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Elon celebrates Phi Beta Kappa
Honoring a living legend The Elon community gathered in March to celebrate President Emeritus J. Earl Danieley for the annual Founders Day celebrations. Since stepping down as Elon’s sixth president in 1973, Danieley has become a fi xture of campus life in the chemistry classroom, at university special events and cheering on Elon athletics teams. Events honoring Danieley included special editions of College Coffee and College Chapel, and a “fi reside chat,” during which Danieley shared some of his favorite stories from his life and career. “It just blows me away,” Danieley said. “What a great honor to be recognized along with those who have been honored at Founders Days in the past.”
“He’s been doing much more than running the institution and teaching chemistry. … He’s been developing character in his charges throughout the education process.” Life Trustee James B. Powell at College Chapel on March 11
QUIZ!
test your knowledge of Danieley’s history with the Student Government Association’s trivia quiz (answers at bo om of page).
4. Which of the following buildings was not constructed during Danieley’s presidency? a. b. c. d. e.
1. What year did Danieley graduate from Elon? 2. What administrative role did Danieley hold before being named president? 3. What was Danieley’s age when he was named president?
McEwen Library Jordan Gym Fine Arts Center Holland House Sloan Dormitory
5. What former Elon football player was dra ed by the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League during the Danieley administration?
trivia quiz answers
1. 1946 2. Dean of the College 3. 32 4. c. Fine Arts Center 5. Richard McGeorge ’71
visit www.elon.edu/magazine to view video excerpts from Danieley’s “fi reside chat” and a slide show about his legacy at Elon.
EDITOR
Van Denton
contents
spring 2010 vol. 72, no. 2
features
the magazine of elon
alumni profile
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favorite son by kristin simonetti ’05 Mike Kennedy ’91 brings the Phoenix baseball program to national prominence.
DESIGNER
Christopher Eyl NEWS EDITOR
Eric Townsend PHOTOGRAPHER
Kim Walker COPY EDITOR
Kristin Simone i ’05 CLASS NOTES
faculty profile
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public relations: persuasion or propaganda?
Holley Berry STUDENT WRITERS
by dave hart Kenn Gaither helps students navigate the evolving field of strategic communications.
Sarah Beth Costello ’11 Dan Koehler ’12 DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS
Daniel J. Anderson The Magazine of Elon is published quarterly for alumni, parents and friends by the Office of University Relations. 336-278-7415 EDITORIAL OFFICES
the lumen scholars: 15 who light the way
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by eric townsend On the eve of Commencement, the inaugural recipients of the Lumen Prize reflect on their creative and academic accomplishments.
The Magazine of Elon 2030 Campus Box Elon, NC 27244-2020 Class Notes Elon Office of University Relations 2030 Campus Box Elon, NC 27244 E-mail: alumniclassnotes@elon.edu Elon website www.elon.edu Magazine website www.elon.edu/magazine
cover story
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‘love of learning is the guide of life’ by van denton and daniel j. anderson Elon celebrates the installation of Eta Chapter, North Carolina, of The Phi Beta Kappa Society.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES, CHAIR
Mark T. Mahaffey, St. Petersburg, Fla. ELON ALUMNI BOARD, PRESIDENT
Kelli Palmer ’98, Charlo esville, Va. YOUNG ALUMNI COUNCIL, PRESIDENT
Christian Wiggins ’03, Charlo e, N.C. PARENTS COUNCIL, CO-PRESIDENTS
Dave & Ellen Kay p’10, p’12, Oakton, Va.
lindner hall leads way for elon’s green building plan
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by kristin simonetti ’05 Learn about Elon’s “greenest” building and how it represents the future of construction on campus.
BOARD OF VISITORS, CHAIR
Clifford B. Hardy Jr. ’62, Tampa, Fla. SCHOOL OF LAW ADVISORY BOARD, CHAIR
David Gergen, Cambridge, Mass. LOVE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD, CHAIR
William S. Creekmuir p’09, p’10, Atlanta, Ga. SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY BOARD, CHAIR
departments
Don Bolden, Burlington, N.C. PHOENIX CLUB ADVISORY BOARD, CHAIR
Amy Thomas Hendrickson ’69, Raleigh, N.C. DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
Sallie Hu on ’92 DIRECTOR OF PARENT PROGRAMS
Maggie Byerly
Elon News
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Class Notes
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Phoenix Sports
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Making a Difference
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Alumni Action
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A UNIVERSITY YEARS YOUNG
Why Phi Beta Kappa is just the beginning
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here was an overwhelming sense that history was being made in McKinnon Hall on April 13 when 47 Elon students took turns signing their names on the first pages of Elon’s Phi Beta Kappa membership roll. The moment echoed a sentiment I expressed earlier in the afternoon when I welcomed the community to the Convocation for Honors, which marked the installation of the Society’s chapter on our campus.
The phrase “journey to Phi Beta Kappa” has been used on campus throughout the past decade as shorthand for a comprehensive effort to examine and improve many dimensions of Elon’s academic programs. The goal has been to emphasize the centrality of the liberal arts and sciences as the essential core of the undergraduate experience. We have created new honors and fellows programs for academically talented students, added dramatically to the faculty ranks and further supported faculty scholarship, built a stronger library collection, I took care to emphasize what a young institu- two world wars and even loss of accreditation. restored a foreign language requirement after tion Elon is in so many respects. The College The sheltering of a Phi Beta Kappa chapter a 35-year hiatus and much more. The journey of William and Mary, whose students gave here seems even more significant given our has been challenging but immensely rewardbirth to Phi Beta Kappa, is 196 years older humble beginnings. But adversity shapes char- ing. The Phi Beta Kappa Society expects an than Elon. Fifty-four percent of our alumni acter, and Elon’s institutional character—a unwavering commitment to academic freeare under 40 years of age. lack of pretension, a constant restlessness to dom and to excellence and found considerable The plaques depicting Elon’s history in the be better, an ethic of service to others, and a evidence of those values at Elon. Belk Library colonnade tell the story of an deep and true commitment to transforming As significant a milestone as our Phi Beta institution that struggled mightily for sur- the lives of students who enter through our Kappa chapter is in our institutional history, it vival in the first half of its history, recovering gates—has served us well through our many is by no means a capstone achievement. We are from a disastrous fire, the Great Depression, metamorphoses as a college and university. still engaged in the important work of creating the modern Elon and thus must regard our Phi Beta Kappa chapter and all it represents as a cornerstone on which to construct our future. At the inaugural induction ceremony, Professor Don Wyatt of Middlebury College, a Phi Beta Kappa senator who helped evaluate the university’s application for a chapter, described a singular quality his committee encountered among Elon students, faculty and staff. “It was the pervasive attitude of never really being satisfied that things are being done as well as they ever can possibly be done,” he said. May it always be so. Leo M. Lambert President
President Lambert signs the membership roll as a foundation member of Elon’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa during induction ceremonies on April 13.
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Elon News
Gant receives Elon’s top business leadership award Former board of trustees chairman Allen E. Gant, Jr., chief executive officer of Burlington, N.C.-based Glen Raven, Inc., a global provider of innovative fabric-based solutions, was honored in March with the Frank S. Holt, Jr. Business Leadership Award, the university’s highest honor for business leadership. Gant received the award at a March 30 luncheon attended by more than 100 community, university and business leaders, relatives and friends. Elon’s Martha and Spencer Love School of Business established the award to recognize a local citizen whose contributions to business and the community reflect the progressive, visionary leadership of the late Frank S. Holt, Jr., president of Holt Manufacturing Co., and an active civic leader. A committee of university, civic and business leaders annually selects the recipient. Gant has served as CEO and president of Glen Raven since 1999. He joined the family business, founded by his grandfather, after attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Under Gant’s leadership, the company has expanded worldwide, selling its products in more than 125 nations. He
Kiser named Distinguished University Professor Pamela M. Kiser, Watts-Thompson Professor in the Department of Human Service Studies and interim dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, has been named a Distinguished University Professor. Kiser is the fourth faculty member to receive the honor, conferred upon occasion to full professors who have made distinguished contributions to teaching, scholarship and the university community. A committee
(L-R) President Leo M. Lambert, Allen Gant and Mary Gowan, dean of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business
also has provided leadership on trade and textile issues at both the federal and state levels. He founded the New Leaf Society, an organization that seeks to make the Alamance County community an attractive place to live, work and invest through landscaping. He has served on boards of advisers for the Alamance
composed of faculty members solicits nominations and recommendations for the award. A faculty member since 1981, Kiser has served the Elon community in numerous roles, including department chair, faculty scholar in the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, Kernodle Center Service-Learning Faculty Development Fellow, as a member of the Academic Council and as a member of the university’s Phi Beta Kappa committee. She received Elon’s DanielsDanieley Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2007, a tribute to her performance in the classroom. As a scholar, her research focuses on
County United Way and the Alamance Regional Medical Center. At Elon, Gant has served as a trustee since 1997 and was elected chair of the board of trustees in 2007. His leadership was instrumental in the development of The Elon Commitment, the new strategic plan for the university.
experiential learning, internships and service-learning. The honor also recognizes Kiser’s ethic of service to the community. She works closely with nonprofit organizations dedicated to human services, including the Alamance County Family Abuse Services and Crossroads Sexual Assault Response and Resources Center. The three other Distinguished University Professors are John Sullivan, Maude Sharpe Powell Professor of Philosophy Emeritus (2002); Tom Henricks, J. Earl Danieley Professor of Sociology (2003); and Russell Gill, Maude Sharpe Powell Professor of English (2006).
Pamela M. Kiser
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Elon News
McNeela selected for Long Professorship
Catherine McNeela
“They (American students) can name two out of three of the Three Stooges anytime you ask, but they can’t name a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. I mean, it is pathetic. It really is. You don’t just inherit this. Half of our states no longer teach civics for high school graduation. It is not a requirement. … And more are following suit.” Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, making her second appearance in four years at Elon University School of Law, discussing the need to emphasize civics education in American schools.
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Catherine McNeela, a professor of performing arts and coordinator of the music theatre program, has been named the university’s William S. Long Professor, an honor named for Elon’s first president. McNeela’s appointment recognizes her 20 years of outstanding teaching, scholarship and leadership in developing Elon’s nationally recognized music theatre program. “Professor McNeela is a beloved mentor for hundreds of students who have developed their talents on stage at Elon and gone on to successful performing careers, many of them in Broadway production companies,” President Leo M. Lambert said in making the appointment. “Catherine, along with her talented colleagues, has built an academic program of national stature.” McNeela, who has performed as an actress and vocalist in more than 100 plays and musicals, joined the faculty in 1990. She has been the stage director for 59 Elon productions and has provided special direction for scores of major campus events. She created the annual Collage performance, the Grand Night for Singing musical revue and élan, a vocal jazz ensemble. McNeela will receive a 5,000 professional development fund along with a course release, giving her additional time to mentor students. The William S. Long Professorship was first awarded in 1968 to Robert Blake, an English faculty member who held the position until his retirement in 2008.
Elon students find inspiration in Emerson
At the deepest point of the 2009 financial woes, a class of Elon philosophy students turned to 19th century American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson to help understand America’s response to the economic meltdown. Their findings are published in a new book titled The Only Sin is Limitation: Essays on R.W. Emerson’s multi-faceted influence on America. Students in Yoram Lubling’s spring 2009 American Philosophy course studied Emerson’s teachings on self-reliance and his call for imaginative responses to the American experience. James Aguilar, a senior philosophy major and the book’s principal editor, says the students were captivated by
Elon News
Emerson and wanted to call attention to his unique approach to concrete problem solving. Emerson’s philosophy is a call for action (pragmatism), deeds, creative and imaginative solutions, and political courage. The students put together an editorial board, wrote the chapters, raised funds for a consulting scholar and arranged for a publisher. Lubling says the students had a personal stake in the book’s success, a great example of engaged scholarship. The book is available on Amazon.com and www.authorhouse.com. Spring break with a purpose
Spring break took more than 60 Elon students to some exotic places, but the mission was one of service, not just fun. Programs were led by the Kernodle Center for Service Learning, Catholic Campus Ministry, Baptist Student Union and Elon Hillel. At Turtle Island Preserve in Deep Gap, N.C., a group of Elon students built a “Cobb House” as a place for summer interns to live. “We plastered a thick layer of straw insulation with ‘cobb,’ a mixture of clay, sand, straw and water,” said junior Molly Strayer. “When it dries, it serves as a hard surface that allows the walls to breathe, preventing rot.” In other projects during spring break, Elon students helped build homes in San Juan, Dominican Republic; worked on education, construction and environmental projects in Montego Bay, Jamaica; did construction and painting in poor areas of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and delivered children’s clothing to needy families; helped in community rebuilding projects in Bay St. Louis, Miss., a town still recovering from Hurricane Katrina; and worked in the “Collegiate Challenge” program of Habitat for Humanity in Charleston, S.C. Project Pericles honors Lambert with service award
President Leo M. Lambert has received the 2010 Periclean Service Award from Project Pericles, the organization’s highest honor. Eugene M. Lang, founder and chair of Project Pericles, announced the award at ceremonies held in April at the Debating for Democracy national conference in New York.
Morrison-Shetlar named dean of Elon College Alison Morrison-Shetlar, a noted biologist, professor and administrator at universities in Europe and the United States, has been named dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, and professor of biology. Morrison-Shetlar, the current vice provost and dean of undergraduate studies at the University of Central Florida, was appointed after a national search. She begins her duties June 1, succeeding interim dean Pam Kiser. Alison Morrison-Shetlar A native of Scotland, Morrison-Shetlar has a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry and a doctorate in biomedical science from Dundee College of Technology in Dundee, Scotland. She has worked as a research scientist at the Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology in London and as a senior scientist at the Max-Planck Institute in Dortmund, Germany. Her areas of expertise are in the molecular, biochemical and immunological study of marine organisms such as the dogfish shark, mummichog and the long-horned sculpin. During a 30-year career in higher education, Morrison-Shetlar has championed effective teaching practices. She is the co-author of a book, Teaching Creativity: Ideas in Action. Morrison-Shetlar taught courses in molecular biology and physiology at Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany. She moved to the United States in 1993 and first served as a visiting faculty member and researcher at Wesleyan University and Trinity College. In 1995, she joined the biology faculty at Georgia Southern University and later became director of the university’s Center for Excellence in Teaching. She twice received excellence in teaching awards from Georgia Southern and twice was named a distinguished professor of teaching and learning by the State of Georgia Board of Regents. In 2002, she moved to UCF and became director of the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning. She was named dean of undergraduate studies there in 2006 and vice provost in 2008. As assistant director for Project Kaleidoscope, an international alliance of educators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs, Morrison-Shetlar co-led work on a 1.3 million National Science Foundation grant to increase engagement and retention of students in those disciplines. She has been co-investigator on 12 National Science Foundation grants, receiving nearly 3.5 million in funding.
“For nine years, Project Pericles has universities to emphasize education for social benefited enormously from Dr. Lambert’s responsibility and participatory citizenship. hands-on involvement and inspired leader- The award honors an individual for visionary ship,” Lang said. “The creative, effective and commitment to civic engagement and outfar-reaching civic engagement initiatives that standing contributions to the project. Elon University has developed with the enLambert was the inaugural chair of the couragement and support of Dr. Lambert Project Pericles Presidents’ Council and an serve as models for colleges and universities eight-year member of the project’s board of nationwide.” directors. Elon became a founding member Project Pericles is a national organization of Project Pericles in 2001. that encourages commitments by colleges and the magazine of elon
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Elon News
Faculty author new books Two faculty members have written books exploring the media’s impact on the national sociopolitical agenda and a noteworthy American author’s contributions to cross-cultural awareness in young-adult fiction. A third faculty member published his debut novel. David Copeland, A.J. Fletcher Professor in the School of Communications and director of Elon’s master’s in interactive media program, published The Media’s Role in Defining the Nation: The Active Voice. The book examines the ways media are used to debate issues and shape the national agenda and how those methods change along with communications technology and American culture.
In Suzanne Fisher Staples: The Setting is the Story, Megan Isaac, associate professor of English, offers middle- and high-school educators resources for teaching Staples’ books. Staples, an award-winning young-adult author, offers positive approaches to cultural understanding in her novels, which are set in India, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States. Drew Perry, associate professor of English, published his first novel, This is Just Exactly Like You. The book, set in North Carolina’s Piedmont region, touches on topics of infidelity, inaction, parenthood and suburban survival through its primary characters, Jack Lang, an employee at a mulch company, and his autistic son, Hendrick.
David Copeland
Megan Isaac
Rotary, Udall scholarship winners named Three Elon alumni and a junior are recipients of national Rotary and Udall scholarships that will help them continue their studies. Three Elon alumni received Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships to support their graduate research overseas. The scholarships, founded in 1947, provide up to 26,000 to cover degree-oriented study for one year in another country. Six Elon students or alumni have been chosen for the award since 2006.
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Amie Ritchie ’07
Christina Anne Orangio ’09
Rebecca Lauren Watts ’09
Molly Schriber ’11
the magazine of elon
The three Rotary recipients and their fields of study are: » Amie Ritchie ’, international studies and French. Ritchie, whose research interests include human rights and development of areas in conflict, will use her award to travel to New Zealand in 2011. She plans to pursue graduate degrees in West African development, a field she chose after her experience volunteering for Tostan, a Senegal-based nonprofit organization. » Christina Anne Orangio ’, environmental studies. Orangio describes her research interests as “finding a balance between science and society” to help eradicate poverty around the globe through environmental education and management. She will travel to South Africa to continue her studies.
