to Marines and look them in the eye and tell them what I expect of them, especially when they begin their training.”

His other duties include maintaining relationships with the host nations where Marine bases are located, especially at Okinawa.

“We have some real strong bonds

“When I think back on my time it was the experience I want my

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Padilla and Rep. Joe Wilson, R-SC, chat prior to the arrival of the hunters at the Wheelchair and Wounded Warrior Deer Hunt at Nemours Plantation in Yemassee, SC.

with the local folks here; we work to do everything we can to make sure those relationships are good,” he commented.

Padilla works to make sure his division is “forward engaged” and dealing with problems abroad before they cross U.S. borders to ensure national security.

The toughest part of the job is when Marines are lost in combat, but fortunately those have been very few. “You carry them with you wherever you go for the rest of your life,” Padilla says.

Padilla’s favorite part of the job is being able to serve with marines and sailors. “They’re some of the finest

Padilla (middle) receives the colors of the 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force from outgoing commanding general Maj. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis (left). Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Cindy Fisher.

people on our planet. I enjoy interacting with them and watching them knock it out of the park every day. It never ceases to amaze me the heights to which they can perform. I’m surprised, but I shouldn’t be.”

Padilla has won many medals and commendations, but perhaps his favorite rank is that of “dad.” Two of his children followed him into the Marine Corps.

In 2009, Padilla returned to campus for the military appreciation game and was honored during halftime along with other service members. Having spent most of his career away, it was his first time back in eastern North Carolina for a long time.

“I could not get over how much ECU has grown. The stadium blew me away,” he said. “They announced my name over the loudspeaker and said I was a graduate.

That’s the biggest ovation I think I’ve ever had, it was awesome.”

Padilla is very proud to have attended ECU. “I just loved it there,” he said.

“It’s the prototypical college experience.

Greenville is my favorite college town. The town is based around the university, and it’s not like that everywhere else. When I think back on my time in college at East Carolina, it was the experience I want my kids and every kid to have.”

in college at East Carolina, k i d s a n d ev ery k i d t o h av e .”

PIRATEALUMNI.COM 11

I

In cooking – and in life – sometimes it’s better to make up your own recipe instead of following someone else’s.

And professional chef Wendy Perry ’82 knows all about how to do her own thing in the kitchen and in her career.

“I call myself a culinary adventurist because it’s just one adventure after another,” Perry says. “I don’t ever know what’s coming next, but I love the variety of doing different things.”

Perry, who holds a bachelor’s in home economics from ECU, currently works as a personal chef and teaches cooking classes. She is also a recipe tester and food stylist for Our State magazine.

Since her North Carolina themed cakes appeared in the February 2012 issue of Our State, Perry has been busy rebranding herself as a “throw cook” who just throws meals together without a recipe and helps others do the same.

“That’s how I’ve always cooked, I love to throw things together and create,” she says. “So many people I talk to are terrified to attempt anything if they don’t have an exact recipe on a piece of paper.

“Nekkid Food.”

“You don’t have to have a lot of fancy ingredients and processes to cook tasty, healthy food,” Perry says.

Her latest adventure is taking throw cooking with “Nekkid Food” on the road in her new vintage RV. She hopes to travel around and do demos at farmer’s markets, festivals, and even backyard parties. She loves supporting local agriculture and farmers in addition to cooking from scratch and teaching others how to do so.

Perry didn’t always know she would make her living as an independent cook.

Her career has developed much like a dish without a recipe that still turns out tasty in the end. “I’ve forged my own path and made my own way,” she said.

Unsure of what she wanted to do after graduating from high school in Zebulon, her father suggested a business degree. She went to what was then Atlantic Christian College, now Barton College. There things did not go so well for Perry; she got a D in her accounting class and her GPA was a 0.95.

“I decided business was not the route for me so I took a break for a while,” she said. She decided she wanted to go to East Carolina, but first she had to spend some time at Louisburg College

Her Own Recipe Wendy Perry ’82 creates her own recipes in the kitchen and in life

12 EC ALUMNI SUMMER 2013

What’s the worst you can do except mess up one pot?”

So her classes focus on getting people comfortable with the idea that they can cook without a recipe.

But Perry is also making things even more simple than that. Along with throw cooking, her new focus is on using local, farm-fresh ingredients, or what she calls

to bring up her GPA. She needed a 2.0 to transfer, and wound up with a 1.99, but was allowed to attend after an appeal.

“Once I got to Greenville, I was on either the honor roll or dean’s list every semester because I was loving what I was doing and I had found my niche,” she said.

She chose home economics with a focus in education because the program at the time encompassed many of the things that interested her, like cooking, nutrition, and interior design, though she didn’t want to teach. Home economics was starting to fall out of favor, Perry said, and she didn’t want to teach children who only took the class to fulfill a requirement. She decided to go with a community service option that was available at the time instead.

Perry enjoyed most of her classes at ECU, except for when she had to teach an elementary school classroom for a day. She didn’t have to do a semester of student teaching, but one day was enough for Perry. While it was what she calls a disaster, she remembers the experience fondly because it helped her confirm that she didn’t want to teach and pointed her toward her true passion for cooking.

She enjoyed classes with Dr. Vila Rosenfeld and Dr. Lila Holsey, who made classes fun and were always there to help. She also learned a lot from a time management class taught by Sarah Duff.

“I just loved Greenville and everything about it,” she said. “There’s a real community sense about the school, a southern small town atmosphere. It was like having another family away from home. It was a wonderful experience.”

Perry planned to go into the hotel industry after graduating. Her first job was at a new Radisson in Raleigh, helping to set up and clean up rooms for banquets and meetings. Her next job was in sales and reservations for the Sheraton.

To progress in the hotel industry, you have to be willing to be mobile, Perry says.

She didn’t want to move around, so she stopped working in hotels.

She managed the kitchen at the WakeMed division hospital in Zebulon for eight years, but found managing a hospital kitchen for patients with strict dietary requirements to be repetitive and monotonous.

“I just quit one day and turned in my two weeks notice and didn’t have a clue what I was going to do,” she said.

