WINTER 2017
CONTENTS T M of E |
16 IN A NEW LIGHT BY KEREN RIVAS ’04
How a 120-year-old kerosene-burning chandelier reunited Raymond Beck ’75 and his Elon mentor, Professor Emeritus of History and University Historian George Troxler, once again.
18 COVER STORY
EVER A TEACHER We celebrate the life and legacy of President Emeritus J. Earl Danieley ’46, who devoted his life to Elon and generations of students.
22 CREATING THE COMM QUAD BY OWEN COVINGTON
Elon’s new facilities framing Under the Oaks represent one of the nation’s finest learning environments for the study of communications.
28 GROUNDED IN SCIENCE BY ROSELEE PAPANDREA
Geoffrey Lynn ’07 hopes to bring benefits to cancer patients and their families with a new personalized cancer vaccine.
30 FROM THE ARCHIVES: WHEN SPIKE LEE CAME TO CAMPUS BY XERNAY ANIWAR ’17
In 1997 the film director visited campus to shoot several scenes from his movie, “He Got Game,” offering students a lesson in the realities of Hollywood productions.
2 Under the Oaks 10 Long Live Elon 13 Phoenix Sports
15 Point of View 31 Alumni Action 35 Class Notes
I AM ELON BY KIM WALKER
Ben Lutz ’ decided at an early age that international issues would be a cornerstone of his career. He was hooked in high school after an introduction to Model United Nations, a simulation of U.N. councils, along with international travel. “I was always interested in the world, and Elon’s study abroad prowess drew me here,” the international studies and political science double major says.
“When anyone asks me what I do for fun, I say the academic clubs I’m in. We have so many similar passions, and these group members include some of my favorite people on campus.” He says he naturally gravitates toward leadership roles and serves as president of three clubs: Model U.N., Poverty Simulation and the Arabic Language Organization. Ben has taken Arabic every semester, which led him to study other interests like Islam, history, global affairs and the Middle East, a region he finds fascinating. “I don’t
Watch the full story at
www.elon.edu/magazine really know why; I just love the area. Arabic is the most influential course I’ve taken at Elon. It combined all of my passions and began my journey to understand the region.” After studying abroad in the Middle East three times, Ben intends to move abroad and continue his academic work after graduation. He applied for a graduate program in the United Kingdom to study peace and conflict resolution and is a semifinalist for a Fulbright scholarship to research interfaith diplomacy in Oman. Even with a long list of exciting prospects, Ben says he will miss Elon. “There’s such a great culture of mutual respect and support at Elon and so much engagement. That’s what I will miss once I leave.” Ben is Elon. Visit www.elon.edu/magazine to see more of his story, part of our “I Am Elon” multimedia series featuring Elon students in their own words.
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▶ from the PRESIDENT
A Reflection
ON TWO LIVES WELL LIVED facebook.com/leomlambert twitter.com/headphoenix
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ecently Elon University has experienced the loss of two great men. And I personally have lost two cherished friends. James Earl Danieley, who died at age 92, was the sixth president of Elon, a beloved presence on campus and a figure who loomed large in Elon’s history. Lesser known was William “Bill” E. Loy Jr., a longtime Elon benefactor who passed away at 95. He was raised on the Loy Farm adjacent to Magnolia Cemetery and lived for decades in the one-story brick ranch house next door to where the Ernest A. Koury, Sr. Business Center is sited. Both men were lifelong residents of Alamance County, North Carolina, and lived most of their remarkable lives, and died, just a short distance from where they were born. They both enjoyed long and happy marriages to the loves of their lives. And they happened to die weeks apart under hospice care in the very same room in a local nursing facility. The story of their lives is in many ways the story of the 20th century. Earl and Bill both grew up in loving farm families and had big responsibilities at a young age. Earl had to make a deal with the bursar of Elon College to pay his tuition bill after he helped bring in the tobacco crop and take it to market. Bill grew up as one of 13 children, where everyone pulled their weight on the farm and where Sunday dinner and family celebrations were weekly occurrences.
Both Bill and Earl were tested in very different ways as young men. Bill went off to fight in World War II as a rifleman in the Army’s 4th Infantry Division; that he learned to shoot and make his way around in the woods in Elon as a boy very likely contributed to his survival in wartime. He took part in the Battle of the Hürtgen Forest, one of the bloodiest of the war, and witnessed the horrors of combat that haunted him even as an old man. Earl took over tiny, struggling Elon College at age 32. When Earl graduated from Elon in 1946, the college had produced only 1,600 graduates in its 57-year history; to say he had a building effort in front of him would be a considerable understatement. Bill and Earl were courageous men. Earl and Bill devoted themselves to their communities and to building institutions over the course of many decades. In the dark days of wartime battles, Bill promised himself that if he ever made it home alive, he would make his community a better place to live. He came back to Elon to found the Town of Elon Fire Department, an organization to which he was devoted until his final days. Bill worked hard to acquire the equipment to protect the town and the college, and realized a lifelong dream of the construction of a substation on the north side of the railroad tracks, in case a stopped train blocked fire trucks from reaching campus. He also played a major role in the growth of his hometown college, where he met his future wife, the late Elizabeth “Lib” Apple Loy ’47, at an Elon football game. Over the course of many years, he donated property and helped Elon obtain additional parcels that have been key pieces in the university’s campus master plan.
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“
In my time as president of Elon, I have met many men and women who I think of as shining examples of the human spirit. Earl Danieley and Bill Loy rank among the most luminous.
”
We celebrated Dr. D’s 70 years of service to Elon as professor, dean, president and president emeritus just last May. And on top of lifelong devotion to Elon, Earl also found time to serve as a county commissioner, a member of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors and in many leadership roles in the Elon Community Church. In the age where everyone expects quick fixes and instant gratification, Earl and Bill knew what it meant to stick it out for the long haul. I can’t think of a better way to teach about civic engagement than to point to the lessons taught by these two men’s lives. But mostly, I will remember Earl and Bill for their intense love of people. Both loved college students. After Verona Danieley died, rather than go home for lunch to an empty house, Earl put a sign-up sheet on his office door and took a different student out each day. When we were thinking about siting the Koury Business Center next door to Mr. Loy, I asked him what he would think about having a couple of thousand business students as next door neighbors. Bill replied joyfully, “I love students close by!” Bill and Earl were both storytellers and good ones at that. What a joy it was to hear many of Earl’s stories at Spring Convocation celebrating the 125th anniversary of Elon’s founding in 2014. And Bill was present on campus in November at our annual Veteran’s Day ceremony and regaled us with a memory about his service to our nation. Above all, Earl Danieley and Bill Loy were optimistic men, and spent much of their days encouraging others, including me. They were both men of deep faith. At church, Earl always sat in the same pew and signaled when the congregation should stand, while Bill’s preferred way to talk with God was to walk in the woods behind his home. In my time as president of Elon, I have met many men and women who I think of as shining examples of the human spirit. Earl Danieley and Bill Loy rank among the most luminous. Leo M. Lambert President
ADVANCING EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
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wo endowed professorships have been awarded to support outstanding faculty in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. Longtime professor of finance and chair of the Department of Finance, Wonhi Synn, has been named the Wesley R. Elingburg Professor of Finance. As part of the professorship, Synn will receive support for research, teaching and mentoring. The finance department has undergone remarkable growth under Synn’s leadership. The curriculum has been revamped { Wonhi Synn } with a focus on preparing students to be analysts rather than traders. The finance program is aligned with the CFA Institute to better prepare students for the world of finance. As a result, Elon graduates have secured internships and jobs with top financial service companies, such as Blackrock, JP Morgan, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo. Synn is the second faculty member to hold the professorship, succeeding accounting professor Art Cassill, who retired in May 2016. Trustee Wesley Elingburg, a certified public accountant who served on the Love School Board of Advisors for five years, and his wife, Cathy, endowed the professorship in 2007 to enable Elon to recruit and retain top faculty in the business school. Sean R. McMahon, assistant professor of entrepreneurship, has been named the Doherty Emerging Professor of Entrepreneurship. He will receive support for research and travel and will serve as a leader of the entrepreneurship education program in the Love School of Business. The term of the professorship is three years. McMahon { Sean R. McMahon } joined Elon’s faculty in 2013 and has completely revised the entrepreneurship major and minor. In recognition of his work, he received the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Service in 2015. More recently, he has worked to incorporate design thinking into all entrepreneurship courses. Ed and Joan Doherty, parents of alumna Kerry Doherty Gatlin ’07, endowed the entrepreneurship professorship and established the Doherty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership in the Love School. They served on the Elon Parents Council and Ed was elected to the Elon Board of Trustees in 2006.