Drew Perry
» Rebecca Lauren Watts ’, Spanish and international studies. Watts’ research focuses on globalization and migration/ immigration in Latin America. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in Latin American studies in Mexico beginning this fall. The 2010 Udall Scholarship winner is junior Molly Schriber, a native of Houston and a double major in environmental studies and international studies. The award provides 5,000 to students pursuing careers related to the environment. Recipients also spend a week in Tuscon, Ariz., with other scholars to meet policymakers in environmental fields. It is the second time since 2008 that an Elon student has received this national award.
Elon News
Update “The fact that we are in this room today means that we have all won the lottery of life. The question becomes how we go about discharging that responsibility. So I hope that you will seek in your lives to connect with whatever cause, whatever cause larger than yourself, that gives meaning to you. I think you will find it gives you perspective. It will give you a little extra measure of happiness. And together we truly can, in increments, help change the world.”
MAJOR GIFTS SUPPORT ELON ACADEMY, ATHLETICS & ANNUAL GIVING BY JALEH HAGIGH
M
ajor gifts from alumni, trustees and friends, and a surge in giving among young alumni, highlight recent activity with Ever Elon: The Campaign for the Future of Our University. As of late April, donors had contributed more than $76 million in gifts and pledges toward the $100 million campaign goal.
noileses support elon academy
Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, speaking at the annual Convocation for Honors on April 13. Kristof headlined a daylong celebration of the liberal arts and sciences and the installation of Elon’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter.
Believing in the power of education to change lives, Douglas G. and Edna Truitt Noiles ’4 4, of New Canaan, Conn., have continued their commitment to the Elon Academy, making a $1 million gift to support the university-run college access program for Alamance County high school students. The gift will fund endowment and annual operations of the academy. This is the couple’s fourth major gift to the Elon Academy and the largest gift yet to the academic enrichment program established in 2007 with the Alamance-Burlington School System. The three-year program serves academically promising students with significant financial need or no family history of attending college. Academy students participate in four-week summer residential experiences at Elon and activities throughout the school year. The first class of 22 students will gather Aug. 1 for a graduation ceremony. A majority of those students have been accepted into colleges and universities this fall, including Elon. The Noileses believe strongly in the academy’s mission to inspire students to earn college degrees and serve their communities. “Doug and I recognized that our deep concern for early education needed to be expanded to students who had the potential for higher education but were not getting the preparation they needed to go on to that level,” Edna Noiles says. “We recognized continued on page 8
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Update
Douglas G. and Edna Truitt Noiles ’44
the need to create an environment where these students could first learn what the word ‘scholar’ meant and then know they could become one.” The couple are among Elon’s most generous benefactors. In 2003, they made a $1 million gift to endow the Vera Richardson Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. Their previous support of the Elon Academy includes a $220,000 gift to fund the first year of the program. The couple are members of the Numen Lumen Society, the university’s premier cumulative giving society, which recognizes donors who have given $1 million or more to Elon. Deborah Long, professor of education and Elon Academy director, says ongoing private support for the program is critical to its future success. “We are making a long-term commitment to young people and families of Alamance County,” Long says. “Endowment gifts allow us to do that by funding the Elon Academy in perpetuity.”
robertsons fund alumni gym renovation A major gift by Elon trustee Jeanne Robertson and her husband, Jerry, will provide lead funding for renovating Alumni Gym in the Koury Center. The project will upgrade Elon’s home for basketball and volleyball, convocations and other large campus events. The renovation includes new seating; lighting, sound and video boards; offices for coaches and staff; locker rooms; and a south entrance and outdoor plaza. The gym’s lower-level bleacher seating will be replaced with chair seats, with additional sections added on the north end 8
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Construction is scheduled to begin in May and be completed over the next two summers. Use of Alumni Gym during the academic year will not be affected. The plan to create a new south entrance will return the gym to its original design. When the building opened in 1950, the main entrance was on the south end of the gym. The south entrance was closed when Alumni Gym underwent a major renovation in 1994 as part of the Koury Center’s construction. Jerry and Jeanne Robertson The Robertsons have made generous gifts to honor their close friends, former athletics of the gym to form a horseshoe bowl. At the director Alan White and his wife, Norma. In south end of the gym, an upper-level “nest” recognition of the Robertsons’ gifts, Elon’s seating area will be added behind the bas- Belk Track Complex includes Dr. Alan and ketball goal. Norma White Field and the North Athletics In recognition of the Robertsons’ gift, the Complex includes Alan J. White Bell Tower. basketball floor in the gym will be named The Robertsons’ son, Bailey “Beaver” Robertson Court. Bowline, is a 1989 Elon graduate who played “We want to help maintain Alumni Gym basketball during his college years. The couas a first-class venue for campus events and ple are members of Elon’s Palladian Society. a great facility for Phoenix sports,” Jeanne Robertson says. “We’re happy to have the opportunity to support this exciting project and lathams enhance to advance Elon’s athletic and cultural pro- baseball park grams that are hosted in Alumni Gym.” Trustee Dr. Bryan Latham and his wife, Janet, “Jeanne and Jerry Robertson are among the of Miami, have made a $250,000 gift commost loyal and generous supporters of Elon mitment to fund improvements to Walter C. athletics,” says Dave Blank, director of ath- Latham Park. The couple have made several letics. “Their gift demonstrates a remarkable major gifts to Latham Park, including one commitment to the Phoenix and will make to name the facility in honor of Latham’s faAlumni Gym more attractive, comfortable ther, a 1934 Elon alumnus and standout athand functional for the many uses of this key lete who died in 2000. The couple are among campus facility.” Elon’s most generous donors to athletics. With Blank says the renovation is a key step in their recent gift, they have made $1 million in preparing for future construction of a large gifts and pledges to Latham Park. convocation center, which is included in The Bryan Latham says he’s grateful to Elon for Elon Commitment, the university’s 10-year helping his father realize his dream to earn a strategic plan. Fundraising for the renovation college degree. Walter Latham was the first will continue and will provide the balance of person in his family to attend college. He the financing. starred on Elon’s football, basketball and
Architectural rendering of Alumni Gym renovation
baseball teams and is a member of the university’s Sports Hall of Fame. “I wanted to continue to honor my father, who received a great education at Elon under difficult economic circumstances,” Latham says. “Elon is an exceptional place with great leaders, great students and a great campus. I want that comDr. Bryan Latham mitment to continue for a long time, and this gift is a way to cement that commitment.” Latham, a member of the university’s Palladian Society, encourages other donors to join the Ever Elon Campaign and help the university reach the $100 million goal. “You’re never going to find a better place to give your money or find more responsible people to manage your gift,” Latham says. “You’ll never be disappointed by making a gift to Elon.”
anderson inspires young alumni giving Trustee Kerrii Brown Anderson ’79 figured that Elon young alumni love a challenge. Make a gift of $20 or more during February, she told them, and she’d match each gift 5-to-1. A total of 628 young alums participated in The ignite Challenge, contributing $34,171 to the Elon Fund, Phoenix Club and School of Law, as well as to academic departments and programs. Anderson’s match of $170,857 brought the total raised to $205,028. Anderson announced the challenge in a video message that was posted on E-Net, the university’s news and information site, as well as on Twitter and Facebook. Many recent graduates made their first gift to Elon during the challenge and became members of ignite, Elon’s young alumni giving program. Anderson encouraged young alums to continue to support their alma mater with annual gifts. “Young alumni stepped up to The ignite Challenge with a greater commitment than I could have ever imagined,” Anderson says. “I am so proud of the young alums. The success of this campaign demonstrates the character of Elon graduates.” In a follow-up video, Anderson thanked young alums for participating and announced
to earn an Elon degree. Since the Ever Elon Campaign began, donors have created 125 scholarships at the university. “You’ve heard me say this before, that the world needs Elon graduates, and the young men and women sitting here tonight are the kind of young men and women who will go out and be forces for good,” Lambert said. Kerrii Brown Anderson ’79 Allen E. Gant Jr. Seniors Jonathan Mahlandt and Kristine Silvestri, who were her plans to issue a second challenge during inducted into Elon’s chapter of Phi Beta the 2010–11 fiscal year. Kappa in April, shared with donors the value This is Anderson’s second major campaign of scholarships to their learning. gift since October, when she made a $225,000 “When you’re funding scholarships, you gift to the Kerrii Brown Anderson Endowed are funding relationships that enhance acaScholarship. The scholarship, established in demic excellence,” Mahlandt said. 2009 by a gift from Wendy’s International “I just want to thank the donors for makFoundation in Anderson’s honor, assists fe- ing a big difference in my life,” added Silvestri. male students with financial need. Anderson’s challenge funds will support scholarships and Elon’s operating budget. She new campaign chairs named is a member of the Aesculus Society. Trustees Allen E. Gant Jr. and Kerrii Anderson ’79 have been named co-chairs of the Ever Elon Campaign. They succeed scholarship support trustee Mark Mahaffey, who has been elected takes center stage chair of the university’s board of trustees. Elon celebrated athletics and academic scholGant, president and ceo of Glen Raven arships and the people who make them pos- Inc., has been an Elon trustee since 1997 and sible at two annual events, the Night of the served as board chair for the past three years. Phoenix fundraiser and the scholarship dinner. He also served on the committee that drafted At the Night of the Phoenix on Feb. 19, do- the university’s new strategic plan, The Elon nors contributed $87,000 to scholarships for Commitment. Elon student-athletes. Since the launch of the Anderson, former c e o of Wendy’s fundraiser three years ago, supporters have International, has been a trustee since 2008 donated more than $210,000 to the Phoenix and recently led The ignite Challenge to inClub for annual scholarship aid. crease young alumni giving. Five athletes — Molly Calpin (soccer), Terrell Hudgins (football), Mike Mellilo (baseball), Matt Richardson (cross country) alumna makes planned gift and Lizzie West (volleyball) — spoke during Nancy Turner Watson ’66, of Muncie, Ind., the event about the importance of scholar- has included a bequest in her estate plans ships and athletics to their education. that in the future will establish the Nancy “I am so privileged to have spent the last Turner Watson ’66 and Dr. James Watson Jr. four years as a member of the Elon women’s ’65 Endowed Scholarship. The gift honors Jim, soccer team, and it is because of this expe- her late husband, and will provide need-based rience that I have become who I am today,” scholarships for students. Watson is a member Calpin said. of Order of the Oak, the university’s planned At the scholarship dinner on March 1, do- gift legacy society. nors to academic scholarships met with the students who benefit from their generosity. President Leo M. Lambert thanked support- Visit www.everelon.org for more information ers for giving deserving students the chance on the Ever Elon Campaign or to make a gi . the magazine of elon
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Phoenix Sports
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Three-pointers and a will to win set Ford apart
the recruiting trail paid off when Ford, the North Carolina High School Athlete of the Year, signed to play. “Ali has led our team and was one of the top freshmen in the country in several offenAt 5-foot-3, Ali Ford may not appear to be an elite women’s basketball sive categories,” Barefoot says. “Hopefully, the player. But a er the rookie led the Southern Conference in three-point records will come, but more importantly, I field goals and ranked near the top in scoring, assists and steals, she’s hope that she will continue to lead this team. ge ing lots of second looks. She’s very coachable and is a true competitor.” Ford netted a career-best 27 points against Ford, an outstanding high school athlete, any way that I could,” Ford says. “As a team, Davidson and finished her first year ranked in entered the season with hopes of helping we just worked hard and tried to get better Elon’s single-season top-10 in several offensive her new team improve. She finished as the every day. I think that our hard work paid categories including points, three-point field SoCon Freshman of the Year and as the only off and will continue to help us in the com- goals made, three-point attempts, free throws, underclassman named to the coaches’ all-con- ing years.” free-throw percentage and assists. ference team. She also became the first rookie Head coach Karen Barefoot felt that “I think the future of Elon women’s basto be named to the media’s all-conference Ford’s ability to make shots and her competi- ketball is bright because of the passion and team since the 1996-97 season. tiveness would help her succeed despite her dedication that players like Ali bring to the “I wanted to come in and help my team in height. Barefoot and her staff ’s hard work on team,” Barefoot says.
ali ford (#11) freshman stats First in conference three-point field goals made 2nd in conference in scoring 5th in conference in free-throw percentage 6th in conference in assists 8th in conference in steals 11th among nation’s freshmen in scoring 16.2 points per game 19 games she led Phoenix in scoring 25 games she scored in double figures
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Phoenix Sports
Matheny expects exciting times in second season Ma Matheny became Elon’s 17th men’s basketball coach on March 29, 2009. A year later, he reflects on his first season as a head coach and looks forward to next year with Phoenix basketball. q: Talk a little bit about your first year as a head
coach. What was different about being the head coach compared to your role as an assistant coach? matheny: The buck stops here. What I mean by that is that I
had been involved as an assistant in every aspect of a program and I felt like I knew what it would be like to be a head coach and be in charge of everything. But it’s different. Regardless of whether it is ordering new uniforms or socks, or figuring out whether we want to do a Twitter or Facebook page, or preparing for an opponent or improving our players, it all comes across this desk. I enjoy that, but it’s a little different. q: Was there one special moment that you
will remember from Year One? matheny: I remember walking out of the gym at Furman and
thinking, “Wow, our guys are really starting to believe.” We had gone through some tough times, gone through a losing streak and battled the implementation of the system. I felt like when we won that game there were times when our players really started to believe in the system. q: What are some of the characteristics of the members
of your incoming recruiting class and how will they work with the existing players on the squad? matheny: A year ago, when determining what we would look
for in our incoming classes, we said we wanted toughness, coachability and work ethic. I think what fans, students and fellow teammates are going to see are tough guys who work hard and listen. … We are still recruiting to complete the class, but we have four players who are committed to us right now. We have talented players — guards with the ability to make plays and big guys with the ability to get the ball off the glass.
record-setting jumps » Junior Veronica Day took home the Southern Conference title in the long jump in February at the SoCon Indoor Track and Field Championships. During the season, Day, of Vienna, Va., broke her own school record in the triple jump in four consecutive meets. Her top mark of 38-9 3/4 came at the Liberty Quad meet.
2010 football schedule
Already looking forward to football season? The schedule for Phoenix football is now set except for kickoff times. The Phoenix will get a chance to
avenge last season’s first-round playoff loss to Richmond on Sept. 18, when the team plays the Spiders again. Don’t miss the Hall of Fame game on Sept. 11 against Shaw, Family Weekend on Oct. 2 against Samford and Homecoming on Oct. 23 against Wofford. To get the latest on the schedule, visit www.elonphoenix.com. date
opponent
location
q: What can fans look forward to when
Sept. 4
at Duke
Durham, N.C.
they watch the Phoenix in 2010-11?
Sept. 11
Shaw
Elon
Sept. 18
at Richmond
Richmond, Va.
Sept. 25
at Georgia Southern*
Statesboro, Ga.
matheny: Excitement. If you were at our final home game
against Davidson, that’s what Alumni Gym is going to be like, and we want it to be like that every night we play here. The electricity our players felt that night gave us energy. It gave us an extra step, a few points here and a rebound there. Come out to Alumni Gym because it’s going to be exciting.
To see Erica Roberson’s complete q&a with men’s basketball coach Ma Matheny, go to tinyurl.com/mathenyqanda.
Oct. 2
Samford*
Elon
Oct. 9
at Appalachian State*
Boone, N.C.
Oct. 23
Wofford*
Elon
Oct. 30
at Cha anooga*
Cha anooga, Tenn.
Nov. 6
at The Citadel*
Charleston, S.C.
Nov. 13
Furman*
Elon
Nov. 20
Western Carolina*
Elon
* southern conference game the magazine of elon
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Favorite son Mike Kennedy ’91 leads his alma mater to unprecedented heights in college baseball
BY KRISTIN SIMONETTI ’05
Want to know the secret to Mike Kennedy’s success in coaching? visit www.elon.edu/magazine
one of donny jobe’s favorite memories of his coach, Mike Kennedy ’, doesn’t involve baseball at all. As fall break approached during Jobe’s first semester at Elon, the Vero Beach, Fla., native decided to stay at school rather than take the long trip home for the short break. Then, he ran into Kennedy. “He asked me if I was going anywhere, and I said ‘no,’” Jobe recalls. “He asked me if I wanted to go fishing, and I love fishing, so that’s what we did that weekend.” It was the first of many fishing trips Jobe, a 2008 alumnus, has taken with Kennedy. And while not every player gets to go fishing with the 12
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coach, close relationships represent a hallmark of Kennedy, Elon’s winningest baseball coach. “I’ve known a lot of guys who play in a lot of programs around the country, and I’ve yet to hear someone talk about their coach or one of their coaches in a way that I know (Kennedy) cares about his players,” says senior catcher Mike Melillo. “He’ll never quit on you — as a baseball player or as a person.” Kennedy’s unique dedication to his players has produced unprecedented success for Phoenix baseball. The team tallied consecutive 40-win seasons in 2008 and 2009 for the first time in Elon’s history. In 2009, the Phoenix earned a spot in the top-25 of Baseball America’s
final rankings for the first time since joining Division I a decade ago. For any coach, such success would be sweet, but for Kennedy, an alumnus of the baseball program, it’s sweeter. “I love Elon, I’ve been around it for so long, it makes me feel good to know we’re doing well for this university,” he says. Kennedy grew up in Fayetteville, N.C., where sports were an integral part of his childhood. An excellent football and baseball player at Westover High School, he planned to play football at the college level. Late in Kennedy’s senior year, however, former Elon baseball coach Rick Jones spotted him at a tournament.
