Carolinian
Parker Byrd fulfills his dream
Johnson
For Parker Byrd, wearing the East Carolina University baseball uniform is more than just playing the game he loves; it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
“I grew up being a Pirate fan,” Byrd said. “Both my parents went to school at East Carolina, so when I got the offer, I committed on the spot. This was always my dream.”
Now a senior infielder studying business management, Byrd has become one of the most recognizable faces on campus. His story, overcoming a life-altering accident and returning to the field with a prosthetic leg, has made him both an inspiration and a role model.
With recognition comes responsibility, something Byrd acknowledges and embraces.
“It’s honestly a privilege,” he said. “I get to show people that there are no limits, that you can do whatever you put your mind to and trust in God. I never intended for this to happen, but I’m glad I can show others what’s possible.”
That perspective comes from his own fight through adversity. Byrd said the challenges he’s faced have shaped him not only as a player but as a person.
“It’s taught me that things don’t always go your way, and that’s okay,” Byrd said. “As long as you keep your head down and keep working, things will work out. Those are lessons I’ll carry with me forever, and hopefully teach my kids one day.”
For Byrd, ECU baseball has always been about more than the games.
“Relationships are a big piece of what we talk about here,” he explained. “The four years of playing baseball are great, but what lasts a lifetime are the relationships I’ve built here at ECU and in the community. Greenville has been so good to me and my family.”
One of the most important relationships in Byrd’s journey has been with head coach Cliff Godwin.
“Coach G was there through the whole process,” Byrd said. “He was actually the first person at the hospital after my accident.
“He’s a great human being; a great man of God,” said Byrd. “He’ll always be another father figure in my life.”
Among Byrd’s proudest moments was his first plate appearance as a Division I player using a prosthetic leg.
“Drawing that first walk was really cool,” he said. “At one point, I didn’t think I would ever walk again. To get back on the field and break that barrier, not just for myself, but for others, was unforgettable.”
He’s since gone on to collect hits and RBIs, proving that his resilience paid off and continues to do so.
Byrd’s journey is grounded in faith. His favorite verse, Jeremiah 29:11, has been a guiding force for him and his family: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
“My plan was to come here, play shortstop, and have a successful baseball career,” Byrd said. “Obviously, that changed. But I wouldn’t trade the position I’m in now for anything.”
As his career winds down, Byrd has gained a deeper perspective on life and the game he loves.
“I’m definitely more grateful for everything,” he said. “It’s not that I have to do it, but that I get to do it. I’m so very fortunate to be out here and still be playing the game of baseball. ” Byrd plans to pursue a career in public speaking once his baseball career comes to an end. He aspires to share his story and his love for Christ with the masses.
Bad Bunny confirmed for Super Bowl
Bad Bunny, the global superstar, has been confirmed as the headliner for the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. This is a significant milestone for Latino representation on one of the biggest stages in television. The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation made the announcement on Sept. 29, with the show set for Feb.8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Known offstage as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Bad Bunny will be the first performer singing primarily in Spanish to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. He’s known for mixing everything from reggaeton and Latin trap to pop and alternative tunes. He’s an artist whose diverse music style and strong embrace of Puerto Rican culture have made him a household name.
In his official statement, Bad Bunny described this opportunity as "very personal."
He explained this further by saying, "This is for my people, our culture, and our history," according to ABC11.
Bad Bunny's journey from an under-
ground SoundCloud rapper in Puerto Rico to an international sensation reflects a bigger trend in the music industry. He’s proof of non-English songs increasingly topping the charts and how Latin artists are among the most listened-to worldwide. In fact, Spotify has named Bad Bunny the world's most-streamed artist for three consecutive years, highlighting his enormous impact across various regions.
Fans everywhere celebrated the announcement, praising the NFL for recognizing an artist who primarily sings in Spanish. For many, this moment signals a long-overdue recognition of the diverse cultural landscape that modern football fans and American consumers represent.
