Curtis Struyk Family Makes $1 Million Gift To Pirates Unite Campaign

GREENVILLE, N.C. – ECU Director of Athletics Jon Gilbert proudly announced today a transformative $1 million investment to the Pirates Unite Campaign for Comprehensive Excellence from the Curtis Struyk Family. Curtis Struyk and his son, C.J., both played football for ECU. The generous contribution will be directed towards the Isley Indoor Performance Center, a cornerstone project within the campaign that will benefit all student-athletes.

"It means everything to have Curtis and his son, C.J., continue to give back to a university they are deeply passionate about," Gilbert said. "Curtis has stated that his goal upon leaving Greenville was to pay back the scholarship money that was once invested in him. For the past 33 years through his steadfast commitment to the Pirate Club, he has played a vital role in paving the way for future Pirates. Both Curtis and C.J. not only invest financially, but they are committed and personally invested in the future of ECU Athletics and the Pirates football program."

Curtis Struyk and his son, C.J., both hold deep-rooted ties to the ECU community, with both having played football for the Pirates. Curtis Struyk's journey with the Pirates began as a walk-on, eventually earning a full scholarship and making significant contributions as a starter for three seasons. Following in his father's footsteps, C.J. Struyk also joined the Pirates program as a walk-on, ultimately earning a starting role on the offensive line.

"I have always felt a strong urge to give back to the school and the program that profoundly shaped my life," Curtis Struyk said. "The enduring friendships and invaluable lessons I gained during that time remain close to my heart even today."

"I am honored to have had the privilege of representing East Carolina University on the football field," C.J. Struyk said. "I am forever grateful for the lessons learned, the memories made, and the friendships formed along the way. It is with deep appreciation and a sense of duty that I wish to give back to the institution that has given me so much. GO PIRATES!"

Curtis Struyk graduated from ECU with a degree in construction management, and currently serves as the President/Chief Executive Officer of TMX Shipping in Morehead City. His wife, Alex, is also an ECU alumna. C.J. Struyk received a bachelor's degree in industrial distribution & logistics, further solidifying the family's legacy at ECU.

"We are grateful that two former letterwinners in Curtis and C.J. continue to invest in the future of our football program with a gift that will not only help our young men, but all Pirate student-athletes," ECU Football head coach Mike Houston said. "I always enjoy my interactions with Curtis and C.J. They care deeply about the Pirates and have always been there in a time of need. We are really close to making this facility a reality which will help future Pirates succeed at the highest levels."

The Struyk's have a long history of philanthropic giving to East Carolina University, ECU Athletics, and the Pirate Club. They have participated in numerous Pirate Club campaigns and are season ticket holders for all Pirates ticketed events.

"This is an extraordinary gift by the Struyk Family and one that will have a monumental and lasting impact on past, current and future Pirates," Pirate Club Executive Director Ryan Robinson said. "Curtis and C.J. are Pirates through and through, and they are committed to investing in student-athletes and ensuring they have the resources necessary to compete at the highest level."

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 $31 million for the campaign with several projects already completed.

The proposed 101,000 square-foot Isley Indoor Performance Center will consist of a steel structure, a 120-yard synthetic turf football practice field, LED lighting, scoreboards, clocks, sound system and graphics.

The facility will reside on top of the current multipurpose turf field next to the existing football turf practice facility. All sport programs will have access to the facility to train.

Construction will begin when funding is complete with $21 million of the expected $24 million raised. For more information about the Pirates Unite Campaign for Comprehensive Excellence, please visit ecupirateclub.com/piratesunite. Individuals earn double priority points with a gift to the campaign.

Curtis Struyk Family Makes $1 Million Gift To Pirates Unite Campaign

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