FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: 
Leha Byrd 
ECSU Communications and Marketing        
Email or 252-335-8745       

 

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (March 13, 2024) – Chief among the needs of student-athletes are scholarship funding and opportunities to travel and compete nationally. That’s part of the thrust behind the Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Department of Athletics’ inaugural “50 in 50” initiative. The goal of the fundraising project is to raise $50,000 in 50 days. The campaign ends April 17.  

Viking athletes compete on 11 teams with more than 250 students. Their most recent successes include 2023 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Northern Division championships for the women’s volleyball and basketball teams.  

“We desire to grow the opportunities for our student-athletes academically, athletically, and holistically in our quest to graduate champions,” said James DuBose, ECSU’s athletic director “This campaign can propel our student athletes to even greater success.”  

At the end of the Fall 2023 semester, 119 student-athletes earned a 3.0 GPA or better and five earned a 4.0 GPA. Giving student-athletes a well-rounded campus and community experience is part of what creates healthy, capable athletes who can best perform and excel in the classroom and competition, athletics officials said.  

“We are seeking everyone's support, as we continue to build an experience that makes students proud to be, or have been, a student-athlete in Viking Land,” DuBose said.  

Donations can be made in the name of a friend, a loved one or anonymously, and the donors will receive a tax receipt. Additionally, donors are encouraged to ask whether their employer has a gift matching program as a way to boost individual giving. Donor options are available here.  

About Elizabeth City State University 
Elizabeth City State University provides students with a high-quality, affordable education. A constituent member of the University of North Carolina System, ECSU develops courageous, resilient, and empowered leaders through excellent student-centered, experiential learning. ECSU offers baccalaureate, professional, and master’s degrees across a wide variety of disciplines. Come to Discover. Leave to Conquer. Visit www.ecsu.edu.