March 2026 Newsletter
Building success one donation at a time!
This year marked the 10th anniversary of Pirate Nation Gives (PNG), and our donors demonstrated exceptional generosity. The Health Sciences Campus launched PNG on Thursday, February 26, with an event designed to educate students about philanthropy. Many students participated as first-time donors, receiving their philanthropy cords, and expressed their gratitude by writing thank-you cards to supporters.
Highlights from Pirate Nation Gives include:
More than $12 million raised—the most successful day of giving to date
30% of donors were ECU alumni
Over 700 new donors contributed for the first time
We invite you to learn more about the impact of PNG.
If you were unable to participate during Pirate Nation Gives, contributions are welcomed at any time.
Expanding Horizons Through Service: Interprofessional Learning in Dominica
During spring break, fourteen communication sciences & disorders (CSDI) undergraduate and graduate students and occupational therapy (OT) students participated in a transformative service-learning experience in Dominica facilitated by Therapy Abroad. CSDI faculty leaders were Krystal Lineberger and Sherri Winslow, and OT faculty lead was Dr. Heather Panczykowski. Working alongside local partners, the team provided speech-language and occupational therapy services to both pediatric and adult clients at schools, homes and adult care facilities.
Throughout the trip, students engaged in a wide range of service activities including individual and group therapy sessions, caregiver education, and collaborative treatment planning. Students worked together to share perspectives and develop integrated treatment plans—mirroring real-world healthcare teamwork. This collaboration not only enhanced client outcomes but also deepened students’ understanding of each profession’s unique contributions.
Students learned to adapt their clinical skills to a new cultural context, emphasizing flexibility, creativity, and cultural humility. Many reflected on how the experience challenged them to think critically, communicate effectively across differences, and prioritize relationships as the foundation of care.
This service-learning trip to Dominica exemplifies the power of experiential education. By combining clinical practice, interprofessional collaboration, and cultural immersion, students not only strengthened their professional competencies but also embraced the core values of service, empathy, and lifelong learning.
Submitted by Sherri Winslow
Learning the skills of negotiation
On Thursday, March 26, the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS) and the College of Nursing (CON) partnered to host an engaging and informative presentation focused on navigating negotiations for a first job offer. Designed for students preparing to enter the workforce, the session provided practical guidance on how to approach conversations about compensation and benefits with confidence and professionalism.
The panel featured Rebecca Bergene, Career Counselor; Kevin Sutton, Director of Financial Wellness; and Dr. Leah Grubb, Assistant Professor in the College of Business. Each presenter brought a unique perspective, offering students a well-rounded understanding of both the interpersonal and financial aspects of negotiation.
Panelists emphasized the importance of preparation, encouraging students to research salary ranges, understand employer benefits, and reflect on their personal financial needs prior to receiving an offer. They also highlighted the “golden moment” of negotiation—after an offer has been extended—when candidates have the most leverage to advocate for themselves.
In addition to salary, the panel encouraged students to consider the full compensation package. For example, if an employer is unable to offer a higher salary, candidates might explore alternatives such as relocation assistance, student loan repayment support, or additional benefits. These elements can significantly impact overall financial well-being and should not be overlooked.
The session also addressed common concerns among first-time job seekers, including feelings of hesitation or uncertainty when negotiating. Panelists reassured students that negotiation is a professional and expected part of the hiring process, and that approaching it thoughtfully can strengthen, not harm, the relationship with a future employer.
Overall, the event provided valuable insights and practical strategies, equipping students with the tools they need to make informed decisions and confidently navigate their first job offers.
PT 5K Recap
CAHS Walking Path
We’re excited to share our new ¼-mile indoor walking path on the Health Sciences Campus—created in collaboration with our CAHS Student Leadership Council and Senior Academic Support Specialist, Melissa Wallace.
The path starts on the 2nd floor of the Health Sciences Building near the entrance of Laupus Library, continues through CAHS, loops around the College of Nursing, and returns to the starting point—making it easy to fit movement into your day.
As health science students and professionals, we’re committed to promoting healthy habits. This walking path offers a simple way to get moving, recharge, and support your well-being throughout the day.
A special thank you to our Health Science Campus partners, Laupus Library and the College of Nursing, for opening their hallways and sharing wellness tips along the way!
ECU/Farm2Clinic Cooking Camp for kids
ECU Department of Nutrition’s Farm2Clinic is once again offering Summer Children’s Culinary Camps! These hands-on camps are designed to teach kids 8-11 important cooking skills, while also integrating nutrition education, math, reading, and food science skills. Kids can sign up for multiple sessions, as each one will feature new recipes and activities!
We currently have an Early Bird Special Pricing. This discounted price of $250 will be available until May 31st. Spots are limited- register today to secure the early bird pricing! 🙂
Camp Themes:
Session 1: June 23-25 2026, Culinary Theme: Pastry & Baking
Session 2: July 14-16 2026, Culinary Theme: Flavors from Around the World
Session 3: July 28-30 2026, Culinary Theme: Junior Chef Competition
Camp Time:
Each camp is Tuesday – Thursday, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Camp Location:
ECU Health Sciences Building, 500 Health Sciences Drive
To register or learn more about the camps, please use the following link or scan the QR code in the attached flyer:
https://epay-banner.ecu.edu/C20694_ustores/web/store_cat.jsp?STOREID=232&CATID=270
Donica, D. K., & Vos, P. (2026). Screener of Handwriting Proficiency: Student performance and expectations from kindergarten through fifth grade. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 1-25. Sophie Youngs, HSM junior and Honor College student, was recently published in NCHIMA Footprints. Her article was on Understanding Valuable Workforce Competencies in the Field of Health Informatics and Information Management. You can view the article here.
Important Dates
March 27th – Registration began for Summer and Fall 2026
April 3 – State Holiday (no classes)
April 28th – ☀️Last Day of Class☀️- State Holiday make-up day; classes which would have met on Friday, April 3rd will meet this day
April 29– Reading Day and CAHS Research Day
April 30 – 📚Final exams begin
May 7 – Final exams end 🎉
May 8 – 🎓Commencement🎓
May 18– 1st Summer classes begin
May 25– State Holiday (no classes)
June 22 – 1st summer classes end