DAILY CLIPS COVER - East Carolina University

The class of 2011 also has seen many changes in its academic careers. Senior class
officer Daniel Thornton remarked on the new Chili's restaurant, the Trustees Fountain
rededicated in 2009, this season's addition of the “boneyard” student section to the
stadium and the rushing of the field after the defeat of West Virginia in 2008.
The College of Nursing celebrated 50 years — the famously celebratory college was even
more jubilant than usual — while the Honors College sent its first graduate across the
stage. This year ECU dedicated a new Freedom Wall and Military Walk for all students
and staff who have died or served in the armed forces, the first such specific place on
campus since the 1950s.
“I want to thank ECU for its constant support of the military,” said commencement
speaker Ray Mabus, U.S. Secretary of the Navy. “It's a real honor to be asked to speak to
you. I have been really impressed by ECU.”
Mabus took a moment to comment on the recent killing of Osama Bin Laden, the terrorist
behind the attacks of September 11, 2001.
“Most of you graduates would have been in middle school on 9/11,” Mabus said. “For
you, this is a conflict you have grown up with. I am glad that chapter has been closed.”
Mabus closed by telling the graduates to do something bigger than themselves.
“In my world, the Navy takes out pirates, so this is the only time you will ever hear this
— Go Pirates! Argh!”
Contact Jackie Drake at jdrake@reflector.com or 252-329-9567.