However, not everyone is on board with this decision. Some right-wing politicians and commentators raised concerns about having a Spanish-language performer headlining such a culturally iconic event as the Super Bowl. The Washington Post noted that “conservative critics say Bad Bunny should not headline the show because of his exclusively Spanish-language lyrics.” This stirred up old debates surrounding immigration, national identity, and cultural inclusion in the U.S.
In response, Bad Bunny's supporters quickly defended him, arguing that Latino culture is an integral part of American life. They pointed out that the football fanbase and America itself are both a mix of languages, cultures, and identities.
A good example of Bad Bunny infusing political and social activism into his performances comes from his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2020. He wore a shirt that read “They killed Alexa,
not a man in a skirt,” in protest of the murder of a transgender woman named Alexa Negrón Luciano in Puerto Rico.
To ease the tension from critics protesting his upcoming appearance in the halftime show, he used humor during his Saturday Night Live appearance with Doja Cat and Chloe Fineman. He jokingly said, "If you don’t understand my lyrics, you’ve got four months to learn Spanish."
Aside from the politics, his performance is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent Super Bowl history. With his dynamic stage presence, eye-catching visuals, and artistic collaborations, Bad Bunny is set to create an unforgettable event that mixes Latin beats with global pop.
Cultural analysts view this as a pivotal moment for mainstream entertainment. They note that while the halftime show has seen international acts like Shakira and Jennifer Lopez in the past, Bad Bunny will be the first to perform primarily in Spanish throughout the entire show, aside from maybe a single line.
As people look forward to Super Bowl LX, it's clear that people are eager, not just for the music, but for the significance of this moment. His journey from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, to the grand stage of the Super Bowl is a testament to resilience, talent, and cultural pride. Bad Bunny's halftime show is more than just a performance, it’s a celebration of identity, inclusion, and the global significance of Latino culture.
East Carolina University alumni made their way to the James & Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital to deliver smiles.
CAPTRUT CEO Fielding Miller and Cheeriodicals CEO Gary Parisher, both East Carolina University graduates, partnered to brighten the day of young patients and their families. CAPTRUST, a Raleigh-based financial advisory firm, and Cheeriodicals, a company known for its signature green gift boxes filled with toys and comfort items, teamed up to make a difference in the community.
The collaboration stemmed from a chance meeting at a CAPTRUST event, where they discovered shared roots as ECU graduates.
„ “Gary reached out, and we had the common connection of being graduates of East Carolina...So we had that, and we kind of hit it off early.
-Fielding Miller
Together, they delivered 160 Cheeriodicals boxes to Maynard Children’s Hospital and 40 more to the Ronald McDonald House of Eastern North Carolina. Each box included thoughtful items for children and their signature green frog. These items were chosen to brighten the day of children and families staying in the hospital.
“Inside each box are items that a child would like to have,” Parisher said. Miller shared a similar intention, saying that he wants each child to “be back to just the pure joy of being a child.”
Children’s laughter filled the halls as they unpacked their bright green boxes, discovering plush toys, puzzles, and books inside. For many families, it offered a brief but meaningful escape from daily hospital routines.
For Miller, the project was another way to carry out ECU’s values. As a founder of the Miller School of Entrepreneurship, he continues to share those values beyond campus and into the community. Alumni continue to make a difference in various ways.
One example is Emmie Brooks, an English and Professional Writing and Information Design graduate from last year, who secured a full-time content position at CAPTRUST before graduating. “Communication is everything,” she said, showing how the skills gained at ECU can lead to exciting careers and meaningful contributions.
COURTESY OF NBC / SNL
Bad Bunny, a Puerto-Rican singer and performer
Dulce Perez TEC STAFF
Khyati Daggubati
COURTESY
This
COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES Parker Byrd, an ECU baseball player, holds his helmet above his head.
Fall dance production hopes to engage audiences
East Carolina University’s School of Theatre and Dance is celebrating the sounds and spirit of Motown in its fall production, “Dancing in the Streets: A Celebration of Motown,” running Oct. 1-5 in McGinnis Auditorium. The show highlights music from The Supremes, The Jackson 5 and other legends, blending dance, history and design inspired by Detroit’s Motown era. Faculty, students and guest artists collaborated to create themed choreography, sets and costumes that honor Motown’s cultural impact. The production aims to reconnect audiences and performers through shared celebration. History professor Dr. Jarvis Hargrove narrates the show as a Detroit DJ, honoring the label’s influence on American music and community.
