TheEast ECU TO TAKE ON MEMPHIS
Carolinian
Ticket 1 wants to revamp grade scale
This week, East Carolina University students will have the chance to vote on the future of ECU. From Feb. 25-27, Student Government Association elections will take place with two tickets on the ballot. One of the tickets consists of the SGA President nominee, Seth Weiss, and the Vice President nominee, Emma Tunnel.
Tunnel, a Biology major who eventually wants to go into pre-med, and Weiss, a political science major, have known each other since their freshman year, when they were both shipmates (a program for new students who want to learn about SGA)
While Tunnel has been involved in various extracurricular activities, such as serving as a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, the undergraduate coordinator for the Pitt County Care Clinic, and conducting research for the Biology department, Weiss has been primarily involved with SGA. Since his freshman year, Weiss has held three different cabinet and council positions.
He said that running for Student Body President has been a goal of his since
graduating from high school. He wants to use the SGA President position to further his goal of working in higher education.
“My career goal to work in higher education stems from my fundamental belief that it has the power to transform lives,” Weiss said. “And I’m going to start here. This is kind of the starting point for that,” he continued.
He describes the experience of running for SGA President as “Wonderful” because he gets to advocate for students and develop relationships with a variety of people.
“I think, bottom line, I want to be able to transform the lives of my friends, my students,” Weiss said.
When picking his running mate, Weiss said choosing Tunnel was an easy decision. He describes her as very smart and knowing both what she wants and what ECU needs. He said that he and Tunnel have gelled really well together throughout their campaign. Tunnel credits her role as an undergraduate coordinator for the Pitt County Care Clinic to her and Weiss working well together.
“Working with Seth has been easy; we’ve known each other for so long, I know who he is and what he wants to do for campus,”
she said.
Weiss said the biggest struggle for anybody running for student government is getting people to vote. He said that out of a campus of over 25,000 students, only about 2,000 vote in SGA elections. He describes the situation as “scary” because the policies they want to establish will affect the daily lives of students.
“The problems that we will be addressing and working on will affect everyone. It’s scary that only 2,000 of those students make those decisions for the entirety of the campus,” Weiss said.
Their platform is “We Are ECU,” an acronym for “equity, consistency, and unity.” When it comes to “equity,” Weiss said they want to ensure that all students have access to the same resources.
“It’s important to understand that everyone comes from different financial, personal, and cultural backgrounds, and not everyone has the same issue,” he said.
The “c” stands for “consistency,” meaning that he and Tunnel want to ensure that every student expects the same academic standard.
“We’re all at the same school, and whether you’re in a certain college department, year, major, or professor, none of that should be an obstacle for you,” he said.
As for “unity,” Weiss said they want to keep ECU rich with tradition, especially in Uptown Greenville.
One of their biggest priorities is academics. One of the policies they want to institute is standardizing how grades are assessed and how students are treated and guided in the classroom.
Tunnel said they want to work with various departments across ECU to establish a standardized grading scale. She explained that ECU currently does not use an “A+”, and if they start using the grade, that will put the school on par with NC State.
They also want to establish “Community Days.” Tunnel described this event as “a cross between a farmers market and a job fair.”
Weiss said that they want to improve communication between SGA and the student body. He said that he and Tunnel want to be very accessible to students.
against the College of Charleston (3-5, 0-0 Coastal Athletic Association) then losing a series to Virginia Tech University (6-1, 0-0 ACC) 2-1.
He referenced the monthly newsletter “President’s Parlay” as a past transparency initiative. However, he believes the newsletter has been ineffective because not every student checks their email often.
“Making sure that we’re literally putting ourselves out there and answering questions, holding forums, an d making sure students can ask questions, it’s important,” Weiss said. They said that their experience is what makes them stand out not just from past administrations but also from their election opponents.
“I think there are things that we would all love to see change, but our ticket, because of our experience, knows the realism of what can and can’t be done,” Weiss said. “I think that is what really separates us from them,” he continued.
Weiss was very complimentary of their opponents, Ryan Grant and Audrey Frank. Weiss described them as “very dedicated student leaders.” However, Weiss believes that his and Tunnel’s experience in SGA is more relevant and has allowed their campaign to be more impactful to students.
The 23rd rendition of the Keith Leclair Classic is being played this weekend at Clark-Leclair Stadium. This year's tournament will feature four teams; East Carolina (3-4-1, 0-0 American Athletic Conference), Rutgers University (4-3, 0-0 Big Ten), Troy University (3-4, Sun Belt), and Western Carolina University (5-2, 0-0 SOCON).