Perry is currently featured in a Duke’s mayonnaise commercial that is running across the southeast.

She had always done a bit of catering on the side because she enjoyed it, so she went full-time. She also founded an organization for personal chefs that created a manual to help other personal chefs get started. She also judges various cooking contests at fairs and festivals and has served as a spokesperson for various local food companies.

She got the job at Our State when she was a judge at the State Fair and one of the other judges was the editor, who was looking for someone to prepare and style submitted recipes for a new feature on church and community cookbooks.

Perry doesn’t actually like to bake, but when Our State was looking for ideas for their cakes issue, it didn’t take Perry long to find some classic North Carolina ingredients to throw together in not-

so-classic ways. Her Pepsi and peanuts cake, maple syrup and country ham cake, Krispy Kreme cake, pimento cheese and cornbread cake, and Nabs cake were featured in February 2012, one of the magazine’s best-selling issues.

“I’ve always cooked like that,” she said.

“My mama didn’t like to cook, but I loved to get in the kitchen and experiment, that’s how it all started.”

Recently, her biscuit recipe won an award and she has developed a recipe for sugar-free ketchup that has been wellreceived. She’s looking for ways to fund getting it into the market. This spring she was featured in a commercial for Duke’s mayonnaise after winning a contest. She’s still looking for her next great adventure with “Nekkid Food” in her RV, which she has newly dubbed “Squash Blossom.”

“I just loved Greenville and everything about it, There’s a real community sense about the school, a southern small town atmosphere. It was like having another family away from home.

It was a wonderful experience.”

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In addition, Perry was named one of ECU’s 100 Incredible Women in 2007 and was given the College of Human Ecology’s Legacy of Leadership Award in 2009.

Perry considers her greatest accomplishment as being able to follow her passions and make a career out of them on very few resources. “I just love what I’m doing,” she says.

To students looking to make a career in cooking, recently won an award for her biscuit Perry says “Follow your Perry recipe. passion. Culinary school is great but I knew I wasn’t a culinary school kind of girl. Find what it is you’re passionate about and go after it. Network your tail off and support each other as Pirates. We’ve got your back.”

At fifty-five years young, Perry continues to develop her recipes and her life. She says, “I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up.”

Perry’s cake creations from top to bottom: maple syrup country ham cake, Nabs cake, Krispy Kreme cake, and pimento cheese and cornbread cake.

14 EC ALUMNI SUMMER 2013

PIRATEALUMNI.COM 15

Top Cop Raleigh Police Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown ’87 began her twenty-five-year law enforcement career at East carolina

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PIRATEALUMNI.COM 17

Chief Deck-Brown recites the oath as her son watches, far left, and her father holds the Bible.

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Long before she was appointed police chief of Raleigh, Cassandra Deck-Brown ’87 gained some of her first experience in law enforcement writing parking tickets and helping direct game-day traffic at East Carolina University.

In addition to hands-on experience, ECU offered Deck-Brown engaging classes, internships, and supportive faculty to prepare her for her twenty-five year career in law enforcement.

Originally from Bunn, Deck-Brown knew she wanted to come to ECU – it

was the only school to which she applied – but wasn’t sure of what she wanted to do. Like many students, she changed her major a couple times. Her father worked in corrections, so she decided to look into criminal justice.

There she met professor and advisor Bill Smith, who encouraged her to give criminal justice a try.

“He sat me down and we had a long talk about majors. I think my first class was a juvenile justice class and I really liked it. I really enjoyed the classes. I found my

niche,” Deck-Brown said. “The way the department embraced the students was just unique. I had the same bond with some of those professors as I did with teachers in high school. It made learning a lot easier.”

At the time, a criminal justice major covered various topics like corrections and social work, so Deck-Brown had several possible career paths. She decided to minor in social work, and enjoyed classes with Dr. Shelia Bunch, now director of the School of Social Work.

During her time at ECU, Deck-Brown

“The way the (criminal justice) department embraced the students was just unique.

I had the same bond with some of those professors as I did with teachers in high school. It made learning a lot easier.”

18 EC ALUMNI SUMMER 2013

participated in various internships in Greenville and other cities. One summer as a sophomore, she stayed with her aunt for an internship in Philadelphia. There she got to see a female police officer in action, which became a defining moment for Deck-Brown.

“I saw a female police officer from a distance and watched her handle an altercation,” Deck-Brown recalled. “She made her arrest, placed the man in the car, and drove away, and that whole block was calm again. And I just thought ‘wow, she really handled her business.’ I wouldn’t know this lady if I saw her again today, and she probably has no clue what impact she had on me, but I was so impressed, sitting on my aunt’s step and watching her take care of things.”

That scene solidified Deck-Brown’s desire to become a police officer, rather than a probation or corrections officer. She got the chance to work with police officers as well as probation officers and court officers during her internship at the Pitt County Courthouse.

“It gave me some insight on what the system really looks like,” she said. “It was an eye-opening experience sitting in the court room and seeing people go before the judge and facing the consequences of their actions.”

Deck-Brown has many fond memories of her time at ECU, like living in Fletcher dorm, late-night study sessions with her roommate, and beautiful mornings on campus walking across the mall. She was at ECU when the blue emergency light system was established.

In addition to working with parking services, she also helped campus police direct traffic at football games. “They really made you feel like you were a part of the campus police force,” she said.

When Deck-Brown graduated, the Raleigh Police Department was hiring so she applied. “Surprisingly to me, they called me very quickly,” she said.

She graduated in May and started at the academy in August that year, and she’s been there ever since. Deck-Brown has worked her way up through every rank in the department, from a patrol officer to district commander to deputy chief and finally chief in February of this year.

“Every rank gives you a different perspective on the department. You see it from a different angle each time,” she said.

“As you progress through the ranks, you become more focused. When you begin to take on the supervisory ranks, you become more aware that it’s not just about you anymore, it’s about the men and women you’re directed to lead.”

As Raleigh’s police chief, Deck-Brown oversees the safety of the forty-third largest city in the nation with a population of over 415,000. In addition to building relationships and facilitating programs with the community, she also leads and mentors more than 700 sworn officers on the force. She teaches the ethics class during academy, and makes sure officers go above and beyond the state requirements for training.