Love, Loss, and becoming a Pirate nurse
East Carolina University nursing student Olivia Giambalvo is turning her grief into purpose as she prepares to graduate in December. After losing her boyfriend, ECU alumnus Justin Bossian, to a rare and aggressive cancer, Giambalvo said the experience has shaped how she will care for future patients.
Supported by ECU’s College of Nursing faculty through Bossian’s illness, she learned the importance of compassion, flexibility and communication in health care.
Inspired by Bossian’s strength and her professor’s empathy, Giambalvo plans to work in pediatric oncology and hopes to one day help establish a sarcoma clinic in Greenville.
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
If
errors in this newspaper, please contact editor@theeastcarolinian.com.
Federal Government faced shut down
The U.S. government shut down on Oct. 1 at 12:01 a.m., the first shutdown since 2018. Non-essential services have been suspended, and federal employees will work without pay.
It is estimated that 750,000 employees will not receive pay during this period.
Government shutdowns occur when funding agreements cannot be reached before the next fiscal year. Republicans and Democrats disagreed over extending subsidies for the Affordable Care Act. The shutdown began after Democrats rejected a short-term funding bill passed by Republicans.
Republicans have accused Democrats of shutting down the government in support of illegal immigration. Democrats argue that they want to extend the tax credits that Americans receive under the Affordable Care Act and that non-citizens aren’t eligible for these services.
According to AP News, a union of federal
workers is suing the Department of Education for violating federal ethics laws after noticing that out-of-office emails were sent out blaming Democrats for the shutdown. They claim that the emails violate the Hatch Act, a law prohibiting executive officials from engaging in political advocacy against another party.
The shutdown has complicated staffing issues at airports. According to NPR, delays have been reported in Newark, Phoenix, and Denver. National parks have generally remained open to visitors, but some national sites, like the Liberty Bell, were closed for viewing.
Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid beneficiaries will continue to receive benefits, and Veterans Affairs services will remain open. The IRS operated as normal for five days under the Treasury’s 2026 contingency plan. The final day for normal operations was Tuesday.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, there have been four government shutdowns.
Three of these have occurred during President Trump’s administration. The first shutdown under Trump’s presidency lasted for three days in January 2018 after Democrats demanded protection for minor immigrants who entered under the DREAM Act.
The second government shutdown under the Trump administration was the longest in U.S. history. It began after Trump clashed with Democrats over funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall and lasted from Dec. 22, 2018, to Jan. 25, 2019. Most government shutdowns have lasted for five days or less.
The last government shutdown before Trump’s presidency lasted 16 days in Oct. 2013, when Republicans attempted to block the Affordable Care Act from being added to a spending bill.
ECU student faces charges
An East Carolina University student was arrested on Thursday, Sept. 25, on charges of ethnic intimidation, second-degree trespassing, injury to real property and larceny.
According to ECU police, the individual, identified as 19-year-old Ashely Correa-Martnez by WITN, entered the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center meditation room after hours on Monday, Sept. 22, where she allegedly urinated and defected inside a foot washing tub.
Deputy Chief Chris Sutton says Correa-Martnez is connected with a separate incident that occurred on Wednesday, Sept. 24, where she allegedly entered LWCC and smeared human feces on the floor.
According to WITN, the women threatened members of the Muslim community, which led to ethnic intimidation charges.
Correa-Martnez being held in the Pitt County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond. No court date has been set.