“He was very determined and a really talented player,” recalls Jones, now head coach at Tulane University. “I noticed his competitiveness, his attention to detail and his work ethic — all the things that make him a great coach today.” Jones met with Kennedy during the tournament, and shortly thereafter, Kennedy chose to join Elon’s baseball program. As the team’s starting catcher from 1988 to 1990, Kennedy, a career .311 hitter, earned two All-American honorable mentions, and played on Elon teams that went to the 1989 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics World Series and won the 1990 District 26 championship. He credits Jones not only with improving his skills as a player but also laying the groundwork for his philosophy as a coach. “Some players found him hard to play for at times because he was very demanding, but he motivated me, and he cared about us,” Kennedy says. “I care about our kids, but I also want to make sure they understand that, even outside of baseball, it takes a lot of effort and hard work to be successful.” In 1990, the Oakland Athletics selected Kennedy in the ninth round of the Major League Baseball draft. He chose to leave Elon a year before graduating to pursue his professional career, completing his coursework while playing. He remembers his first spring training with Oakland in 1991, working with then-A’s manager Tony LaRussa. “I wasn’t your typical 22-year-old in pro ball, where all you cared about was the day’s work. I listened, I learned, I took everything in that I could, thinking that it might help me someday,” he says. For two seasons, Kennedy played catcher for three of Oakland’s minor-league affiliates, but he suffered several injuries and was released after spring training in 1993. He returned to North Carolina and rejoined Elon’s baseball program as the pitching coach, serving as an assistant for three seasons before becoming head coach in September 1996. While he recalls being excited to take the reins of his alma mater’s program, Kennedy realized the task wouldn’t be easy. “People said, ‘Mike, you’ve got a job you can’t win at: a private school in North Carolina, with no scholarships,’ — we had none at the time,” he says. “‘You can’t win there,’ they said. It was a challenge.” But it wasn’t a challenge too steep to overcome. In 1997, Kennedy’s first season at the helm, Elon went 34–16, swept the South Atlantic Conference regular-season and
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MIKE KENNEDY ELON PHOENIX HEAD COACH SINCE FAVORITE COACHING C MEMORY: Making the program’s first NCAA Tournament Regional in . “We had no idea we were going,” he says. “We had a meeting iin the locker room to watch the selection show, and our name poppedd up u there. The excitement in that room … kids ran out of the locker room and nd ran down the road, yelling and hollering. It was really special.”
» » » » » »
–– record entering season (# all-time at Elon) conference coach of the year awards (South Atlantic ; Southern , ’, ’) players selected in Major League Baseball draft NCAA Tournament Regional appearances (, ’, ’, ’) conference titles (South Atlantic ; Southern , ’, ’) conference tournament titles (South Atlantic ; Southern ) HOBBIES: Hunting, fishing, television crime shows like “The First ”
tournament titles, and earned a berth in the uniform, but he also values the chance he had ncaa Division ii Tournament South Central to be part of Jones’ staff. Regional. “I’d remember times from when I was play“To be able to prove some people wrong and ing for him, it was a different memory every to succeed that season was really rewarding,” day,” he says. “To be able to work with the man Kennedy says. “There’s nothing like winning who got me into this game, who really, truly championships.” made me understand baseball at the college During any given game, Kennedy takes level, it was great.” a backseat to his players — one foot up on For Jones, the team’s travels afforded him the dugout steps, observing the action, some- the opportunity to admire Kennedy’s coachtimes with his clipboard in hand. But, as ing up close. former Phoenix outfielder Chase Austin recalls, “I’ve said this to a lot of people since the tour Kennedy won’t hesitate to hop ended — I think Mike might out on the field to defend his be the best-kept secret in colteam in a scuffle, as he did in a lege baseball,” Jones says. i think 2008 game against conference That secret may not be kept mike might rival Western Carolina. for long. Though his name is be the “Our players started getting bound to come up amid future best-kept at their players, and it became coaching vacancies at larger secret in a back and forth thing,” Austin schools, Kennedy says his college says. “Their coach started family — wife, Liz, daughter, baseball. yelling at our players, and Blair, and son, Ryan — enjoys Rick Jones (Kennedy) got up and started tulane baseball coach participating in the life of yelling at him. I liked how he Elon’s campus. But if you ask stepped in and had our backs.” Kennedy the reason he has To Kennedy’s former coach, Jones, that stayed at his alma mater for nearly two decades, episode epitomizes his success. his answer is simple: The relationships he builds “The job Mike does, the respect he has from with his players. his players without trying to command it, it’s “My favorite part of the day isn’t hitting very rare. He’s got ‘it,’” Jones says. ground balls and teaching,” Kennedy says. Last year, when he was tapped as head “It’s when practice is over and I’m sitting in coach of the 2009 usa Baseball Team the dugout, and there are three or four guys in (Collegiate), Jones asked Kennedy to serve as there — everyone else has left — and we just his pitching coach for tournaments in Japan talk. It’s fun. You sometimes learn more about and Canada. Nearly a year later, Kennedy them in 20 minutes than you do in four years. still exudes pride at wearing the Team usa They keep you young.” the magazine of elon
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PUBLIC RELATIONS: PERSUASION OR PROPAGANDA? BY DAVE HART
Kenn Gaither helps students understand the emerging issues in our interactive world.
Gaither, 39, arrived at Elon in 2004, by way of Pennsylvania, Brazil and ports of call around the world. He was born in Slippery Rock, Pa., where his father taught biology at Slippery Rock University for 38 years. His parents encouraged him to find his own path. During his formative years, Gaither says, “That’s the Brazilian flag,” says Gaither, an which organizations, businesses and even gov- that meant sports, especially soccer — and in associate professor and new associate dean in ernments communicate their messages, goals a roundabout way, that might have piqued his the School of Communications. “Those stars and values across borders. interest in international affairs. aren’t in a random pattern. They’re the constelIn an increasingly interconnected global “When I was 13, I created a board soclations in the sky on the evening that Brazil community, he says, it’s especially important cer game that used actual soccer player gained its independence from Portugal. The to be able to communicate effectively with statistics,” he says. “That game became a source colors have symbolic values, too. audiences in other parts of the world. of entertainment for me and my friends, and “I try to show students the value of looking learning the names of all those players made “A flag is just like a Web site or a newspaper. It’s full of clues and symbols that tell us outside — not just outside the Elon University me interested in their heritage and countries.” something about the source, if we know how bubble, but outside the U.S. — and underAs a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, to listen to them.” standing other cultures on their own terms, he became an intern at a small public relations Much of Gaither’s career has been devoted not just on American terms,” he says. “This is agency, which later hired him. He eventuto deciphering those sorts of clues and sym- the perfect place to do that, because Elon does ally worked at two other public relations and bols in contemporary communications and such a great job of connecting students to the communications firms in Pittsburgh, rising helping students do the same. He studies and wider world. We send more students abroad to become the director of public relations teaches public relations with a special focus on than any other institution of our kind in the and marketing at elan communications, an international public relations — the ways in country, so I’m in exactly the right place.” $11 million agency, in 1999.
T
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he walls of Kenn Gaither’s office in the McEwen communications building are adorned with flags of various nations: Australia, Poland, Ghana, Vietnam. Gaither points to a green one that includes a blue circle sprinkled with white stars.
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As he worked in public relations, he also began a teaching assistantship at the university and fell in love with teaching. Gaither’s first exposure to the world beyond America’s borders came when he spent the year after high school as an exchange student. “I wanted a challenge,” he says. “I wanted to go someplace where I didn’t know anybody and didn’t speak the language. I spent a year in Brazil. It opened my eyes.” He followed that up with the first of what would become eight voyages with the Semester at Sea program. A floating university, Semester at Sea offers students classes and field work aboard a specially outfitted passenger ship that circles the globe twice a year, stopping at 10 to 12 ports along the way. When he could no longer continue straddling the corporate and academic worlds, he chose academia. He earned his doctorate at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was named the school’s Outstanding Graduating Ph.D. Student in 2004. He joined the Elon faculty the same year. “The more I taught, the more I loved it,” he says. “There’s something magical that happens in a classroom. There are moments that happen in teaching — when a student surprises you with an insight, when you get a really great discussion going — when everything else falls away and you’re totally in the moment. I love that.” That passion shows in the respect and admiration of his students. Caitlin Domenech ’08 has been working in corporate communications, but learning from Gaither has led her to consider going into academia.
did you know? kenn gaither … Landed the role of bartender in an Italian beer commercial. Appeared in an episode of The Weather Channel’s “Storm Stories.” Is an amateur vexillologist — one who collects and studies flags. Played in a third-division soccer match in Ghana. Has at three separate times fractured his femur, torn his ACL and torn the meniscus in his knee but still runs 3–5 miles up to five times a week.
“I can say that the sole reason I now consider becoming a college professor is due to Dr. Gaither,” she says. “If I could inspire and motivate just one student the way that Dr. Gaither inspired me, I would consider it an incredible success.” David Copeland, A.J. Fletcher Professor and director of Elon’s master’s in interactive media program, says Gaither is one of the most innovative teachers at the school, a leader among the faculty and a highly resprected source of advice and help for students. “One thing that you will quickly notice if you spend any time in the main office of the School of Communications is that students constantly seek out Kenn’s guidance,” Copeland says. “His door is always open and more often than not there will be a student there waiting to speak with him.” As an educator and former public relations practitioner, Gaither says the field suffers in some ways from an image problem. “Public relations is not always perceived as a positive force in this country,” he says. “The average person only hears about it in a crisis: ‘Toyota is facing a public relations debacle.’ When public relations is effective, nobody hears about it. It’s like an offensive line in football; people only pay attention to it when the quarterback gets sacked.” Gaither argues that public relations can save lives, especially in the international environment. Health education programs, for example, depend on public relations principles. Gaither’s interest in international issues led him to the research that culminated in his 2007 book, Building a Nation’s Image on the World Wide Web: A Study of the Head of State Web Sites of Developing Countries. Conducting a rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis of the official English language web sites of the leaders of 30 nations, including Croatia, Poland, The Philippines and Mexico, Gaither explored the intersection of public relations and propaganda. “When is information propaganda, and when is it just information?” he says. “I wanted to try to measure that discrepancy and define it.” He analyzed the Web sites using a number of criteria looking for symbols and patterns that would reveal all manner of things about the leaders, political systems and cultures he studied. “For example, the president of Lebanon’s web site has a personal photo album; it shows him at backyard barbecues, playing with children and so on,” Gaither says. “It’s all part of portraying the president as a man of the people, a human being, not an omnipotent leader.
what message is the u.s. sending? We asked Gaither in March to apply his work about how nations brand themselves to the homepage of the White House, www.whitehouse.gov.
gaither’s impressions The page changes frequently, suggesting the administration is not static and is commi ed to fluid communication. U.S. flag and White House seal provide legitimacy to the site, linking Obama to known and respected symbols. Nothing on the site indicates the content is necessarily geared to Obama the president. The links include “briefing room,” “issues,” “the administration” and “our government.” Collectively, these suggest the site is more of a government portal than a source to promote Obama. The primary issue is healthcare. A link reads, “our government,” suggesting the initial primary audience is Americans who speak English, not necessarily a global audience. Links at the upper leX , “get e-mail updates” and “contact us,” suggest the Obama administration is a empting to engage in dialogue with public.
“The president of Nigeria, on the other hand, had none of that on his site; he was portrayed as very powerful and presidential, above the people. His site had the election results posted, even years after the election; it was a static narrative that sought to freeze particular moments that showed how good for Nigeria he was.” That sort of global thinking is what Gaither works to instill in his students. Working with bright young minds, helping to open the vast world to them, exploring the always-changing terrain of international communications, he says he’s in exactly the right place. the magazine of elon
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E
BY ERIC TOWNSEND
lon’s inaugural Lumen Prize recipients graduate in May, completing an impressive body of scholarship, research and performance on campus and around the world.
Fi&een dedicated students. FiXeen personalities with 15 different passions. In the two years since the inaugural Lumen Prizes were awarded, the first graduating scholars can now reflect on how much they’ve learned not only about their world, but about themselves. Some traveled the globe to study alternative medicine, women’s health issues and news coverage of terrorist a acks. Others found their research interests closer to home, using microscopes and dna sequencing technology to explore tissue regeneration. “Many of these students were able to have international experiences they might not otherwise have been able to pursue,” says Paul Fromson, a professor of psychology who administers the Lumen Prize program. “Not only will this make them more competitive for the work or schooling they pursue next, but I think they will have a richer and more culturally informed perspective on whatever career they enter.” The prize fosters scholarly efforts including course work, study abroad, research and internships on campus and abroad, and creative productions and performances. Scholars receive $15,000 each and special mentoring to help secure top academic honors.
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Ryan Bleam A sociology major from Doylestown, Pa., Bleam is looking for a job in community development and research and plans to pursue graduate work in anthropology and public health. He researched the concept of “being healthy,” studying the lifestyles and practices of Aboriginal Australians, those who live in the mountains of northern India and people in the United States who are involved in the holistic health movement. For example, he found that more culturally appropriate health care services are needed to encourage aboriginal patients to become more engaged in fighting diseases such as cancer.
“The Himalayan field school I participated in opened up my eyes to globalization’s reach to even the most remote areas of the world. I plan to focus my efforts on promoting and experiencing local culture and its effects on shaping health beliefs for both indigenous and non-indigenous populations.”
Margeaux Corby Amanda Brown Brown, a mathematics major from Gahanna, Ohio, plans to pursue a master’s of public health in epidemiology at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston. She created a mathematical modeling system that includes real-world factors to predict the spread of malaria by insects. The model showed the benefits of using insecticide-treated bed nets to combat malaria.
“Malaria is a prevalent disease in impoverished nations, especially among children in sub-Saharan Africa. This research provides information and tools that quantitatively demonstrate the importance of prevention measures for public health institutions to combat infectious disease.”
Corby, whose home is in Pasadena, Md., is a double major in biology and journalism. She plans to a end medical school. In her research, she studied the health knowledge of people in the Montagnard community of Greensboro, N.C., as well as those in isolated villages in Guatemala and Mexico. Her goal was to find ways to overcome cultural barriers that prevent people from benefiting from “Western” medical practices and treatments.
“The public health field as a whole is starting to realize the crucial role culture plays in a patient’s decision-making process. Those populations who experience the most dissonance with Western medical culture are at greatest risk and experience the greatest disparity in health care. I hope that my work will assist other field practitioners in the process of creating a bridge between cultural axioms and the foreign, yet effective, interventions that Western medicine provides.”
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WHO LIGHT THE WAY
Drea Dorrow An economics and business administration major from Camp Hill, Pa., Dorrow plans to work for Teach for America or the U.S. Census Bureau and a end graduate school to study public health. She studied how surgeries in Malawi to correct ailments such as a clubfoot can improve the quality of lives and economic conditions of African families. The study included a survey of patients at a hospital operated by a nonprofit organization, cure International.
“Once a child can fully help around the home or farm, families produce more goods, and eventually can improve the quality of their lives. … By demonstrating the long-run economic impact that these surgeries have, grant writers and fundraisers will be able to make a case for why donors should consider giving to this charity.”
Jonathan Mahlandt
Cindy Goodson Goodson is a mathematics major from Maryville, Tenn. She plans to teach middle or high school math. She researched the kinds of questions middle school students ask each other when working in small groups to solve probability questions. She also a ended mathematics conferences to advance her research and explore possible careers as a math teacher researcher or curriculum developer.
“Current research focuses on exploring the types and effectiveness of the teacher’s questions to students, but my research looked at what students ask each other and how teachers can promote student questioning. Personally, this Lumen experience has expanded my knowledge of mathematics education research and given me the opportunity to learn new techniques and approaches to teaching mathematics.”
Amelia Helms Helms, a biology major from PfaZown, N.C., plans to a end the Wake Forest University School of Arts and Science in the Molecular Medicine and Translational Science Program. She hopes to enter the field of regenerative medicine, focusing specifically on tissue engineering. For two years, she has studied tissue regeneration in Lumbricus terrestris, a common earthworm, to determine whether genes are expressed differently during various points in the regenerative process.
“Designing the experiments, troubleshooting when things go unexpectedly and learning new protocols have been very beneficial. If we can be er understand the basic mechanisms of tissue regeneration in a model organism like earthworms, such knowledge can be applied to future research, hopefully resulting in practical applications that would benefit humanity.”
Mahlandt is a psychology major from Middletown, Md. He plans to a end graduate school at the University of California, San Diego and pursue a doctorate in psychology and neuroscience. He conducted cognitive psychology research in the field of sequence learning. Humans learn skills and knowledge in one of two ways: through direct instruction, or by observation and experience. Mahlandt explored the way in which direct instruction can interfere with the learning people do on their own, work that he hopes will one day help educators teach young students more effectively.
“Our work primarily contributes to psychology’s understanding of non-conscious thought. Ideally, it will shed light on the cognitive processes critical to pa ern and sequence learning. The research also indirectly comments on the state of education by assessing the usefulness of basic sequence instructions that teachers give students. This may suggest changes to the way educators teach mathematics and grammar.”
