A LU M N I I M PAC T R E P O R T 2017-18
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A LU M N I I M PAC T R E P O R T
Partners
YO U R CO N N E C T I O N A D D S VA LU E .
You serve as a partner by attending regional events, Homecoming and reunions, Evenings for Elon and affinity programs. Your involvement makes the Elon network stronger.
→ A record 6,805 alumni engaged with Elon last fiscal year through: • Regional chapter events • Homecoming/reunions • Affinity programs • Welcome to the City • Evenings for Elon • Professional Pathway events → 6% increase in alumni partners from last year
THE ELON COMMUNITY is alive and thriving not only at Elon but across the nation and world. There are more than 35 regional chapters that serve alumni in their local areas. The Washington, D.C., chapter is one of the largest networks. This summer they extended an invitation to current Elon students interning in the nation’s capital to join them for their annual summer social. The students met and mingled with alumni and forged new connections. For new chapter president Kristin Ruffe ‘15, this marked the first event in her new leadership role. “I was able to witness new connections being made, welcome many new interns to the city and even share some stories of my days back in Elon,” Kristin says. “It was awesome to see how many bright young Elon students are here interning in our nation’s capital, representing many industries and very reputable companies. It makes me proud to don my Elon swag around the city.” Wherever you may end up, there is sure to be an Elon connection within reach. Above: Members of the D.C. alumni chapter on Elon Day 2018.
MICHELLE GALSTER ’03, vice president of development at Original Productions, has selected many Elon students as interns over the years. She has also hired six of those Elon interns for positions at her company. Michelle not only connects students with career opportunities, but she serves as a mentor for recent graduates like Emmie Potter ’17, who interned with Michelle in the spring of her junior year through the Elon in LA Program. Michelle loves being a resource for Elon students and providing them with a sense of familiarity. “Even though you’re separated by years and never crossed paths while attending Elon, you’re still connected by this shared experience that makes it feel like you know where each other came from,” she says. “If I can give them a little advice, or a sense of home on the opposite side of the country, I get more out of it than they do.” Michelle is just one example of how a strong Elon network can facilitate meaningful relationships that span years. The benefits are mutual as students gain valuable work experience and alumni potentially gain reputable employees. It’s the Elon connection.
A LU M N I I M PAC T R E P O R T
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Advocates YO U R T I M E I S VA LU E D.
One of the valuable ways you give back to Elon is by giving your time as an Elon advocate. Elon could not be successful without its expansive network of volunteers. Your feedback and input are valued and help shape alumni events and communications.
→ Elon’s 2,444 alumni volunteers serve in many ways: • Board and council members • Reunion volunteers • Peer Agents • Elon Day Champions • Social media ambassadors • Alumni 360 volunteers • Mentors and employers for Elon interns → 6% increase in alumni advocates from last year
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A LU M N I I M PAC T R E P O R T
Investors
YO U R P H I L A N T H R O P Y I S VA LU E D.
Tuition covers 80 percent of the cost of an education for each student. As an Elon investor, you provide critical funds that enable students to participate in the full Elon experience.
→ More than 5,300 gifts helped raise more than $1.8 million on a recordbreaking Elon Day and established five new endowed scholarships → Record-breaking 25% alumni giving 25
% ALUMNI PARTICIPATION 21%
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15
19%
19%
22%
22%
25% 22%
23%
GRACE O’HARA ’18 (third from left) is a trailblazer with a serviceoriented mindset. Grace took advantage of Elon’s strong service learning program to work at Blakey Hall, where she specialized with clients on the dementia spectrum, and as a tutor in the Burlington Housing Authority. She also volunteered for a local nonprofit as an advocate for survivors of sexual assault and abuse. The research project she developed broadened her scope of service as she studied the effects of microfinance in the hyperinflationary state of South Sudan. A scholarship that helped cover her tuition needs left Grace free to use her Lumen Prize funds to travel to Uganda to work directly with South Sudanese refugees and witness the impact of her research firsthand. “My time in Uganda was one of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring, energizing, heart-wrenching experiences of my life,” Grace says. “Elon has given me the platform to seize opportunities and experiences that many people can only dream of.” Grace is using her remaining Lumen funds to return to Uganda before she enters the workforce. She plans to work for an international nonprofit or non-governmental organization to create positive and sustainable change in the lives of others.
Thank You
The 1889 Society honors Elon’s most loyal donors who have given annually for two or more consecutive fiscal years (June 1-May 31). If you renewed your 1889 Society membership in the 2017-18 fiscal year, enclosed is a small gift of appreciation for your loyalty to Elon. Thank you.
to my fellow alumni who have made this another record-breaking year for the Elon community. Each year, as we grow in our engagement and philanthropic efforts, it is important to reflect on the reason we stay connected and give our time and money. Elon is more than an education; it’s an experience. Your generous contributions enhance the Elon experience for current students and increase the value of your own degree by contributing to Elon’s overall rankings and ratings. Again and again, Elon remains the nation’s only university recognized for excellence in all high-impact practices that promote student success. Providing a stellar, well-rounded educational experience full of opportunities is Elon’s main priority and you help us achieve that every year. Just as an acorn becomes a mighty oak when it has what it needs to grow, Elon students transform into engaged citizens of the world when we empower them to thrive. Thank you! With gratitude, John H. Barnhill ’92 Associate Vice President for University Advancement