This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
MALLORY SHELDONI THE EAST CAROLINIAN Ledonia Wright Cultural Center on ECU campus
Staff Report TEC STAFF
Arts & Entertainment
Open Mic Night at Strangebird Strangebird, 718 Dickinson Avenue, Greenville, NC 27858
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Try Tennis Baywood Racquet Club 471 Baywood Dr, Winterville, NC 28590
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM 252-756-6262
Pitt Street Run Club Pitt Street Brewing Company 630 S Pitt St., Greenville, NC 27834 252-227-4151
Tomorrow
Falling leaves means ECU bands begin
Nuha Ahmed THE EAST CAROLINIAN
East Carolina University’s Concert Band and Symphonic Band performed their first concert of the academic year on Oct. 2, 2025, lighting up Wright Auditorium with fierce emotion and beautiful sound.
The sounds of brass, woodwinds, and percussion echoed through the auditorium as students, faculty, and community members gathered to celebrate the start of the fall concert season. The performance highlighted both the ensembles’ musical growth and dedication with every note.
William Stob, ECU’s Concert Band conductor, reminisced on the concert’s highlights. “The concert went really well, especially for our first of the year,” he said. The evening’s program offered a rich variety of compositions ranging from eerie, Halloween-esque soundtracks to enchanting, triumphant pieces that demanded focus.
and I can’t wait to see what we do next,” he said.
Fellow percussionist Tavon Medlin, a sophomore, felt that there was room for improvement. “There were some things that could have gone better, but overall, it felt pretty decent,” Medlin said.
The variety in pieces for this year’s fall concert left the audience wanting more. As Octavio reminisced on the captivating performance, he said, “I really liked the style of this fall program; it was energetic, colorful, and engaging from start to finish.”
Young Frankenstein The Musical Paramount Theatre
N Main Street, Farmville, NC 27828
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Greenville NC Ghost Walk! Cook’s Closet 409 Evans Street, Greenville, NC 27858
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Weekend Tunes & Taproom Times! 5th Street Hardware Restaurant and Taproom
120 W 5th St, Greenville, NC 27858
8:00 PM to 11:00 PM 252-364-8921
Saturday Fall Fest
Pitt County Council on Aging Center Greenville
4551 County Home Road, Greenville, NC 27858
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Fall Market at the Village Eastern Carolina Village and Farm Museum
4570 County Home Road, Greenville, NC 27858
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM 252-531-2771
St. Timothy’s Lobster Fair
St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 107 Louis Street, Greenville, NC 27858
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM 252-355-2125
Dirty Little Secret at Calcutta
Calcutta Street Pub 113 E 5th St, Greenville, NC 27858
10:30 PM to 11:59 PM
Oktoberfest - Beers, Brats, and Bingo
St. Peter Catholic Church
2700 E 4th St, Greenville, NC 27858
252-355-5111
For the musicians, this concert was more than just another show; it was the culmination of weeks of practice and collaboration. Professor Stob said, “There was a lot of growth from the beginning of the rehearsal process to the end. They worked hard, made some good sounds, and really went for it tonight.”
Parker Ball, a freshman percussionist in the Symphonic Band, said the performance exceeded expectations. “There were a few spots that could’ve been better, but I think we blew it out of the water,
Both students said their favorite piece of the night was Bamboo Shoots in City Streets, an upbeat piece that blurred the line between concert and marching band styles. “Our parts were just so great for that song,” Ball said. “It sounded more like a marching band piece than a concert piece,” he continued.
The musicians’ companionship was just as important as their musical skill. Between songs, percussionists rotated through instruments and shared breaks in the Green Room behind the auditorium. “It’s got couches and stuff, so when we’re not needed on stage, we’re back there chilling out or doing schoolwork,” Ball said with a laugh.
For Ball, this concert was his first ever at ECU. “It was much better than high school,” he said. Medlin, who has performed in multiple concerts, added that this one ranked high among his best performances yet, describing it as, “A completely different experience.”
Audience members were pleasantly surprised by how diverse the selection of pieces was. Octavio Lira-Bravo, a junior biochemistry major and band member, said watching from the audience offered a new appreciation for the program. “It was nice being part of the audience this time,” he said.
The True Colors gallery has returned to the Main Campus Student Center for the 9th year and will be available to view throughout October. This photo gallery showcases students and East Carolina University faculty who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The opening ceremony took place on Oct. 6, ushering in this year’s gallery.