“The chief is the face of the department in the community,” she said. “One of the greatest roles as the chief is not only to empower the people in the organization but to develop them so they are prepared for whatever their next step is.”

By improving the lives of both her officers and her citizens, Deck-Brown is upholding the lessons learned at the ECU Department of Criminal Justice, which is housed in the College of Human Ecology.

“Human ecology is about creating positive environments and enhancing lives and Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown has done just that,” said Dr. Judy Siguaw, dean

of the College of Human Ecology.

“Understandably, we at ECU are very proud of Chief Deck-Brown’s achievements,” said Dr. Bill Bloss, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice.

“Her appointment as chief of police sets a stellar example for our students to emulate. Since our mission is to educate the next generation of criminal justice leaders, Cassandra’s distinguished career exemplifies our ambition for our students now and in the future.”

Deck-Brown recently returned to campus in April to talk with current criminal justice students. She told them that being an officer is more than just having authority; they must respect humanity, treat everyone professionally, and serve the community.

“One of the benefits of interfacing with students before they graduate is to give them a realistic understanding of what to expect and what is required, and help them decide if this is really what they want to do,” she said. “It’s all on our website, but I think it has a much greater impact when you’re standing in front of them.

And you can tell them to think about the decisions they make in college, because those decisions have such an impact on their future career.”

Deck-Brown’s son, David Brown II, left and and her father Joseph Deck Jr. pin the new chief with the chief badge.

PIRATEALUMNI.COM 19

Formula for Success Mike Putnam’s ’98, ’01 company Sequence, Inc. celebrates more than ten years of success

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Creating a successful business and continuing that success for over ten years takes a lot of hard work and faith, a formula that Mike Putnam ’98, ’01 has applied extensively.

Putnam founded Sequence, Inc. Validation and Consultation Services in Raleigh in 2002, and it has been growing ever since. Sequence helps client companies like major pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical equipment manufacturers ensure that they provide maximum quality and efficiency in their products and processes.

“I always knew I wanted to start my own business,” says Putnam, who holds two degrees from ECU, a bachelor’s and master’s in industrial technology. “I wasn’t sure what type of business was in my future, but after a lot of prayer and encouragement from my family, things began to take shape.”

Sequence at first focused on validation, which is testing a manufacturing system to make sure it works correctly, and documenting those tests to ensure compliance with the FDA. Currently,

the company goes beyond validation to provide a wide range of services that help manufacturers optimize their processes for increased efficiency and quality. One company was recently able to double its yield using data provided by Sequence.

“We offer more than just testing equipment, we help companies better their efficiency and overall quality,” Putnam says.

It was a banner year in 2012 for Sequence, Inc. Not only did the company celebrate its ten-year anniversary, it recorded its highest growth to date and received a Pinnacle Business Award from the Greater Raleigh Chamber. Now with more than 60 consultants on staff, the company serves dozens of renowned pharmaceutical companies, like DSM Pharmaceuticals in Greenville.

Putnam credits his supportive family and his faith for his success along with hard work and a good education at ECU. “Having a successful company for over ten years is just great,” Putnam says.

“I’ve been very blessed and very fortunate.

When I started this company, I never imaged we would be where we are today.”

A good education is a part of the formula as well. Putnam continues to apply the knowledge he gained while earning his degree. “I do use my degree every day, and not just the business aspects like accounting and statistics,” he says.

“We deal with complex equipment and automation every day. Today’s equipment has changed since then, but my degree prepared me with ways to learn about new equipment and apply what I’ve learned.”

Putnam liked how the industrial technology program at ECU is very industry-focused and hands-on. “I loved the technical aspect of it, and seeing the different facilities and equipment when we toured different manufacturing plants. It was right up my alley.”

Putnam did briefly consider engineering at NC State, but ultimately decided to stay close to home.

“I grew up being a Pirate,” said Putnam, who was born in Shelby but moved to Greenville when he was in fifth grade. “It was a natural fit for me to go the school that I loved. I chose ECU because of the degree program I knew it had. I

“I grew up being a Pirate. It was a natural fit for me to go the school that I loved. I chose ECU because of the degree program I knew it had.”

20 EC ALUMNI SUMMER 2013

Putnam’s Pirate family

also had a relative on the faculty and I was just more familiar with the school.”

Another major Putnam considered was business, but he felt that was a bit too broad and general for him; he preferred the specific technical aspects of industrial technology.

Putnam fondly remembers Dr. Barry Duvall, a longtime professor and advisor in industrial technology. “He cared a lot about the students and loved what he did.

That’s the heart of ECU, the faculty and staff really care about the students and their success.”

He also enjoyed classes with professors Leslie Pagliari and Amy Frank. “They were fun to work with and they love to see students learn. They make our department stand out.”

His favorite memory of his time at ECU is meeting his wife Rebecca when they were both working as student callers for the telefund office. They were both calling for donations for bricks to be laid at the cupola.

Putnam was a student caller for all four years of college; he also served as call supervisor, overseeing fifteen to twenty student callers per session out of the fifty to sixty total student call workers.

“I made lifelong friends, and made memories that stand out,” he recalled.

After he graduated, he began working as a validation specialist for a pharmaceutical company, and went straight into graduate school at night. After getting his master’s, he worked for a consulting firm in Raleigh before starting Sequence.

Putnam continues to stay active with the industrial technology department, serving on the Industrial Advisory Council.

“Where we are now compared to where we were then is just light years ahead,” Putnam commented. “I’m so proud to be part of a program that prepares its graduates so well.”

Putnam is very active with the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering. He and Rebecca and their three boys attend Bailey’s Baptist Church in Raleigh. He comes back to Greenville frequently to attend Pirate football games.

He is a member of the Pirate Club and has spoken at various Alumni Association networking events.

He says, “I’m a Pirate through and through.”

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We’re Ready, Arrgh You?

