NC: ECU's Aycock Residence Hall Name Change

Via Cousin John From: Krewson, Elizabeth A. Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2014 3:37 PM To: 'rbrinkley@wcsr.com' Subject: Aycock Residence Hall Name Change Dear Mr. Brinkley, My name is Elizabeth Aycock Krewson, and I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. I am writing in regard to the mass email that was sent out to all ECU students, faculty and staff regarding the proposal to rename the Charles B. Aycock Residence Hall. I have just today had a meeting with Dr. Morehead, and he encouraged me to reach out to you on this matter. I am a descendant of Governor Charles B. Aycock, and I am writing to express my opinion that East Carolina University should not remove the late Governor Charles B. Aycock’s name from any landmark on ECU’s campus. I say this because Charles B. Aycock was known as the “education governor” for the state of North Carolina. He served as an educational trailblazer in an unfavorable setting and prevailed as a public education leader. His name stands for the encouragement of education for all North Carolinians, regardless of their race. I believe ECU should focus on the positive contributions of Governor Aycock that furthered education in this great  state. Governor Aycock was an advocate for North Carolina’s public school system and devoted his life toward educational progress. Governor Charles B. Aycock’s name should be and is honored by all public universities in North Carolina. The fact that a decision has to be made in 7 days on whether to erase decades of this leader’s name is unfathomable. I urge East Carolina University and the Board of Trustees to consider the educational contribution of this acclaimed leader. Governor Aycock’s national efforts toward education in the state of North Carolina have been recognized throughout the years, and I ask ECU to continue his great legacy by honoring his name. Please take in faith that his legacy does not harm ECU’s reputation in any form; it only lays a solid foundation for furthering education. Thank you. Sincerely, Elizabeth Aycock Krewson PhD Candidate Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology Brody School of Medicine East Carolina University