Photography professor Angela Wells is the photographer for the gallery and the creator of the True Colors exhibit. The exhibit was established in 2016, with Wells wanting to bring a safe space for her students to campus. “So, at the time I was looking for a way to, I guess, create safe spaces,” Wells said. “I wanted to let my students know that they belonged here,” she continued.
In order to make the photos, Wells used a pound of confetti and got students from the School of Art and Design to help throw confetti for the photos. “When you have bags and bags
Octavio said he especially enjoyed Bamboo Shoots in City Streets, calling it the most exciting piece of the night. “The variations of style and the bump in energy toward the end were very nice,” he said.
Though he wasn’t performing this semester, Octavio said he could feel the performers’ energy radiating from the stage. “You can really tell the effort being put into the performance,” he said. “Especially with the last piece of the Symphonic Band, the march song [On The Mall], you could definitely feel the noise and the energy from it.”
Professor Stob said the concert reflected the students’ progress since the start of the semester. “They worked really hard, and they got better; this was the first concert, so hopefully the next one will be even better,” he said.
As the concert came to a close, it was certain Bamboo Shoots in City Streets was the fan favorite of the night. The ECU Concert and Symphonic Bands will continue their season later this fall, carrying forward the energy, creativity, and teamwork that defined their opening performance.
of confetti thrown at you for thirty minutes, it’s pretty magical,” she said. “Just seeing that wonder in faculty was pretty beautiful.”
Wells says she spends 4-6 months working on the gallery for each iteration of True Colors. During the first half of the summer, she tested many different techniques she could use for True Colors.
One of Wells’ favorite parts of doing the True Colors gallery is the process of creating the art on display. She loves all the different ways that people use photographs. “It’s like sharing your voice, creating the world you want to see or finding parts of it you want to share.”
The gallery is lined with portraits of ECU students and faculty who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, along with statements from each subject responding to this year’s theme. There is a unique theme for each gallery, this year’s is “The Spark We Celebrate.”
Wells chose this year’s theme to bring some positivity to a very tumultuous time. “I just wanted to take a moment to really just live in a
moment of joy and be grateful,” she said. Archyr Edelman, junior anthropology major and one of the gallery’s subjects, said that being a part of the gallery is one of the biggest things they can do to express their pride. “It means making space for people who haven’t had the courage yet that I have,” they said. Wells thinks of each gallery as a family photo. She said family photos showcase “your people” and a safe space. “Photographs give us the possibility of creating that family and sharing it with folks in our spaces,” she said. “To me, True Colors is a family portrait wall.” Wells says her favorite thing about every gallery is meeting new people and bonding with them. “We have conversations while doing the shoots, I get to know all kinds of fun things about them,” she said; “It makes me really proud to be a part of this community, to be a pirate.”
OUR VIEW
The Suspension
We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian, believe that suspension of UNC professor Dwayne DIxon sets a terrible precedent of what could be in store for our civil liberties. Dixon is a part of a group called Redneck Revolt that was labeled as “antifa” and lead to him being put on administrative leave.
Dixon has been very outspoken about the current administration and his comments have been deemed as “motivating political violence,” even though he did not do anything to push violence on anyone.
Even though Dixon has been reinstated, his suspension sets a dangerous precedent that not just university professors but teachers across the country having to be censored.
We saw this a couple weeks ago with Jimmy Kimmel and his showed being cancelled following comments he made about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. First it was the censorship of the media and now it is the censorship of educators.
The staff of The East Carolinian believe that it is very important for people to be able to speak their mind and put to use their first amendment right.
What we are seeing is educators being censored because universities are scared of important funding being withheld. Universities should not have to live in fear due to educators being outspoken.
Now that educators are being censored, this may lead to ordinary citizens being censored and now being able to speak out against what they may not deem to be right. Being able to speak out against the government is important for a democracy so we can hold them accountable, and if that is lost, our democracy crumbles.
PIRATE RANTS
Why do all the food places on campus close so early. If I’m doing homework until 2am I’m going to need to eat or when I’m out of class at 2 why are there places closed??