Leave a perpetual legacy at ECU: Avoid two types of taxation with a gift from your IRA, 401(k), and other qualified retirement plans When you gift a percentage or specific dollar total from your retirement plan to East Carolina University through the East Carolina University Foundation Inc., East Carolina University Medical & Health Sciences Foundation Inc., or the East Carolina University Educational Foundation Inc. (Pirate Club), you can help future students while gaining multiple tax advantages.

By utilizing this specific asset, where often the greatest amount of your wealth resides, you can avoid/reduce both income and estate taxation. This asset is among the most difficult to pass to heirs/ beneficiaries based on the fact that it is a deferred tax asset. For these reasons gifting this asset may enable your heirs to avoid income and estate tax while leaving a perpetual legacy at ECU. Best of all this easy process can be done through one simple piece of paperwork (Beneficiary Designation Form) provided by your retirement plan provider.

For more information about this planned gift or joining the Leo W. Jenkins Society, please contact Greg Abeyounis, assistant vice chancellor for development, at 252-328-9573 or e-mail at abeyounisg@ecu.edu. For examples and more information on planned giving mechanisms, visit our Web site at www.ecu.edu/plannedgiving.

22 EC ALUMNI SUMMER 2013

Tomorrow starts here.

Many questions arise for veterans when transitioning into a civilian role, including: How do I identify my skills that employers most often seek? How can I translate my military skills to show employers that I have transferrable skills applicable to their position? To answer these and other questions during the job search, veterans can utilize online resources, the Department of Commerce’s Workforce, and the services of the Career Center at East Carolina University.

With a plethora of online resources for veterans, it may be difficult to know which to use. The University of Arizona’s VETS at UA webpage, (http:// vets.arizona.edu/ua/), has a robust page with valuable information. In particular, their “Clearinghouse” section under “Resources” is a valuable list of national organizations that can be utilized by veterans as they transition into a civilian role. In addition to this university’s resource list, such websites as Military. com, G.I. Jobs, RecruitMilitary and CareerOneStop, can also facilitate a veteran’s career transition. Each site gives career advice and will assist veterans with job searches in addition to providing individual unique features.

Specific to North Carolina, the North Carolina Workforce Department of

Commerce, (http://www.nccommerce.com/ workforce/) offers veterans a variety of resources and services. Each county in North Carolina offers a JobLink Career Center where veterans can meet one-onone with a professional JobLink staff member for career advice and information about resources. In addition to the JobLink Career Center, the NC Workforce Department of Commerce also offers resources on up-to-date employment initiatives for veterans, state and federal programs for veterans and their spouses, a list of veteran service organizations which advocate for service members, as well as veteran-related resources such as career assessments, resume builders, and employment.

In addition to these resources, the Career Center at East Carolina University also offers services to alumni who are veterans. To make an appointment, call the Career Center at East Carolina University’s front desk, 252-328-6050, and they will assist you in making an appointment with the appropriate career counselor. There are also a variety of resources and tools available via the Career Center’s website, www.ecu.edu/career. We look forward to meeting with you!

CAREER CORNER

Transitions: Military Experience to the Corporate World

PIRATEALUMNI.COM 23

AROUND CAMPUS 24 EC ALUMNI SUMMER 2013

ARTS & SCIENCES Expanded Opportunities in Public History

ECU is one of the UNC system’s leaders in public history, the professional field that trains students to work in museums, archives, battlefields, historic homes, libraries, and other history-related institutions. Since 1985, when ECU’s Department of History began offering master’s and bachelor’s degrees in public history, many alumni have gotten jobs at the NC Museum of History, the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., Bentonville Battleground, the NC Tobacco Farm Life Museum, Hope Plantation, the National Park Service and at many other history-based organizations.

To meet the changing conditions of the market and the reality of reduced resources, ECU is expanding its course offerings (with existing faculty) while consolidating its separate undergraduate degrees in public history and in history into a single bachelor of arts degree in history, with a minor in public history for students who want to prepare for a career in that field.

“We looked at the catalog and saw there was essentially no difference in requirements between a history degree with a public history minor, and a separate public history degree.

So it made sense to streamline the program and bring public history fully under the history umbrella,” said Provost Marilyn Sheerer. “This is part of our strategic focus on finding ways to operate more efficiently with the resources available.”

By collaborating to offer cross-listed courses with other programs, including anthropology, planning and maritime studies, ECU graduate students will have more public history course options than ever before, without any additional faculty hiring, according to Dr. Gerald Prokopowicz, chair of the Department of History.

“History, like other liberal arts disciplines, trains students for a wide range of careers,” said Prokopowicz, “but public history specifically produces job-ready graduates who go to work as practicing historians. We’re proud to continue the tradition of training ECU students who love history to find employment while following their passion.”

ECU’s public history faculty includes Prokopowicz; Dr. John Tilley, director of public history since 1985; and Dr. Larry E. Tise, one of the founders of the field of public history in the mid-1970s when he served as director of the NC Division of Archives and History.

For additional information, contact Prokopowicz at 252-328-1027, or via email at prokopowiczg@ecu.edu.

ALLIED HEALTH Department of Clinical Laboratory Science Announces Scholarship Recipients

Brittany Stewart and Jessica Holder, first-year students, were chosen as 2013 recipients of Clinical Laboratory Science departmental scholarships.

Brittany Stewart received the Stas and Brenda Humienny Student Scholarship. This scholarship was established by Stas and Brenda Humienny, who graduated in 1979 from the ECU Medical Technology Program (now known as Clinical Laboratory Science).

Throughout their careers, Stas and Brenda have always supported the CLS program at ECU. In 2005, they established the endowed scholarship for second-year CLS students. It is their hope that this scholarship will assist a deserving student with the completion of his/her studies and that through their example, CLS graduates will give back to the Dean Stephen Thomas, Brittany Stewart, and program.

Stas Humienny Jessica Holder received the W. James and Susan T. Smith CLS Scholarship. This scholarship honors Drs. W. James and Susan

AROUND CAMPUS T. Smith, who contributed to the education of CLS students over the past forty years.