The event honors former East Carolina baseball head coach Keith Leclair who passed away from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2006. Leclair currently sits as the fourth winningest coach in school history, racking up 212 wins from 1998-2003. His impact on the baseball program and the university is profound, he was inducted into the ECU Hall of Fame in 2002.
The Pirates have had a shaky start to the year but are coming off a positive series against #10 ranked University of North Carolina (6-1-1, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference). They split the series evenly 1-1-1.
After a blowout by Carolina in game one, 10-0 in eight innings, ECU was able to even the series behind a breakout game by freshman center fielder Grady Lenenhan. He went 3-5 with six RBI’s and was a single shy of the cycle. In game three, the game was knotted at three when it was called in the fifth inning due to weather.
The tournament kicks off for the Pirates at 4:30 p.m. on Friday Feb, 27. when they play Rutgers. Junior pitcher Ethan Norby will likely get the start and will look to find the spark of last season, as he’s opened this season with a 7.04 ERA through two starts.
The Scarlet Knights have been hot at the plate to open the year as they have nine guys who currently possess an average above .250. They opened the season going 3-1
ECU will then take on Troy at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday Feb, 28. The Trojans are coming off a series win against Campbell University (3-4, 0-0 CAA). Troy received lots of hype coming into the year, a few college baseball experts picked them as a sleeper team to go to Omaha. This will likely be the Pirates biggest test of the weekend and could be a game that affects seeding when the NCAA tournament comes around.
Western Carolina will be the final opponent of the tournament for ECU. First pitch is set for 3:30 p.m. Sunday March, 1. and will be the final game of the LeClair Classic. The Catamounts are coming off a series win over Bowling Green University (1-5, 0-0 MAC) and have opened the young season well above .500. They will face their biggest tests this weekend playing Troy and Rutgers before ending the weekend against the Pirates.
The Pirates will lean on sophomore utility player Braden Burress to continue to produce, he has opened the season batting .500. Senior right field Jack Herring and junior catcher Walker Barron have also had a hot start to the year, both batting above .400.
Sophomore reliever Sean Jenkins has been lethal out of the bullpen for the Pirates, giving up zero runs and racking up 17 strikeouts in 10.1 innings on the year. After two appearances last week, he was named American Conference Pitcher of the Week.
This is a crucial weekend for ECU, playing multiple talented teams in front of a roaring home crowd to honor a Pirate legend. All the games will be streamed live on ESPN+, live radio coverage will be available on 94.3 FM The Game.
Dakota Hamm THE EAST CAROLINIAN
DAKOTA HAMM I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Seth Weiss and Emma Tunnel wants a safer campus and a standardized grading scale for students.
SAMANTHA BRANDMAN I THE EAST CAROLINIAN A sign in Student Center that says "vote here"
ECU YDSA Chapter hold vigil for ICE victims
The East Carolina University chapter of Young Democratic Socialists held a vigil for victims of ICE. On Feb. 18, people from around ECU and Pitt County came to the cupola with signs and candles to commemorate those who have been killed by ICE. At the end of the vigil, the names of all the victims were named and demands for the university were said.
North Carolina measles cases increase
A new case of measles has been reported to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. This new case has made the reported number increase to 23. According to WITN, most of the cases are in the western part of the with 65% of the cases being unvaccinated.
Greenville Mayor believe Airport is not doing enough for local economy
Greenville Mayor PJ Connelly said that the Pitt-Greenville Airport is falling short of its potential to generate money for the region’s economy. This is due to the fact that Pitt County residents don’t have many options when it comes to air travel in the region.
ECU Health launches new scholarship program for PCC students
ECU Health has launched the new Academic Loan Scholarship Program for Pitt Community College students. The programs will support health science students, by offering the $5,000 in assistance. The aid will only be available to eligible students who agree to a one-year work commitment at ECU Health after graduating.
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact editor@theeastcarolinian.com.
Ticket 2 runs for SGA
Mallory Sheldon TEC STAFF
The Student Government Association Election is underway at East Carolina University. Student Body Presidential Candidate Ryan Grant and Vice Presidential Candidate Audrey Frank are both juniors at ECU. They said that they are prepared to serve the student body.
“We aren’t running for titles,” Grant said. “We are running to make ECU more accessible, connected, and student-focused,” he added.
They said voting for Ticket Two means integrating fresh ideas with campus tradition. Their term will focus on three main priorities that are rooted in campus involvement and student achievement.
Their priority is the ECU One Card, which will be accessible through your Apple Wallet and Apple ID. The candidates say this will allow for a smooth experience and simplify students’ daily lives, as often forgetting or losing their One Card stalls their campus participation.
