Shared Community Chapters
Looking to connect with fellow Pirate alumni of a shared community?
The ECU Alumni Association supports shared community chapters to connect you with fellow Pirates helping to grow your social and professional network. Because you share the history, traditions and love of all things Purple and Gold, you are part of the Alumni Association. Joining a chapter is a free and easy way to get involved with fun events and service opportunities within your shared community! Shared community chapters also help to create opportunities for ARRRGH current Pirates! Everyone is welcome so click the link below to join your chapter today.
Marching Pirate Alumni
Connect with fellow Marching Pirates
Whether you marched decades ago or just recently put down your instrument, you remain an important part of the Marching Pirates family. Stay connected with fellow alumni, celebrate the traditions that unite us and help carry the spirit of the Marching Pirates forward.
Marching Pirates alumni gather annually during Homecoming Weekend for a special reunion and performance opportunity. Stay tuned for details about this year’s celebration.
In addition to signing up below, Marching Pirates are invited to follow along on our Facebook page for updates.
Veterans Alumni Chapter
The ECU Veterans Alumni Chapter (VAC) unites Pirate veterans, active-duty service members, and military-affiliated alumni through shared experiences of service, leadership, and Pirate pride. We honor those who have served while fostering community, mentorship, and professional growth. Each fall, the ECU Alumni Association and VAC host the Distinguished Military Service Society (DMSS) Awards, recognizing alumni and community members who embody the Pirate spirit through exceptional military service and leadership.
Nominations now open for the Distinguished Military Service Society (DMSS) Awards
The Distinguished Military Service Society honors ECU alumni and friends who have been vital to our nation’s strength and success. For a large part of its history, ECU students, staff, faculty, alumni and supporters have played a strong role in advancing our nation through contributions to its defense and to East Carolina University.
To be considered, nominated individuals must have made significant contributions to both East Carolina University and the nation’s security, regardless of whether they attended ECU or served on active duty. Nominees should demonstrate integrity, leadership, and distinguished service, and be individuals whom ECU faculty, staff, students and alumni can take pride in and be inspired by. We invite you to help us recognize and celebrate those who embody these values through their exceptional achievements and commitment to service.
DMSS Nomination Guidelines:
- All nominations and supporting materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
- Resumes and other supporting materials are not required; however, they do strengthen a submission and provide a more comprehensive snapshot for the selection committee’s review and consideration. (Please find examples of a resume and biography below.)
- Honorees are required to attend the DMSS Induction Ceremony in early November (date and time TBD) as part of their acceptance of this honor.
- Honorees and one (1) guest will be invited to attend the Military Appreciation Game on Friday, November 6 (time TBD).
- All nominators will be contacted once a decision is made prior to public announcement as a courtesy.
- Nominations not selected will be kept on file for one year and resubmitted for consideration the following year (total of two (2) years for consideration).
DMSS Monument
Located in the dedicated military space in the Main Campus Student Center, the DMSS monument will honor the legacy of military excellence and leadership shown by those who have made significant sacrifices to advance and strengthen the nation and East Carolina University.
This monument will display all the past, current and future honorees inducted into this society. For now, we have displayed the rendering of the design along with a QR code to support our new ECUAA Military Initiatives Fund. We created this fund to provide support for the creation and installation of this monument, as well as initiatives of the VAC that assist Cadets on campus here at ECU. We invite to be a part of this legacy today and give a gift to support these efforts.
A Veterans Day message from our chapter president
Nov. 11, 2025
Today, we pause to honor and thank the veterans of our ECU community and across the nation. Your service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms inspire us all.
At East Carolina University, we are proud to have veterans, active-duty service members, and military families among our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Your dedication reflects the very spirit of Pirate Nation—courage, integrity, and resilience.
We also encourage you to connect with our ECU Veterans Alumni Chapter and their efforts to support on-campus military and veteran initiatives. Your involvement helps strengthen our community and continues the proud tradition of service that defines Pirate Nation.
On this day to honor our veterans, we are proud to announce the upcoming installation of a monument dedicated to the members of the Distinguished Military Student Society (DMSS).
Located within the dedicated military space in the Main Campus Student Center, the DMSS monument will honor the legacy of military excellence and leadership demonstrated by those who have made significant sacrifices to advance and strengthen both our nation and East Carolina University.
We invite you to join us in supporting this meaningful project by making a gift to the ECU Alumni Association Military Initiatives Fund, which directly supports the DMSS monument and other programs benefiting alumni and student veterans at ECU.
On this Veterans Day, we extend our deepest gratitude for your service and for the many ways you continue to contribute to our university and communities.
Thank you for your courage and your commitment.
With appreciation,
Colonel Derrick J. “D” Floyd ’97
President of the ECU Veterans Alumni Chapter