Dont even get me started on how theres nowhere to eat before 7:30, I have to walk nearly 30 minutes to get to my 8:00am class, if I stop for breakfast I’ll risk being late. Not to mention the hours of the ‘Grumpy Mule’ on college hill, really? a coffee place that dosent open until 9:30? get real. And they always close earlier than starbucks too.
We should get more allergy friendly places because sometimes its a struggle to eat a decently healthy meal with a severe allergy.
I think its generally unfair how the library went about the removal of the film school’s room. From what I know, there was no discussion with SoAD, no chance for negotation, and no warning. One of the most useful and incredible resources film students had was just taken away without regard for anyone who used it. I find that infuriating and demeaning.
Tell me why, at Todd dining hall last week I discovered a bug floating in the syrup of my waffle! gross!!
UNC sets new dangerous precedent
This week a professor at UNC was placed on administrative leave, setting a dangerous precedent for our university system, and quite frankly, the nation. This is a blatant infringement of Dixon’s first amendment rights. I fear that these infringements will quickly spread across the UNC-system at large, especially here at ECU.
Per The Daily Tarheel: “UNC administration placed Dwayne Dixon, a professor of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, on administrative leave on Monday, effective immediately. The decision follows reports of Dixon’s alleged affiliation with ‘Redneck Revolt,’ an organization that describes itself as an ‘anti-racist, anti-fascist, community defense formation.’(Herrera, 2025)”
Recently President Trump has designated “antifa” as a terrorist organization, antifa being short for anti-fascist. Fascist governments do not declare themselves as such, they simply declare those who stand against fascism as enemies of the state. This is not to mention the “antifa” is not itself an organization, but an ideology. If you stand against fascism, you are antifa. If you have ever posted an anti-racist meme on Instagram, you can be targeted by the new guidelines from the Executive.
While Dixon is outspoken about his beliefs, UNC is setting a precedent with a slippery slope, putting entire departments in danger. Will we gut sociology programs for daring to teach students about racism? Will we stop teaching about other religions because it can be seen as “anti-Christian?” Will we remove economic professors who dare to mention Karl Marx and his critique of capitalism?”
I fear that these crackdowns will not only target outspoken faculty but start targeting students as well. If university administration, whether at UNC or here at ECU, don’t stand up for the rights of their communities, our civil liberties will continue to erode. Universities are meant to be an arena for the free exchange of ideas, and quickly these institutions (I fear) are capitulating to an administration that seeks to destroy the beautiful multi-cultural democracy that has been built from the sacrifices of many generations before us. To comply in advance is to be complicit, and UNC is complicit. We must not allow ECU to follow suit.
Protests, in support of Professor Dixon, have already begun on the campus of UNC; and it is my opinion that we at ECU, and across the UNC-system at large, need to engage in solidarity protests. We must be proactive and send a clear message that the student body will not tolerate the erosion of our rights, especially by the admin-
istrators in charge of protecting us. Will we wait until our faculty is targeted? Or will it be when our classmates have their access to education suspended? Or will you wait to speak up only when you are targeted yourself?
Historically, all around the world, it has been students that lead the charge for progress. We must understand the dangers that we are facing at this moment and stand strong! There is no bravery without fear, to be brave without fear is simply stupidity. We are not stupid! Although I am terrified of this coming repression, I will stand bravely for what I believe to be right; and I pray you will join me.
Vaccines are a vital tool that saves millions of lives annually. Concerningly, the U.S. government wants to cut funding for a key organization that saves lives worldwide through immunization. Amid vaccine safety debates, the world is witnessing a rise in measles cases.
The politics of the COVID pandemic saw a growing rejection of vaccines, and that shift has contributed to the Trump administration’s announcement to cut funding to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Gavi is estimated to have saved the lives of 17 million children over the last 25 years. The loss of U.S. support would mean that 75 million children would miss their routine vaccinations in the next five years, and more than 1.2 million children could die as a result.