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UNDER THE OAKS The Magazine of Elon | . , . The Magazine of Elon is published quarterly for alumni, parents and friends by the Office of University Communications. © , Elon University E D I TO R
Keren Rivas ’ D E SI G N E R S
Garry Graham Bryan Huffman PH OTO G R A PH Y
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Belk Library Archives and Special Collections Xernay Aniwar ’ Kyle Lubinsky ’ Sarah Mulnick ’ Madison MacKenzie ’ V I C E PR E SI D EN T, U N I V ER SI T Y CO M M U N I C AT I O NS
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The Magazine of Elon Campus Box Elon, NC - () - www.elon.edu/magazine B OA R D O F T R US T EE S, C H A I R
Kerrii Brown Anderson ’
Columbus, Ohio
ELO N A LU M N I B OA R D, PR E SI D EN T
A DYNAMIC
EDGE S
aying he wants to build a football program that mirrors the dynamic institution that Elon has become, Curt Cignetti was officially welcomed into the Elon family as its new head football coach in January. He succeeds Rich Skrosky, who resigned his position in December to accept a coaching job at Florida International University. “We are thrilled to welcome Curt, his wife, Manette, and their three children to the Elon family,” Director of Athletics Dave Blank said. “We were hopeful that our search would result in someone with successful head coaching experience who possesses a strong commitment to the full experience of the student-athlete. Curt’s tremendous success as a head coach and his background in coaching demonstrate everything we were looking for, and I am excited about the leadership he will bring to Elon’s football program.” Cignetti was assistant coach/recruiting coordinator on Nick Saban’s undefeated 2009 National Championship team at Alabama. He has spent the last six seasons as the head coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, amassing a 53-17 career record. He also served in assistant coaching roles at Davidson College, Rice University, Temple University and the University of Pittsburgh before taking over as recruiting coordinator and quarterbacks/tight end coach at N.C. State University in 2000. There, Cignetti helped recruit such future stars as quarterbacks Philip Rivers and Russell Wilson before leaving in 2007 to be hired on Saban’s original staff at Alabama, helping the Crimson Tide to a national title in 2009 and back-to-back SEC West championships in 2008 and 2009. Cignetti brought in the consensus No. 1 recruiting class in the country in 2008, the first of three consecutive top-five recruiting classes. Cignetti, who played quarterback at West Virginia University, said he had not intended to look for other coaching opportunities in the off season, but wanted to see what Elon had to offer. What he found at Elon, and where he sees the university and its athletics programs heading, were the main reasons Cignetti said he decided to leave what he has built at IUP for what he believes he can build at Elon. “There are a lot of good student-athletes out there that fit Elon. It’s our job to find them,” he said. “I look at the whole university and what’s happened academically, with the growth it’s seen and the kind of students they are bringing in. That’s what we’re going to try to do in football.”
Walter “Cam” Tims ’ Raleigh, N.C.
YO U N G A LU M N I CO U N C I L , PR E SI D EN T
Andy Fox ’ Toledo, Ohio
PA R EN T S CO U N C I L , CO PR E SI D EN T S
Bill & Kristy Woolfolk ’
Hinsdale, Ill.
SCHO OL OF L AW ADV ISORY BOARD, CHAIR
David Gergen
Cambridge, Mass.
S C H O O L O F CO M M U N I C AT I O NS A D V IS O RY B OA R D, C H A I R
Michael Radutzky ’ ’ Summit, N.J.
M A R T H A A N D SPEN C ER LO V E S C H O O L O F B USI N E SS A D V IS O RY B OA R D, C H A I R
William S. Creekmuir ’ ’
Atlanta, Ga.
PH O EN IX C LU B A D V IS O RY B OA R D, C H A I R
Mike Cross
Burlington, N.C.
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Remembering A LOYAL FRIEND
I
n his 95 years of life, William “Bill” E. Loy Jr. served his country and community proudly. Born and raised in Alamance County, he lived in Elon for most of his life and became a longtime friend and benefactor of Elon University until his death on Dec. 22. A World War II veteran, Loy was instrumental in establishing the Town of Elon’s fire department. At the university, his legacy is felt throughout campus. The land for Loy Center, the fraternity and sorority community near Moseley Center, was given to Elon in 1997 by Bill in loving memory of his wife, the late Elizabeth “Lib” Apple Loy ’47, who was a member of Beta Omicron Beta sorority (later Elon’s Delta Zeta chapter). In addition to Loy Center, he bequeathed to Elon his home and adjacent seven acres of property along with approximately 20 acres of farmland on the east side of North O’Kelly Avenue and south of University Drive. Loy also made it possible for Elon to acquire the Loy family homestead along Front Street, the site for Loy Farm, a campus facility that includes the Elon Environmental Center, a community garden and a solar power generating facility. In total, Loy contributed more than $1.6 million in gifts to the university. “Bill Loy’s life was characterized by generosity and community service,” Elon University President Leo M. Lambert said. “He was a remarkable example of what ‘the greatest generation’ stood for. And he loved Elon students and campus life. No one was prouder of Elon’s growth and development, and I will be forever grateful that Bill was a friend and adviser to both President Emeritus Fred Young and me.”
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Charles Clohan ’98 elected to board of trustees
V
irginia businessman and Elon alumnus Charles R. Clohan ’98 has been elected to the Elon University Board of Trustees. Clohan is a principal at Dittmar Company, a developer, builder and manager of more than 20 apartment communities, hotels and office buildings in northern Virginia. The company’s portfolio includes more than 5,000 multifamily units, with an additional 1,400 units in development. Clohan serves as vice chair of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and is the former president of the Northern Virginia Apartment Association. He is also a member of the Martha
SYLLABUZZ
and Spencer Love School of Business Board of Advisors and formerly served as a member of Elon’s National Alumni Executive Board. The Clohan family has made major gifts to support the Elon Leads Campaign, the Inman Admissions Welcome Center, the Ernest Koury, Sr. Business Center and the university’s endowment, and has provided annual fund gifts in support of the university and the Phoenix Club. He is the son of Robert A. “Bob” Clohan III ’67 P’98 P’02 GP’10, and his sister, Lisa Clohan Rankin ’02, and nephew, Brad Clohan ’10, are both Elon alumni. Additionally, his cousin, Katie Clohan ’19, and his niece, Madisen Johnson ’20, are enrolled at Elon.
BY MADISON MACKENZIE ’
ENG – Hogwarts for Muggles
H
arry Potter, the boy who lived—a tagline likely to be recognized in every corner of the world. It references the popular, and sometimes controversial, J.K. Rowling book series, which chronicles the life of a young wizard, Harry, his adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and his battle against the sinister Lord Voldemort. For some the series tells the story of a generation, having permeated into mainstream culture in ways few children’s books had done before. But is that all it is? Does the popularity and criticism of the books warrant a deeper look at the text or should we just love them for the entertainment they provide? Associate Professor of English Kim Pyne ’ addresses these and other questions in the Winter Term literature course, “Hogwarts for Muggles: The Phenomenon of Harry Potter.” Pyne designed the class many years ago after the chair of her department encouraged her to create a course on a topic she enjoyed. “I love the series, I think it is fascinating,” she says. “I was curious to see whether I could build a robust literature course around it.”
Because students are required to read the books ahead of class, the course highlights the power of re-reading to discover the artistry behind the story. “Students arrive familiar and confident with the plot and characters, so they’re ready to leap into the kind of artful, critical reading that examines how and why, and even if, the series works.” The class takes a close look at key books and passages, alongside readings from scholarly critics. Readings are analyzed through mythic, genre, sociological and critical theories to teach students how to read literature and explore why literature remains an important cultural phenomenon. The compressed nature of Winter Term can present time constraints, so Pyne has designed the class in a special Harry Potter fashion. “Comparing interpretative thoughts with peers in discussion is important in literature classes,” she says. “The class is actually structured on a four-house system like Hogwarts, so everyone has a smaller community within the -person class. This allows more active discussion and provides natural opportunities for class leadership.” The in-class
discussions are continued in daily writing assignments, and the class concludes with a substantial creative and critical collaborative project that allows students to try their hand both at writing in Rowling’s world and applying many of the literary techniques and lenses studied over the term. Pyne only teaches the class every few years but every time she does, she has a new experience. “Harry Potter is kind of a generational phenomenon. While I enjoy the critical aspect of it, most student readers are surprised there’s more to it than a fun story,” Pyne says. “I like hearing students say, ‘Oh my gosh, I had no idea! I read this as a kid, I read this for fun.’ It’s a joy and a privilege to see students have that ‘aha’ moment.”
ABOUT THE PROFESSOR Kim Pyne ’ joined Elon’s Department of English in . She teaches literature, composition and teacher education courses, and serves as the coordinator of Elon’s English Teacher Licensure program and as an assistant director of the Elon Academy, Elon’s college access and success program.
