Wright Building

The Wright Building was constructed in 1927 and originally served as a social and religious center for the campus. It was designed by H.A. Underwood out of Raleigh, NC. It was named in honor of ECU’s founding president, Robert H. Wright. Its design is congruent with other early campus buildings like Whichard. Wright Auditorium was converted into the Student Union in 1949, renovated multiple times, and expanded to include the Dowdy Student Stores and “The Wright Place” food court. After a fire damaged part of the building in 1970, it underwent a significant restoration project, including modernization of the auditorium in the ‘80s. (Building Histories, 2025)

Photograph of Graduation in Wright Auditorium

 Graduation in Wright Auditorium. 1958. UA50.01.02.06. East Carolina University Digital Collections. https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/16737. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Photograph of Wright Auditorium and Wright Fountain

Wright Auditorium and Wright Fountain. 1987-1988. Visual Media: Color Photographs. UA55.02.3211. East Carolina University Digital Collections. https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/39522. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.