Dr. W. James Smith taught cell physiology and biochemistry in the Department of Biology from 1966 Jessica Holder and Dr. Susan Smith to 1999. Many CLS students had their introduction to structures of amino acids, DNA, and biochemical pathways in his class. He died of cancer in December 2003.

Dr. Susan T. Smith was faculty member and chair of the CLS department from 1972 until 2001.

ECU Alumni Join College of Allied Health Sciences Faculty

Keith Sales

Natalie Smith

Already, a state law adopted in 2010 provides the funding model for voice services in North Carolina to work together throughout the 911 system, putting the state way ahead of the rest of the country. Now, the three professors are gaining national attention for their 911 public policy and funding ideas, commonly called the “ECU Funding Model.”

Holloway, Seeman, and Kleckley were invited to share their “e911” expertise with the Federal Communications Commission, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, National Emergency Number Association, and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Most recently, on April 2, they participated in a Blue Ribbon Panel on Funding 911 with experts from around the country.

Holloway said, “Everyone thinks that 911 is everywhere, but unfortunately there are a lot of times when emergency messages don’t get through. Dialing 911 was easy when people had landlines tied to an actual address. But how do you find the location of someone who texts from a cell phone or calls via Skype? That’s the big challenge.”

He explained one example involving the Virginia Tech shootings in 2007, when emergency text messages from students never got through.

Holloway continued, “Over the last six years, my colleagues and I have devoted much of our effort to researching these 911 issues, along with the funding and public policy involved. It’s exciting to see our work take root and begin to make a difference as developing one 911 standard is explored.”

The Department of Physical Therapy welcomes Keith Sales, DPT, clinical instructor. Sales received a doctor of physical therapy from ECU in 2011. His clinical interests encompass vestibular rehabilitation and interventions to improve balance and gait. He will be working in the physical therapy clinic at the ECU Neurosurgery & Spine Center.

The Department of Physician Assistant Studies welcomes Natalie Smith, MS, PA-C, clinical assistant professor. Natalie Smith is a practicing physician assistant in emergency medicine. In addition to practicing clinically and being a full time didactic faculty member, she is currently building upon her undergraduate interest in business by pursuing her MBA from East Carolina University. Smith graduated from ECU in 2007 and 2009, and is excited to be back at her alma mater teaching medicine School of Dental Medicine is Named Apple to future generations of PAs. Distinguished Program

BUSINESS ECU Professors Help 911 System Get SmartPhone-Savvy

Most North Carolinians take it for granted that dialing 911, even on a cell phone, will bring them help when needed. However, differences in technology and operating procedures across the state and nation continue to create a host of problems, from a delay in services to no help arriving at all in crisis situations.

Thanks to the ongoing research of three faculty members in the ECU College of Business, professors James Holloway, Elaine Seeman, and Jim Kleckley, both state and federal entities are learning how to fund 911 initiatives and make public policy that works.

DENTAL MEDICINE

Apple executives from North Carolina visited the School of Dental Medicine in April to celebrate the school’s designation as an Apple Distinguished Program for 2012-2013 with students, faculty, and staff.

The Apple Distinguished Program title is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and demonstrate Apple’s vision of exemplary learning environments. The school uses innovative technology in all aspects of its teaching, problem-solving and clinical education programs.

The School of Dental Medicine has created an environment with 31 rooms and clinical spaces connected by video teleconferencing, integrated seminar rooms, and simulation labs in Ledyard E. Ross Hall on campus and at community-based centers in rural parts of North Carolina.

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AROUND CAMPUS Dental faculty and residents currently treat patients at ECU Community Service Learning Centers in Ahoskie and Elizabeth City. Eight more centers will be built in North Carolina in the near future. “Within the next two years, we’ll be placing fourth year students in underserved areas across the state to help improve oral health,” said Dr. Greg Chadwick, dean of the ECU School of Dental Medicine. “This concept is resting upon connectivity through these technologies.”

While at ECU, Dr. Sarah Farrell, development executive Apple Education, recognized Dr. R. Todd Watkins as a member of the 2013 Class of Apple Distinguished Educators. Watkins, assistant dean for dental education and informatics and the first faculty member hired by the school, was given the task of developing and implementing a new vision for health science curriculum, which involves an emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking.

The Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) Program began in 1994. Today it has grown into a worldwide community of visionary educators and innovative leaders who are doing amazing things with technology in and out of the classroom. Apple describes its distinguished educators as “part of a global community of education leaders” who “explore new ideas, seek new paths, and embrace new opportunities.”

As part of the program, Dr. Watkins will meet with other educators from around the world to discuss the trends and technologies at a conference in Austin, TX in July.

Exceptional Children. Lindsay Stump, a special education major, received the award on April 3, 2013, at the CEC annual conference in San Antonio, TX. Educators Hall of Fame

The College of Education is currently accepting nominations for the Educators Hall of Fame. Each nomination must include the name of an educator or education supporter who has made a lasting impact on the lives of many. Contact Jessica Nottingham at nottinghamj@ecu.edu for more information. The 2013 Educators Hall of Fame Ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 26 at 10:00 a.m.

2012 Educators Hall of Fame inductees

EDUCATION

College of Education Scholarship Awards

2013 Spring Clinical Teacher Conference

The College of Education experienced record scholarship application numbers this year with almost 650 applicants and roughly 5,000 applications submitted to the college’s online application system.

This overwhelming response has highlighted two important factors.

One, that our students have more financial need than we ever realized, and two, how well our online scholarship system has connected students with our scholarship opportunities. While the college is able to award more than one hundred scholarships and $240,000 to deserving students for the 2013-2014 academic year, only twelve percent of the students who submitted scholarship applications will receive an award. Our students are finding it more challenging than ever to afford higher education.

The College of Education hosted approximately 250 clinical teachers and University supervisors within the Latham Clinical School Network at the 2013 Spring Clinical Teacher Conference on April 10, 2013, at the Hilton in Greenville. The Office of Professional Development and Student Outreach offered this professional development opportunity for clinical teachers and university supervisors of teacher education students who are senior II interns this spring. The keynote speaker for the opening session was Carrie Morris, a fifth grade teacher and the 2013 Southeast Region Teacher of the Year from Swansboro Elementary School. Sessions were presented by ECU faculty members.