RECOMMENDED READING • Complete Harry Potter series • “Reading Harry Potter Again: New Critical Essays” by Giselle L. Anatol • Hogwarts Professor blog, www.hogwartsprofessor.com
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
A -person documentary journalism team from Elon’s Imagining the Internet Center produced ethnographic video research in December at the U.N.-facilitated Global Internet Governance Forum in Jalisco, Mexico. Vanessa Bravo, assistant professor of communications, and Aaron Moger ’, Elon’s assistant director for video production, led the effort. Student researchers included Ashley Bohle ’, Kailey Tracy ’, Anna Zwingelberg ’, Elizabeth Bilka ’, Melissa Douglas ’, Caroline Hartshorn ’, Paul LeBlanc ’, Maya Eaglin ’ and Alex Hager ’. Elon student Diego Pineda Davila ’ provided research assistance, and Janna Anderson, professor of communications and director of the center, managed the coverage and logistics. Jack Fryer, a sophomore marketing and entrepreneurship major, attended and presented at the Lumina Foundation’s two-day event in Indiana as part of the Comprehensive Student Record Project. The project is a partnership between the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and Student Affairs Professionals in Higher
Education, which aims to develop replicable transcript innovations. Jenny Fukunaga ’ has been honored as the recipient of the John H. Barnhill Civic Trailblazer Award from N.C. Campus Compact for her work creating innovative service partnerships and her leadership in inspiring others to serve. Another senior, June Shuler, was recognized with the Community Impact Award for outstanding leadership and service. Several School of Communications students and graduates were recognized in November at the annual RTDNAC/AP Convention and Awards Luncheon. Elon Local News, the university’s student-produced newscast, was honored with two first-place awards. In the professional categories, Nick Ochsner ’ and Neima Abdulahi ’ were honored for their work, including Ochsner’s collaborative report with journalism major Andrew Feather ’. In the student competitions, Audrey Engelman ’ captured first place in the Best Student TV News Producing category while Gary Grumbach ’ took top honors in the Best Student TV Weathercast category.
NEW LEADERS NAMED
J
onathan C. Dooley has been named Elon’s next vice president for student life and dean of students. He begins his new role June 1, succeeding G. Smith Jackson, who will step down from the position at the end of the academic year after more than 23 years of service. For the past three years, Dooley has served as Elon’s assistant vice president for student life and dean of campus life. In his new position, he will serve as a member of President Leo M. Lambert’s senior staff and will be responsi{ Jonathan C. Dooley } ble for all aspects of student life, providing student services and co-curricular programs to advance student learning and development. “In my time at Elon I have been impressed by the students, the university’s excellence with engaged learning and the strong partnerships between faculty and staff,” Dooley said. “I am deeply committed to Elon and glad to have the opportunity to continue serving the university, its mission and our students in this role. I am especially honored to follow Dr. Jackson in this position. He has been a tremendous advocate for students and a force for positive change during his years of leadership at the university.” Bob Shea, a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and former Pentagon staff member, has been selected to fill the newly created position of associate vice president for business, finance and technology. He comes to Elon from the Washington, D.C.-based National Association of College and University Business Officers, where since 2013 he has served as senior fellow for finance and campus management. He will be tasked with overseeing and continuing to strengthen Elon’s financial and opera{ Bob Shea } tional units as well as supporting senior staff and the board of trustees in financial and operational strategic planning and decision-making. “Elon’s commitment to the development of engaged global citizens and the education of mind, body and spirit differentiate it as a very special place,” Shea said. “I look forward to joining the team at Elon, which is devoted to student success, and I thank the university’s leadership for their confidence in me.” He will begin March 1.
“You may be a young community, but you are formidable. You have your gaze fixed exactly on where we all need it to be—on the real world and its problems. The students here have been empowered.” —NBC investigative correspondent, Yale Law graduate and former American diplomat Ronan Farrow during his Nov. Distinguished Leadership Lecture at Elon Law presented by the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation. 6 of
CAMPUS
UNCOMMONS BY KATIE DEGRAFF
Michael Fels didn’t plan to start a furniture
business. Or create bags that eventually became an Urban Outfitters hit and then made a cameo in a Parker Posey movie. And those fountain pens sold at book fairs across the country? He stumbled into those, too. Fels, an associate professor of art and mixed media artist with a lifelong love of learning, isn’t intimidated by new projects. That’s why he frequently explores fields beyond his expertise, beginning with a foray into the furniture industry. Before coming to Elon, Fels taught at The Pennsylvania State University and was in need of a studio. He had no building experience, but he read up on construction and built a ,-squarefoot facility. In the process, he discovered a talent and an interest in furniture making. Soon, he found an agent and a secondary profession. Still working within the furniture industry, serendipity struck on a trip to New York. Fels was stopped by a gallery owner wanting to know where he’d purchased his portfolio bag. When Fels said it was his own creation, she decided to represent him and sell the bag. Soon after the bag was purchased by a Japanese company and then by Urban Outfitters, a national apparel chain. Fels began teaching at Elon in and, yet again, stumbled into another interesting side project. As part of a collaboration with a poet, he discovered a love for fountain pens, which can be expensive. Rather than shell out major money for his new interest, Fels learned the craft himself. He continues to make the pens, which are sold at book fairs across the country. Fels’ inquisitive mind and energized spirit also finds satisfaction in turning expected constructs on their head. A dedicated sculptor, Fels is deconstructing the art form’s traditionally masculine ethos—solid, strong, symmetrical. He wants to bring awareness to the space around the work and create art with nontraditional materials. And those side interests? He’s done selling bags and makes furniture just on commission. For Fels, the focus remains on creating art—whatever the format—that inspires interest, discussion and dialogue. It’s what he hopes he fosters in his students, and what he wants to share with the world. What faculty or staff member do you think is uncommon? Send a suggestion to themagazineofelon@gmail.com.
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SPRING
UNDER THE OAKS
CULTURAL CALENDAR
PREVIEW
Maity Interiano ’07 to deliver Elon’s Commencement address
M
aity Interiano ’07, an award-winning Univision Network journalist, will return to Elon University May 20 to deliver the 127th Commencement address to the Class of 2017.
For a complete list of events, check the E-net calendar at www.elon.edu/e-net/calendar.
THURSDAY, MARCH 30
Elon’s Spring Convocation with Daniel Gilbert
Beliefs about what will make us happy are often wrong. That’s the premise the Harvard psychologist and TED Talks speaker explains in his book, “Stumbling on Happiness.”
TUESDAY, APRIL 4
Michael Messner, “More Men: From Violence to Anti-Violence” A LAUREN DUNNE ASTLEY MEMORIAL LECTURE
The author and University of Southern California professor will talk about what it mean for men to join with women as allies in preventing sexual assault and domestic violence.
THURSDAY, APRIL 6
An Evening with Diane Rehm JAMES P. ELDER LECTURE
D.G. Martin of UNC-TV’s “Bookwatch” interviews the former NPR host of one of the nation’s most popular radio talk shows.
A native of Honduras, Interiano is an on-air talent for “Despierta America,” the top-rated live morning show for the U.S.-based Spanish language Univision Network, part of Univision Communications Inc., the leading media company serving Hispanic America. She hosts a daily entertainment segment on the morning show, as well as “Maity on the Road,” a behind-the-scenes look at her experiences on her assignments on Univision.com. Interiano learned her broadcast skills as a reporter for the Elon student newscast, which was previously known as Phoenix14News. She was among Elon’s Top 10 Under 10 Alumni Award recipients in 2012, and in 2014 she was featured in a fundraising kickoff at the Evening for Elon event in New York City. That event set the stage for the successful campaign to build the new School of Communications facilities that opened this fall. Interiano also serves as a member of Elon’s President’s Young Leaders Council. Since graduating from Elon, her work as a journalist has led her to produce interviews with celebrities, including Tony Bennett, Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, Salma Hayek, Sofia Vergara and others. In 2013 she traveled to Brazil to cover the FIFA Confederations Cup and again in 2014 to cover the FIFA World Cup. She can frequently be seen covering events including the Latin Grammy Awards, Premios Juventud youth awards, Premios Lo Nuestro, Nuestra Belleza Latina, the Rose Parade and more. She has also covered the Golden Globe Awards and the Academy Awards. In 2016 she received an Emmy award for her coverage of Desfile de Las Rosas 2015 for Univision Network. In 2014 she was named best host in the Favoritos del Público portion of the TVyNovelas Awards, which are presented annually by Televisa and the TVyNovelas magazine.
FACULTY/STAFF SPOTLIGHT
THURSDAY, APRIL 13
scholarship and research in the area of international communications. The recognition as a distinguished scholar follows another from the association— Roselle won the best book award from the association’s same division in for “Strategic Narratives, Communication Power and the New World Order,” a book she co-authored with Alister Miskimmon and Ben O’Loughlin.
