Family Weekend

The Beam family’s Pirate pride runs as deep as the Atlantic Ocean itself. It all began with the matriarch, Leighann, a proud alumna from a long line of Pirates – including her mother, who was an ECU English professor, and all three siblings. Though he’s not an alumnus, the family’s patriarch, Anthony, is the ultimate fan, attending every game and proudly wearing his purple and gold. Their dedication is best seen in their oldest daughter, Meghan, a current student who has served as a football team specialist and ECU ambassador, and who has helped welcome the next generation of Pirates as an Orientation Assistant. With their youngest daughter, Morgan, set to attend ECU next year as an education major, their legacy will continue to grow. For the Beams, being a Pirate isn’t just something you do—it’s something you are!

The Carroll/Simpson family’s connection to East Carolina University began in the early 1960s when Bill Carroll met Pat Waff at a fraternity-sorority social. They married in 1965 and built a Pirate legacy that has spanned generations. From listening to games in parking lots to tailgating at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, ECU football has always been at the heart of their family traditions. Both of their daughters, Catharine and Stacy, graduated from ECU and continued the legacy with families of their own. After Pat’s passing in 2002, ECU remained a source of healing and joy, bringing Bill and Jackie Hutcherson together. Today, with grandchildren like Emory, a current junior and Kappa Delta (like her grandmother Pat), and Tanner and Landry, hoping to be future Pirates continuing the tradition, this family’s Pirate pride remains strong. For over 65 years, ECU has been more than a school—it’s been a second home. Through every touchdown and tear, the Carroll/Simpson family remains loyal and proud!