Second, dining halls will be improved with high-protein meals and nutrition-filled options. The pair says this will be prioritized early in their term and is excited to incorporate student portals where students can provide feedback and raise concerns about campus food.
“We plan to publish the lowest performing restaurants each semester for transparency, expand healthy and dietary food options, and launch a student suggestion portal,” Frank said.
Third, keeping traditions alive. They hope to be founders of new university traditions while preserving the existing decadelong ones. Grant gave an example of this at the recent debate.
“A central lighting event on campus — this would entail the chancellor coming to speak, and the whole Mall would be dark to start, but once they say ‘happy exam week,’ the entire Mall would light up in purple and gold,” Grant said.
With a rising concern in the last couple of years with students feeling disconnected from decision-making, Grant and Frank promise to uphold the responsibility of hearing your voice. Even so, they will provide consistent media updates that demonstrate transparency at each stage of their new initiatives.
They say they will seek student input before making any major funding investments and hope to collaborate with finance majors as an outlet for those decisions.
“Too often students give feedback, and it’s never followed
up — we want transparency, published updates, and physical progress to show students their voices matter,” Grant said.
Grant and Frank’s experience does not begin here.
“Through our leadership experiences, we both have had many conversations that start with ‘why is that still a problem’ and felt ready to step up,” Frank said.
While running for student body president, Grant is also positioned as the Scholarship Chair for his fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega. Before that, he was notable for his time as Recruitment Chair, Historian, and Vice President, during which he oversaw around 400 potential new members. He also sat in multiple Pirate Round
meetings.
“We are committed to transparency and measurable actions; that’s why people should hold us accountable,” Grant said.
Before running for student body vice president, Frank had served in her sorority, Alpha Xi Delta, as Recruitment Director and House Manager. Right now, she is the social media intern for the Pirate Academic Success Center, where she said it has taught her so much about the importance of visibility and communication.
Frank said her biggest promise to students is to improve safety at ECU. The plan is to add more lights on walkways, greenways, and parking lots, and install more blue light stations with clearer
signage.
“There are places that just simply aren’t lit well enough,” Frank said.
Voting begins February 25 and ends February 27. To cast a vote, visit The Pirate Experience. Polls are open at the following times: February 25 from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. February 26 from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. February 27 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
For any questions or concerns about the election, contact sgaelections@ecu.edu.
ECU student speaks out after vehicle accident
Nearly two years after being struck by a moving vehicle while walking across East 10th Street, East Carolina University student Jenna Lucido is now focused on the growth that followed.
Following the accident that took place on Nov. 4, 2024, Lucido spent three weeks in the hospital recovering from the impact. But when asked what she remembers most about that time, her answer is surprisingly simple.
“It happened. I don’t really know,” Lucido said. “It’s been a while now, and a lot of things have changed since then. It’s just not the same,” Lucido continued.
While reflecting on her recovery, she emphasized the determination needed to overcome recovery challenges.
“You get help, but it comes down to you and what you want to do,” Lucido explained.
Although family and friends surrounded her throughout her hospital stay and recovery, Lucido emphasized that progress required her own motivation. By early January, two months after the accident and before her 21st birthday, she said she felt ready
to return to her normal routine. Her routine now included a full spring semester.
“My schedule was just hard that semester, I remember,” she said. “But I did it. I passed all my classes,” Lucido said.
Returning to campus, she added, felt surprisingly normal.
“It was easy to go back,” Lucido said.
Lucido, now a photography apprentice at Pirate Media 1, shared what it has been like to see her story covered by different news sources.
“I think it’s interesting. It’s fun to see the other side of it,” she said. As conversations about pedestrian safety along East 10th Street continue, Lucido shares advice for students crossing busy streets.
“Really look both ways, like, really, really, look,” Lucido said. For students navigating their own challenges, Lucido offers reassurance.
“Time will pass,” Lucido said. “Just make sure you get things done for yourself. Put yourself first… there’s better days” she said.
COURTESY OF SGA ECU SGA election is right around the corner. Ticket two consists of Ryan Grant and Audrey Frank who are running.
CRIME LOGS
Editor's Note: The East Carolinian Crime Logs are derived from East Carolina University Police Department’s (ECU PD) public crime logs accessible to all individuals. Crime Logs are not done within the partnership of ECU PD and The East Carolinian, as this publication is meant to act as an additional resource for Pirate Nation. Below are listings of criminal activity that has occurred on or within proximity of main campus.
Feb, 19
A report of hazing was filed by campus security on Phi Kappa Tau’s ECU chapter. The incident reportedly took place on Oct, 10. but the report was just filed last Thursday.