Former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP LECTURE SERIES PRESENTED BY THE JOSEPH M. BRYAN FOUNDATION
An experienced businesswoman and public servant, Hutchison has been ranked as one of the world’s 100 most powerful women by Forbes magazine. THURSDAYMONDAY, APRIL 27MAY 1 Department of Performing Arts presents “Li le Women”
The timeless story of the March sisters coming of age in Massachusetts during the Civil War is brought to life in this musical. 8 of
Laura Roselle, professor of political science and policy studies, has been awarded the Distinguished Scholar Award from the International Studies Association’s International Communication Section for her
Professor of Physics Pranab Das received a supplemental , grant to expand his current collaboration with two colleagues from other universities, including Dan Blair ’, a Georgetown University associate
professor of physics. They are completing the first year of a three-year, million project to explore active matter. The grant from the John Templeton Foundation supports basic scientific research as well as a substantial effort to expand the study of this kind of material in the philosophy of science. A book by Associate Professor of Communications Ben Hannam has been translated and published in simple Chinese. Hannam, an award-winning designer, educator and author, published “A Graphic Design Student’s Guide to Freelance: Practice Makes Perfect” in with John Wiley & Sons.
MORE THAN A MEAL
{ President Leo M. Lambert honors Elizabeth Rogers by unveiling her portrait. }
LEGACY HONORED
E
lizabeth Rogers, professor emerita of physical therapy and dean emerita of the School of Health Sciences, was honored by having her portrait unveiled during the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program’s Commencement ceremony in December. It was a fitting tribute for Rogers, who helped found Elon’s physical therapy department and guide its development during the past two decades by integrating dynamic classroom instruction with an impressive number of hands-on clinical opportunities. She also served as founding dean of the School of Health Sciences, a position she held from 2011 until her retirement in 2016, and played a critical role in the development of Elon’s Physician Assistant Studies master’s program, which enrolled its first class in January 2013. Rogers’ portrait will hang in the Gerald L. Francis Center, home to the School of Health Sciences.
#
1 TOP MARKS
Elon University has received several accolades for the quality of its programs, best value and study abroad participation.
> For the th year in a row, Elon has been named the master’s-level university for the number of students studying abroad by the Institute of International Education. Elon led the nation with a total of , students studying abroad in Winter Term and semester-long programs in -. Elon was also ranked among master’s-level universities for the number of students enrolled in mid-length study abroad programs. > Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine ranks Elon in total cost and in overall best value among the nation’s private colleges and universities. The ranking is the th consecutive top- best value recognition by Kiplinger’s. Elon, Duke University and Wake Forest University are the only schools in the Carolinas included in the private universities category.
> The National Council on Teacher Quality ranks Elon’s program for elementary teacher preparation among the nation’s best, scoring above the th percentile. The university was also among nine programs nationally to earn an “A+” grade for the quality of its math instruction preparation for prospective teachers. > The undergraduate business degree program at Elon’s Martha and Spencer Love School of Business ranks among the best in the country, according to a new survey published by business education news outlet Poets & Quants. Elon ranked th for academic experience, nd for the employment of its graduates and th in admissions standards—three main components measured by the survey.
Since 1960 Aramark, the service provider for Elon Dining, has partnered with Elon University to provide dining experiences to all members of the campus community. With 15 dining locations—11 retail restaurants, three dining halls and one convenience store—visitors can enjoy a variety of fresh meals, including local and international cuisine, as well as vegan, vegetarian and other offerings made without gluten. But Elon Dining offers more than just food. Besides adopting many sustainable initiatives, it also hosts many events that benefit the larger Elon community. Here is a snapshot of some of these efforts.
10.5
TONS The total amount of food waste and biodegradable serviceware from Elon that was composted and diverted from landfills in 2015–16.
177
The number of events— such as sustainable/ local meals and themed meals—held on campus during fall 2016. For many of these events, Elon Dining partnered with campus groups, organization, classes and other members of the wider Elon community.
1,000
The total number of Thanksgiving meals Elon Dining, in coordination with Campus Kitchen at Elon University, donated to Allied Churches of Alamance County to feed the hungry in 2016.
3,359
The average number of meals served daily in all the dining halls across campus.
117,966
The number of guests who were served catered meals from Mill Point Catering, Aramark’s catering service, in the fall. Source: Elon Dining
9
LONG LIVE ELON
Transforming Lives through Philanthropy
{ Joan & Edward Doherty P’07 }
E
lon parents Edward and Joan Doherty of Saddle River, n.j., have made a generous endowment gift to provide eight scholarships for talented students with financial need. The Edward W. and Joan K. Doherty Odyssey Scholarships will be awarded to two students in each entering class beginning this fall. The Odyssey Scholars program, part of the university’s Center for Access and Success, is a highly selective program supporting academically talented and engaged students with significant financial need who will benefit from an Elon education. Elon Odyssey Scholars are frequently the first members of their family to attend college and are among Elon’s top-performing students each year. The Dohertys are among Elon’s most generous donors and have made significant gifts to support the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, Phoenix athletics and annual giving, among other university priorities. “Through this gift, Ed and Joan Doherty will make college dreams a reality,” said President Leo M. Lambert. “These generous Elon parents want to transform the lives of young men and women who are ready to make an impact in our world. The Dohertys are demonstrating the power of philanthropy, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership.” Currently, Elon has a total of 100 Odyssey Scholars. “We imagine a day when we have 100 per class,” Lambert said. Ed Doherty has served as a member of Elon’s board of trustees since 2006. He and Joan served as members of the university’s Parents Council when their daughter, Kerry ’07, was a student. The Dohertys grew up in New York—Ed on Long Island and Joan in Queens—and both were among the first members of their families to attend college. Odyssey scholarships bring students from different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds to Elon, enriching the entire learning community. First
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preference in selection of Doherty scholarship recipients will be given to racially or ethnically diverse students. “Giving a family a chance for their child to attend a college like Elon is a very special opportunity,” Joan Doherty said. “We want those students to be able to follow their dreams.” “Education creates opportunity,” Ed Doherty said. “We’re a country of immigrants, and every generation wants the next generation to achieve greater success. We feel it is important to give back, and there’s no place better than Elon to create the right experiences for these first-generation college students.” Through their philanthropy, the Dohertys have established the Doherty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership in the Love School of Business and endowed the Doherty Emerging Professor of Entrepreneurship. The couple have also generously hosted the annual Evening for Elon event in New York City for alumni, parents and friends of the university. In addition to the Doherty Odyssey Scholarships, the couple’s recent gift will provide new resources for operations of the Doherty Center, as well as funding for the Phoenix Club and the Evening for Elon event for the next four years. Ed Doherty is founder and chief executive officer of Doherty Enterprises, Inc., one of the nation’s leading franchisee operators of quality family restaurants, including Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread and Chevys Fresh Mex. The company currently operates more than 145 restaurants, pubs and bakery cafes.
Elon parents support Sankey Hall, Fellows scholarships Parents John and Patricia Chadwick of Old Greenwich, Conn., have made a major gift to endow a Business Fellows scholarship and support Richard W. Sankey Hall, the new
LONG LIVE ELON
{ John P’16, Patricia P’16 & Jim ’16 Chadwick } three-story, 30,000-square-foot facility that will provide expanded space for the growing Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. The Chadwicks have been loyal supporters of student scholarships and the Love School of Business, where their son, Jim ’16, earned his degree in economics. The couple’s gift will help the university meet the $8 million fundraising goal for Sankey Hall and establish the Chadwick Family Business Fellows Scholarship to attract top students to the Love School. “From the first moment our son was accepted to Elon until the day he graduated, we felt such a kinship with the university,” said Patricia Chadwick, founder and president of Ravengate Partners and a member of the Love School’s advisory board. “Elon is going in so many right directions and inspires students both to enjoy their university life and to reach their full potential.” Chadwick said her family is excited to support two key university priorities: deepening scholarship funding for Business Fellows and supporting the expansion of the Love School. “Within our own country, we have a broad array of cultures and means, and even though Elon provides great value for the tuition dollar, there are still students who need help,” Chadwick said. “It has been phenomenal to watch how dramatically the Love School
of Business has grown, and Sankey Hall is essential to that continued progress.” Also supporting Sankey Hall with a generous gift are parents Bill and Frances Creekmuir of Atlanta. The Creekmuirs are parents of Elizabeth Hardin ’09 and Lauren Kail ’10. “Elon is a special place where Frances and I feel like we can make a difference,” said Bill Creekmuir, president of Pinnacle Search Partners and chair of the Love School of Business Board of Advisors. “We’ve had two daughters and a son-in-law graduate from Elon and last year I hired a 2016 Love School graduate who has been a great addition to my Pinnacle team. It’s fun being part of a university that is continuing to transform and reinvent itself.” The couple previously endowed the Creekmuir Family Scholarship for Business Fellows. Currently under design, Sankey Hall will be located on the north end of the McMichael Science Center parking lot. In addition to technology-infused classrooms and studentfaculty engagement spaces, Sankey Hall will house two new academic centers focusing on financial education and design thinking.
Alumni make an impact with planned gifts Longtime Elon donors and alumni Priscilla Awkard ’95 of Raleigh, N.C., and Sam Troy ’67 of Greensboro, N.C., are giving back to their alma mater through estate and endowment gifts.
