ECU graduate and former Air Force pilot Jeff Wilson has been a member of the Pirate Club for over 35 years.

A native of Greenville, purple and gold runs deep through his veins. "I was born and raised in Greenville. My house was right across from Umstead Dormitory on 10th Street," Wilson said. "Both of my parents attended ECU, as well as many family members on my mom's side. There is a sort of legacy that we've built."

As a part of the class of 1972, Wilson received a degree in mathematics. He was also a member of the Air Force ROTC during his time at ECU. He would go on to attend flight school, becoming a second lieutenant in the Air Force, where he served as a pilot for eight years before later becoming a captain for Delta Airlines and flying commercially for 25 years.

After spending time in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Korea throughout his career, Wilson retired and now resides in Morehead City with his wife Candie, a Cincinnati graduate. They have two children— Shaun, an ECU alumnus, and Stephanie, a Bearcat alumna, like her mother.

Joining the Pirate Club was never a question for Wilson. "The Pirate Club was in its infancy when I was around. I was [away] from North Carolina for a while, so I wasn't able to do as much early on. I have family members, younger and older, that have always been a part of the Pirate Club," he said. "When I got out of the Air Force, I was able to become more active. When I moved up to Atlanta, I had the chance to be the president of the Georgia chapter for four years. I've been a Pirate Rep for over 20 years and I still do that here in Carteret county."

For Wilson, the biggest benefit of being a Pirate Club member is being able to help current students. "It's just a part of giving back. I feel as if I owe the university, in a sense. Everything that I have now comes from me having [a diploma]. ECU allowed me to explore my God-given talents and make a living. I think it's natural that you should give back to your university," he said. "Pirate Nation is one of the best fan bases in the country. Being a part of that all these years has been great."