Feb, 19
Campus Police caught someone trespassing in the first degree at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium last Thursday. The offender was cleared, prosecution was denied, and referrals were issued.
Feb, 19
Campus Police were called to the scene of an assault on a female at the Carol Belk Pavilion on ECU’s campus. The suspect was cleared because the victim refused to cooperate.
Feb, 23
Campus Police performed an arrest at the Main Campus Student center for felony larceny. This incident took place Monday at 2:28 p.m.
Feb, 20
A suspect is under investigation for possessing a weapon on educational property at ECU’s Fletcher Residence Hall. The incident took place at 8:58 p.m. last Friday.
Feb, 22
A suspect is under investigation for injury to real property at ECU’s Garrett Residence Hall. The Incident took place at 11 a.m. on Sunday.
The Fourth Annual Black Student Success Summit
Madison Lanier TEC STAFF
On Saturday, Feb. 21, the fourth annual Black Student Success Summit was hosted in the ballrooms of the Main Campus Student Center. This event was student led, open to all and gave students the opportunity to network, build professional skills, and meet professionals from around campus. The theme for this year's summit was culture and connection.
“It is just an opportunity for students to come together, to navigate, to build professional skills and grow those connections,” marketing and communications chair Semaj Solomon said. ”We know it can be hard for students to find that space and that time to do so, we want to create that for all students, all are welcome.”
There was free registration for this event. It lasted from 9 AM through 3 PM. During the event, Tonya J. Lynch was the key note
speaker. There were breakout sessions for students to connect with one another. There was also breakfast and lunch provided. Students enjoyed a panel of speakers during lunch as well as live music throughout the event.
This event began in 2022 and was created by a student who witnessed the impacts of the College of Business leadership conference and wanted to facilitate something similar. According to Solomon, its purpose was for students to congregate, network, and share strategies to succeed in college and in their professional lives.
“They wanted to create that space for our black students here at ECU,” Solomon said. “A couple of students got in on the vision and it's been going four years strong now and the registration amount and the attendance amount has been growing ever since.”
Talented, empowered, aspired, men
(T.E.A.M) hosted the event this year. Solomon hopes that students who attended gained confidence in themselves, networking skills, and a better knowledge of the opportunities available to them through ECU’s campus.
“I want them to know that they are very much capable of taking on leadership opportunities and growing their network, their professional outreach,” Solomon said.
“They just have to seek those opportunities, not be afraid to network, to market yourself, to just even build leadership skills; take part in events on campus, go to the different like leadership and professional skill development courses that we have here at ECU because a lot of the times they're free, we just don't take the time to seek those opt opportunities, so I want students to really pay attention and engage and just start growing for their betterment.”
This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
$3.5 Million Awarded to Gulf Coast Study
East Carolina University has awarded over $3.5 million to a team of researchers to study fish spawning and conservation efforts in the Gulf Coast.
The research will take a transdisciplinary approach, involving scientists and fishermen, to verify fish spawning locations. Funding was awarded in October, and site verification and data gathering will begin over the summer. Research is expected to last through September 2030. According to the Research Science Program, the goal is to determine effective management practices for fish aggregation spawning.
Associate Professor Rebecca Asch will serve as the lead
investigator from the ECU team. Other teams will include Earth Sciences New Zealand and the Charter Fisherman’s Association. The Gulf Council and the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary will manage the project.
A spawning aggregation is a place where fish gather during specific times of the year for purposes of reproduction. According to Asch, these areas along the Gulf Coast are important for the reproduction and health of species such as grouper and snapper.
These aggregation sites tend to be vulnerable, especially because their existence is not always known to researchers until much later.
“These sites tend to be popular for commercial and recreational fishing,” Asch said. “And since they are so specific,
they can also be really vulnerable to a changing climate in cases where ocean conditions might differ in the future.”
The process for funding research is already very lengthy – it can take up to 1 year to get a proposal approved. Asch’s team had to revise their proposal due to a shifting government priority.
The coast of North Carolina has served as a model for future research.
“We’re actively using examples of conservation success in the South Atlantic to give results for possible outcomes in other regions,” Asch said.
Jordan Adams TEC STAFF
JOSI ADAMS I THE EAST CAROLINIAN ECU awards over a $3 million to a team of researchers to study fish in the Gulf Coast. The research will be done by Associate Professor Rebecca Asch, along with others from East Carolina Univeristy.
COURTESY OF BLACK STUDENT SUCCESS SUMMIT
The fourth annual Black Student Success Summit took place on Feb. 21. The event hosted Tonya J. Lynch, who was the key note speaker for the event.