{ Priscilla Awkard ’95 }
{ Frances & Bill Creekmuir P’09 P’10 with President Leo M. Lambert }
Awkard recently placed Elon in her estate plan with a generous gift that will bring valuable resources to the university in the future. She made Elon the beneficiary of a portion of an IRA and an insurance policy offered through her employer, Coastal Federal Credit Union in Raleigh. “Making a planned gift to Elon was easy,” said Awkard, who serves as the credit union’s manager of community engagement. “Elon has given me the education
to be successful in my job, and I feel an obligation to give back to the place that helped develop me into the leader I am today.” Awkard’s gift will support Elon’s volleyball program and the Black Alumni Scholarship. Awkard was a standout on the volleyball team and is a member of the university’s Sports Hall of Fame. A scholarship recipient herself, Awkard understands the importance of financial aid and helped launch the Black Alumni Scholarship along with other alumni in 2007. “I encourage alumni to think about leaving something behind that will continue to live on for generations to come,” she said. “The one thing I can think of that does that is a planned gift. Long after I’m gone, that money will still be used to progress another student through their life.”
{ Sam Troy ’67 } Troy increased his support of Elon by endowing a second scholarship to support a global study experience for students studying in the Love School of Business. The scholarship will assist international business majors with the cost of studying abroad for one semester. Troy previously placed Elon in his estate plan and the future proceeds from that gift will support his two scholarships. “I wanted to establish these scholarships now so I could see the benefits while I’m still here,” Troy said. “I believe in Elon and this is my way of showing it.” Troy wants students to gain as much global experience as possible. He held various trade positions in the U.S. Department of Commerce for 29 years and currently serves as executive in residence at the Bryan School of Business and Economics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. “If students don’t have an international component to their education, it’s going to severely impact their ability to grow professionally,” he said. Troy will celebrate his 50th reunion at Homecoming this fall, which he said inspired his second scholarship gift. Both Awkard and Troy are members of Order of the Oak, Elon’s planned giving legacy society. 11
LONG LIVE ELON
making a difference { Left: Robin & Mike ’89 Driskill. Below: Mike being recognized by the men’s soccer team during Elon’s 2016 Homecoming. }
A proud legacy M
LEARN MORE
about how you can make a difference at Elon with a planned gift by contacting Carolyn DeFrancesco, director of planned giving, at (336) 278-7454 or cdefrancesco@elon.edu. You can also visit elonlegacy.org.
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ike Driskill ’89 is no stranger to Elon’s annual Homecoming festivities. In fact, he is part of the group of maroon and gold faithful who travels to Elon from all parts of the country to celebrate the occasion every year. And yet his return to campus last fall felt a little different from past homecomings, when the former member of the Elon soccer team found himself on Rudd Field during the men’s soccer game on Oct. 22. It was there the university honored him for the generous estate gift that he and wife Robin recently made to Elon endowing scholarships. The impact of their support is immense, creating two new scholarships that will benefit generations of future Elon students. One of the scholarships will support a member of the men’s or women’s soccer teams in honor of Mike’s time as a student-athlete. The other will provide assistance to a student in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, where he further developed the passion for sales that he first learned from his father. The structure of the Raleigh, N.C., couple’s gift reflects the
experiences that made a difference in Mike’s own time at Elon. “I think athletics are very important and teach you things like team-building, communication and working with people who are different than you, which are important in business and in life,” he says. Mike, who serves as a sales representative with HD Supply Waterworks, also wanted to honor Elon’s role in preparing him for a career in the sales industry. “The Love School gave me an understanding of business from a broad spectrum and gave me the tools to succeed.” As they moved through the process of estate planning, both Robin and Mike embraced the priority of investing in higher education. “We were looking at how we could take care of all the things that were important to us, and it was a natural thought to include Elon because I know how important it is to Mike,” says Robin, who also works in sales. The couple has also made a planned gift to her alma mater, Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania, where she earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees. Beyond their individual connections to Elon and Shippensburg, the
BY MEGAN MCCLURE
Driskills were inspired by their shared belief in the importance of higher education and its ability to change communities for the better. “It’s nice to know it’ll help students for a long time,” Mike says of the commitment. “Maybe the student it helps is the person who creates the next Apple or Microsoft, someone who may not have had that opportunity without a scholarship. Education is the key to solving a lot of problems in the world, and this is our way of giving something back.” The process also gave the Driskills an opportunity to thank loved ones and lifelong friends for their support while securing their own family legacy. “Our gift really honors my dad, Bill Driskill, and my late mother, Lou Driskill, for providing me the opportunity to attend Elon,” says Mike. “It’s also a way of showing my appreciation to Elon for the friendships I formed with my Kappa Sigma Fraternity brothers and especially the core group of brothers and friends who have supported me during my life. I knew at Elon I could leave a legacy that would carry on for a long time, and that was important.”
PHOENIX SPORTS
▶ elonphoenix.com
From the grill to the goal line
{ The a.m. Tailgate crew from left: David Rich ’, Mike Cross, David Oakley ’ & Brian Martindale ’. }
T
Members of the a.m. Tailgate crew keep tradition alive at Elon BY KYLE LUBINSKY ’17
ailgating has long been part of sports. The idea of food, drinks and an opportunity to spend time with friends and family before a sporting event is a time-honored tradition, and one that is sometimes heralded as more important than the game itself. At Elon the tailgating tradition is alive and well, thanks in large part to the 7 a.m. Tailgate crew, known for arriving promptly at 7 a.m., regardless of the game’s start time. The group first came together in 2001, when Brian Martindale ’95 and David Rich ’87 were eager to get together at the new Rhodes Stadium. As time went on, football alumnus David Oakley ’91 joined the group, bringing culinary expertise that allowed for a wide variety of foods to be cooked on game day. The fourth member of the crew, Mike Cross, is not an Elon alumnus, but that doesn’t prevent him for having the same enthusiasm for Elon athletics. A Burlington resident, Cross and his wife began sending their children to basketball, cheer and soccer camps at the university in the 1990s. Since then his involvement at Elon has only grown. Like the other members of the tailgate crew, he is a member of the Phoenix Club, the donor program for Elon Athletics. Cross feels a special connection to the school, as he has served as the chairman of the Phoenix Club Advisory Board for the past seven years. “All of us are members,” he says referring to the tailgate crew. “Our mission is to advocate for student-athletes at Elon and help with fundraising for athletic scholarships.” But when they are tailgating, the goal is to ensure all in attendance have a good time. “We typically have a food theme for each
game and set the menu before the season starts,” Cross says. “We cook a whole pig for Homecoming, have a seafood boil at the final home game and try to have a diverse menu throughout the year, but pork is the specialty.” On game days, the men can be found setting up a large grill that Oakley tows to every home game. The smell of the grill often brings new visitors to the tailgate, and many become regulars. Some years ago, the men decided to start tailgating at games beyond football. In their five years as a foursome, they have tailgated every sport except for golf, cross-country and track. But while the team has branched out, football is still the main attraction. The operation has also expanded over time, mostly through word-ofmouth. Their Twitter account, @Elon7amTailgate, offers updates and pictures from their get-togethers, which now include family and friends, and anyone else who is looking to have a good time. “We have satellite TV set up to keep an eye on college football games throughout the day, have cornhole competitions and enjoy having the Elon band stop by and play music on their way into the stadium,” Cross says. “Most football Saturdays, we serve an average of 120 people at the tailgate. We provide the main course and everyone brings a side dish.” Over the years, the 7 a.m. Tailgaters have only gained momentum. On any given Saturday, one can find at their tailgates visitors from the university’s administration and trustees, to the Elon athletics staff and coaches, all the way to the commissioner of the Colonial Athletic Association, and they are only looking to grow. 13
PHOENIX SPORTS
▶ elonphoenix.com
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LAUREN BROWN ’18 BY KYLE LUBINSKY ’17
LAUREN BROWN IS NO STRANGER TO THE SPOTLIGHT. The junior guard from Alpharetta, Ga., has been a leader on the Elon Phoenix women’s basketball team since her first day on campus, playing every game during her first three seasons on the team. She averaged 9.1 points per game last season and ranked second on the team in scoring. She also led the Phoenix from beyond the arc with 48 three-pointers on the season, and finished with double-digit point totals in 12 games. Her success transcends the court, too: she was selected twice to the Colonial Athletic Association’s All-Academic team, and was one of the team’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee representatives. The Magazine of Elon spoke with Lauren about her endeavors off the court for this issue.
She was born on the Fourth of July. “My dad used to always tell me the fireworks were for me, and I believed him,” Lauren says. Around her sixth or seventh birthday, she discovered the holiday represented the United States’ freedom. “It was obviously a disappointment when I realized it was more than just my birthday.”
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She has been conducting research on concussions for the past two years. The exercise science major is looking at the effects concussions have on athletes by focusing on their gait. This form of analysis is used to assess and treat people who have trouble walking. She has presented her research both locally and nationally under the guidance of her mentors—Eric Hall, professor of exercise science; Caroline Ketcham, associate professor of exercise science; and Srikant Vallabhajosula, assistant professor of physical therapy education. She is writing her final research manuscript.