The vast number of children dying of infectious diseases today live in poorer countries. Still, we forget that less than two centuries ago, even rich countries lived in an era of pestilence. Then, infectious diseases caused almost half of annual American and British deaths, whereas today they cause only 3 percent of all deaths in America. Yet, infectious diseases still kill 3 million children in the world’s poorer regions.
We need to bring everyone together on uncontroversial, lifesaving childhood vaccines like those for mumps and measles. Not only do governments need to maintain current spending, but they need to increase it. Doing so offers an opportunity to drive significant advances in global development for a minimal investment — something that should be attractive to everyone, regardless of their political affiliation.
Vaccines are one of the most amazing achievements of humanity. They have saved more lives than any other medical invention, and provide population-level control of diseases that once caused untold misery. Vaccines have managed
to erase one of humanity’s most deadly diseases, smallpox, after it killed indiscriminately for millennia. In the 20th century, it killed 300 million to 500 million people, before being finally eradicated in 1977 thanks to a vaccine. If that vaccine didn’t exist, this one disease might still kill 5 million people annually.
It is estimated that, globally, immunization efforts have saved 154 million lives in half a century, or six lives per minute of every year. The vast majority, 101 million, were infants.
Investing in vaccines, of course, prevents deaths from infectious diseases. By stopping diseases like polio, measles, and tetanus, we also reduce the pressure on healthcare systems in poorer countries, making it possible for them to better assist patients with heart and cancer conditions. Moreover, since infectious diseases know no borders, there is less strain on healthcare systems worldwide. This minimizes economic disruptions and fosters a more secure global environment.
Researchers for the Copenhagen Consensus have documented the costs and benefits of maintaining and increasing global investment in vaccinations in
research published by Cambridge University Press.
If the world continues its current level of spending, we will save 3.8 million lives yearly from avoidable diseases between now and 2030. Each dollar will deliver an absolutely astounding $286 of social benefits, from saving lives and avoiding disease. Moreover, the study also shows that increasing vaccination coverage, even if it is more expensive, remains a worthwhile investment. Over the next eight years, we could save an additional 4.1 million lives, or about half a million lives each year. The costs would increase, as governments expand vaccination campaigns to harder-to-reach places and families. It may be necessary for more countries to copy the example of India, which uses food incentives to ensure greater coverage.
Yet, the additional total, direct global cost would still be a relatively modest $1.5 billion yearly, along with $200 million in extra time taken mostly by mothers who have to go to clinics. A half-million lives saved annually make this an incredible opportunity. Using standard economic evaluations across time and considering that avoided effects closer to now are more important to us, the benefit is worth $170 billion annually.
In economic terms, each dollar spent will generate $101 of social benefits to the world.
Achieving a 100-to-1 value for money is a phenomenal return on any policy.
Saving the lives of 3.8 million children yearly with safe, basic vaccinations is an astounding achievement, and saving half a million children each year with even higher vaccination coverage is also an incredible opportunity. We should embrace both and ensure that all children are provided with lifelong protection against killer diseases.
The East Carolinian does not endorse the
made in Pirate Rants.
Classifieds & Puzzles
Jacqueline E. Mathews
Jacqueline E. Mathews
The
Garett Skillman TEC Sports Editor
ECU VS. ASU
ECU 2-1
Why?
If the team wants any hope at going back-toback in the American Conference we have got to start stringing some wins together. As of lately we’ve looked a lot better than we did to start the season and our offense seems to be picking up. I’m expecting our defense to follow suit and get a shutout on the road against Birmingham.
Johnson TEC Sports Reporter
The Lady Pirates travel to Birmingham to take on UAB and I think the Pirates will come out with a win. ECU’s play has been very solid and the midfield has played well into the center forwards to create plenty of chances. Caitlin-Star Boodram has put together an excellent campaign so far. I think she
column.
and
Nick Green
WZMB Sports & News Director
ECU 2-0 Why?
If the team wants any hope at going back-toback in the American Conference we have got to start stringing some wins together. As of lately we’ve looked a lot better than we did to start the season and our offense seems to be picking up. I’m expecting our defense to follow suit and get a shutout on the road against Birmingham.