Opinion
OUR VIEW
Our thoughts on cyberbullying and its effects
We, the editorial staff of the East Carolinian believe there is no excuse for cyber bullying. Cyber bullying hurts and isn’t productive. If you have to tear someone down, you aren’t a good person. To exist with people, you have to give everyone a level of kindness and respect.
It’s important especially now to be kind and give people grace. Life is hard enough without getting picked on. Cyber bullying can take many forms. Comments on posts. Videos. It’s never one concrete example.
Cyber bullying also extends off of the screen in some circumstances as people will use what they can to beat people down. The internet is a grey place. Yes it has done humanity a huge service but it’s also exposed people to a larger platform of anonymity. This anonymity can give people a false impression that there will be no consequences to their words. In reality words hurt and they hold more power than people realize.
With mental health being a major focus in the world right now it’s important to be nice and respectful. At the same time, taking up for yourself is important.
PIRATE RANTS
Rants.
The Joyner Library’s new hours are obscene. Yesterday I went to the library at 7:00am to go print out an assignment for my 8:00am class only to discover that the library does not open until 7:30 this is ridiculous! And I come to find out that on the weekends they wont open until 10:00am just like the dining hall. Blame me for being an early riser but by 10:00am I should be getting ready for lunch, not breakfast. Scientifically your cortisol levels are higher in the mornings, so you have more potential to be productive, is our University’s priority in budget cuts and not student success??
After seeing the news story about the robot being hit by a car, it makes me think about all the reckless driving happening around campus recently. The way people drive has me wondering when the next accident will be.
I can’t wait to go home for spring break and finally have some home cooked meals. The dining hall is just not cutting it.
Trump: Insulter in chief
Cal Thomas TRIBUNE
Each time one thinks President Trump has reached the lowest level possible in insulting his enemies, he finds new depths to plunge.
Following a 6-3 ruling by the Supreme Court, which included three conservative justices he appointed, the president called the justices “fools,” a “disgrace to the nation,” and “unpatriotic.” His critics might say such language is a disgrace to the presidency. Calling people names, especially names that are incendiary in content, wins no arguments and creates opposition instead of a fair hearing for one’s counter arguments.
The president also claimed the court’s decision is “disloyal to the Constitution,” when the majority opinion, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, cited the Constitution which the majority said does not grant the president the right to unilaterally impose tariffs under the emergency provision he cited. That right, under the separation of powers clause, is granted to Congress.
The Court might be reasonably criticized for the length of time it took to issue its ruling after billions of dollars have poured into the Treasury. It might also be criticized for saying nothing about whether any or all of that money
should be rebated to the countries that paid the money and the companies that experienced price increases for their products as a result of higher tariffs.
Past Supreme Courts have been criticized by presidents who disagreed with their rulings, but nothing like this president has done. Name-calling is juvenile, unhelpful in achieving one’s goals, and is a bad example to especially young people.
There is enough coarse language in the culture without the president adding to it. Last week, CNN ran a story called “politics and profanity.” It was about how increasing numbers of male politicians are now using bad language to apparently boost their macho bona fides (though increasingly female politicians are joining their male colleagues in the F-bomb gutter).
Once, politicians kept their cursing mostly private. Now they do it openly. They are not alone. Films, TV and other “entertainment” contain filthy language that once would have caused a TV station to lose its license, or a film to be censored by a now- defunct board that imposed a censorship code.
Both President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden have used profane language during their respective tenures and campaigns in the last decade. The trend is widespread. Some think the
earthiness makes politicians more honest and relatable.
We once thought politicians were supposed to set an example, because they were elected to represent the people. While hypocrisy is always around, “the people” mostly expected their leaders to speak what was once called “the king’s English” and with a minimal level of respect.
Arguments for tariffs could include that nearly 100 countries apply baseline tariffs on U.S. goods. It is unfair that we don’t reciprocate with tariffs on them. The U.S. also has comprehensive free trade agreements in force with 20 countries.
The day after the court ruled, the president announced a 15 percent “global tariff.” We’ll see if that survives court challenges. He might even get Congress to approve them if he tried a measure of kindness and respect for our institutions, instead of pouring on gallons of vitriol when some disagree with him.
The president should also try attacking spending which has created an unsustainable $38 trillion debt. That would improve the economy more than tariffs ever could.
Hegseth freaks out about AI
Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary, threatened Claude’s CEO, Dario Amodei if he didn’t let the United States use their AI program. The parent company, Anthropic, is being threatened that if it doesn’t allow the United States to use its AI tech, it will be considered a supply chain risk.
In my opinion, I think this showcases a major issue with the current administration. It’s blatant strong arming of dissent is leaving a bad taste in people’s mouths. The United States wants to use the AI tech to integrate into their internal military network.