She has spent time doing missionary work. Two summers ago, Lauren traveled to Poland with Athletes in Action, a group that looks to connect sports with Christianity by sending players overseas to compete with other teams and share the gospel with them after games. She played on a national team of athletes from across the United States against national teams from France, Latvia and Poland. “We had fellowship time with the other teams,” she says. “It was nice to share our faith with them as well as basketball, and use that as a platform to talk with other players.”
She spent the summer working at Alamance Regional Medical Center. Lauren worked on a wide variety of tasks and served different patients throughout the hospital. The job gave her a good idea of what a career in health care might entail, and she walked away satisfied with her time there. “I definitely want to pursue a career in the medical field after that experience,” she says.
She loves macaroni and cheese. Although she does not spend much time in her native Georgia these days, Lauren always looks forward to eating good food on trips back to her parents’ house. A particular favorite since she was a little girl is her mother’s macaroni and cheese. “My mother always makes it, every single holiday, whenever I go home,” she says. “It’s just a staple; it’s necessary.”
Finding stability in an unbalanced world HEATHER ZEIS LYNCH ’97
T “Surrounding ourselves with the positive energy of loved ones can help ease shifts in our mood.”
his time in our world, by all accounts, is an unstable one. It seems terrorist attacks and shootings in malls and schools have sadly become regular occurrences. As a licensed professional counselor, I hear countless reports of the impact of world events on mental health. This past election season, for instance, was a particularly difficult one for many. In fact, in the weeks leading up to the election, numerous articles cited “election anxiety” as something that was bringing many into therapy, an occurrence not typically seen by therapists in previous election seasons. World events can easily be triggers for those who experience post-traumatic stress disorder. I have seen cases where people experience flashbacks and nightmares related to past traumas. The accompanying anxiety can wreak havoc in their lives, including impairments in their ability to work or attend school. Other less severe impacts can involve feeling more depressed and anxious, or just generally noticing a shift in one’s mood. People may experience lower than normal energy, poor or excessive appetite, feelings of dread, poor concentration, excessive worry, lack of interest or lack of pleasure. At times this can result in people struggling to function. Some may find it difficult to go to work or engage in social relationships due to mood shifts. The emotional climate of our world lends itself to people feeling out of control, anxious and depressed. The holidays, political quarrels and the change of the seasons are often identified as stressors by some of my clients. Those who already struggle with mental health issues can find their symptoms dramatically increase during stressful times. Those who don’t have a mental health disorder diagnosis may still experience a mood change. Sadly, the stigma associated with mental health treatment results in people experiencing shame related to seeking help. There are many misconceptions about treatment, including what information may be shared and with whom. Potential clients often question what others even talk about in therapy. As a therapist, I often educate clients and their families regarding the treatment process. I discuss the importance of early intervention in an effort to help minimize the impact of mood changes on functioning, as well as the potential benefit of psychiatric medication to help people achieve stability. Of course not everyone is in need of
mental health treatment. Many people are able to manage shifts in their mood through the use of a variety of skills and techniques, including mindfulness. Recently increased attention has been given to mindfulness-based stress reduction and its usefulness in helping decrease anxiety and overall experience of stress. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of mindfulness-based stress reduction, offers several resources on his website, mindfulnesscds.com, which are easy ways to incorporate a mindfulness practice into one’s life. Mindfulness has been proven to reduce stress, improve focus and boost memory. Often in the business of day-to-day life, people don’t prioritize the very things that help them stay balanced. Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, massage, a cup of tea or even taking a walk in the woods are other ways I often recommend to people who are looking to improve their mood. But perhaps the most important, and probably most effective, way of staying balanced is connecting with others. When people start to feel unwell, whether emotionally or physically, they tend to withdraw and isolate in an attempt to feel better. Isolation can make someone feel much worse if there is a shift in mood or there is an increase in depression and anxiety. Surrounding ourselves with the positive energy of loved ones can help ease shifts in our mood. The good news? Mood shifts are natural. Experiencing anxiety related to changes in our environment is not unusual. Worrying about the future of the country, finances or health are common concerns. What we have to remember is that even if we experience a sharp decline in mood, there are many resources available to help provide relief. Staying balanced in an unbalanced world involves a combination of taking good care of ourselves in both mind and body, as well as connecting with others. In doing so, the balance between mental and physical health helps maintain the steadiness needed to navigate uncertain times. Heather Zeis Lynch graduated from Elon in 1997 with a psychology degree and completed a master’s degree in counselor preparation at Seton Hall University. She is the clinical manager of the adult programs at Princeton House Behavioral Health in North Brunswick and a licensed professional counselor in the state of New Jersey.
15
IN A NEW LIGHT
I
t was the summer of 2008 and Raymond L. Beck ’75 had just retired after a 32-year career as North Carolina State Capitol historian and site manager. Sitting in the Elon Belk Library Archives Room, he was poring over documents, searching for information about Elon’s band, an organization he had been a part of during his undergraduate years. On that particular day, he was browsing a catalog of newspapers and other sources referencing Elon compiled on 3-by-5 index cards kept in a wooden filing cabinet. As he perused the “C” section looking for information about the founding year of Elon’s
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cheerleading squad, his fingers suddenly paused at a card titled “Elon Chandelier in Why Not.” The weathered, typewritten entry, which cited as its source a 1958 book titled “History of Fairgrove Methodist Church,” read: “When Charles B. Auman was a student at Elon College, he had the chance to buy an oil-burning brass chandelier from the college. This was installed near the center of the ceiling of the church [Fairgrove Methodist at Why Not]—and is intact to this day. … Later Euclid Auman wired the church and electric lights were added.” Beck’s eyes widened. Most of Elon’s early
furnishings were destroyed in a fire in 1923. Could this be one that survived? So many questions flooded his mind. He knew he needed to dig deeper, and he knew just who to call upon to help him on this journey: former Elon professor and adviser, and fellow historian, George Troxler. More than eight years later, the two stood side by side as the chandelier returned home to Elon to adorn the very room where Beck first read of its existence. It was one of many projects the two men have collaborated on since they first met at Elon in the early 1970s and a fitting ending to the story of an artifact from the institution’s early years.
Top and right photos courtesy of U.S. Department of Homeland Security
How a -year-old kerosene-burning chandelier reunited Raymond Beck ’ and his Elon mentor, Professor Emeritus of History and University Historian George Troxler, once again. BY KEREN RIVAS ’04
FOLLOWING THE CLUES
While Beck and Troxler first learned about the chandelier in 2008, it wasn’t until 2014 the two could really look closely at the clues found on the index card. Troxler got his hands on the book mentioned on the card and managed to find a photograph of the chandelier in the church at Whynot, a small rural community in Randolph County an hour away from campus. While the church is no longer an active congregation, the building and cemetery are cared for by the Whynot Memorial Association. He also was able to match it to a photo in the Elon archives from 1901 of the Philologian Literary Society Hall, one of three literary society halls that once were in the Main Administrative building, or “Old Main” as it’s often called, which was destroyed in the 1923 fire. Elon built a central power plant in 1906, bringing electricity to the campus. Auman attended Elon in 1900-01, but his sister was a student when electricity came, which is how he likely found out the college’s oil burning lighting fixtures would no longer be needed, Troxler says. Beck sent both photographs to two experts on 19th century interiors. They both agreed the chandeliers in the two photographs were the same model—an eight-lamp Bradley & Hubbard Model #613. With all the evidence in their favor, and with the support of Beck and his wife, Deborah Hatton Beck, Elon purchased the chandelier and replaced it in the Fair Grove Church with an identical six-lamp model #613. Both chandeliers went through a rigorous restoration process by Jefferson Art Lighting in Ann Arbor, Mich. “When I received it, it was broken—it had a crack down the crown,” says Teri Jefferson, the company’s owner and craftsman, of the Philologian Literary Society Hall Chandelier, as it has now been named. It also had five different layers of paint that needed to be carefully removed. It took dozens of hours of meticulous work, but Jefferson managed to refinish the chandelier according to its original paint scheme and upgraded it with reproductions of the original hand-blown opalescent shades, glass chimneys, shade holders, perforated central draft burners and hand-spun brass oil fonts. New vintage Edison LED bulbs were also used to cast a light similar to what the chandelier would have originally produced. In October, after nearly 110 years of being absent from campus, the chandelier returned to illuminate the Archives Room in the second floor of Belk Library. During a dedication ceremony, Beck, who saw the project as an opportunity to reconnect his class with Elon’s early history, asked that the chandelier be dedicated in honor and memory of all members of the Elon College Class of 1975. “The miracle to me is that Elon converted to electricity in 1906, which led to the chandelier’s removal and ensured its long-term survival,” Beck says. “The history of Elon can really be told through its