FINE ARTS &

COMMUNICATION Alumnus, Artist Ben Owen Offers Work to Donors

Clinical Teacher Conference participants

Outstanding Undergraduate Award

For the second year in a row, an ECU College of Education student has won the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Member of the Year Award from the Student Council for 26 EC ALUMNI SUMMER 2013

East Carolina University is proud to offer an opportunity for alumni and donors to own a limitededition Piratethemed piece of art by acclaimed potter Ben Owen ‘93 and distinguished alumnus Ben Owen. For every donation of $250 or more to the School of Art and Design, Owen will provide a pot or vase of

AROUND CAMPUS

HEALTH &

HUMAN PERFORMANCE Research Aims to Help Outdoor Workers Breathe Easier

Pots from Owen’s “Pirate Purple Glazed” collection

varying size (from five to nine inches tall) from his “Pirate Purple Glazed” collection. Each piece is marked on its base with the ECU Pirate and signed by the artist.

Originally from Seagrove, a town known for its many pottery galleries and studios, Owen is a third-generation potter. He earned a BFA in ceramics in 1993 from ECU and received the outstanding student award from both the Ceramics Department and the School of Art and Design. Owen lives in Seagrove with his wife, LoriAnn, daughters Avery and Juliana and son Ben IV. He opened and operates a gallery located in his grandfather’s original workshop.

To find out how to receive one of Owen’s pirate pots, contact Mary Jane Gaddis at gaddism@ecu.edu.

Professor Earns Service-Learning Award

North Carolina Campus Compact, a coalition of thirty-eight public and private colleges and universities, has named associate professor Rebecca Dumlao as the recipient of the 2013 Robert L. Sigmon Service-Learning Award. She is the first from ECU to receive the award, and was honored at the compact’s annual civic and community engagement conference on February 13.

The Sigmon Award recognizes a faculty member for significant contributions to the practice of service-learning, a teaching Rebecca Dumlao strategy that links community service to classroom study and reflection. The award is named for North Carolina native Robert Sigmon, who helped pioneer the approach in the 1970s.

“I believe that service-learning is one of the most important ways we can equip students to be leaders and actively engaged as citizens in their communities after they graduate,” Dumlao said.

Students pair academic coursework with community-based experiences, and articulate what they learn. “It’s a way to bring student service and community engagement into the classroom.”

The School of Communication’s required capstone course now includes a service-learning project. Since 2001, more than 1,600 students have completed the course, contributing more than 18,000 hours of service locally.

An ongoing research effort is aiming to minimize discomfort for outdoor workers, while increasing their compliance with workplace safety requirements, through design of a lighter, thinner and more efficient respirator mask.

Dr. JoAnne Balanay, assistant professor in the Department of Health Education and Promotion, is conducting the research in collaboration with the University of Alabama, aided by a $20,000 research grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

“Wearing respirators against airborne pollutants is important for worker protection,” Balanay said. The correct respirator can keep workers from inhaling dangerous substances.

According to the US Department of Labor, five million workers are required to wear respirators. But worker compliance drops in the summer when temperatures rise.

“It is not easy to wear tight-fitting respirators for prolonged periods because it can be uncomfortable, especially in the hot and humid conditions of eastern North Carolina,” Balanay said.

“In addition to the burden on the lungs caused by breathing resistance through the respirator, extra discomfort is caused by heat buildup within the tight-fitting facepiece,” she said.

Balanay’s previous research identified activated carbon fibers as a good alternative to the standard granular carbon used in respirators currently on the market. The fibrous form of carbon is lighter with more absorption capacity. This could significantly decrease the weight of respirators, while increasing protection against dangerous chemicals.

Phil Lewis, assistant director of the ECU Office of Environmental Health and Safety, said the research could prove beneficial to workers. “Wearing a respirator while working for several hours can be uncomfortable, awkward and hot,” he said, but the thinner design “would encourage workers to use their respirator.”

Dr. Glen Gilbert agreed. Gilbert is dean of the College of Health and Human Performance, where the Department of Health Education and Promotion is housed. He said the research is “critical to the public health of eastern North Carolina.”

“If we can make it comfortable for workers to use respirators, it will pay great dividends in reduced health care costs down the road and greatly improve the quality of life for the users,” Gilbert said.

ECU professor Dr. JoAnne Balanay, left, and environmental health graduate student Adepeju Adesina are conducting research to develop a lighter respirator mask to improve workers' comfort levels and enhance their compliance with respirator regulations. (Photo by Jay Clark)

PIRATEALUMNI.COM 27

AROUND CAMPUS

HONORS COLLEGE Naming Opportunity for Chancellor Emeritus Eakin

Richard R. Eakin, former chancellor and interim dean of the Honors College, announced that he would retire on June 30, 2013. In recognition of his extraordinary service, a campaign is underway to name the Honors College Dean’s Suite in his honor.

Each contribution will go directly back to support the students in the Honors College. Contributions should be made payable to the East Carolina University Foundation, Inc. with the memo line indicating the Richard R. and JoAnn Eakin Dean’s Priority Fund.

Gifts can be mailed to Greg Abeyounis, East Carolina University, Office of University Development, c/o Greg Abeyounis, 2200 South Charles Boulevard, Mail Stop 301, Greenville, NC 278584353.

Inquiries should be directed to Kevin Baxter, Associate Dean of the Honors College, through email at baxterk@ecu.edu or by phone at 252-328-6373.

Honors College Students Visit the Crystal Coast

The pirate Blackbeard, dives with sharks, toxic science revealed, and the majesty of Fort Macon—this is not your typical day at the beach. Honors College students were treated to a special tour of the coast with a visit to the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, the research lab at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Beaufort, the nearby NC Maritime Museum, and historic Fort Macon.

An additional benefit was the hospitality of Kay ’76 and Ken ’68, ’71 Chalk, active supporters of the Honors College and ECU, who provided lunch for the hungry travelers. A Living and Learning experience provided by the College, the trip was an opportunity to explore the terrific resources of coastal North Carolina. Honors College student Jessica Rassau discussed an exhibit she created while interning at the museum. It was an exciting day of ECU pirates at work on the coast.