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Katie Meyer A political science major from Carmel, Ind., Meyer plans to enter the Peace Corps and work in Africa educating children and teachers. She hopes to work for an international nonprofit organization in Africa, advocating for African people and their rights. She researched children’s human rights violations in Africa, producing a documentary, papers and presentations. Her work was aimed at raising awareness of troubles facing children in Africa, providing hope and showing the capacity for change in Africa.
“I hope people will be disgusted, saddened and angered, but also empowered and motivated to take action. I am simply providing the facts and personal information, suggesting the agencies and ways to help on a small level. If people feel compelled to take action or just discuss the issues, then my research has served its purpose.”
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15 WHO LIGHT THE WAY
Amanda Morrissey Morrissey, a political science major from Hingham, Mass., plans to a end law school. She conducted research about human rights violations relating to the Basque independence movement in Spain.
“I hope to draw a ention to the violations commi ed by the Spanish government to provoke more investigation in the future. … The Lumen Prize has enabled me to concentrate on human rights law internationally and helped me realize that this truly is my passion. I plan on working toward this in law school and in my profession.”
Nichole Rawlings Kristine Silvestri Rawlings is an art history major from Cumming, Ga. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in art history and museum studies. Her goal is to work in the exhibitions department of a museum or gallery. She prepared her honors thesis in art history, merging study of historical writings on art with modern case studies. She studied abroad for a semester in Florence, Italy, and she wrote and illustrated a children’s book, a “moralizing tale” that encourages acceptance and appreciation of children’s differences.
“Because of the Lumen Prize, I was able to spend a semester in Florence, Italy, obtaining primary source data for my thesis and being inspired artistically. The Lumen Prize also allowed me to purchase the materials necessary for digitally illustrating my children’s book.”
A double major in political science and public administration from Flemington, N.J., Silvestri plans to pursue a career in global health policy, focusing on access to treatment for infectious diseases. She contracted malaria while in Ghana researching the experience and degree of social integration of Liberian refugees. AXer recovering from the illness, she redirected her work toward advocacy for malaria research aimed at improving health systems for marginalized groups.
“I recently completed an internship with the Malaria Policy Center in Washington, D.C., and have been accepted into a five-month malaria advocacy training program through the Malaria No More and one partnership. These experiences will give me a solid foundation to enter an advanced degree program in global public health, which I will use to advocate for greater funding for malaria programs with the hope of reducing the prevalence of a disease that currently kills nearly one million people annually, most of them children under the age of 5 in Africa.”
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Lauren Taylor
Katie Strickland
Christopher Staskel Staskel, a music theatre major from Charlo e, N.C., is considering New York University’s two-year graduate musical theatre writing program and may move to New York City to work as an actor and writer. His project and honors thesis involved writing the book and lyrics for an original musical, i.d., which premiered this spring on campus.
“For myself, this project marks my first venture into writing a full-length musical, and the final product will not only serve as sample material for my graduate school application, but also a possible springboard into a professional writing career. For my colleagues, i.d. provides an artistic opportunity to perform new work and originate these roles. … And for the world at large, I hope that i.d. speaks to something immensely truthful for all of us: finding our identity and ultimately accepting who we are. I believe the show is entertaining, but I also believe audiences walk away entertaining some poignant ideas.”
Strickland is a sociology major from Collierville, Tenn. She plans to pursue a career with an international aid organization such as Heifer Project International or the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Her work explored the question, “What makes a truly effective development aid project?” She focused on development aid in Ghana, using a rural village in the Volta Region of the country as a case study.
“This work has potential to be of great help to people designing aid projects in the developing world. My hope is that well-intentioned people who are hoping to help others will realize that the best ways to help people are to invest a great amount of time in listening to the recipients of the aid and trusting that they have the best solutions. It may seem like a simple and obvious thing to do but surprisingly few aid projects actually incorporate the viewpoints of the recipients themselves.”
An international women’s health services major from Webster, N.Y., Taylor plans to become an obstetrician for women in developing countries. She worked in women’s health clinics in Costa Rica, Guatemala, England and South Africa. She also conducted research in Cape Town, South Africa, surveying 250 nurses, midwives and students regarding their knowledge, a itudes and perceptions of maternal care and hiv/aids.
“My research demonstrates the need for more education, resources and collaboration regarding hiv/aids in South Africa. Furthermore, my study found that many health care workers hold prejudicial views of those living with hiv, which could compromise their ability to provide adequate medical care.”
Hannah Williams Williams, a senior from Apple Valley, Minn., is a double major in journalism and English. She plans to work abroad in a communications or writing-related field and to pursue graduate school to study cross-cultural communication. She conducted a comparative analysis of Indian, British and American newsmagazine coverage of the terrorist a acks in Mumbai in November 2008. A goal of her research was to examine the different angles from which people view events to improve cross-cultural communication and understanding in a global world.
“Comparing the products and practices of the American, British and Indian newsmagazine coverage of the Mumbai a acks provides insight into the cultural similarities and differences in how each approaches and presents terrorism coverage. The aim is twofold: first, to educate news producers and news consumers about the themes that emerge … and second, to stimulate more research along similar lines in the field to broaden the understanding of how news producers cover terrorism events and present them to the public, and how the coverage might affect international affairs.”
the magazine of elon
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Inaugural members of Elon’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter gathered for a group photo prior to their induction.
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the magazine of elon
BY VAN DENTON AND DANIEL J. ANDERSON
‘LOVE OF LEARNING IS THE GUIDE OF LIFE’ ELON INSTALLS ITS PHI BETA KAPPA CHAPTER Through two and a quarter centuries, the Society has celebrated and championed the principles of freedom of inquiry and liberty of thought and expression. It promotes the study of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences at colleges and universities and to the public at large. Fewer than 10 percent of students majoring in the arts and sciences are selected for membership. These students have demonstrated outstanding scholarship, leadership, moral character, multicultural awareness and proficiency in foreign languages and mathematics. Today, the Society has more than a half million members. Graduates who can list Phi Beta Elon’s founders laid the groundwork for Phi the enduring relevance of the liberal arts and Kappa on their resumes are frequently on a fast Beta Kappa with a core commitment to the sciences, a solid foundation for our future,” track to success, enjoying a widely recognized liberal arts and sciences. After 121 years, the Lambert said. “Let us savor this day and then seal of academic achievement. crowning affirmation of their vision came in get back to the important work of building an Kim Duggins, a psychology major from the form of a society that places Elon in an elite excellent university that takes great pride in Winston-Salem, N.C., plans to pursue an tier of institutions. Of the more than 2,600 preparing its students as global citizens and for advanced degree in legal psychology and is glad four-year colleges and universities in the nation, lives of meaningful work and service.” that she had the opportunity to be inducted only 280 merit a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. At a dinner that night, the Society inducted into the honor society before graduating. The installation of Eta Chapter, North Elon’s newest members in a tradition that dates “I think one of the great benefits of Phi Beta Carolina, at Elon took place at the Convoca- to the founding of the nation. Each student Kappa is the chance for networking, being tion for Honors, part of a daylong celebration received a certificate, exchanged a special able to have a connection with a lot of people including the dedication of the Phi Beta Kappa handshake with Phi Beta Kappa officials and I wouldn’t normally have connections with, Commons at the Academic Village. At con- signed a membership book. and helping me stand out from the crowd,” vocation, the new chapter’s charter was read Duggins says. and each of the 57 Phi Beta Kappa members love of learning But beyond the advantages of advancing who serve on the university’s faculty and staff The five students who founded Phi Beta Kappa their careers, Elon’s first inductees also have a were recognized. Phi Beta Kappa’s national in at the College of William & Mary deep appreciation for the ways their lives have secretary John Churchill praised Elon as a chose the Greek characters ΦΒΚ to represent been impacted by immersing themselves in the university of “remarkable excellence in the their motto, “Love of learning is the guide of liberal arts and sciences. liberal arts and sciences.” life.” With that clear concept of the purpose of “As an English major, I believe in the imporPresident Leo M. Lambert said the Phi education, they might not be surprised that the tance of the humanities and natural sciences Beta Kappa chapter should be viewed not as a Society remains vital in a world that produces as well,” said Paul Mirek, a senior inductee capstone, but as a cornerstone event for Elon. an astounding amount of information on a from Raleigh, N.C. “With the increasing glo“Phi Beta Kappa represents excellence and daily basis. balization of society it’s important to see the
When seniors became members of Phi Beta Kappa at ceremonies in April, proud family members and friends gathered to celebrate their academic achievements. And surrounding them, in person and in spirit, were generations of Elon students, faculty and staff taking pride in the historic installation of Elon’s new chapter of the most prestigious academic honor society in American higher education.
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differences between people and places, but also recognize what stays the same across culture, and the study of literature, history and natural sciences helps in that regard.” rooted in elon’s history In many ways, Elon’s drive for Phi Beta Kappa can trace its roots to the founding of the college in . The first students studied for bachelor of arts or bachelor of philosophy degrees, and both required courses in English, Latin, Greek, German, French, algebra, geometry, chemistry, physics, zoology, botany and history. The faculty placed great emphasis on public speaking and literary composition. All graduates were required to make speeches or write essays. “Academic excellence was always the goal of the faculty, and its members strove in every manner possible to assist their students to attain it,” wrote historian Durward T. Stokes in his book, Elon College: Its History And Traditions. Through the decades, Elon found success in creating strong professional programs in tandem with a liberal arts and sciences emphasis. Employers were eager to hire Elon’s education, business and communications students who were critical thinkers with a strong global perspective. As Elon grew in national stature, it added top accreditations for its professional schools. But in most circles, Elon maintained its reputation as a liberal arts university. So it’s not surprising that one of the first to suggest the drive to achieve Phi Beta Kappa status was John Burbridge, former dean of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business,
about ΦΒΚ
notable members 17 U.S. presidents 38 Supreme Court justices 136 Nobel Prize winners
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the magazine of elon
who raised the idea in 1999. He the Society’s Committee on said the strong liberal arts proQualifications, including (L-R) John Churchill, Phi Beta gram benefits all students. those submitted by Elon. The Kappa’s national secretary, presents the Eta Chapter, North “For those who really put committee reviews about 40 Carolina, charter to chapter a thought into where they go applications during each round. president Russell Gill, President to school, where they get their “To make it the full cycle is Leo M. Lambert and Provost Steven House. mba, I think it is a mark of a three-year effort,” Wyatt says. quality that they are coming “I would simply say the process to an institution that aspires is arduous. It’s rigorous.” to have the best academic program possible,” Wyatt remembers his first site visit to Elon Burbridge says. “There are no ifs, ands or buts in February 2008 as Phi Beta Kappa considabout it. The students at Elon are receiving a ered the university’s candidacy. The two honors more rigorous education.” students who led his campus tour impressed While the dream of gaining a Phi Beta him as they detailed Elon’s history and its conKappa chapter for Elon was a perfect fit, the stant drive to improve quality. road ahead was steep. “There was a passion on the part of the facDon Wyatt, a professor of history at ulty, a commitment to excellence that was in Middlebury College in Vermont, has reviewed evidence from the first time that the site comhundreds of applications as a member of mittee stepped on campus,” Wyatt says. “There
history of the society
by the numbers
1776 Founded Dec. 5 by five students at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va.
500,000 members 280 chapters
1831 Dropped its requirement for secrecy
57 members on Elon’s faculty and staff
1875 Society’s fi rst women, Lida A. Mason and Ellen Eliza Hamilton, inducted at the University of Vermont
47 seniors inducted at Elon this year
1877 Society’s fi rst African-American member, Edward Alexander Bouchet, inducted at the University of Vermont
7 chapters in North Carolina — others at Davidson College, Duke University, North Carolina State University, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University
1883 National Council of the United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa created
Fewer than 1 in 100 college seniors nationally are invited to join
was an enthusiasm that resonated beyond the faculty and seemed to be present within the entire community.” Wyatt says Elon passed all scrutiny, at every stage of the application process, with “flying colors.”
then & now
In reviewing Elon’s application for a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, the Society asked Elon to provide detailed information about campus programs. Here is a comparison of how Elon stood on some of those measures as it fi rst pursued a chapter and where it stands today.
Measures of academic quality
a journey as important as the goal Three people played continuous and crucial roles in the effort to bring a Phi Beta Kappa chapter to campus. One was Provost Steven House, who previously served as founding dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences. Another was Russell Gill, the Maude Sharpe Powell Professor of English and a Phi Beta Kappa member. And a third was mathematics faculty member Helen Walton, also a Phi Beta Kappa member. When House first arrived at Elon, one of his directives was to work with the faculty to pursue Phi Beta Kappa. He began by studying four of the universities that received chapters in 2000, identifying the criteria that define Phi Beta Kappa standards. House saw the goal as a chance for Elon to be recognized for its achievements in the liberal arts and sciences and to win the embrace of the nation’s oldest national honor society. Such recognition, he believed, would give a mark of distinction not only to students and faculty in the arts and sciences but to every academic program. He knew Phi Beta Kappa also would provide a special advantage to students who planned to pursue graduate study. “We had a lot of work to do but we knew that our pursuit of academic excellence would create an innovative, challenging and learningcentered environment that would transform the lives of our students, engage their minds, and inspire them to be leaders and global citizens,” House says. “We also recognized that supporting our faculty with enhanced facilities, resources and programs was essential to Elon becoming a premier national liberal arts university. It has been a steady journey toward excellence.” Walton says a key turning point was when Lambert and university trustees made Phi Beta Kappa part of the NewCentury@Elon strategic plan. “Dr. Lambert was totally committed to this plan, and you know that any initiative listed is going to happen,” Walton says. “The administration made this such a visible project that I received major support from the administration and faculty. During the application
2000
Now
203,321
310,692*
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57
$2,500
$15,500
Percentage of students with majors or minors in the arts and sciences
58% (in 2004)
61%
Average SAT of incoming freshmen
1117
1225
Percentage of students in study abroad programs
50%
71%
16-to-1
13-to-1
Number of full-time faculty
192
343
Percentage of faculty either tenured or tenure track
59%
76%
Retention rate
83%
90%
Six-year graduation rate
64%
78%
Volumes in Belk Library Number of Phi Beta Kappa members on faculty and staff Amount of scholarship money available for an honors student
Student-to-faculty ratio
*As of 4/2/10. sources: Elon University Fact Book, research by Helen Walton, Phi Beta Kappa application for 2000.
process, I requested information from approxiGill says these major investments will mately 70 people and I always received timely further the university’s mission of preparing responses. My requests did not get lost in lifelong learners, students who have an intense e-mail inboxes.” intellectual curiosity about the world and who Year after year, Elon set higher goals for aca- think critically in whatever field they pursue. demic excellence and then met them. Along “Our Phi Beta Kappa chapter will stand as the way, the university not only improved its a witness and an advocate for the quality of liberal arts programs but also strengthened the the liberal arts program at Elon and to the entire university. central role it plays at the university,” Gill says. In 2006, Elon submitted its third and ulti- “All of our students, including those who will mately successful application to the Society, enter our professional schools, are pegged to filling a notebook with 157 pages of reports this ideal.” and statistics that documented the university’s House loves to point out that Elon is one academic progress. There were more full-time of only seven private universities in the nation faculty, smaller classes and better retention that not only has a Phi Beta Kappa chapter and graduation rates. Increased support for but also top accreditations for its schools of student scholarship included the Honors business, law, communications and education. Program, Elon College Fellows Program, He says Elon’s alumni also benefit from this Lumen Prize and more summer research fund- special academic distinction. ing. Enhanced support for faculty included “For alumni, the Phi Beta Kappa honor more sabbaticals, research funding and the speaks to the academic excellence of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and institution where they received their degrees,” Learning. Technology resources were greatly House says. “It talks about the incredible stuexpanded and the library’s collection grew by dents and the truly outstanding faculty who more than 30 percent. have created this amazing place.” the magazine of elon
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LINDNER HALL LEADS WAY FOR ELON’S GREEN BUILDING PLAN BY KRISTIN SIMONETTI ’05
on april 16, President Leo M. Lambert, former Elon parents Martha and Carl Lindner and members of the board of trustees gathered to dedicate Martha S. and Carl H. Lindner iii Hall, the anchor of Elon’s Academic Village. Lindner Hall is the first building on Elon’s campus to achieve Gold certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (leed) guidelines, the national benchmark for design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. It also is the first building to be designed and constructed using the university’s new Green Building Policy, providing a prototype for Elon’s future buildings.
