Elizabeth City, N.C. — The countdown is on for Elizabeth City State University's (ECSU) most anticipated celebration of the year — the 2025 Founders Day Gala. Promising an evening of elegance, excellence and Viking pride, the black-tie affair will spotlight ECSU's enduring legacy and honor the trailblazers, alumni andcommunity leaders who have added to its rich history.
Scheduled for March 15 at the K.E. White Graduate Center, this year's gala brings together alumni, students and community supporters for a night of inspiration and celebration.
"Founders Day is about honoring those who laid the foundation for who we are today," said Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds. "This year's gala is not just a celebration — it's a call to action for our community to continue charting the course for future generations of Vikings."
Among this year's honorees are several alumni whose achievements have left a lasting imprint on ECSU, their communities and their professions:
Frankie Bordeaux ('80) – A pillar of service and entrepreneurship, Bordeaux is known as one of the Down East Viking Classic founders and former executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Nash and Edgecombe counties. His leadership in education, athletics, and community service has set a standard for excellence. Bordeaux also owns Cambridge Behavioral Health Services and L&H Used Cars, further showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
David M. Carroll – A financial powerhouse, Carroll is a retired senior executive vice president of Wealth and Investment Management at Wells Fargo & Co. With a career that spanned nearly four decades, he led one of the nation's most prominent wealth management divisions. Today, he serves as the Managing Principal of his family's private equity and venture capital fund.
Dr. Peter Eley – A dedicated advocate and leader for ECSU and has served in multiple roles. He was student government president and a member of the ECSU Board of Trustees (1998-2000). Post-graduation, Eley continued his service as chairman of the ECSU Foundation Board (2019-2022), where he played a key role in securing a $15 million donation supporting campus expansion projects. A lifetime member of the ECSU Alumni Association and part of ECSU's Inaugural 40 Under 40 Cohort, he also established a scholarship endowment honoring his mentor, Dr. Dipendra Sengupta, to support mathematics students at ECSU.
Robert Thomas Goodman Jr. ('88) – A Washington, D.C. native and professional, Goodman graduated cum laude from ECSU in 1988. During his time at ECSU, he excelled as the tennis team captain, Mr. Senior, a member of the honors program's inaugural class, and a leader in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. With 36 years of experience as a contractor for federal agencies, Goodman currently serves as a master quality assurance specialist/operational manager at GOV-CIO. A dedicated community servant, he actively participates in the Washington D.C. Metro Alumni Chapter, his church and his family life as a husband, father, and grandfather.
Milton Earl Hagans ('79) – A dedicated military and education leader, Hagans served as a Command Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army and as an educator for Lynchburg City Schools for over three decades. His commitment to mentorship, education, and public service has profoundly impacted communities in Virginia and beyond.
Melvin Norman ('77) – Norman is a lifelong advocate for education and a community leader. With over 36 years as an educator and administrator, he has been a driving force in local alumni chapters and a former regional director for ECSU's National Alumni Association. He is a recipient of NAFEO's Distinguished Alumni Award and remains a beacon of Viking pride and service.
Wendy Pierce ('01) – A champion for health equity and social justice, Pierce is the community benefit and grants manager for Sentara Health. She has spearheaded numerous initiatives addressing social determinants of health in Virginia and North Carolina. As chair of the ECSU Board of Visitors, Pierce remains committed to ECSU's growth and mission.
Dr. Kuldeep Rawat – A visionary leader in STEM education, Rawat has spent over 20 years at ECSU, spearheading initiatives like the NASA Aerospace Academy and Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Workforce Development programs. His efforts have introduced thousands of K-12 students to STEM fields and created pathways for students to pursue aviation and technology careers.
Lee Andrew Stephenson ('80) – A decorated Vietnam War veteran and former educator, Stephenson's journey reflects perseverance and dedication. After balancing work, family and education, he earned his degree from ECSU and taught at Virginia's Rehabilitative School Authority for over 30 years. As president of the Roanoke Chowan Alumni Chapter for 35 years, he has steadfastly supported ECSU and its students.
The 2025 Founders Day Gala will be a night to honor these visionaries, celebrate ECSU's legacy, and inspire future generations of Vikings to follow in their footsteps. With exclusive honors, guest appearances, and the energy of Viking pride at its peak, the event is shaping up to be one for the books. Tickets and additional information are available at www.ecsu.edu/gala.