According to the Associated press, Amodei has expressed his views on unchecked government use of AI and he does like it. He shares the view of many people as the unchecked use of AI with no regulation has been a topic of conversation. It’s scary because as
OUR STAFF
AI continues to be an increasingly powerful tool we’re seeing more and more integrated into our day by day life.
This decision could mean many things for the military. It could help but the possible consequences in my opinion outway the good that it could
do. How far are we going to go with ai? What possible ramifications could it have for the United States at large? Only time will tell as the world watches AI’s development.
Contact Info
Candon Johnson THE EAST CAROLINIAN
COURTESY OF TRIBUNE
Trump adressing reporters. In a period of political polorization, many eyes are on the current administration as they navigate day to day news.
COURTESY OF TRIBUNE
Pete Hegseth, Defense secretary, addressing reporters. His performance has many skepticle.
Arts & Entertainment
EVENTS TODAY
Cowboy Toys Drag Show
Alley Cat Records, 1011 Charles St., Greenville, NC 27858
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 2527510590
Dexter & The Moonrocks
The State Theatre, 110 West 5th St , Greenville, NC 27858
7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
For the Love of Science: Adult Night at the Museum
A Time for Science, 226 W 8th St, Greenville, NC 27858 2523642862
Vienna Boys Choir
Wright auditorium, 100 Wright Cir, Greenville, NC 27858 2523284731,
7:30 PM to 11:59 PM
TOMORROW
PARANORMAL CIRQUE SPECTER
Pitt County Fair Grounds, 3910 M.L.K. Jr Hwy, Greenville, NC 27834 9417048572, 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Uptown Brewing’s 9 Year Anniversary Bash
Uptown Brewing Company, 418 Evans Street, Greenville, NC 27858
2526896487, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
SATURDAY
GREENVILLE MUSEUM OF ART BALL
Hilton Greenville, 207 SW Greenville Blvd, Greenville, NC 27834
2527581946, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Underground Presents Amateur Night
Tapped650, 650 E Fire Tower Rd, Winterville, NC 28590 2526896455, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
ECU to host flute symposium
directly with the guest artist. According to Gustafson, these events provide exposure to the highest levels of classical performance while encouraging young musicians to explore new artistic paths.
East Carolina University’s School of Music will host its 2026 Flute Symposium on Friday, Feb. 27, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring internationally recognized guest artist Rama Kumaran.
The performance, open to the public, promises a thrilling evening of flute and piano works; however, the exact program will remain a mystery until Kumaran announces the selections on stage.
ECU flute instructor, Christine Gustafson, said the symposium reflects the School of Music’s commitment to bringing leading artists to Eastern North Carolina. Each year, artist faculty are entrusted to invite distinguished performers to campus to inspire students and engage the broader community.
“I met Rama at the National Flute Association Convention in Atlanta last August, where he had been invited to perform along with many of the top flutists of our time,” Gustafson said.
Kumaran is widely recognized for his interpretations of contemporary composer Herman Beeftink, whose music has grown increasingly popular in recent years for its accessibility and technical demands. Much of Beeftink’s recent work has emerged within the last five years, positioning him as an active voice in modern classical composition.
Kumaran’s performances of Beeftink’s works have gained significant attention online, particularly through recordings shared on YouTube, where his playing has achieved widespread acclaim.
“It is incredibly helpful to my students, a number of whom are and have been studying Beeftink’s music, to have the top interpreter of that composer’s music for the last 10 years, right here with us in person and to learn from him directly,” Gustafson said.
Beyond his interpretive achievements, Kumaran earned distinction early in his career as the youngest winner of the National Flute Association’s Young Artist Competition, which is an accomplishment Gustafson described as “a tremendous achievement.”
The symposium will include both a concert and a masterclass, offering students and community members the opportunity to engage
“Inviting the latest exciting performers and having them play in
I met Rama at the National Flute Association Convention in Atlanta last August, where he had been invited to perform along with many of the top flutists of our time.
- Christine Gustafson
person the music of living composers is an opportunity for access in Eastern North Carolina to the latest trends in wonderful music that is being written for us today,” said Gustafson.
Gustafson said such visits are made possible through the support of the School of Music and are offered free of charge to students, including those from surrounding areas. For Gustafson, the symposium’s impact extends beyond a single evening’s performance.
“Events like these provide examples of the best in classical music performance and help to give ignition that inspires our own developing professional musicians to continue in their work and consider new paths for expression on their instrument,” she said.
The ECU Flute Symposium concert and masterclass are open to all students and the general public.