HUMAN ECOLOGY Enhancing Recipes with Local Businesses

Working with Greenville business 692 Olive, nutrition science students developed recipes featuring the store’s oils and vinegars.The finished dishes were available for tasting at the annual Food Products Showcase in the Golden Corral Culinary Center in the Rivers Building. The tasting included items such as cakes, pies, muffins, 28 EC ALUMNI SUMMER 2013

and biscuits— places where oil and vinegar are not typically found.

Dr. Melani Duffrin, professor of nutrition science, said that the students developed Nutrition science students Carolina McCall and Will several recipes Clevenger working on new recipes at 692 Olive in with great Greenville. potential. The winning dishes included Sweet Potato Pie, Vegan Fudge Pie with Raspberry Sauce, and Coconut Bars. All recipes are available on the College of Human Ecology Website (www.ecu.edu/ che) under Archived News.

Leah Dew, owner of 692 Olive and a 2005 graduate of ECU, said, “It has been great to see the students excited about using our olive oils and balsamics in their recipes. We were able to assist the groups by suggesting products that are alternatives to ingredients such as butter or margarine while maintaining the fundamental flavors of each recipe.”

Each semester, students in the food science class take on a food development project, often in conjunction with food companies or distributors. Previously, food science students partnered with Crabtree Foods to create a new pizza sauce and collaborated with Duplin Winery to develop products with high antioxidant potential using grape hull.

The challenge for each group of students was to replace or enhance everyday recipes with different ingredients. “Such active learning projects promote teamwork and enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills,” said Duffrin.

Child Life Expert Receives National Recognition

Dr. Priti Desai, assistant professor of child development and family relations, was recently recognized by the Child Life Council as its 2013 Distinguished Service Award winner.

Dr. Desai an outstanding child life leader and educator— and India’s very first Certified Child Life Specialist—joined the faculty at East Carolina University in 2002.

Dr. Priti Desai In addition to teaching her formal academic courses, Dr. Desai has conducted presentations and workshops around the world, and participated in the child life diploma program at Kuwait University. Her grant writing efforts have earned hundreds of thousands of dollars for a variety of programs and projects, including Camp WholeHeart, an eastern North Carolina-based camp for children with complex heart defects.

AROUND CAMPUS Dr. Desai prides herself on living by the Native American “I have referred to this award as the academic Heisman for motto: “If it is good for the children, then do it.” And over her North Carolina,” Sears said. “The recognition of this award allows twenty-five-year career in child life, she has done just that. me to magnify the challenges of the future. Universities like ours have to respond.”

Sears, a professor of psychology and cardiovascular sciences, earned the award as the world’s leading expert on the psychological implications for patients living with life-saving heart devices.

New Audubon Exhibit The implantable cardioverter defi brillator, or ICD, can deliver a shock as strong as a mule’s kick when it detects potentially Alumni are invited to visit a new life-threatening heart arrhythmias. Sears works with patients to exhibit at Joyner Library entitled alleviate fear and anxiety in anticipation of shocks and to improve “Selections from John James their overall quality of life.

Audubon’s Fifty Best Watercolors.”

The selections will be displayed in the Manuscripts and Rare Book DeWitt Receives National Research Award Department on the fourth floor of the library through December Dr. Jamie DeWitt, an assistant professor of pharmacology and 2013. The prints are donated by Dr. toxicology, has received the 2013 Outstanding Young Investigator and Mrs. Rick Webb as a teaching Award from the Immunotoxicology Specialty Section of the Society tool across various disciplines like of Toxicology. biology, art, and history. John The award is James Audubon (1785-1851) was given to investigators a famous naturalist and wildlife less than ten years artist whose seminal work “Birds of America,” a collection of from obtaining their 435 prints, sets the standard for bird identification and protection doctorates who today. Dr. Webb’s wish is that Audubon’s great work will be shared have contributed and studied by students, alumni, and local art enthusiasts. substantially, through scholarly research, to the field of immunotoxicology. Dr. DeWitt (far right) To date, DeWitt has Sears Receives Highest Faculty Award twenty-four scholarly publications that focus on immunotoxicity The UNC Board of Governors has named Dr. Samuel F. Sears, and a total of thirty-four publications.

DeWitt received the award at the group’s annual meeting in director of the doctoral program in health psychology, as the winner of the 2013 O. Max Gardner Award, the highest faculty March in San Antonio, TX. “It’s a huge honor as the scientists who’ve been selected for this honor bestowed by the UNC system for his work to improve award in the past have made monumental contributions to the field quality of life in heart patients. of immunotoxicology,” said DeWitt.

Her research focuses on systemic and developmental immunotoxicity following exposure to environmental pollutants.

One of her main interests is the impact of exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid, a compound used to manufacture many industrial and commercial products such as Teflon, on immune function.

JOYNER LIBRARY

MEDICINE

NURSING Doctor of Nursing Practice to be Offered

Sears (left) receives his award at the Board of Governors’ meeting.

Sears accepted the award at the Board of Governors’ monthly meeting in April at UNC-Pembroke. Sears received a standing ovation from the 150 people in attendance, including his parents, wife and sons, fellow ECU faculty members and Chancellor Steve Ballard.

The University of North Carolina Board of Governors recently voted to approve a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program at various UNC institutions including ECU beginning in fall 2013. The degree is the highest level of clinical practice education for nurses. Doctor of nursing practice clinicians are experts in applying research findings to clinical practice and improving health care delivery systems.

East Carolina’s doctor of nursing practice program coursework will be all online, and clinical practice sites include primary care clinics, hospitals, and public health care agencies. Students are PIRATEALUMNI.COM 29

required to attend skills sessions at the College of Nursing several times a year.

“The emphasis on rural health, along with the advanced technology used for teaching in an online and virtual clinic environment, are unique features of our program,” said Sylvia Brown, dean of the College of Nursing.

