Ben Brammer uplifts peers — both in the gym and on camera

Published Dec 11, 2025 by
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Ben Brammer’s journey at ECU was fueled by leadership, creativity, and the confidence to pursue new opportunities.

A graduating ECU student wearing a purple cap and gown with honor cords smiles and folds his arms while seated in a computer lab. A graduation cap rests on the desk beside him, and a large monitor behind him displays a photo collage from a student project or event. The background shows additional computers and classroom posters.

Ben Brammer is graduating from ECU with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.

The directive to take charge and communicate effectively with peers led Brammer to take on various roles throughout his time as a Pirate. A member of Phi Sigma Pi national honor fraternity, where he served various roles including president, Brammer enhanced his leadership skills, developed teamwork skills and learned to proactively engage.

Utilizing the communication skills he developed at Phi Sigma Pi, Brammer discovered a new interest: working as a personal trainer. He continued to strengthen his confidence in guiding clients through their fitness journeys by using effective communication. Brammer learned to recognize the early successes his clients experienced. “Finding those early successes kept them motivated and also kept me motivated,” said Brammer.

Brammer’s motivation didn’t stop at being just a personal trainer; he also grew creatively. As a photographer and videographer for Campus Recreation and Wellness, he has captured multiple events and overseen the creative process on various projects. Most recently, Brammer wrote, directed, and edited the 2026 Polar Plunge video. “It was a very unique project. I haven’t done something like that,” he said.

While Brammer has touched many parts of Pirate Nation, he is grateful for his professors’ support. “They’ve all welcomed me and have been very intentional with their support from the beginning,” Brammer said. His advice for future Pirates is to communicate with their professors and advisors: “Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.”

But the most meaningful part of his journey at ECU? Sharing it with his brother, Chris Brammer. “It was very significant to me to get to go to school with my brother,” Ben said. Having his brother on campus created a special opportunity for the two to “spend a little bit more time with each other before we go out into the world.”

Brammer will graduate on Friday, Dec. 19, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art with a concentration in film and video production and a minor in exercise science.