with my professors at Elon.” Working in North Carolina allowed him to remain in touch with his Elon mentors, which led to his collaborations with Troxler. “Our skills go very well together,” Troxler says. As part of his master’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Beck was granted an internship with the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts in Winston-Salem. His first assignment at { Left: Raymond L. Beck ’75 and his wife, Deborah Hatton Beck, associate professor of special the N.C. Capitol was to education at Vanderbilt University, pose with University Historian George Troxler and the research the contents restored 120-year-old Philologian Literary Society Hall Chandelier they gifted to Elon. and furnishings of the Above: A photo of the Philologian Literary Society Hall in the 1901 Elon catalog shows the State Geologist’s Office Bradley & Hubbard Model #613 chandelier. } prior to the room’s restoration. He spent much of his career recreatartifacts and thank goodness we have this single ing the interiors of the building, gaining national pristine artifact from Old Main that we did not recognition for his work. When he retired in think, nor anyone thought, would ever be found 2008, Beck was awarded the Order of the Long and returned to campus.” Leaf Pine. “He knows artifacts,” Troxler says. “He A SPECIAL BOND can say, ‘This chair was circa 1840s,’ while I look This was not the first time Beck and Troxler at the chair and say, ‘It’s a nice piece of furniture.’” worked together to secure an artifact for Elon. Troxler is proud of what all his former history When Beck was a student, Troxler served as students have accomplished, but he enjoys the his academic adviser. He was also a member of special opportunity to collaborate with Beck as a the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, which peer in studying Elon’s history. “Ray really keeps Troxler advised. “We met in a room on the third in contact because he loves this place so much,” floor of Carlton where lumber and other building says his wife, Deborah. “He comes back to Elon supplies were stored,” Troxler recalls. “In one cor- from Nashville—he has lived there since 2011— ner of the room there was a badly damaged bell, he comes back three or four times a year and splattered with paint, sitting on a wooden pallet.” that’s amazing.” That bell, which turned out to be the one that Beck’s desire to uncover the unknown parts fell down through Old Main’s tower during the of Elon’s history keeps bringing him back. “I like 1923 fire, stayed in Beck’s mind. In 2009 he led to push the limits, to see how far back you can the efforts to preserve and display it; the bell take a research project and rediscover what no now sits in the rotunda of Alamance Building. one has either seen or known about for decades,” Later that same year, Beck began a search for he says. “The remarkable thing is there is so the Graham College bell, which had been used little left of the early campus and the history of at Elon’s predecessor institution but had been the institution prior to the fire of 1923. ... What lost for 40 years. An article in this publication we are doing is saving the past to share with recounting Beck’s role in preserving the Old future generations.” Main bell prompted a local alumnus to return Troxler agrees. “If members of the 1901 the Graham bell to Elon, which had been stored Philologian Society were here today, they would in his barn. Even more remarkable, Beck’s not recognize the campus, but they would know research confirmed the bell is the only surviving their chandelier,” he says. “It is our link with antebellum North Carolina Railroad locomotive them and a wonderful reminder of the values bell. It arrived in the state in 1854 on one of the and heritage that we share at Elon.” first locomotives purchased by the railway. History, Beck says, has always been an Did you know? When Elon College opened in , the important part of his life, but it was his Elon faculty organized three literary societies for students: the history professors—Jim Elder, George Troxler Philologian and Clio societies for men and the Psiphelian and Carole Troxler—who gave him the foundaSociety for women. The three organizations are memorialized tion that led to a career as a historian. “They just to this day in Elon’s yearbook title, Phi Psi Cli. gave me a great grounding in history,” he says. “I thoroughly covered most of the world’s history 17
COVER STORY
EVER A TEACHER We celebrate the life and legacy of President Emeritus J. Earl Danieley ’46, who devoted his life to Elon and generations of students.
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e remember him as a highly principled leader, a loving husband, father and grandfather. A wise mentor and an everenergetic advocate who embodied all that Elon stands for. A faithful servant who gave back to his church, community, state and country, and a compassionate and loving friend to thousands of people. A man whose hands were strong enough to steer Elon’s course as its sixth president, yet tender enough to care for the roses he grew in his garden. A man who grew up just a few miles from campus and spent his life in Alamance County, but who established the foundation for a university that would come to be known around the world. As the Elon community grappled with the loss of J. Earl Danieley ’46, who died Nov. 29, hundreds shared reflections about the impact he had on the institution and those he touched in his 74 years at Elon. And though he served the institution with distinction in many roles, including his term as president, he never wavered from his core identity. “I decided in the second grade that I would be a teacher,” he often said. “All through the years, I continued to have that vocational objective.” Indeed, teaching was always central to his life. He could readily recite the names of every teacher who ever taught him, from first grade through his college years at Elon. Regardless of the job at hand—postdoctoral researcher, professor, dean, president, fundraiser—he was always thinking about teaching. “The teaching profession is a noble profession,” he said. “It gives you almost unparalleled opportunity, almost unbelievable challenge to work with young people, to hopefully challenge them to a life of learning … [and] help them to enjoy the experience of learning.” Danieley loved his discipline of chemistry and was passionate about sharing his knowledge with students. But the lessons weren’t limited to his course syllabi. He was invested in the personal development of his students—he never forgot their names and life stories and loved to stay connected with alumni and follow their successes with pride. He was
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also the No. 1 fan of Elon athletics and took a personal interest in the success of student-athletes in competition and in the classroom. “He has assuredly joined the company of heavenly saints,” President Leo M. Lambert said during a celebration of Danieley’s life held at Alumni Gym, a place where he waved his iconic white towel in response to the chanting crowd during basketball games. “I believe our love for him,
our treasured times with him and our abiding and deep friendship transcend death. He is still cheering for us. While we will miss his physical presence dearly, he will continue to inspire us as long as we hold his memory in our hearts.” In the following pages, we share some of the memories former students and friends shared of the consummate educator who will forever be in our hearts. “I do not hesitate to say that
I love most of my students,” Danieley once said. “Being with them is a joy without parallel—working with them, seeing them grow and develop and learn, and then following them as they go out into the world to serve and to be the kind of citizens that we want Elon people to be. I’m so grateful for the privilege that I have had of being involved in the lives of so many splendid people.” 19
“I started out in Dr. D’s Elon 101 class, not know-
About J. Earl Danieley ’46 Academic life • Graduated from Elon with a chemistry degree in . Later that year, he joined the Elon faculty to teach chemistry. • Received a doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and did postdoctoral research at Johns Hopkins University. • Following three years of service as dean of the college, he was named Elon’s sixth president in at age , making him one of the youngest college presidents in the nation at the time. • Retired from the presidency in and returned to the classroom to teach. • Served as director of planned giving from to before going back to his first love, teaching, something he continued doing until spring .
Achievements • Guided the college to new levels of quality during his -year term, making improvements in academic standards and faculty credentials. His tenure also marked a period of unprecedented growth in campus facilities. • Served years on the University of North Carolina Board of Governors and was a trustee at East Carolina University for six years. • An active member of the Republican Party, he served a term as member of the Alamance County Board of Commissioners. • In he and his wife, Verona, created the DanielsDanieley Award for Excellence—Elon’s highest teaching honor—as a tribute to their parents.
Family • Was preceded in death by wife Verona Daniels Danieley ’, who passed away in , and sister Frances Danieley Wood ’, who passed away in . He is survived by three children: Ned Danieley, Mark Danieley and Jane Shutt; his sister, Faye Conally ’; and seven grandchildren, Jonathan ’, Daniel ’ and Michael ’ Shutt, Robert and Sara Danieley, and Sean and Jason Pifer. 20 of
ing that he already had a connection to every student in the class and he hand-picked each of us because they meant something to him. I was one of the lucky ones. We hit it off like two peas in a pod. We ate breakfast and lunch together, attended [the] Anderson Cooper [lecture] together, played golf together, watered his roses together, attended basketball games together. My freshman year, he had never watched a volleyball game before. That year and every other year since, he was in the front row of every single one of my games—not because he loved volleyball or even knew what was going on, but because he was investing in me, and showing me how much he cared and believed in me. … He made it his mission to grow me from a little acorn to a large oak tree. I would not be who I am today without him. I cannot choose just one memory of us. My times with him, my four years at Elon, and even our times together since then, are moments I will hold close. He was the embodiment of Numen Lumen, a light.” —Traci Stewart ’12, Raleigh, N.C. * * *
“During my years at Elon, Dr. Danieley was
my academic adviser and my organic chemistry professor. He was also my mentor and friend. He opened my mind to ways of looking at the world that I probably would have never considered without his nurturing. I’ve been teaching chemistry in community colleges for about 20 years. And still, after all those years, every time I pick up the chalk, I can’t help but recall his intellect and kindness. Dr. Danieley’s contagious enthusiasm for life and learning changed my life and I strive to share that same excitement with my students. I am honored (and humbled) to have been one of his many students.” —Rainey Parker ’87, Salemburg, N.C.
