First Citizens Bank $36K Gift Helps Launch ECSU’s Spring 2021 Community Connections Series Season

First Citizens Bank has gifted Elizabeth City State University $36,000 to help fund, in part, the Community Connections: Performance and Lecture Series launched last spring. The first event, featuring best-selling author and poet Nikki Giovanni, will take place in February. 

According to Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Anita Walton, the gift will also be used to help fund scholarships. 

“First Citizens Bank is a valued partner with ECSU, investing in the academic future of our students, and the cultural enhancement of our entire Viking community,” said Ms. Walton. “We are very grateful to them for this generous gift.”

According to Hank Dunbar, manager of charitable and philanthropic services at First Citizens Bank, the financial institution “is committed to the communities where we live and work.”

“First Citizens Bank is a proud corporate partner of Elizabeth City State University, and we’re excited to continue our support through this gift for scholarships and the Community Connections Series,” said Mr. Dunbar.

The Community Connections Series is sponsored by a combination of the First Citizens Bank gift, a private donation from ECSU Trustee Phyllis Bosomworth, ECSU student fees and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The spring 2021 line-up was announced this week, according to Kevin Wade, associate vice chancellor for the Division of Student Affairs.

“We believe that this year’s 2021 line-up will provide diverse cultural experiences for the many people we hope to reach,” said Mr. Wade. “We want to bring them together whether these performances are virtual or in-person, while providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all.  We will feature motivational speakers and lecturers as well as professional dancers and musicians.”

The spring line-up for the ECSU Community Connections Series includes three events:

·       Poet, educator and best-selling author Nikki Giovanni will give a virtual lecture Feb. 25, 7 p.m.

·       The Dallas Black Dance Theater/Contemporary Modern Dance & Artistic Excellence, will be featured in an Interactive Virtual Performance March 31, 6 p.m.

·       The vice president of U.S. Government Affairs for Microsoft, Fred Humphries, will hold a hybrid lecture (on-campus and live stream) April 8, 7 p.m.

Mr. Wade says the Community Connections Series brings ECSU and the community together to celebrate a spectrum of cultural experiences. 

“Our missionis to produce the cultural experiences that can be enjoyed by students, faculty, and staff, as well as the community at large,” he said.