Honors College Charlotte Adventures

It was a warm and sunny July day at the U.S. National Whitewater Center near Charlotte where incoming Honors College students gathered to test their courage against the rapids at the Olympic whitewater rafting training site. Their concerns were justified. Several of the 45 students and seven college staff members, were catapulted from their rafts into the raging waters. It was great fun! Student Joy Taylor’s raft turned up on its side and she was launched into the water along with the raft’s guide! Both were hauled back aboard to complete the course. Joy declared it was “a thrilling experience. I had a blast.”

The Center also offered ropes courses, bike trails, zip lines, rock climbing and canoeing.

A change of pace was provided that evening at a minor league baseball game where the Charlotte Knights lost a close one to the Gwinnett Braves. Honors College Advancement Council member Bill Langley provided tickets and a ballpark buffet including franks and burgers for the hungry students. ECU Board of Trustees chair Robert Brinkley and his wife Amy also attended. Mr. Brinkley congratulated the Honors College staff, led by Dean Marianna Walker, for bringing talented students to ECU and offering them an array of rich programs and opportunities.

Megan Daniel declared that the day was “so much fun. I now know so many of my classmates, and we have shared such great experiences. I can’t wait to start classes.” Charlotte was the site of the third kickoff event offered to incoming Honors College students. The objective is to build social and academic relationships that will assist their success at ECU.