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the magazine of elon
“Lindner Hall embodies Elon University’s commitment to environmental sustainability. It sets a new standard for construction and operation of future facilities, enabling Elon to create a more sustainable campus.” – president leo m. lambert
what’s a “green” building? Green buildings are designed, built and operated to have less of an impact on human and environmental health than those constructed to meet the traditional building code. leed guidelines focus on five areas: energy efficiency, water efficiency, sustainable site development, materials and resources used in construction and indoor environmental quality. Lindner Hall features: 1
Solar panels installed on the roof heat the building’s water supply
2 Low-flow plumbing fixtures, no-flow
urinals and dual-flush toilets save water 3 Green space around the building
allows storm water to be slowly absorbed and filtered by the soil 4 Irrigation system uses reclaimed
storm water 5 Energy Star-qualified windows and layers
of building insulation keep building cooler in summer and warmer in winter 6 No or low amounts of volatile organic
compounds used in building materials such as carpets, paints and adhesives
what’s next? Lindner Hall is Elon’s “greenest” building for now, but it won’t be for long. Four facilities under construction are being built following Lindner Hall’s sustainable model. Alumni Field House, slated for completion in December Colonnades buildings C, D and E, which will open in fall 2011 Under Elon’s Green Building Policy, each building 8,000 square feet or more must achieve leed’s minimum Certified level. The nexthighest level, leed Silver, is preferred. Smaller buildings proposed to be built during The Elon Commitment strategic plan, such as the multifaith and admissions centers, will be required to follow leed guidelines but not to be certified. The Green Building Policy, adopted in spring 2009, represents a major step toward Elon’s goal of becoming a carbon-neutral university within the next 30 years.
what makes lindner hall “green?” Overall, the building is designed to be more energy efficient and more environmentally friendly than a similar building meeting the traditional building code. Here’s a comparison:
27
49
48
95
percent more energy efficient
percent more water efficient
fewer tons of carbon emissions produced annually
percent of construction waste recycled or reused
want to know more? Learn about Lindner Hall’s sustainable features, track its energy use and see its savings in dollars and water and energy amounts by visiting the Building Dashboard online: www.elon.edu/lindner-dashboard 25
Alumni Action
See you at homecoming
Share stories of alumni you admire we’ve just concluded the Elon Alumni Board and Young Alumni Council meetings in which significant discussion occurred about the strategic goals of the Elon Alumni Association through 2015. The association’s next strategic plan, created as part of The Elon Commitment, the university’s 2020 strategic plan, will provide great direction for our programs and services in the coming years. Sallie Hutton ’92 The Elon Commitment is based upon the belief that the next major advancement in Elon’s stature and reputation will be achieved through the extraordinary accomplishments of students and alumni. One objective of the Alumni Association will be to enhance our recognition of those accomplishments. Elon alumni are a tremendous force for good in the world. We want to celebrate the efforts you have undertaken to make a difference in the communities where you live and travel. Members of the Elon Alumni Board and the Young Alumni Council have provided great suggestions for profiling and recognizing a greater and more diverse number of alumni. While we will implement several of those ideas in the coming months, the most immediate means of recognition available to us are the Alumni Association Awards to be presented at Homecoming, Oct. 22–24, 2010. These are the highest honors bestowed upon alumni by the association and I need your help in identifying candidates for each award. Last year, awards went to an alum who had worked to improve the quality of life for workers in developing nations, a leader in collegiate athletics and an outstanding educator in the field of maternal and fetal medicine.
THE 2010 AWARDS ARE …
distinguished alumnus and alumna of the year: Honors an alumnus and alumna who have distinguished themselves in a profession and in the community and brought honor to Elon.
young alumnus and alumna of the year: Honors an alumnus and alumna who have graduated within the past 10 years and have distinguished themselves in a profession and in the community.
alumni service award: Recognizes an alumnus or alumna who has given extraordinary service to his or her community.
Long live Elon! Sallie Contact Sallie Hu on by e-mailing her at shu on2@elon.edu or by calling toll-free 877.784.3566. the magazine of elon
oct. 22–24
and reconnect with your classmates during Homecoming Weekend. Enjoy the Phoenix Phest for alumni of all eras on Friday night. On Saturday, plan to tailgate before attending the football game between Elon and Wofford. Block seating will be available for reunion classes and affinity groups.
groups celebrating a reunion this year are: classes of 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005 tri-sigma/ tau zeta phi (40th year for Tri-Sigma, 90th year for Tau Zeta Phi) sweet signatures (10th year) elon b a n ds (a n nual), fir e of carolinas marching band (10th year) african-american alumni (annual)
As you begin to reflect about the Elon alumni you know, think about people who go above and beyond what they have been called to do. Have they achieved success in their career while also making a positive impact within their community? Please share their story with me at shutton2@elon.edu or (877) 784-3566. For alumni to be considered for the 2010 awards, nominations must be submitted no later than May 31. From all of us here at Elon, thank you for all the good and kindness you bring to your corner of the world, wherever that may be. Keep spreading goodwill and don’t be bashful about sharing your story with us.
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Return to Elon
where to stay:
The Office of Alumni Relations has reserved blocks of rooms at hotels in Burlington for alumni who plan to attend. Rooms are reserved under the name Elon University Homecoming at the following hotels. best western, (336) 584-0151 comfort inn, (336) 584-4447 country suites, (336) 584-1115 quality inn, (336) 229-5203 courtyard by marriott, (336) 585-1888 hampton inn, (336) 584-8585 Be sure to make your reservation early.
how to help: Alumni volunteers are needed before and during Homecoming. Contact Lisa Ratliff Roper ’93 at lroper@elon.edu or (336) 278-7463.
Alumni Action
NEW MEMBERS, LEADERS JOIN ELON ALUMNI BOARD, YOUNG ALUMNI COUNCIL The Elon Alumni Board and Young Alumni Council welcomed new members and installed new officers at spring meetings in April. elon alumni board officers 2010–11 President: kelli palmer ’98 President-elect: chris martin ’78 p’13 Past president: bill coffman ’86 g’88 Chair, Communications and Marketing Commi ee: lee thomas ’91 Chair, Career Commi ee: dorson white ’73 Chair, Development Commi ee: bill clarke ’93 g’95 Chair, Programs Commi ee: lennie dutton edwards ’91
the elon alumni board welcomes its new members: paul grimes ’02, Farmville, N.C.; tim moore ’78, Cary, N.C.; shane powers ’99, Hoboken, N.J.; adam shamy ’95, Tallahassee, Fla.; mona and dee atkinson ’57 p’81 p’96, Elon, N.C. (Golden Alumni co-presidents); mike duggins ’92, Farmville, N.C. (African-American Alumni Group president); mark turner ’92, Charlo e, N.C. (alumni chapter representative).
young alumni council officers 2010-11 President: christian wiggins ’03 Vice president: christine jordan ’03 Past president: caroline sage ’02 Chair, Development Commi ee: kristin smith ’07 Vice chair, Development Commi ee: erica ayala ’08 Chair, Programming Commi ee: david morrow ’07 l’10 Vice chair, Programming Commi ee: vacant Chair, Career and Student Transitions Commi ee: lisa dawn “l.d.” akers ’08 Vice chair, Career and Student Transitions Commi ee: susan denny ’03
the young alumni council welcomes its new members: ryan fairchild ’03, Arlington, Va.; joey white ’04, Knoxville, Tenn.; matt belanger ’05, York, Pa.; dan hanson ’05, Arlington, Va.; kara anderson ’06, Dublin, Ohio; britten ginsburg pund ’06, Columbia, Md.; amy carraux ’07, Fletcher, N.C.; mark horsburgh ’07, New York, N.Y.; danielle durst ’09, Ashburn, Va.; zack pund ’05, Columbia, Md. (alumni chapter liaison).
Engage the world with the Alumni Association Holiday Markets on the Rhine and Main Rivers: Nov. 26–Dec. 4, 2010 Cruise Germany’s Rhine and Main rivers aboard the MS Amadeus Diamond. Spend seven days exploring eight historic cities, including Cologne, Koblenz, Heidelberg, Würzburg and Nuremberg, all adorned for the holidays. Shop in the best of Germany’s famed Christkindlmarkts, a centuries-old German tradition. The cost ranges from 2,245 to 3,045 per nal person. There is an additional charge of 750 for single accommodations.
Periclean Project in Zambia: May 18– June 3, 2011 In cooperation with Elon’s Periclean Scholars program, this trip combines a service project in the village of Kawana, Zambia, mbia, with a three-day safari in Botswana. swana. Professors, students, medicall personnel and alumni will set up a medical clinic in the village and build a new home with Habitat for Humanity-Zambia. Four spots are available for alumni. Trip participants should be willing to sleep on the floor of houses while staying in the village and in tents while on safari. The cost is 3,500 for all expenses, including meals and a donation to Habitat for Humanity to cover the cost of building materials. Contact Sallie Hutton, director of alumni relations, for more information.
For more information on these trips, visit www.elon.edu/alumni or contact the Alumni Association at (877) 784-3566 or alumnirelations@elon.edu. the magazine of elon
27
Alumni Action
alumni on the town Alumni spent the winter months gathering at chapter events to cheer on Elon’s sports teams, help charities and build their social and professional networks. Here are a few of the highlights. richmond The chapter hosted a February career counseling session featuring alumni Dan Talley ’83, Toni Napoli ’92, Tammy Jackson Proffitt ’84 and Jay Paul ’84, and Brett Woodard, director of employer relations for Elon Career Services. Woodard and the alumni shared advice for finding jobs. In April, alumni gathered for “tax day relief” at The Boathouse restaurant overlooking the James River. baltimore Many alumni turned out for the Elon vs. Navy basketball game in Annapolis, Md. in January. More than 100 alumni, parents and Elon friends met at Rams Head Tavern for a social before the game. boston The Boston chapter participated in Walk ms in honor of former chapter president Jodi Dwyer ’99, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in September 2008. Members also gathered to attend a Boston Celtics vs. Charlotte Bobcats basketball game.
BY LAUREN KELLY ’08
January. Chapter members celebrated their first anniversary as an official Elon Alumni Chapter in April. To volunteer or to suggest an event, e-mail chicagoelonalums@gmail.com.
los angeles Alumni on the West Coast joined a sold-out crowd at the Staples charleston Alumni and their fam- Center for a Los Angeles Kings hockey game ilies came out to support the Elon men’s in February. In March, the group met for basketball team in February as it played the its biannual Southern Networking Social in College of Charleston. Members met at the Santa Monica. More than 100 alumni from Mellow Mushroom before the game. schools across North Carolina and the South met for a mixer at south, L.A.’s premier charlotte The Charlotte chapter southern bar and grill. took center stage March 5–6 for the Southern Conference men’s basketball tournament at philadelphia Alumni met at North Bojangles Coliseum. The chapter hosted Elon Bowl for a bowling social in January, gathered alumni and fans at Loft 1523 before the first in February for a social at Iron Hill Brewery game against Davidson and arranged bus trans- and watched the ncaa tournament in March portation from the social to the game, where at PJ Whelihan’s. If you are interested in joinalumni got to see Elon’s first win over Davidson ing the chapter’s board or suggesting a future since the university moved to the Southern event, e-mail elonphillyalumni@gmail.com. Conference. The group returned to the coliseum on March 6 to cheer Elon in its second triangle Alumni assisted the Triangle tournament game against Western Carolina. Spokes Group by distributing bicycles to local children in need in December. Members also chicago The chance to compete for showed their Phoenix pride by cheering on strikes and spares drew Chicago alumni to the Elon men’s basketball team in December Southport Lanes and Billiards, one of only as it played North Carolina State University 10 hand-set bowling alleys in the country, in at the rbc Center.
1
2
4
5
3
1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
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the magazine of elon
richmond charleston washington, d.c. los angeles triangle
Alumni Action
TRAVEL IN ELON STYLE washington, d.c. In December, the D.C. chapter collected funds for the Latin American Youth Center to purchase gifts for families in need during the holidays. Alumni also traveled to Annapolis, Md., to join members of the Baltimore Chapter for the Elon vs. Navy game. D.C. chapter members continued to compete in Capital Alumni Network intramurals. More than 20 alumni played flag football during the season ending in January and assembled to play softball this spring.
Want to show your Elon pride on the road? get tagged with a complimentary Elon luggage tag from the Alumni Association. Send your business card to the university and you will receive a laminated maroon and gold luggage tag with the Elon logo on the front and your business card on the back. The tag is sturdy, waterproof and a great way to make your luggage stand out in a crowd. Mail your card to: Office of Alumni Relations, Campus Box 2600, Elon, N.C. 27244.
2010
coming events
the alumni relations office
charlotte chapter wine/ culinary experience, 7 p.m. Press Wine/Food, Charlo e, N.C. d.c. chapter social, 6:30 p.m. 3 Bar & Grill, Arlington, Va. philadelphia chapter social, 6:30 p.m. APO Bar + Lounge, Philadelphia charleston chapter riverdogs vs. savannah sand gnats baseball game, 7:05 p.m. Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park,
june 24
charleston chapter riverdogs vs. greenville drive baseball game, 7:05
Sallie Hu on ’92
p.m. Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, Charleston, S.C. Alumni will meet at 6:45 p.m. by the guest services area.
assistant director
Charleston, S.C. Alumni will meet at 6:45 p.m. by the guest services area.
new york city chapter career services counseling appointments with Bre Woodard,
may 20
charleston chapter socon baseball championship games, Joseph P. Riley,
may 26-30
Jr. Park, Charleston, S.C. (Times TBA)
l.a. chapter entertainment industry mixer, 7 p.m. SOUTH, Santa Monica, june 3
l.a. chapter evening for elon with president lambert and elon in l.a. students, 7 p.m. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
june 22
Elon’s director of employer relations, 10:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. David Beahm Design Studios, 529 W. 20th St., Suite 11 W., New York, N.Y. Call (336) 278-6535 to schedule a 30-minute appointment. new york city chapter networking social, 6:30 p.m. David Beahm Design Studios, 529 W. 20th St., Suite 11 W., New York, N.Y.
staff director
Lisa Ratliff Roper ’93 coordinator of alumni chapters
Lauren Kelly ’08 program assistant
Kelly Elliston
Calif.
july 15
charleston chapter riverdogs vs. augusta greenjackets baseball game,
contact
june 5
7:05 p.m. Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, Charleston, S.C. Alumni will meet at 6:45 p.m. by the guest services area.
location
Mall, Washington, D.C. Join the “Elon” team listed under “academic” at www.globalraceforthecure.com.
d.c. chapter susan g. komen global race for the cure, 8 a.m. The National
june 12
chicago chapter whirlyball
event, 1880 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago (Time TBA) triangle chapter komen race for the cure, 7 a.m. (5k) and 8:45 a.m. (family walk) Meredith College, Raleigh, N.C. Visit www.komennctriangle. org and click the Race for the Cure tab to join the “Elon Triangle Alumni Chapter” team.
june 17
d.c. chapter social, 6:30 p.m. Mi
Rancho Restaurant, Silver Spring, Md.
july 20
charlotte chapter summer
877.784.3566
aug. 19 charleston chapter riverdogs vs. rome braves baseball game, 7:05 p.m.
Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, Charleston, S.C. Alumni will meet at 6:45 p.m. by the guest services area.
richmond chapter elon vs. richmond spiders football game, sept. 18
E. Claiborne Robins Stadium, Richmond, Va. (Time TBA)
Washington, D.C. (Time TBA)
oct. 22-oct. 24
charlotte chapter summer pops at symphony park, 7 p.m. The chapter will have a
june 20
suite at the Doubletree overlooking the concert.
toll-free
social, 6 p.m. The Tavern on Park, Charlo e, N.C.
june 19
d.c. chapter nationals vs. white sox game and barbecue, Nationals Park,
Johnston Hall, 123 S. Antioch Ave.
alumnirelations@elon.edu mail
Campus Box 2600, Elon, nc 27244
homecoming 2010, Elon
For the latest alumni news and upcoming events, go to www.elon.edu/alumni
the magazine of elon
29
trout. He is grateful for his friendship with Bob Farr ’49 and his wife, Dolly. After Elon, Frank pursued a career in education. He retired in 1986 as principal of Gretna Senior High School, in Gretna, Va., where he lives today. He wishes Elon continued success.
Class Notes ’30s
’50s
William H. “Bill” Maness ’38 credits Elon with preparing him for the challenges of professional and family life. After Elon, he went to law school and has practiced for more than 60 years. He married and he and his wife had two children. They also adopted three other children — two boys and a girl who were siblings. They took all three children to prevent them from being split up, a decision that has brought continuous joy to the family. Bill advises younger alumni to work hard at whatever they do. “Work is what makes life meaningful,” he says. He is thrilled at the progress his beloved alma mater has made over the years and hopes Elon will continue to do what it does best: Turn out wonderful young people who are determined to make this world a better place.
Max Covington Littlejohn ’50 is grateful to Elon for giving him the foundation he needed to pursue a career in public education. He is also thankful for the opportunity he had to make many friends whose memories he cherishes to this day. Elon is a special place and it is his hope that all Elon alumni can band together in support of this fine school. He lives with his wife, Barbara, in Danville, Va.
’40s
Warren Johnson ’50 recalls that as a freshman he was being “rushed” by the Kappa Psi Nu fraternity. One morning during rush, he was introduced to a young woman named Marjory Reidt ’47, who was a member of the Zeta Phi sorority. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that she would become his wife of more than 56 years. Warren is thrilled at the progress Elon has made through the years and how culturally diverse the students are. The couple live in Arlington, Mass.
