ECU graduates more than 4,000 during spring commencement ceremony

ECU graduates more than 4,000 during spring commencement ceremony

GREENVILLE, N.C. (5/8/2026) - On a sun-splashed Friday in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, friends and family celebrated East Carolina University's newest graduates during spring commencement exercises.

The class of 2026 totaled approximately 4,028 graduates from 39 states and 94 of North Carolina's 100 counties, along with 41 countries. The class included 45 Project Kitty Hawk graduates in ECU's Flight Path programs as well as 78 Brody School of Medicine graduates and 49 School of Dental Medicine graduates.

"Today we recognize you for your many successes and accomplishments," said ECU Chancellor Philip Rogers. "The journey to this day required a great deal of personal sacrifice. You have persevered, and today we celebrate."

Addressing the graduates were Daniel Walker, Student Government Association president; Mark Bowler, chair of the faculty; Cassie Burt, chair of the ECU Board of Trustees; and Gene Davis, representing the UNC Board of Governors. Davis presented ECU faculty member Dr. Randall Etheridge the Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Rogers introduced keynote speaker Kevin Williamson '87, an award-winning writer, creator, director and producer whose work includes "Scream" and "Dawson's Creek." Williamson began his remarks by recognizing the importance of graduation day to the students and their parents, faculty and staff who guided them along their journey.

"Sometimes life gives us these little movie moments, I like to call them, and you're in the middle of one right now," he said.

Williamson addressed how fear played a big part in his life as he recalled writing a short horror story in high school that he read aloud to the class. His teacher stopped him halfway through and told him she hoped he didn't want to be a writer because "your voice should not be heard." That moment caused him to stop writing and instead focus on acting.

At ECU, he majored in theatre arts and found his comfort zone acting and getting a job as an usher in the former Mendenhall Student Center theater, where he could watch movies over and over. Following graduation, he went to New York City in search of acting roles but didn't find success. Just before giving up on his dream and pursuing a different route, advice from his father changed his trajectory.

"He said to me, 'Kevin, nothing changes if nothing changes,'" Williamson said. "The lightbulb went off. I knew at that moment I had to change. I was my problem, but I was also my solution."

Williamson remembered that he had written the opening scene for a play while a student at ECU but never showed it to anyone because "your voice should not be heard." It ended up being the opening scene of "Scream."

"Be your change. Take action, take risks, take responsibility," Williamson said. "Don't wait for your life to start. Don't be paralyzed by fear. You are the writer. It is your movie now and you control the narrative."

He concluded by encouraging the graduates to trust their instincts, which is how most characters survive a horror movie.

"Trust that little voice inside, that inner compass we often ignore. Don't ignore it," he said. "Remember, your truth and power will always come from within."

After Williamson's remarks, Eric Rivenbark, ECU alumni chair, recognized this year's student recipients of the Robert H. Wright Leadership Award - Kooper Ashmore, Katie Council, Cole Fuqua, Whitley McCoy and Majoie Mendouga Ngandi.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Walker and Brandon Frye, vice chancellor for student affairs, oversaw the traditional turning of the tassels. Bachelor of Music Education graduate Crystal Robertson led the singing of ECU's alma mater.

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About East Carolina University

Founded in 1907 as a teacher's college, East Carolina University (ECU) is a Carnegie R1 designated research institution that is a national model for student success, public service and regional transformation. ECU is a member of the University of North Carolina System and serves nearly 27,000 students through more than 160 degree programs. The university advances innovation and discovery in health care, coastal resilience, education and regional economic growth. Located in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU is committed to being a national leader in community-focused innovation, bringing meaningful impact across the state and nation.

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