This writer can be contacted at arts@theeastcarolinian.com.
Inside Jack Black’s quiet 20-year marriage
watched her from afar.”
The couple reconnected years later at a surprise birthday party for a mutual friend. This time, Haden made the first move.
When Jack Black posted an Instagram tribute to his wife in February 2026, fans across the internet had the same stunned reaction: Jack Black is married?
The actor and musician has been with artist and cellist Tanya Haden for over two decades. Their love story started with a shy high school crush, led to an elopement in Big Sur and produced one of the quietest long-running marriages in Hollywood.
The Anniversary Post That Surprised Fans
On Sunday, Feb. 22, Jack Black shared an Instagram post celebrating 20 years of marriage to Tanya Haden.
Black captioned the post: “20 years! Happy anniversary my love. @tanyahaden”
Many fans were shocked to learn he has a wife of two decades.
A High School Crush He Never Acted On Black and Haden met while attending Crossroads, a private high school in Santa Monica, California. But this wasn’t a classic high school romance.
In a 2015 interview with Parade, Black said: “I didn’t date Tanya or talk to her or anything in high school. I was pretty shy. I just
During an August 2024 appearance on the “Armchair Expert” podcast, Black recalled the moment:
“She came up to me and said, ‘Hey, do you ever wanna go get dinner? I should give you my number,’ “
His reaction:
“And I was like, oh my God. Heaven opened up above my head, because it was like, this is the thing that I would always want to happen.”
Eloping In Big Sur
The couple married in a private ceremony in Big Sur, California, in 2006 after dating for less than a year. Black and Haden eloped in March 2006.
The proposal story came together quickly. Speaking about their decision to marry, Black explained that they initially weren’t planning on tying the knot. He said:
“We didn’t get married because it was like, [we] don’t really believe in the contract and that whole thing,” he said, per People. “Why is it necessary? And then as soon as she had a baby in her belly, my brother was like, ‘What the hell are you — you marry her!’”
He added: “I was like, you’re right, dude. I got on bended knee and she laughed and
said yes.”
Their first son, Samuel “Sammy” Jason Black, was born in June 2006. Their second son, Thomas “Tommy” David Black, was born in 2008.
Who is Tanya Haden?
Haden is a cellist and vocalist. According to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, she has performed with Los Angeles–area bands including Silversun Pickups.
She is the daughter of jazz bassist Charlie Haden. According to NPR, Charlie Haden’s 2008 album Rambling Boy featured him and his four children — Tanya, Petra, Rachel and Josh — as well as Black. Jack Black appeared on a jazz album with his father-in-law.
Tanya Haden is a triplet. Her triplet sisters, Petra and Rachel, are also musicians. They formed the band That Dog in the 1990s and later performed together as The Haden Sisters.
During promotion for The Family Songbook, Haden told NPR:
“We usually just naturally gravitate towards a harmony,”
She continued:
“But we’ll jump around in a song with different harmonies. Like on the chorus, Petra will sing the high part, and I’ll sing the middle, and Rachel will sing the low, and then for some reason on a verse we’ll kind of reverse parts not really thinking about it.”
Production of this article included the use of AI. It was reviewed and edited by a team of content specialists. ©2026 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
COURTESY OF RAMA KUMARAN
Rama Kumaran, a widely recognized flute player for his interpretations of contemporary composer Herman Beeftink, practices with his choice of instrument
Nuha Ahmed THE EAST CAROLINIAN
The ‘Kung Fu Panda’ Connection Black starred in the animated film Kung Fu Panda. Haden appeared in the film as Smitten Bunny. While Jack Black was voicing Po the panda, his wife was in the recording booth playing a bunny.
Hanna Wickes THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
COURTESY OF PEOPLE.COM
Jack Black pictured with his wife Tanya Haden
by Ricky Cruz
by Ricky Cruz
Sports
The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events
Tyler Buonocore TEC Staff
ECU LeClair Classic series prediction?
ECU 3-0
Why?
I really want to pick the Pirates to have an undefeated weekend but I just can’t do it. Rutgers lineup has been very hot to start the year with 9 guys batting over .250. But I expect us to pull that game out nonetheless. Troy on Saturday is the game I think ECU will drop. I think we may have to use Sean Jenkins in the Friday game meaning we will be a little thin in the bullpen, which I think is our downfall. Sunday I expect a blowout against Western Carolina, and Colby Weber pitching a great game.
Caleb Johnson TEC Sports Editor
ECU LeClair Classic series prediction?
ECU 3-0
Why?
