APLU recognizes ECU’s commitment to community engagement

November 14, 2024. ECU News Services. By Jeannine Manning Hutson.

In recognition of extraordinary commitment to community engagement, innovation and economic prosperity, East Carolina University received the 2024 C. Peter Magrath Community Engagement Scholarship Award during the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities during its annual meeting on November 12.

Chancellor Philip Rogers, Dr. Angela Lamson, Dr. Tom Irons and Dr. Sharon Paynter stand in front of a step-and-repeat and smile as they showcase the Magrath award.
Chancellor Philip Rogers, Dr. Angela Lamson, Dr. Tom Irons and Dr. Sharon Paynter pose with the C. Peter Magrath Community Engagement Scholarship Award trophy after being announced as the 2024 recipient during the APLU’s annual meeting.

As part of the application process for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Engagement Scholarship Award, ECU created a video explaining the university’s partnership with Contentnea Health. Note before viewing: This video contains mentions of suicide.

As he sat in an Orlando convention center ballroom after learning the project he started with a handful of others 18 years ago had just won a national community engagement award, Irons reflected on the dream that became a reality. Irons, a pediatrician and a lifelong advocate for community health programs, served in multiple roles during his more than 40-year career at ECU’s medical school.

“When we started on this, we were dreaming, looking for better ways to do what we do — which is caring for our marginalized neighbors or those who are otherwise disadvantaged,” Irons said. “We wanted to do something that would last and something that would give the community a voice that was equal to ours. And you know what? We did it.”

The NC Albert Schweitzer Fellowship congratulates NCASF board member Dr. Irons on this momentous achievement.

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