Jeanne Meredith Busse ’49 remembers what a privilege it was to serve as secretary to the dean of Elon College, D.J. Bowden. She also remembers the Fred Sahlmann ’51 and his wife, honor of being asked to edit the year- Dorothy, were named 2009 Outbook by one of her favorite professors, standing Teachers at the Louisiana Hans Hirsch. She still gets tickled Music Teachers Convention held when she thinks about how the la- in Lafayette, La., in October 2009. dies would gather on the balconies of The Sahlmanns are heralded as soloWest Dorm so that the fellows could ists, collaborative pianists, teachers, come by after the 11 p.m. curfew and adjudicators, master class clinicians serenade their sweethearts or just visit and supporters of all who perform. for a few extra minutes. She treasures Fred is professor emeritus at McNeese the friendships she made with people State University in Lake Charles, La., like Earl Danieley ’46 and his wife, where he taught piano, theory, organ Verona Daniels Danieley ’49. It is and harpsichord and served an eighther wish that students enjoy the time year term as music department chair. they have at Elon and hold onto their He continues to perform as pianist memories, “for they contain magic.” with McNeese’s chamber ensemble, She lives in Charlottesville, Va. Pastiche, and as organist/choir master at Episcopal Church of the Good Ellen Spivey Neal ’49 says that the Shepherd, where he co-founded the skills she learned studying home eco- Summer Music Festival. In his spare nomics helped her establish a career time he enjoys playing bridge and as a dietician and also served her well tending to his orchid greenhouse. He when she married and started a fam- lives in Lake Charles. ily. As a volunteer, she has blessed countless needy children with her D. Frank Ingram Jr. ’52 enrolled in sewing and food preparation skills. Elon shortly after returning from She currently resides in Lutherville, service in World War ii. He warmly Md. remembers living in the Veterans apartments and the friendships that were forged over a meal of pan-fried 30
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Gurley W. Ritter Jr. ’52 remembers trying to make the transition from military life to academic life. He is appreciative of the opportunity he had to attend Elon and is proud of the strides the school has made through the years, especially the change from college to university. He hopes students will remember their connection to Elon and stay in touch
through the Alumni Association. He lives in Norfolk, Va. Peggy Jean Edwards Hurst ’53 fondly remembers business classes with Professor Tom Fox. During typing class on Friday mornings, he would roam around the classroom chanting “tgif ” getting the entire class to chant and type in unison. Professor Fox was single and some of the girls took great delight in trying to get him to blush. Peggy is proud of the growth that Elon has made in the years since she was a student and hopes that Elon will achieve greater distinction. She lives in Houston, Texas.
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Class Notes John G. Truitt Jr. ’53 is proud to serves as president of the society. He the Tarboro, N.C. Town Council in be an Elon alumnus. He feels that lives in Bowling Green, Va. its 250-year history. She is a certified public accountant and is certified in Elon just gets better and better. The grounds are more beautiful, the stan- Donald E. Packard ’55 was a busy fel- financial forensics and fraud investidards of academic excellence are con- low when he was a student at Elon. gation. She lives in Tarboro. tinually exceeded and the students He played two sports, basketball are brighter. As a student, John was and baseball, and stayed on top of a cheerleader at sporting events and his coursework. He is pleased with ’70s that hasn’t changed. He still enjoys the growth and success that Elon has cheering for the Phoenix and can achieved since he was a student. He Emily Vuncannon Herlocker ’70 is often be found at sporting events advises current students to work hard, a secretary for Herlocker Enterprises. around campus. He hopes that all be confident in their education and She and her husband, Ray, enjoy alumni will pull together in support stay optimistic. Life is hard but if you spending time with their three chilof Elon to ensure that more students “keep your chin up,” everything will dren and four grandchildren. They are given the opportunity to be a part work out. He lives in New Bern, N.C. live in Myrtle Beach, S.C. of the great institution. He lives with his wife, Dolores Hagan Truitt ’53, Margaret Stafford Holcombe ’56 Charles “Chuck” W. Taylor iii is grateful for the caring and help- ’74 retired as general manager of in Elon, N.C. ful professors that she encountered wtju-fm and from the University of Ronald E. Black ’54 has many fond while a student at Elon and the many Virginia, where he was a senior manmemories of his Elon days, most of friendships she made. She is proud ager in the Division of Public Affairs which involve touring and perform- to be a part of such a great university. after 32 years of service. He lives in ing with the choir. Those experiences She lives with her husband, Marvin, Charlottesville, Va. shaped him personally and profes- in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. sionally. He often employs advice Neal G. Howes ’75 has retired from imparted to him by Professor John Carolyn Abernathy Jones ’56 thor- his tax auditor position with the Westmoreland, Elon’s choir direc- oughly enjoyed the many activities Mecklenburg County, N.C., governtor, while conducting his own choirs. and social opportunities she had as ment. He is now president and chief After Elon, Ronald enjoyed a career a cheerleader and sorority sister. But executive officer for New Direction in education for more than 40 years. life at Elon was not all fun and games; Consultants. He can be heard on raHe is a retired professor emeritus she studied hard. She has particularly dio station wgiv for religious and pofrom Cecil College in Maryland. He fond memories of taking biology litical commentary with a humorous is proud to be an Elon alumnus and and anatomy from Professor Paul slant. He is a Stephen Minister and is thrilled to meet other Elon alumni Reddish. She says that being an Elon plans to attend seminary. He lives as he travels around his home state. graduate “speaks for itself ”and she is with his wife, Ellen, in Huntersville, He lives with his wife, Carole, in proud to be a part of such a beautiful N.C. Rising Sun, Md. and successful school. Douglas J. Faithfull ’76 has been The Rev. Thomas E. Wright ’54 grew Bobby Lee Green ’57 says that his promoted to vice president, chief up in Elon, N.C. He was a teenager time at Elon not only taught him the lending officer at Cambridge Savings when World War ii began. Having a significance of education but also the Bank. He will oversee all of the bank’s deep love for his country, he joined importance of motivation and team- lending activities. He is a board the U.S. Army Air Forces, where he work. He has many fond memories member for Cambridge Neighborlearned how hard boot camp was of Elon, but his favorite moment hood Apartment and how much the Air Force would occurred as a baseball player when Housing Services require of him. He served as a radio he hit not only the game-winning Inc., a nonprofit operator on a b-17 bomber with the but also North State Conference- affordable hous15th Air Force Brigade in Italy and winning home run at Lenoir-Rhyne ing association, the 8th Air Force Brigade in England. College. He wishes continued success and a member He earned the Purple Heart and a for his school and especially the Elon of the National Distinguished Flying Cross for his Phoenix baseball team. He lives in Association of Industrial and service but did not receive the awards Greensboro, N.C. Office Properuntil 52 years after the war due to a ties. He lives in Doug Faithfull ’76 fire that destroyed his military records. After returning home, he enrolled at ’60s Hingham, Mass. Elon. He served as pastor of the Keen Street Baptist Church in Danville, Va. reunion ’60 for 22 years. He resides at the Roman ’80s Eagle Memorial Home in Danville. Wayne Seymour ’68 and Lyn Sturkey Seymour ’68 are enjoying their re- reunion ’85 Gilbert C. Brittle Jr. ’55 is a retired tirement. Lyn is a retired elementary school administrator. He and his wife, school media specialist and Wayne is Paula J. Sneeden ’81 is completing Dale, recently built a small home on a retired English teacher and school her 28th year at Cape Fear Academy. a pond in southeastern Virginia. They media specialist. They spend their She wears many hats, serving as enjoy spending time with family and time enjoying their family and play- alumni director, webmaster, gradufriends and gazing out over the pond ing with their grandchildren and their ation ceremonies coordinator and Currents magazine editor. She also watching geese and ducks fly in each dogs. They live in Reidsville, N.C. evening. Gilbert is a member of the is assistant varsity girls’ tennis coach. Bowling Green Lions Club and the Gerrelene McDowell Walker ’69 is She spends her free time either on the Caroline Historical Society, and only the 15th woman to be seated on tennis courts or as a Stephen Minister
at her church. Paula was elected president of the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association this past year and will serve a three-year term. She lives in Wilmington, N.C. Martha “Marty” Burge Haley ’82 is a Realtor and broker with Keller Williams Realty. She recently earned the Graduate Realtor Institute designation, joining other top producers in the residential real estate industry nationwide. She earned the designation by attending an intensive 90hour course that covered subjects such as contract law, professional standards, sales and marketing, finance and risk reduction. She lives with her husband, Rob Haley ’82, in Jamestown, N.C. Monica J. Mancuso ’89 is a senior program manager in the career development systems division of tsm Corporation. She is responsible for account operations, training and development initiatives. Her job has afforded her several opportunities for travel. She has traveled all over the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, and to Guam and Japan. She lives in Greensboro, N.C.
’90s Joel Baumgardner ’91 is the head golf professional at Harrison Hills Golf and Country Club. In 2009, he was named the Indiana pga Section Junior Leader of the Year. He lives with his wife, Jacquie, and their daughter, Lily, in Lafayette, Ind.
Todd Hershey ’92 and sons, Henry and Jackson
W. Todd Hershey ’92 is owner of the Arby’s franchise in Salisbury, Md. He serves as treasurer of the Eastern Shore advertising co-op for many of the Arby’s restaurants on the shore. Outside of work, Todd is involved in the magi Fund, which supports the Joseph House Center and the Christian Shelter, and Ducks Unlimited. He also serves as chairman of the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation and enjoys fishing, hunting, skiing, photography and traveling in his spare time. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their three the magazine of elon
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Class Notes children, Henry, Jackson and Oliver, in West Ocean City, Md. Stephanie Crawford-Wilson ’92 is founder, owner and director of Casa dei Bambini Bilingual Village School, the only bilingual school in Asheville, N.C. The school is celebrating its fifth anniversary. It offers a Spanish immersion program that blends many of the best early childhood education practices, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia and elements of Waldorf/Steiner. The school also offers bilingual afterschool and summer camp programs as well as evening Spanish and esl classes for adults. She lives with her husband, David, in Asheville. Mark C. French ’93 started his own private investigation firm, Minuteman Investigations Inc., in December 2009. He lives in Bedford, Mass.
Karen Nichols Salthouse ’93 is a part-time occupational therapist and a part-time skin consultant for Votre Vu of Paris, France. She recently earned a trip to Paris from the company through product sales and consultant recruitment. She reached her sales goal of $10,000 and recruited 10 consultants. If you are interested in learning more about how she earned her trip, contact her at karensalthouse@hotmail.com. She lives with her family in Greensboro, N.C. Yonnie Butler g’94 is director of business development at the N.C. Biotechnology Center in Research Triangle Park, N.C. He manages investments through the center’s loan-based programs to support life science companies through inception, research and growth stages. He was recently elected to the board of directors for the East Carolina University Medical and Health Science Foundation.
He is a public speaker and lectures on the topics of outsourcing, project management, experiential learning and business development. He lives with his wife, Judy, in Mebane, N.C.
Hill, N.C. The club raised nearly $500 for the Eve Carson Memorial Scholarship. One of Megan’s runners placed first in the under-11 age group. She lives in Burlington, N.C.
Brenna Bendell Husel ’95 recently opened her own portrait studio in Clemmons, N.C. Check out her work at www.PhoenixPhotog.com. She continues to manage marketing promotions for Hanesbrands Inc. but enjoys doing family photography in her spare time. She lives in Clemmons with her husband, Jeff.
Kevin Pace ’02 reports that the Kevin Pace Trio has released its first cd, First Step. The cd is available on iTunes or at cd Baby and features original music by the group. Kevin lives in College Park, Md.
Satara P. Ferguson ’96 is a teacher at Ronald E McNair dla. Her book, Confessions of A Well-Kept Woman, will be published this spring by the Trafford Publishing Company. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in Christian education from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Ga. She lives in Lithonia, Ga. Kevin Barnes ’99 is an assistant project manager with Five Rivers Services llc. He works on visual information support services at Fort Knox. He oversees daily operations of the television, photo, graphics, and loan and issue departments. He lives in Louisville, Ky.
Yonnie Butler G’94
Kara Falck ’03
Megan Trumpler Thomas ’01 with her running club from Altamahaw-Ossippee Elementary School
Karen Davis Weeks ’99 and Matthew Weeks ’00
Aubrey Matulevich ’02
Meghan Allen ’03
Karen Davis Weeks ’99 and Matthew “Braden” Weeks ’00 recently relocated to Downingtown, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia. Karen is a human resources generalist for Analytical Graphics and is pursuing a master’s degree from Villanova. Braden recently starred in two short films in Philadelphia and has a third project that will be filming soon. He is also focused on tv pilot season.
’00s reunion ’00, ’05
Rachel Naumann ’05
Laura K. Mackie ’06
Katie Filkins ’08 in Samokov, Bulgaria 32
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Darren LaFrenier ’07 with students from Reinaldo Macchi Institute in Tobati, Paraguay
Jennifer L. Fout ’01 graduated in December with a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Tennessee. She currently works for Hanna Cancer Associates in Knoxville, Tenn., as an adult nurse practitioner. She lives in Knoxville. Megan Trumpler Thomas ’01 teaches fourth grade for AlamanceBurlington School System. She graduated in August with a master’s degree in education from Elon. She coaches a girls running club at AltamahawOssippee Elementary School which ran in its second 5k race, the Eve Carson Memorial 5k, in Chapel
Joshua Phoebus ’02 was recently named finance director with the Dennigan for Congress campaign in Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District. He is also pursuing a master’s degree from George Washington University’s School of Political Management. He lives in East Providence, R.I. Nathan T. Webster ’02 purchased a restaurant/bar in January 2009. He owns The Village Grill in Roanoke, Va. His restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining as well as the only non-private bocce court in the valley. He lives in Roanoke, Va. Christie Scott Brown g’03 was promoted to rehab team supervisor for Cape Fear Valley Health System. She is an apta-certified clinical instructor, American Heart Associationcertified cpr instructor and a sponsor of the arthritis support group of Cumberland County. She also works closely with the hospital system in promoting wellness education to senior citizens. She lives with her husband, John, and their daughter, Addison, in Dunn, N.C. Meghan Allen ’03 started her own business, Meghan Allen Events, in December 2009. She is a meeting and event planner specializing in corporate meetings, sales incentives, golf outings, social events and weddings. Some of her clients include Absolut Vodka, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Longwood Gardens. Fellow Elon alumna and Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority sister Aubrey Matulevich ’02 helped Meghan to design her company Web site. Aubrey runs a Web site design company called Vichin’ Design. Meghan lives in West Chester, Pa. Kara B. Falck ’03 is a clinical social worker for the National Center for Children and Families. The center is a nonprofit social services agency with many programs that serve people in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. She recently transitioned to the position of therapist for the Greentree
Class Notes
Stepping out on her own by Dan Koehler ’12
When Dionne Eleby ’09 first saw Step Afrika! perform on campus, she was mesmerized as she and her friends watched the step-dancing group literally rock the house. “Once we saw the show, I was hooked,” Eleby, a music theatre major, recalls. Little did Eleby know that in fall 2009 she would return to Elon as a performer with the professional dance group. The crowd cheered her by name as she stomped and clapped her way across the stage in McCrary Theatre. “To come back to Elon was amazing,” Eleby says. “It was good to have people in the audience who knew me. It makes your performance so much better. It gave me that extra ‘umph.’” Eleby credits her Elon education with much of her early success, including giving her the dance skills and confidence to audition for the group. “As a music theatre major, I was used to performing,” she says. “It made the process of auditioning easier. I was still nervous, but it wasn’t as nerve-wracking.” Eleby tapped into her love for dancing and the techniques she learned at
Adolescent Program in the adolescent group home located in Bethesda, Md. She lives in Washington, D.C. Jonathan P. Lindberg ’04 was recently named proposals coordinator on the Proposals and Contracts team at pra International, a global contract research organization based in Raleigh, N.C. In this role, he will compile complex proposal bids in response to Phase 1-4 pharmaceutical trials. He lives in Raleigh. Rachel Naumann ’05 works with Bike & Build, a nonprofit organization that organizes cross-country cycling trips for young adults to raise money for and awareness about affordable housing. This summer she will co-lead a group of 30 cyclists along the northern route from Portsmouth, N.H., to Vancouver, British Columbia. She lives in Waldorf, Md.
teamwork, academic achievement and cross-cultural understanding. Their “Step Up to College” program features a weeklong residency for elementary, middle and high school students that culminates in a performance at a university. Eleby, who participated in the program in Washington last summer, says their message to students is a powerful one — stay in school. “A lot of kids in the D.C. Metro area drop out of school, go straight into the workforce or go into military service,” Eleby says. “We want them to know that college is an option. We get kids excited about education.” Eleby says she’ll always be grateful Dionne Eleby ’09 for the opportunity to perform with Step Afrika! She hopes to continue her career in professional dancing, possibly in New York City, but eventually plans to teach. Elon to earn a spot with the WashingStep Afrika’s largest productions “I wouldn’t want to do anything else,” ton, D.C.-based group. The experience feature up to 16 dancers performing she says. “Dancing is really a freeing has given Eleby an outlet for artis- traditional West African and South experience because it takes my mind tic expression and the opportunity African dance styles and music, as well off of what’s going on in the world. to travel. So far, she has performed as tap and fraternity and sorority styles With Step Afrika!, you’ll find yourself in Ecuador, Paraguay, South Africa, of stepping. The group performs for tapping your foot or breaking into a Madagascar, Canada and across the K-12 students and on college campuses. step in a grocery store. You can make United States. Through stepping, they emphasize it your own.”
Lindsey Guice Smith ’05 has recently joined Foil Law Offices in Durham, N.C., as an associate attorney. The firm focuses on family law in Durham, Orange and Chatham counties. She lives with her husband, William, in Holly Springs, N.C. Peter A. Bellezza ’06 graduated in May 2009 with a master’s degree in biological science. He has been accepted to Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Ill., where he will study podiatric medicine this coming fall. He lives in Little Silver, N.J. Matthew A. Hiley ’06 is a Realtor for re/max Advantage Realty. He lives in Ellicott City, Md. Adam B. Lust ’06 recently completed a master’s degree in applied economics from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He has accepted a position with United
Guaranty in Greensboro, N.C., where he lives.
imagination. He lives in Battleboro, Vt.