I think that the Pirates go 3-0 this weekend. I think that we will definitely take care of business against Rutgers and Western Carolina. The one game that scares me a little bit is the Saturday game against Troy. Although, I do think the Pirates walk out with a win riding high on the momentum that they built last weekend against UNC.
Nick
Green WZMB Sports & News Director
ECU LeClair Classic series prediction?
ECU 2-1
Why?
Rutgers Friday night I expect to be a confidence booster for Ethan Norby who I think the Pirates can easily beat. Troy is an interesting game on Saturday, who I think if we were to drop a game, it would be that one. However at this point in the year if we don’t use Sean Jenkins Friday night and he’s available in the bullpen against Troy, I like our chances a lot. Lastly, we should take care of business against western, not much to say and I’m looking forward to watching Weber shove on Sunday.
ECU to take on Memphis
STAFF
East Carolina men’s basketball (9-18, 4-10 American Athletic Conference) returns home for a conference matchup with the University of Memphis (12-15, 7-7 AAC), a game that brings one of the league’s most athletic teams into Minges Coliseum. ECU heads into this one on a two game losing streak pending the result of Wednesday’s game against The University of Texas at San Antonio (5-22, 1-14 AAC).
Memphis presents a different kind of challenge than most opponents on ECU’s schedule. The Tigers want to play fast, pressure the ball, and turn defense into offense whenever possible. East Carolina can look to control the tempo early and avoid rushed possessions to counteract the Memphis defense and slow the Tigers momentum.
While the Tigers still have the athleticism and talent that have long been associated with the program, results have not followed consis-
tently the entire season. Turnovers and defensive breakdowns have hurt them at key moments, allowing opponents to control tempo and create separation. ECU can focus on staying composed and forcing the Tigers to execute in the half court, an area where they have struggled to find rhythm.
The Pirates are often at their best offensively when they are patient. Attacking the paint has opened up opportunities both at the rim and on the perimeter, and that approach will matter against a Memphis defense that thrives on forcing turnovers. Taking care of the basketball and making Memphis defend in the half court could go a long way in keeping the game competitive.
East Carolina will be tested well by Memphis’s speed and depth. Transition defense could be a major focus, as the Tigers look to score before defenses can get set. Limiting dribble penetration and communicating through switches could slow Memphis down.
Rebounding like in every game could also factor heavily into the outcome of this game. Memphis is very active on the glass and quick to turn second chance opportunities into points.
That’s something head coach and former NBA star Penny Hardaway really prioritizes. A strong collective effort inside from East Carolina to limit extra possessions and keep the Tigers from getting comfortable could go a long way.
This game offers another opportunity for ECU to collect another win on the season. While the challenge is significant, matchups like this provide valuable experience and an analysis of where your team is at as the Pirates season comes to a close.
The game will be played Sunday March, 1. at 2 p.m. in Minges Coliseum here in Greenville. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
ECU to play final home game vs UNCC
The East Carolina women’s basketball team (20-8, 12-3 American Athletic Conference) is set to take on the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (12-15, 6-8 AAC) this weekend in its last home game of the regular season.
The Pirates are coming off the heels of a tight loss at home last weekend against the American Conference’s top team Rice University (24-3, 14-0 AAC). The ladies battled hard in that one but came up short losing 60-58.
Pending the result of Wednesday’s game against the University of Memphis (8-19, 2-12 AAC). The Lady Pirates are firmly in control of second place in the American conference.
A large part of their success has been their ability to play consistent team basketball. The team currently has six players who are averaging above nine points per game.
Senior guard Kennedy Fauntleroy has led the charge for the Pirates averaging 13.8 points per game, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. Despite her personal success, the team surrounding her has picked up the pieces often which has heavily contributed to the teams overall success.
Players like senior forward Anzhane Hutton, sophomore guard Taylor Barner, senior forward Keanna Rembert, junior guard Jayla Hearp, and senior guard Savannah Brooks have all been integral parts to the teams overall success this year.
for the
a
should have no problem handling business against the 49ers.
ESPN’s matchup predictor says that ECU has a 76.6 percent chance of coming out of this matchup with a win. Slowing down UNCC senior guard Prin-
UNCC is one of the weaker teams in the conference currently sitting at eighth place in the conference with a negative record. If ECU can continue the trend they’ve established of playing quality team basketball they
cess Anderson will be
focus
Pirates defensively. She is currently leading Charlotte’s squad with 14.7 points per game. The game will be played Feb, 28 at 2 p.m. at Minges Coliseum here in Greenville. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN+.
Star senior guard Kennedy Fauntleroy walking out pregame and giving her teammates high fives prior to a recent ECU AAC matchup.
Caleb Johnson TEC STAFF
Logan Harlow TEC
Invite
