East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, has announced commitments totaling $30 million in support of its undergraduate scholars program.

The combined commitment from alumnus Robert Gentry Brinkley (’78) and Amy Woods Brinkley and alumnus Lewis Patrick Lane III (’67) and Lynn Lewis Lane is the largest in university history. In honor of the gift, the program, which was established in 1998 as a merit scholarship for high-ability students, will be renamed the Brinkley-Lane Scholars program. Going forward, it will cover full tuition for all recipients and the investment from the Brinkleys and Lanes will immediately increase the award for each scholar from $64,000 to more than $75,000.

Both families are longtime supporters of the university. The Brinkleys previously supported the Honors College, the Access Scholarship program, and athletics. The Lanes previously supported the Honors College, College of Education, College of Fine Arts and Communications, Medical and Health Sciences, Pirate Club, and alumni association.

“These families are advancing a bold and mission-aligned commitment to drive student success and academic excellence at ECU,” said chancellor Philip Rogers. “Each year, Brinkley-Lane Scholars will arrive at ECU and have an immediate impact on campus as they learn, serve, and become exceptional leaders. Brinkley-Lane Scholars will be known in the region and beyond, as these Pirates lead in their fields for decades to come.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Lumi Nola)