Laura K. Mackie ’06 will complete a two-year assignment with the Peace Corps in the Ukraine in May. She trained near Kiev and lived in the western Ukraine where she volunteered in a secondary school teaching children about healthy lifestyles, the environment, leadership and English. She worked on projects training teachers about hiv/aids education and wrote a grant proposal to bring new technology to the school. When she returns to the United States, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work.
Melanie C. Goergmaier ’07 is an admissions adviser for California State University, Monterey Bay’s Online Executive mba Education Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She lives in Margate, Fla.
Michael Neely ’06 recently started a new job with HexNectar Harmonics llc, an energy medicine company that provides integrated shamanic consulting and intervention services through facilitation, deep rhythmic cleansing, balancing, activation and
Thomas M. Halloran ’07 was recently named conference center coordinator with esi International in Arlington, Va. He lives in Wilmington, Del. Darren M. LaFrenier ’07 is vice director, dean of students and an English teacher for the Reinaldo Macchi Institute in Tobati, Paraguay. In high school, he was given a chance to volunteer for the institute and those experiences made a lasting impression. When the opportunity came to be involved again, he jumped at the chance. The institute provides scholarships for all students who the magazine of elon
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Class Notes enroll. For more information, visit www.teamtobati.org.
Inc. The couple live in Hauppauge, N.Y.
Tawina Ashanti Clarke ’08 has been captivated by the recent tragedy in Haiti, watching with the rest of the world as one of the poorest nations struggles to survive. She has been inspired to do whatever she can to help. Through Partners in Health, she has set up a fundraising page at www.standwithhaiti.org/page/ outreach/view/haitiearthquake/ Footprints. She is also setting up her own health organization called Footprints. Her original goal was to raise $200. She has surpassed that goal with her current total of $785. Many of those donations have come from other Elon alumni. Her goal is to continue these efforts not only to help Haiti but other countries dealing with disasters. She hopes Elon alumni will come together in support of these efforts. She is pursuing a graduate degree from St. Louis University and lives in Alexandria, Va.
Erin McKinne ’98 and Greg Melbert, 8/8/09. Erin is a communications associate for Pocono Health System. They live in Mount Pocono, Pa. Maria Nicole McArthur ’99 and Derek A. Lucas, 12/31/09. Maria is director of marketing and media relations at the National Center for Children and Families. The couple live in Gaithersburg, Md.
Michael J. Scali ’01 and Jessica Strassberg, 11/14/09. Michael is a wholesaler for axa Equitable. The couple live in New York, N.Y.
Jennifer Koch ’02 and Nick Pino ’02, 10/24/09. They were married on ’80s the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Elon alumni who participated in the Carrie Lynne Duvall ’87 and Howard wedding were: Kelly Murphy ’03, Carlisle “Carl” Davis iii, 10/10/09. Matt Coltrera ’02, Scott Giles ’02 Carrie is a commercial banker for and Garrett Ritz ’02. Elon alumni bb&t. The couple live in Orlando, in attendance were: Meredith Vesely Fla. Easley ’03, Aaron Easley ’02, Lauren Kleinhans Bray ’04, Kevin Bray ’04, Monica Catalano ’02, Shawn ’90s McLaughlin ’02, Jennifer Umpleby McLaughlin ’02 and John Cale ’02. Dorene Ann Crimi ’93 and Brian T. Jennifer works in public relations Lerner, 6/5/09. Dorene is a senior hu- for Crossroads pr and Nick is a man resource generalist for Paychex registered representative of the John 34
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Maria Nicole McArthurLucas ’99 & Derek Lucas
Michael J. Scali ’01 and Jessica Scali
Susan Braccini DiRoma ’03 and Mark DiRoma
Kelley Kruse Bronson ’01 and Arthur Bronson
Jennifer Koch Pino ’02 and Nick Pino ’02
Steve Shand ’03 and Trish Myers Shand ’02
William Duffy ’03 and Victoria Kintner-Duffy
Marta Murray Licausi ’04 and Gregory Licausi
Hancock Financial Network. They live in Raleigh, N.C.
Mosser ’03, J.R. Flynn ’03, Taylor Barnes ’03, Brittney Stephens ’04, Ross Simms ’03, Amanda Marion ’04, Jason Brooks ’03, Colleen Minnock Chulis ’04, Heather Graf ’04, Tim Herrick ’03, Michael Rabold ’04, Jeff Holland ’03, Matt Holland ’05, Kenny Stiles ’04, Joe Carr ’03, Amy Wellington ’04, Jill Crawford Gadd ’04, Renee Trudeau ’04, Amy Ochletree Schaaf ’04, Kirk Johnson ’04, John Rizzo ’04, Pete Snow ’03, Anne Perin ’04, Kerry Neale ’04, Cherie Taylor ’04, Kate Hamilton Fitzgerald ’04, Carrie Nicholas Moss ’04, Eric Hansson ’04, George Gyftakis ’03, Meghan Allen ’03, Catherine Fischer Roberts ’03, Julie Cobb ’03, Susan Braccini DiRoma ’03, Becky Farris ’02, Brian Ford ’03 and Ted Weiman ’03. Shelby is a teacher and Josh works in healthcare sales. The couple reside in Alpharetta, Ga.
William Nuckols ’01 and Megan Bundy, 9/19/09. William is a trader for Instinet. The couple reside in Greenwich, Conn.
Katherine L. Troxler ’09 is a program aide at Kennedy Krieger School in Rockville, Md. She works with chil- Meghan Daniel ’02 and Daniel T. dren diagnosed with autism and Butler Jr., 8/1/09. Elon alumni in atbehavioral problems. She lives in tendance were: Allyson Talbott Jones Washington, D.C. ’02, Anne Dalrymple Thompson ’02 and Cristine Sanlorenzo Milauskas ’02. The couple live in Springfield, Va.
weddings
Dorene Crimi Lerner ’93 and Brian Lerner
’00s
Kelley Jeanne Kruse ’01 and Arthur A. Bronson iv, 5/30/09. The couple was married at Saint Mark Catholic Church in Vienna, Va. Elon alumni who participated in the wedding were: Christine Glatsky ’02, Amy Grzeskiewicz ’02 and Stafford Lewis Kim ’03. Elon alumni in attendance were: Sarah Aurigemma ’02, Sara Beaty ’03, Lauren McNally Carr ’03, Kathleen “Katie” Filkins ’08 has re- Eric Fonner ’02, Marshall Glass ’00, cently returned to her Peace Corps Anne Grosvenor ’03, Kylle Hall ’02, assignment in Samokov, Bulgaria, P.J. Kennedy ’01, Katheleen Zalos after spending nine months recov- Shumake ’02, Becky Page Simon ering from a skiing accident. She ’01, Katie Houser Tocci ’01, Matt works with disadvantaged Roma/ Tocci ’01, Caitlin Lutz Ward ’02 and Gypsy youth in a town in the Balkan Courtney Wells ’01. The couple live in Centreville, Va. Mountains. Calley J. Grace ’08 is an editorial assistant with the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, part of the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She lives in Baltimore, Md.
Carrie Duvall Davis ’87 and Carl Davis
Susan Braccini ’03 and Mark DiRoma, 12/31/09. Elon alumni in attendance were: Meghan Allen ’03, Julie Cobb ’03, Jodi Beesecker Mereish ’03, Catherine Fisher Roberts ’03, Lisa Peterson Duncan ’03, Eric Duncan ’02, Leigh Rothgeb ’03, Becky Berolatti ’03, Emily Palermo Knier ’03, Grant Knier ’05, Joe Carr ’03, Taylor Barnes ’03, Brittany Stephens ’04, Jeff Holland ’03, Kevin Onorato ’03, Shannon Bonezzi ’02, Cheryl Braccini Nieberline ’99, Brian Neiberline ’00, Pamela Braccini Pizanie ’01, Lauren Till ’01. The couple live in Mahwah, N.J. Josh H. Campbell ’03 and Shelby Renee Collins ’04, 10/24/09. Elon alumni in attendance were: Adam Weyl ’03, Spencer Hux ’03, Jay
Class Notes
Luke Johnson: Best New Poet by Sarah Beth Costello ’11
A Christmas visit to the Burlington, N.C., church of his childhood flooded Luke Johnson ’07 with memories of his mother. Johnson had not visited the church where his parents had been ministers since his mother’s death. Walking through the chapel of The Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter, where pews were decorated with poinsettias, Johnson was inspired to write a free-verse, nostalgic poem about life, death and memories. In 2008, Mark Strand, U.S. Poet Laureate and former chancellor of The Academy of American Poets, selected the poem, “Poinsettias,” for Best New Poets, a University of Virginia Press publication. Best New Poets receives 3,000 entries every year and 50 are chosen. “The neatest part was seeing who else was in the anthology – people I’ve admired for years,” Johnson says. Johnson was one of the youngest poets featured and was surprised when he received word his poem would appear alongside the work of poets with substantial publishing records. “I had sent in work to Best New Poets without any expectation about actually being accepted,” Johnson says. “I knew that having that on my resume would give me a stamp of legitimacy that I didn’t have before.” Johnson certainly has a knack for producing deep and profound poetry, but he has only been writing for about five years. He originally intended to
William E. Duffy ’03 and Victoria Kintner, 1/9/10. Elon alumni in attendance were: Jeff Hadley ’03, Julie Marateck ’03, Jeff Turtzo ’05, Kate Griesmann ’03, Katie Harrell ’03, Josh Anthony ’02 and Jesse Arnold Francese ’03. The couple live in Greensboro, N.C. Steve Shand ’03 and Trish Myers ’02, 1/21/10. The couple met during a study abroad trip to Hawaii in 2001. Nine years later, they returned to Hawaii for their wedding. Elon alumni in attendance were: Tara Norbut ’02, Mike Jensen ’02, Tabitha Kunsman ’02, Matthew Pratt ’03, Ryan Molloy ’03 and Misty
major in philosophy at Elon until he took a required creative writing class and discovered a passion for writing, specifically poetry. “I’d never given poetry a chance before,” Johnson says. “I thought it was something old dead guys wrote.” After graduating from Elon, Johnson enrolled in the master of fine arts program at Hollins University in Virginia, where he was a teaching fellow. Johnson now teaches at Oak Hill Academy, a boarding school in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, where he has daily opportunities to share his love of writing with his students. He is also working on his first book, After the Art, a collection of poems based on religion and autobiographical anecdotes. Johnson draws inspiration from personal experiences and the natural world. While he does not consider himself a “nature poet,” Johnson said he enjoys including natural elements in his poetry. Throughout the day, he takes notes and writes, never leaving his house without a journal. “If I can evoke emotion in my readers, I don’t care if the emotion is disgust or connection with grief,” says Johnson. “There’s so much media, so much out there to occupy interest. I’m happy if I can give readers an emotional reaction.” Johnson has been published in a variety of magazines and journals, including the Beloit Poetry Journal, The Greensboro Review, The New York Quarterly and the Potomac Review. He has also received an Academy of
Pearson Molloy ’06. Steve is an assistant golf course superintendent and Trish is the communications director at the Charlotte Country Club. Michael C. Bowers ’04 and Rachel Schlotterbeck, 5/30/09. Michael Oster ’04 and Brett Lipman ’04 served as groomsmen and Meredith Mullins ’04 was in attendance. Michael is an account executive for T. Rowe Price. The couple reside in Hampstead, Md. Dana E. Gowland ’04 and David Puzey, 6/6/09. Dana is a water resources planner for Jones Falls
Luke Johnson ’07
American Poets Prize, a Tennessee Williams Scholarship to the Sewanee Writers’ Conference and placed third in the Atlantic Monthly Student Writing Conference. “I like to think (being competitive) is something all poets go through,” Johnson says. “We all want people to read our work. I’m the youngest of four brothers so I’ve always been
competitive, always wanted to stand out. But even though I want to succeed, I still believe art is a community and as long as good poems are being written and published, I can be happy.”
For more information about Johnson’s work, visit proofofblog.blogspot.com
Ashley Baron ’05 and Brian Gift ’06, 9/6/08. Elon alumni who participated in the wedding were: Tracy Courtney Anne Green ’04 and David Shackelford ’06, Kara Hopkins P. Check, 9/6/09. Elon alumni in at- Emes ’05, Falon Nye ’06, Michelle tendance were: Paige Lee ’04, Tricia LeDonne ’05, Jacky Roeland ’08, Rasa ’04, Abigail Wahl Kennan ’04, Ben Gift ’09, Bill Campbell ’07 and Jennifer Fulmer Guthrie ’06, Chad Kyle Burns ’06. Elon alumni in atTabor ’05, Jonathan Lindberg ’04, tendance were: Laura Kirby ’03, Kim Sarah King Lindberg ’02 and Eric Covington Hobbs ’04, Jake Cooper Nielsen ’04. Courtney is a financial ’05, Kathryn Atkinson ’06, Meghan analyst for ibm. The couple reside in Harahan ’06, Eric Nielsen ’05, Bryan Germantown, Md. MacFarland ’04, Brian Emes ’05, Mary Britt Burke ’05, Laura Cady Marta Jayne Murray ’04 and Gregory ’06, Michael Guzewicz ’07, Emma Licausi, 8/1/09. The couple reside in Douglas ’05, Karen Van Hoewyk ’05, Chicago. Alexis Walters ’05, Scott Browder ’07, AJ DeBarr ’08, Putter Johnson ’08,
Watershed Associates. The couple live in Bowie, Md.
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Class Notes David Hanna ’08, Caity Cummings ’07, Christy James ’06, Brandon Hale ’07, Jackie Lewis ’07, Andrew Tomkiewicz ’04, Katie Wade Donald ’05, Lewis Rittenberger ’06, Drew Contessa ’06, Sophie Benoist ’06 and John Finucane ’04. Ashley works in human resources and Brian is in investment management. The couple reside in Charlotte, N.C. Carly Johnston ’05 and Harold Laney Jr., 8/15/09, in Columbus, Ohio. The couple honeymooned on the French Polynesian Islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. They both work for the U.S. Department of Commerce and purchased their first home in November 2009. They live in Alexandria, Va. Katharine “Rikki” Nimmo ’05 and Stephen B. Dalton, 12/13/09. Elon alumni in attendance were: Jennifer Quast ’05, Ada Adele Arbuckle ’05, Amy Morse ’05, Erin Andrews ’06 and Kimberly Griffith ’06. Rikki is a marketing manager for Wurth Revcar. The couple live in Richmond, Va. Natalie Sampson ’05 and Andrew M. Fitzgerald ’05, 10/3/09. Elon alumni in attendance were: Warren Sacks ’05, Shane Gerken ’06, Brad Austin ’07, Andrew Feldman ’09, Danny
White ’04, Lindsey Estwanik ’05, Steve Hillebrand ’05, Austin Fenn ’07, Haley Carr ’04, Josh Pakula ’04, Brian Fries ’06, Brian Smith ’04, Mike Livigne ’05, Pam Maiers ’05, Lauren Summers ’07, Samantha Holland ’07, Elliott Cardano ’07, Caity Cummings ’07, Vicki Robella ’05, Bethany Roy Leach ’05, Mallie Colavita ’05, Laura Fogg Helts ’05, Kate Gordon ’05, Christine Hopewell ’06, Erin Gaeng Truxillo ’05 and Whitney Wellford ’06. The couple live in Charlotte, N.C. Jessica Anne Streck ’05 and Nicholas J. Ortolano, 10/10/09. They were married at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Jessica is a media specialist assistant at Frank Porter Graham Elementary School. The couple live in Durham, N.C. Scott Palmer ’06 and Catharine Mullen ’06, 10/3/09. They were married at St. Mary’s Chapel in Raleigh, N.C. Elon alumni who participated were: Michelle Mastaler ’06, Melissa Holland Hlinovsky ’06, Lizzie McConville ’06, Jackie Lewis ’07, Dave Jenkins ’06, Dan Ennis ’06 and Kristie Anderson Ennis ’06. Elon alumni in attendance were: Mary Katherine Taylor ’06, Katie Harrell ’03, Kyle Ostendorf ’05 and
Brian Hensen ’05. The couple reside in Raleigh. Jessica Harmon ’07 and Samuel D. Boro ’07, 7/4/09. Jessica teaches kindergarten in the Montgomery County Public Schools and Samuel teaches social studies in the Baltimore City Public Schools. They live in Columbia, Md. Ashley Nicole Cotterman ’08 and Ryan Archer, 6/20/09. Elon alumni in attendance were: Jeremy Tuchman ’08, Anna Gardiner ’08, Heather Murray ’08, Jim Yowell ’04, Tammy Kelly Yowell ’04, Jess Elder ’04, Lindsay Sullivan ’08 and Abby Kelly ’07. The couple live in Fayetteville, N.C. Marella Peele ’08 and Troy A. Carlton ’09, 10/10/09. Marella is a certified nurse’s assistant with Burlington Family Practice and Troy is a teller for Wachovia Bank. The couple reside in Whitsett, N.C. Meredith Legin ’08 and Kyle F. Smith ’08, 10/10/09. Meredith is an assistant director of admissions at Elon University and Kyle is a senior audit associate for kpmg. The couple reside in Whitsett, N.C.
