GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina University Director of Athletics Jon Gilbert and Pirate Club Executive Director Ryan Robinson announced today TowneBank has made a $1.2 million investment to support the Pirates Unite Campaign for Comprehensive Excellence. The funds are committed to the proposed Isley Indoor Performance Center.
The latest commitment is the second major investment by TowneBank in the last six years to support ECU Athletics. TowneBank invested $3 million into ECU's Southside Renovation Project in 2019 with the opening of the TowneBank Tower.The TowneBank Tower created 1,000 seats through the addition of the Trade Club Level, Loge Boxes, Standard Suites, and Founders Suites. All seats in the tower have been sold out for two consecutive years with another expected sellout in 2024.
"We are incredibly grateful for TowneBank and our continued partnership to enhance our student-athlete experience," Gilbert said. "We are appreciative of Bob Aston, Greg Steele, and Jim Clement for believing in our mission and allowing us to remain competitive with our peers in the ever-changing collegiate landscape. TowneBank prides itself on outstanding service to our great community, region and state, and this commitment will benefit and serve current and future Pirate student-athletes for years to come. The engagement from our donors for the Pirates Unite Campaign showcases the support we have for the Pirates, and I know our student-athletes, coaches and staff are appreciative of the generosity."
"Our continued commitment to Pirate Nation is an important part of who we are," said Greg Steele, President of TowneBank Greenville. "Jim Clement and I are grateful that the Towne family can make a meaningful impact on student-athletes and the ECU community through this gift."
TowneBank's gift will support the funding of a proposed multipurpose indoor facility located within the current athletic footprint that will benefit all sports programs. Nearly $20 million has been raised for the project. To be located off Charles Boulevard, the 101,000 square-foot Isley Indoor Performance Center will consist of a steel structure, a 120-yard synthetic turf football practice field, LED lighting, camera platform, scoreboards, clocks, sound systems and graphics. The facility will reside on top of the current multipurpose turf field next to the existing football turf practice field. All sport programs will have access to the climate-controlled facility to train.
"On behalf of the Pirate Club, we thank TowneBank for such an impactful gift that sends a message to our student-athletes that we will continue to provide the resources necessary to strive for excellence," Robinson said. "TowneBank plays such an important role in our community, and they are fully committed to our great university and our Pirate student-athletes."
Launched in May 2022, the $60 million Pirates Unite Campaign is the most ambitious fundraising effort in Pirate Club history with critical funds being used to ensure a bright future for the Pirates by investing in the long-term health of the department. The collective impact of the ECU community, alumni, students, and friends have helped raise more than $30 million.
About TowneBank
Founded in 1999, TowneBank is a company built on relationships, offering a full range of banking and other financial services, with a focus on serving others and enriching lives. Dedicated to a culture of caring, Towne values all employees and members by embracing their diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences.
Now celebrating 25 years, TowneBank operates 50 banking offices throughout Hampton Roads and Central Virginia, as well as Northeastern and Central North Carolina – serving as a local leader in promoting the social, cultural, and economic growth in each community. Towne offers a competitive array of business and personal banking solutions, delivered with only the highest ethical standards. Experienced local bankers providing a higher level of expertise and personal attention with local decision-making are key to the TowneBank strategy. Towne has grown its capabilities beyond banking to provide expertise through its affiliated companies that include Towne Wealth Management, Towne Insurance Agency, Towne Benefits, TowneBank Mortgage, TowneBank Commercial Mortgage, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices RW Towne Realty, Towne 1031 Exchange, and Towne Vacations. With total assets of $16.86 billion as of December 31, 2023, TowneBank is one of the largest banks headquartered in Virginia.
TowneBank is Member FDIC. Insurance and investment products are Not a deposit, Not FDIC-Insured, Not guaranteed by any state or federal government agency, and may go down in value.
