The Pirate Club announced a donation by ECU graduates Bill and Lisa Shreve.
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Photo credit: (ECU Sports Information)
East Carolina University graduates, Bill and Lisa Shreve, have reaffirmed their commitment to their alma mater with a leadership gift to ECU Athletics and the Pirate Club, Pirate Club Executive Director Ryan Robinson announced today.
The Shreves’ investment will support the Purple & Gold Society, providing critical resources that enhance the student-athlete experience while helping ECU Athletics remain competitive in the rapidly evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. Their latest commitment builds on a longstanding tradition of philanthropy that has benefited Pirate student-athletes for decades.
Longtime Pirate Club members, Bill and Lisa, have consistently invested in the future of ECU Athletics through major initiatives including the Pirates Unite Campaign, Circle of Excellence, and Second Century Campaign.
“It means so much to Lisa and me to be able to help ECU and the Pirates in any way possible,” Bill Shreve said. “Some of our greatest memories were made during our time in Greenville, and East Carolina has always held a special place in our hearts. We are proud to invest in the success of our student-athletes today and for generations to come.”
Lisa Shreve has dedicated countless hours to serving her community through organizations including First United Methodist Church, the Wilson Rose Garden and the Master Gardener Projects. Bill earned his business degree from East Carolina in 1976 and was a member of the Pi Lamda Phi fraternity. Lisa, a native of Beaufort, was a member of the Chi Omega sorority while attending ECU where she earned her degree.
A successful entrepreneur, Bill has founded more than a dozen businesses with a focus on the insurance and real estate industries. His commitment to service extends beyond business, having served on numerous boards, civic organizations, and committees including the Pirate Club Executive Committee, The Carolinas Association of Professional Insurance Agents (CAPIA), the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC), the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI), Greater Wilson Rotary Club, and the Wilson Elks Lodge. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Wilson Community College.
“We are so appreciative of the continued generosity of Bill and Lisa Shreve,” Pirate Club Executive Director Ryan Robinson said. “Their passion for East Carolina, combined with their unwavering commitment to giving back, has made a lasting impact on our department and athletic programs. Gifts like this ensure our student-athletes have the scholarships, resources, and championship level experiences they need to succeed both on and off the field.”
The Pirate Club launched the Purple & Gold Society and Athletics Excellence Fund in 2025 to provide vital resources for student-athlete recruitment, retention, scholarships, and program enhancement. The Purple & Gold Society has 91 members and offers exclusive recognition and engagement opportunities for donors.
Contributions to the Purple & Gold Society are tax deductible and the Pirate Club also accepts donor advised funds, stock gifts, and matching gifts. Those interested in contributing to the society can sign up online, contact the Pirate Club by phone at 252-737-4540, or by email at ecupirateclub@ecu.edu. The Athletics Excellence Fund accepts gifts of any amount and nearly 700 donors have contributed to the fund since revenue sharing was instituted. Every donation plays a crucial role in the future success of the Pirates.