Mital M. Patel L’09 and Rimple R. Desai, 10/30/09. The couple live in Raleigh, N.C., where Mital is an attorney.
births
’80s Tanya Whatley Owens ’89 and John Owens, Tampa, Fla. Daughter: Bryce Autumn. 8/21/09. She joins older brothers, John and Stone. Tanya is a homemaker.
’90s Darren S. Cranfill ’91 and Amanda Cranfill, Advance, N.C. Son: Luke Miller. 12/3/09. He joins older sister Ali. Tricia Ricco Corder ’92 and Jimmy Corder, Eden Prairie, Minn. Son: Peter. 11/22/09. He joins older siblings Hayden, Sarah and Julia. Tricia is a fitness instructor. Jacqueline Stubblefield May ’93 and Ricky May, Burlington, N.C. Son: Jackson Todd. 10/24/09. Alex Schneebacher ’93 and Theresa Schneebacher, Scottsdale, Ariz. Daughter: Eva Marie. 4/16/09. Suzanne Morrell Crutcher ’94 and Bryan Crutcher, Charlotte, N.C. Son: George Hartman. 12/22/09. He joins older brothers Bo and Walt.
Michael C. Bowers ’04 & Rachel Schlotterbeck Bowers
Scott Palmer ’06 and Catharine Mullen Palmer ’06
Courtney Green Check ’04 and David Check
Carly Johnston Laney ’05 and Harold Laney Jr.
Brian J. Tane ’95 and Danielle Tane, New Hyde Park, N.Y. Son: Isaac Toby. 1/11/10. Brian is owner of Tane Digital Video in New York City. Gregory Harper ’97 and Whitney Harper, Jacksonville, Fla. Daughter: Evelyn Violet. 5/14/09. Meaghan Owens LeNard ’97 and David LeNard, Rockville, Md. Son: Michael Gregory. 1/20/10. Meaghan is a senior financial analyst with Fannie Mae.
Jessica Streck Ortolano ’05 & Nicholas Ortolano
Rikki Nimmo Dalton ’05 and Stephen Dalton
Ashley Cotterman Archer ’08 and Ryan Archer 36
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Shelby Collins Campbell ’04 and Josh H. Campbell ’03
Jessica Harmon Boro ’07 and Samuel D. Boro ’07
Meredith Legin Smith ’08 and Kyle Smith ’08
Natalie Sampson Fitzgerald ’05 and Andrew Fitzgerald ’05
Ashley Baron Gift ’05 and Brian Gift ’06
Benjamin B. Marcheski ’97 and Tami Marcheski, Fairfax, Va. Son: Tyler Cruz. 10/29/09. He joins older brother Zack. Ben is the production manager for Cerebral Lounge, a post-production boutique for film and video in Washington, D.C., and recently was nominated for his second consecutive National Emmy Award as editor of the pbs “Vote 2008” campaign.
Class Notes
Playing with the boys in the band by Van Denton
When the Elon pep band needed a couple of trombonists this winter, two alums, Sandy Griffin ’80 and David Rich ’87, found themselves reliving some of their best college days. Playing side-by-side at basketball games, the two alums were quickly accepted by students in the pep band but at times looked a little out of place to fans. “We got a lot of funny looks,” says Griffin, 53. “People would come up and ask when are you guys going to graduate? We told them, ‘Next year. We’re on the Ever Elon plan.’” The two are part of a small, tightknit musician community in Alamance County. Their musical connections led to Griffin getting a call from Tony Sawyer, director of bands at Elon. Sawyer told Griffin of the pep band’s need and asked if he and Rich could help. The two Phoenix Club members started bringing their trombones to games. “It’s like being in college again,” says Rich, 46. “You’re down on the court. You get to cheer on the team. You play the music. And you get to hang out with the pep band.” Griffin and Rich were seven years apart at Elon, but they feel as if they somehow traveled similar paths. Both played in the Emanons (“No Name” spelled backward), the famed jazz band that traveled the East Coast as
Kristina Kromulis McClain ’97 and Chris McClain, Monroe, N.C. Son: Aidan Michael. 7/17/09.
Sandy Griffin ’80 (left) and David Rich ’87
Elon ambassadors. Each played in the Showband of the Carolinas, the marching band that performed at halftime back when football games were played at Williams High School. And they both met their wives at Elon. Griffin is married to Betty Brantley Griffin ’83 and Rich is married to Sue Hoggard Rich ’85.
The duo’s ties to Elon have always remained strong. Rich currently serves on the board of visitors and is a past member of the Elon Alumni Board. The two friends often tailgate together at football games. Rich’s parents, Bill and Lela Faye Rich, are retired from Elon. And two of Griffin’s brothers attended Elon.
Sawyer said the alums came to most of the home games and even traveled to Charlotte to play with the pep band at the Southern Conference tournament. “They are great guys and fun to be around,” Sawyer says. “It was nice having an alumni presence in the pep band.”
Stephanie Matous Thompson ’97 and Chris Thompson, Westminster, Colo. Son: Owen Christopher. 3/30/09. Stephanie was recently promoted to full-time general education faculty with South University online.
Erika Johnson Hawkins ’99 and Frederick Hawkins iv, Waldorf, Md. Daughter: Aliyah Sydney. 4/4/09. She joins older sisters Arianna and Jaila.
Ashley is a senior biopharmaceutical consultant for Amgen.
Brandy Mosteller Messer ’97 and Brian Messer, Charleston, W.Va. Daughter: Abigail Rose. 1/26/10. She joins older sister Molly. Brandy is director of economic development in the office of U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller.
Jennifer Losito Dalton ’98 and Daryl Dalton, West Grove, Pa. Son: Dylan Alexander. 2/23/10. He joins older brother Tyler.
Sharon Ostapko Ross ’97 and Peter Ross, Fort Mills, S.C. Twins: Canaan Paige and Tristan Luke. 6/19/09. They join older brother Dylan. Sharon is first vice president of Carey Financial llc in New York City.
Jason Forsythe ’98 and Lisa Forsythe, Glenside, Pa. Son: William “Will” Charles. 8/13/09. He joins older sister Ava. Jason is an internal marketing consultant for Lincoln Financial Distributors.
Elizabeth Henderson Layton ’99 and Ben Layton, Harwich, Mass. Son: Tyler David. 9/28/09. He joins older sister Emily. Elizabeth is a homemaker.
Melissa Craig Thomas ’99 and Nickolaus Thomas, Zuni, Va. Daughter: Clementine Ann. 12/30/09.
’00s
Cheryl Braccini Neiberline ’99 and Brian Neiberline ’00, Parsippany, N.J. Daughter: Avery Karen. 11/23/09. She joins older brother Nicholas.
Laura Dixon Lasher ’00 and Vic Lasher, Hatboro, Pa. Son: Jackson Martin. 6/24/09. He joins older brother Victor.
Ashley Lane Grayson Setzer ’99 and Todd Setzer, North Myrtle Beach, S.C. Son: Adam Gray. 7/18/09.
Mark A. Vincent ’00 and Jennifer Taylor Vincent ’00, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Son: Brady Taylor. 12/23/08. Mark is controller at the magazine of elon
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Class Notes the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens and Jennifer is a homemaker. Kent S. Wyatt ’00 and Kirsten Wyatt, West Linn, Ore. Daughter: Eleanor Marie. 10/5/09. Kent is a
management analyst for the City of Tigard, Ore. Mindy Pinnell Harrington ’01 and Mark Harrington, Salisbury, N.C. Twins: Mason and Matthew. 12/14/09.
Kathrynn Tatro Slepokura ’01 and Scott Slepokura ’00, Belle Mead, N.J. Son: Blake Owen. 4/26/09. Scott is a police detective.
Lisa Keene Dugan ’03 and Jeffrey Dugan, Savage, Minn. Daughter: McKenna May. 2/25/10. Lisa is a homemaker.
Gretchen Frahm Stanford ’01 and John R. Stanford ’01, Fort Collins, Colo. Twins: Casey Clyde and Sammy Holliday. 6/20/09. Gretchen is a technical specialist for the City of Loveland Electric Utilities and John is a marketing manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
Erica Eberwein Dunkelberger ’03 and Matthew Dunkelberger, Haymarket, Va. Daughter: Ava. 9/9/09. Erica is a teacher in Woodbridge, Va.
Michele Werner Stehle ’01 and Matt Stehle, Belmont, N.C. Son: Will. 10/6/09. Michele is a design consultant for California Closets. Tricia Ricco Corder ’92, husband Jimmy and children Hayden, Sarah, Julia and Peter
Stephanie Matous Thompson ’97, husband Chris and son Owen
Philip Baker ’02 and Naomi Baker, Herndon, Va. Son: Cayden Charles. 10/31/09. Genevieve “Jenny” McLaurin Kruger ’02 and Chris Kruger, Enterprise, Ala. Daughter: Charlize Esmeralda. 1/1/10. Brian Laniak ’02 and Jessica Salmon Laniak ’02, Havertown, Pa. Son: Lucas Cameron. 10/12/09. He joins older brothers James and Grant.
Sharon Ostapko Ross ’97 and children Dylan, Canaan and Tristan
Jason Forsythe ’98 and son Will
Ashley Lane Setzer ’99, husband Todd and son Adam
Nicole Bergeron Bilgen ’04 and Mustafa Bilgen, Manvel, Texas. Daughter: Leyla. 4/16/09. Joseph “Joey” H. White ’04 and Jennifer White, Knoxville, Tenn. Daughter: Caroline Elise. 1/21/10. Sabrina Smeltz Watson ’06 and Christopher Watson, Clarksville, Tenn. Son: Phillip James. 12/29/09. He joins older brother Geoffrey. Adam Pierson ’07, Charlotte, N.C. Son: Adam ii. 1/10/10. Jacklyn L. Roeland ’08, Verona, N.J. Daughter: Charlotte Paige. 12/12/09.
deaths
’30s Edith Bowden Huff ’35, Burlington, N.C. 3/9/10. LaVerne Porterfield Skipper ’37, Tuscaloosa, Ala. 1/21/10.
Elizabeth Henderson Layton ’99, husband Ben and children Emily and Tyler
Erika Johnson Hawkins ’99 and daughters Arianna and Aliyah
Jenny McLaurin Kruger ’02 and daughter Charlize
’40s Laura Dixon Lasher ’00, husband Vic and children Victor and Jackson
James B. Congleton Jr. ’40, Greenville, N.C. 12/27/09. Helen Boone Woody ’41, Burlington, N.C. 11/23/09. Blanchard Watts ’43, Spokane, Wash. 1/2/10. Ed Thomas Gentry ’49, Colfax, N.C. 1/16/10.
Gretchen Frahm Stanford ’01, John Stanford ’01 and children Casey and Sammy
Katy Tatro Slepokura ’01, Scott Slepokura ’00 and children Berkeley and Blake
Mindy Pinnell Harrington ’01, husband Mark and children Mason and Matthew
Mary Browning Love ’49, Sanford, N.C. 12/2/09.
’50s Dr. William Coy Ivey ’52, Graham, N.C. 1/23/10.
Erica Eberwein Dunkelberger ’03, husband Matthew and daughter Ava 38
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Joey White ’04, wife Jennifer and daughter Caroline
Lisa Keene Dugan ’03 and daughter McKenna
Nicole Bergeron Bilgen ’04, husband Mustafa & children Mikail & Leyla
Albert Bryan ’53, Greensboro, N.C. 3/8/10.
Class Notes Robert Cornelius Myatt ’53, Graham, N.C. 2/16/10. The Rev. Dr. H. Winfred Bray ’54, Elon, N.C. 2/23/10. John W. Permar Sr. ’54, Port Orange, Fla. 2/10/10. James L. Hamrick ’55, Roanoke, Va. 3/4/10. Joan Thomas Blanchard ’56, Elon, N.C. 1/17/10. William Chappell Frederick Jr. ’56, Owings, Md. 1/11/10. Hershey Ray Whitley ’56, Clemmons, N.C. 1/5/10.
’60s
’70s
Carroll Spencer Credle Jr. ’62, Greenville, N.C. 12/7/09.
Thomas Dale Summers ’70, Thomasville, N.C. 11/26/09.
John A. Van Benschoten ’62, Durham, N.C. 2/17/10.
Buster B. Nicks ’72, Burlington, N.C. 2/8/10.
James Watson Jr. ’65, Muncie, Ind., 12/2/09.
Thomas “Tommy” Edwin Saunders Jr. ’76, Burlington, N.C. 2/6/10.
Robert Edgar LaRose ’66, Windermere, Fla. 1/11/10.
Martha Rebecca Poe Fagan ’77, Fleming Island, Fla. 12/10/09.
Linda Gertcher Rohrs ’67, South Deerfield, Mass. 1/28/10.
David William Thomas ’79, Roanoke, Va. 12/7/09.
Percy Benton Jr. ’68, Richmond, Va. 3/14/10.
’80s
Pheobe Louise Lindley ’83, Snow Camp, N.C. 1/31/10.
Matthew Dunn Payne ’80, Virginia Beach, Va. 11/17/09.
TURN
Ken McCorkle ’84, Greensboro, N.C. 1/14/10. Kenneth James Tatko ’88, Endicott, N.Y. 2/1/10.
friends Arnold C. Strauch, Wilmington, N.C. 9/13/08, served as professor of education from 1956 until his retirement in September 1979. Edward Roy Epperson, High Point, N.C. 1/21/10, served as assistant professor of chemistry from 1957 to 1966.
Youself in online at www.elon.edu/classnotes
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Signature (required) Help us keep you in touch with your classmates and Elon. If you have moved, send us your current address and telephone number. Return this form with your news or story idea to the following address: Elon Office of University Relations 2030 Campus Box Elon, North Carolina 27244-2020 Fax: 336-524-0100 Phone: 336-278-7415 E-mail: alumniclassnotes@elon.edu Spring 2010 the magazine of elon
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John Truitt ’53
PROVIDING PERENNIAL SUPPORT FOR ELON john truitt ’ is one of Elon’s most passionate supporters and makes annual gifts to fund scholarships for student-athletes. Recently, Truitt made a planned gift to ensure that his annual support for the university continues in perpetuity. He included a bequest in his estate plan that will establish an endowed scholarship to assist members of the Phoenix football and men’s basketball teams. Following his death, earnings from the endowment will provide permanent annual support for student-athletes. Truitt’s estate gift will create an enduring way to assist generations of Elon students. Like many donors, Truitt will make his largest gift to Elon through his estate, demonstrating the importance of planned gifts to the Ever Elon Campaign
making a difference 40
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and its primary goal to build the endowment and sustain the university for the long term. “Elon is part of my family,” says Truitt, who served for 50 years as a United Church of Christ minister. “I don’t have a lot of money, but I wanted to do something to help keep my university going.” Truitt served as pastor for churches in Burlington, N.C., as well as in Virginia and New Jersey before beginning a 26-year career as an Air Force chaplain. Truitt and his wife, Dolores Hagan Truitt ’53, met as Elon cheerleaders and have been rooting for their alma mater ever since. The couple live close to campus and are fi xtures at university events, including football and basketball games. Dolores joins John in making annual
gifts to support athletics scholarships. The couple are members of the Phoenix Club, The Elon Society and Order of the Oak, the university’s planned gift legacy society. “Annual giving is a great way to give back to Elon, and a bequest simply continues that giving for you in the future,” John Truitt says. “Elon needs a larger endowment to offer more scholarships to students.” Truitt’s Elon roots run deep. His parents, Adelia Rebecca Jones Truitt ’26 and John G. Truitt ’16, and his daughter, Melinda Truitt Reinheimer ’85, are among his many family members who have graduated from Elon. “It makes me very happy,” says Truitt, “to think that in some small way I’m able to help the university forever.”
To learn more about how you can support the Ever Elon Campaign and make a diff erence at Elon with a bequest or other planned gift, contact: Jamie Killorin cpa/pfs, cfp®, Director of Gift Planning Toll free 877.784.3566 // jkillorin2@elon.edu // www.elon.edu/giftplanning
Taking the plunge On January 20, a warmer than usual winter day, students lined up in groups of five to seven at the edge of Lake Mary Nell. With a loud “Go” from freshman Melissa Lockley, they ran, stumbled and plunged into the lake’s cold waters. Air temperatures were in the mid-50s, but students still described the experience as a numb and tingling one. “It was pre y nippy, you know,” said freshman John Tricoli. “It bit and it hurt.” The reward? There was the free “Take The Plunge” T-shirt. A chance to grab a rubber boat while in the lake. Gi cards. Cookies. And, as Lockley said, the bragging rights of saying, “I took the plunge.”
“It’s the only time you can actually jump in the lake. I think that’s a big draw. People are always curious.” Freshman Melissa Lockley, co-organizer of the 2010 Polar Bear Plunge
want to watch? A video and slide show of the 2010 Polar Bear Plunge are posted at elon.edu/magazine.
ELON UNIVERSITY Office of Alumni Relations 2600 Campus Box Elon, NC 27244-2010 Toll Free: 877-784-3566 www.elon.edu/alumni Change Service Requested
about 250 athletes participated in April in Special Olympics Alamance County’s annual spring games at Belk Track and White Field. Volunteers, many of them Elon students, accompanied the athletes as they competed in track races, so ball throws, soccer and basketball. The event continued a Special Olympics legacy at Elon, which hosted the first state games in 1972.
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