Pirates soccer hosts Temple
East Carolina University women’s soccer returns home Thursday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. to host Temple University (3-11, 0-5 American Conference) for a key American Athletic Conference matchup. With both teams fighting for momentum, this game carries weight for positioning in the conference standings. The Pirates are looking to build off a steady run of form, while the Owls aim to snap a difficult stretch and find a spark late in the season.
ECU enters the game with a 4-4-3 overall record and 2-1-0 mark in conference play. The Pirates have been most successful when their defense holds strong, all four of their wins have come in shutout fashion. Offensively, they’ve generated 126 total shots with 57 on target, averaging 1.3 goals per game while conceding less than one.
The Lady Pirates conversion rate sits around 10 percent, but their defense has kept them in nearly every match. After a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Florida Atlantic University (4-7-3, 1-2-2), ECU will look to turn that positive performance into a win at home.
Temple, meanwhile, has faced a challenging start. The Owls have been struggling to find consistency in both attack and defense. They’ve scored 17 goals this season but allowed 19, and their defense has been particularly vulnerable against teams with pace, an area where ECU excels. Still, Temple has shown flashes of promise, and the Owls will need to rely on those moments of quality to stay competitive on the road.
For ECU, sophomore forward Caitlen-Star Dolan Boodram remains one of the focal points in attack. Her ability to create space and score in key moments has helped the Pirates earn crucial wins, including a standout performance against the University of North Texas (5-81, 1-3-0 American Conference). In goal, Junior goalkeeper Olivia Dietrich continues to be a steady presence, anchoring a defense that has posted multiple clean
sheets this year. On the other side, Temple leans on Freshman midfielder Valentina Bitterwolf, who leads the team in assists and sits among the top in goals. Redshirt senior midfielder Ariana Gronauer adds veteran leadership and has chipped in offensively with three goals, while Junior forward Shari Atkins provides pace and pressing ability up top. Strategy wise, you may see ECU press early and use wide play to stretch the field.
The Pirates often capitalize on corners and transitions, so the Owls ability to defend restarts could determine the outcome. Crowd energy and familiarity with home turf may also play in ECU’s favor, as they look to protect their field and strengthen their American conference position.
Sophomore setter Taryn Gilreath
setter Taryn Gilreath made East Carolina University history by recording the
up 10 kills, 14 digs, and 34 assists in 2018. Freshman outside Sydney Buchanan added 10 kills of her own to help the Lady Pirates end a five-match
losing streak.
The first set was back and forth until ECU pulled away late and gained a 19-14 advantage. The Green Wave rallied back, winning six of the next eight points making it 21-20. The Lady Pirates responded by winning four of the next five points and closing out the first set 25-21. ECU had five more kills than Tulane in this set and were able to convert on 19% of their attempts compared to Tulane’s 8%. The second set was similar to the first as neither team was able to gain a sizable advantage. The set stayed tightly contested until the Lady Pirates got hot at the end. ECU was up 21-19 when they scored four of the next five to claim the second set 25-20, and move one step closer to their first conference victory.
The Green Wave were able to jump out to an early 12-9 lead in the final set. The Lady Pirates were able to turn the tides quickly and get ahead 19-14 thanks mostly to junior hitter Ellie Pate, who recorded three kills in a row. The Green Wave were able to close the gap to 20-18, but ECU was able to hold them off for a 25-22 victory and clinch the match. The win snapped a five match losing streak, giving ECU momentum going into the second half of conference play. Next
Sophomore
second volleyball triple double in program history as the volleyball team (9-6, 1-3 American Conference) defeated Tulane University (9-6, 1-3 AAC) in straight sets. Gilreath accumulated 14 assists, 11 digs, and 10 kills and recorded the first triple double since Shelby Miller put
Logan Harlow THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Junior forward Alyssa Tucker and Pirate teammate celebrate after erasing
East Carolina University volleyball team celebrates the 3-0 win against conference opponent Tulane University as sophomore setter Taryn Gilreath records
Caleb
Caitlen-Star Dolan
Olivia Dietrich
Sydney Buchanan