The national move toward doctor of nursing practice programs is in response to a study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Institute of Medicine calling for nurses to achieve higher education levels to meet changing healthcare needs.

The ECU College of Nursing prepares the most advanced practice nurses in North Carolina. The college is nationally recognized as a leader in online graduate nursing education, and is ranked 10th by U.S. News & World Report.

The initial DNP student cohort is for master’s prepared advanced practice nurses. The program will be available to Registered Nurses with bachelor’s degrees in fall 2014. Prospective students may contact Dr. Bobby Lowery (lowerybo@ecu.edu), director of DNP implementation, for application information.

Brown adds that the program supports the college’s mission to serve as a leader in improving rural healthcare by preparing expert clinicians who will positively impact healthcare outcomes.

UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Greensboro and Winston-Salem State University also received approval for doctor of nursing practice programs. UNC-Charlotte and Western Carolina University received approval for a shared program. Currently, the only other doctor of nursing practice programs in the state are offered at Duke University and Gardner-Webb University, both private schools.

STUDENT LIFE Student Memorial Garden Honors Fallen Pirates

A new Student Memorial Garden was dedicated this spring to remember students who died while attending East Carolina University. The garden, located near the Mendenhall Student Center, is a picturesque green space surrounded by azaleas,

Chancellor Steve Ballard, former SGA President Josh Martinkovic ’12, Major Gifts Officer for Fine Arts & Communication Nancy Ball, and sculpture artist Donald “Trey” Martin at the unveiling. (Photo by Cliff Hollis)

30 EC ALUMNI SUMMER 2013

oaks, and dogwoods and provides a peaceful, tranquil place for meditation and reflection.

In the center of the garden stands a twelve-foot-tall bronze sculpture, which was designed and built by current ECU student Donald “Trey” Martin. The sculpture features a broken circle with three flying doves. The circle represents the circle of life and the doves signify the past, present, and future.

The memorial garden concept and planning has been about three years in the making and included collaborations from Student Affairs, Facilities, the School of Art and Design, and the Student Government Association. In fact, former SGA president Josh Martinkovic ’12 helped lead this initiative, which included $35,000 given to help fund the memorial garden and the sculpture.

Trey Martin’s sculpture was chosen from more than twenty student submissions as part of a contest in 2012. Martin, a twenty-eight-year-old Marine Corps veteran, spent ten months and thousands of hours working on the sculpture with help from his father in Johnston County, and several current ECU students and recent graduates.

During the past decade, about a hundred students have died while matriculating through East Carolina University, most due to accidents or illness. Several parents and family members of fallen ECU Pirates, as well as senior ECU administrators and members of the Board of Trustees, attended the garden dedication on February 22.

Just more than a month later, the garden hosted its first student vigil. On March 24, ECU student Jonathon Bennett died from injuries sustained during an accidental fall. Bennett was very active on campus through ECU Intramurals, Greek Life, and ECU Ambassadors. More than 300 students, family and friends hosted a candlelight vigil at the memorial garden.

Student Leadership Advisory Council. He was also a recipient of The new Student Memorial Garden ensures that our ECU the Service Roofing and Sheet Metal Scholarship. He graduated students will not be forgotten. These men and women are forever with a 3.68 GPA and having made Dean’s List every semester.

Pirates and their legacies will live on.

In addition, he was nominated for the Robert H. Wright Alumni Leadership Award for his leadership qualities in the classroom and in student organizations.

His leadership roles and performance in the classroom helped & COMPUTER SCIENCE him gain several internships with construction companies and engineering firms from Washington, D.C. to Raleigh. Knoernschild Meet Construction Management Graduate Jason explained that the internships helped him gain “practical, real world Knoerschild experience by applying classroom knowledge in the workplace Jason Knoerschild graduated in May 2013 with a bachelor of to learn even more.” It also helped him “stand out from other science in construction management and a minor in business students” during the job interviewing process.

Indeed, Knoernschild was a true “standout” with four job administration, and plans to use both to represent ECU well in his offers before graduation. He accepted a position as a field engineer career, which is off to a great start.

Originally from Fuquay-Varina, Knoernschild began his with PCL, an industrial construction company, in their Houston, academic pursuits at ECU in 2009 after visiting the campus. “I TX office. PCL is the sixth largest contractor in the US with over met some faculty at Open House and they talked about their 3,500 employees and is currently ranked No. 73 on the Fortune successful program and the excellent job placement rate of their “100 Best Companies to Work For” list. He was selected from a graduates,” Knoernschild stated. “I liked the people I met, and the pool of over 800 applicants. He will begin work with PCL on June 3. campus, and it just seemed like a good fit.”

Knoernschild is, to his knowledge, the first ECU graduate to His interest for the construction management field came from helping his dad around the house and taking some drafting and be hired with PCL. “I hope to be a big influence there and help build a relationship between PCL and ECU for future graduates,” construction classes in high school.

Knoerschild served as president of the Sigma Lambda Chi Knoernschild commented. “I have loved every minute of my time International Construction Honors Society, vice president of at ECU and I would like to repay the benefits.” the East Carolina Construction Association branch Associated General Contractors, and as a member of the college’s Dean’s

TECHNOLOGY

PIRATEALUMNI.COM 31

A LOOK BACK 32 EC ALUMNI SUMMER 2013

1953 Sadie Hawkins Day

This photo from the University Archives shows East Carolina students participating in a 1953 Sadie Hawkins Day Race (UA55-01-4841). By tradition, on Sadie Hawkins Day girls ask boys to accompany them to a dance or on a date. The event originated in 1937 with the comic strip Li’l Abner when the town spinster, Sadie Hawkins, is sent in pursuit of the town’s eligible bachelors as they raced to avoid marriage to the “homeliest gal in the hills.” The gender-based role reversal proved popular among female college students as Sadie Hawkins Day events rose in popularity across the nation. By 1952, Sadie Hawkins Day events were held in over 40,000 locations. In this image, Fleming and Wilson Dormitories are on the right and the Old Cafeteria Complex is just visible on the left. The large building in the center rear is the original Austin classroom building.

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