Awards to recognize outstanding young alumni

Awards to recognize outstanding young alumni

GREENVILLE, N.C. (March 19, 2026) -Forty outstanding East Carolina University alumni will be honored April 18 by the ECU Alumni Association (ECUAA) at the 40 Under Forty Leadership Awards presented by ECU Health.

The awards program celebrates alumni under the age of 40 who have used their education to pursue their passions and lead positive change through their career achievements, leadership and service.

"We are proud to celebrate the 2026 class of 40 Under Forty honorees," said Amanda Murer, associate vice chancellor for alumni relations. "These inspiring young alumni are leaving a lasting mark on their professions and communities. Through their leadership, dedication and passion for service, they exemplify the purpose, pride and excellence that define the Pirate legacy.

This is the ninth celebration of ECU's 40 Under Forty awards and the first year the recognition is hosted by ECUAA. The program was previously hosted by ECU Student Affairs. The honorees join 320 alumni recognized in classes since 2015.

The celebration brings together the ECU community to honor the impact and promise of these 40 outstanding Pirates. Inductees will participate in a networking event on Friday, service opportunities on Saturday, followed by the dinner and class celebration on Saturday evening at the Main Campus Student Center. Tickets for the event are available through April 10 by visiting the ECUAA 40 Under 40 website.

This year's 40 Under Forty class includes Dr. Kristen J. Alston '11 '15, Eric J. Anthony '11, Brittany Baker'18, Tiana K. Berryman '11 '13, Timothy L. Brown'08, Daniel Casale '15, Taylor Chappell '19 '20, Caroline Basnight Collier '18, Miller Diaz-Cobo '15, J. Scott Dixon '10, Casey Dutton '16, Nate Evans '11, Lilian (Lily) Faulconer '17 '18, DJ Fussell III '09 '10, Katie Dodge Gillis '15, Dr. Joel Glotfelty '16, Cameron Gupton '13 '21, Adrian J. Harris '12, Jenna Harris '13 '25, Julia Land Batts '14 '17, Kateryna Kosolapova '20, Ali Krukowski '12, Luke Lang '17, Larissa Harris Liles '11, Cornelius D. Martin '19, Ariana McAuley '16, Khalil McCollum '18, Dr. Christine Mitchell '09 '16, Liz Mizelle '09 '15 '21, Dr. Jeffrey Nickle '09 '10, Kate Oliphant '16, Lucy Perry '10 '13, Austin Reese '16 '20, Nina Rose '10, Ernest Ruffin III '15, Andy Saunders '12, Chase Sommer '13 '15, Mallory Strange Paulson '17, Dr. Maria Jose Torres '16 and Dr. Whitney Richardson White '13.

Contact: Jeremy Perry, director for alumni events & student engagement

Telephone: 252-328-1958

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