“As a second-year student at Johns Hopkins
University (1956-57), I was invited to take a semester of laboratory research instead of the usual organic laboratory course. I accepted the invitation and was assigned to a visiting professor from Elon College. He was a wonderful man—kind, caring, with a great sense of humor and a strong interest in chemistry. That professor was Dr. Danieley. The work was going well, but one day, in the spring of 1957, I came into the lab and he said we would have to complete the project immediately. He told me he had been called home. I said I hoped it wasn’t bad news. He said he wasn’t sure but he had been called home to become the president of Elon College. I wished him much success and a few years later, I asked him to write letters of recommendation for me for graduate school. He agreed and wrote them on presidential stationery. I never saw him again, but he left a lasting impression on me. I know he will be sorely missed.” —Gerald Putterman, Hamden, Conn. * * *
“I was hit by an automobile in 1972 and
Dr. Danieley was instrumental in getting me in Elon to take some courses. Four years later, I graduated with a double major in chemistry and English, was president of the SGA and went on to a successful career in business. Dr. D was my academic adviser, supervised my research and always had a kind word for me, anytime we met, over our 40-plus year relationship. We compared notes on growing collards (he was ‘the collard king’), commercial chemistry and Elon. The last time I hugged him was at a local ‘fish house’ [in 2015], where he was dining with a group of students. There are too many stories to relate on the impact this man made on my life. I will miss him.” —Sam Moore ’77, Elon, N.C.
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“I think it’s safe to say that it would be tough
to find an individual more committed, more synonymous to their institution than Dr. Danieley was to Elon. He loved the campus. He cherished the history. He adored the students. He mentored the faculty. He never missed a College Coffee. He devoted his life to Elon. He has forever changed the meaning of the term president emeritus. For him, it wasn’t an honorary title or a plaque on the wall. For him, it meant teaching at age 91 against his doctor’s wishes. It meant giving walking tours of campus to prospective families when he could barely walk anywhere. It meant bringing energy to the athletic field during a losing season when he often lacked the energy to get out of bed. It meant pouring everything he had into the place he loved. Long live Elon. Long live James Earl Danieley.” —Jayson Teagle ’08, Atlanta * * *
“My first memory of Dr. Danieley was taking
chemistry my first semester at Elon. I absolutely loved that class, partly because of the content, but mainly because of the professor. Dr. Danieley had a way of making things come to life in his delivery
of everything he said. He was so focused on every student succeeding and grasping the material, that it made you want to work hard and do well. My favorite parts of class were when he would weave stories of Elon’s history into the chemistry lesson. He would often talk about the days when McMichael parking lot used to be grass, and his backyard. It is so incredible to think how much of Elon’s history is wrapped up in Dr. Danieley’s existence. I feel blessed to have taken his class, regretful I wasn’t able to get into his Winter Term ‘Elon: Past, Present & Future’ class, and sad to think of an Elon without him. Fortunately, now that I work at Elon, I get to walk to and from my car in McMichael parking lot every day, thinking about what it must have been like when it was just grass, and how, thanks to Dr. Danieley, Elon is what it is today.” —Aisha Mitchell ’12, Durham, N.C. * * *
“We shall miss his smile, his wit, his passion
for this place, his roses, his birthday card, his handshake—it wasn’t just firm but it warmly enveloped your hand. Growing up in this town,
EVER A TEACHER
living in this town, the sound of the train persists and the ringing of the class bell not as often but still, at least once a day, are part of the background of the music of your life here. Like the sound of that train and the lilt of the college bell, his love of this place will echo in this grove of oaks long after we bid farewell to Dr. James Earl Danieley.” —Noel Allen ’69, Elon trustee 21
CREATING th COMM QUA { Above: The new communications quad includes from left Steers Pavilion, Dwight C. Schar Hall, the Snow Family Grand Atrium & the remodeled Iris Holt McEwen Building. Right: Inside the new Jane and Brian Williams Studio in McEwen Building, which incorporates exterior windows. } 22 of
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Elon’s new facilities framing Under the Oaks represent one of the nation’s finest learning environments for the study of communications. BY OWEN COVINGTON
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{ The all-glass Snow Family Grand Atrium features a 1.4-millionpixel video wall. Inset: Exterior view of Citrone Plaza. }
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ust 11 years after its founding in 2000, Elon’s School of Communications was bursting at the seams. It had advanced in that short time from 500 students in two majors with 12 faculty to more than 1,000 students in five majors and 50 faculty. It had also gained a reputation as one of the nation’s top 20 communications programs, but there just wasn’t enough space for all of the creative and intellectual energy. The need for more space for the school had become apparent. When Dean Paul Parsons enumerated the school’s future needs to Elon administrators as part of the Elon Commitment, the university’s strategic plan, a special capital campaign was launched and successfully completed in 18 months, thanks to the support of many benefactors. Today’s School of Communications is a major leap forward. Before its expansion, the school’s core operation was in the 38,000-square-foot Iris Holt McEwen Building, with student media and related programs spread across campus. When the expanded facilities are fully complete 24 of
in June, the school’s quad will bring together 1,240 students and 60 faculty in five adjoining buildings encompassing 105,000 square feet of state-of-the-art facilities. The new complex includes Dwight C. Schar Hall, the Snow Family Grand Atrium, Citrone Plaza, the remodeled McEwen Building, Steers Pavilion and the remodeled Long Building, which is being transformed this spring into a home for the sport management program and the master’s program in interactive media. The facilities feature a wide range of well-appointed, versatile collaboration spaces where students, faculty and alumni can come together to learn, practice and create in a beautiful setting framing the historic area of campus known as Under the Oaks. If you’re passing through downtown Elon, the communications complex is easy to spot on Williamson Avenue. You can look across the new Citrone Plaza and see into the all-glass Snow Atrium with its
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{ Virtual studio }
{ Turner Theatre }
2,000-pound, 1.4-million-pixel video wall. Another bank of windows allows pedestrians to see into the Jane and Brian Williams Studio in McEwen Building. The studio’s equipment and design rival that of professional broadcasting settings. A separate virtual studio next door is ready for the new age of virtual reality storytelling, and there are two fully outfitted control rooms that can operate either studio. The main floor of McEwen also is the home to a multimedia newsroom for the Elon News Network, which unites the staffs of Elon Local News and The Pendulum newspaper. The merger has created a buzzing hub for online, print and broadcast news operations that pulses with activity day and night. McEwen also includes new studios for wsoe 89.3 fm Radio, formerly housed in Moseley Center, and offices for estv (the production arm for six student-operated programs, ranging from skit comedy to talk to sports), Phi Psi Cli yearbook, film production organization CinElon and Limelight Music Group, a student recording and production organization for local and on-campus talent. Walk from McEwen through the expansive glass-framed Snow Atrium and into Turner Theatre and you’ll find a 220-seat state-ofthe-art movie theater that will screen student films, host the annual CinElon Film Festival and offer the campus community a regular lineup of box office hits. The theater is part of Schar Hall, a 45,000-squarefoot building that includes classrooms, faculty offices, expanded space for the Live Oak Communications student agency that focuses on public relations and advertising, and much more. Faculty offices are organized into pods that include student engagement spaces, comfortable furniture and inviting niches where students can study and interact in small groups. The synergy of all the student groups working together using the latest technologies alongside faculty and staff adds to the school’s energized environment. “From the very beginning, I didn’t see this as just a School of Communications expansion,” Parsons says. “When people visit this school, they see students hard at work writing and producing and creating.”
A school focused on the future The desire to create the most collaborative environment possible was a driving concept for the building architects. With more than 1,200 students pursuing communications majors, the time had come to move beyond the walls of McEwen Building, which was built in 1968 as Elon’s library and remodeled and expanded for use by communications in 2000. Other locations for new facilities were considered, but it became clear that keeping the school in the historic area of campus, with a renovated McEwen connected with new neighboring facilities, was the best course. “We really wanted the new buildings to be modern
CREATING THE COMM QUAD
{ Video editing suite } while tying into the spirit of Elon’s historic look and feel,” Parsons says. “I also loved the idea of creating a communications quad framing the historic Under the Oaks. It’s a perfect marriage of the new and the old.” Architectural plans were developed by the renowned Robert A.M. Stern Architects of New York, and funding was provided by 43 generous donor families, many of them Elon parents. “These were people who understood our needs, recognized the high quality of Elon’s communications programs, and wanted to become partners in providing students with an outstanding learning environment,” says Jim Piatt, vice president for university advancement. Dwight C. Schar Hall was made possible with a portion of a $13 million gift made to the university by Dwight and Martha Schar, parents of Stuart ’16 “There’s an architectural and Spencer ’19 Schar. The building includes design philosophy here of Turner Theatre, which was funded by a gift by openness. It ties into the Elon parents Jim and Toni Turner and their importance of openness in sons Garrett ’08 and Parker ’06 Turner. the field of communications The Snow Family and the importance of Grand Atrium is named for David and Lynette transparency to society.” Snow, parents of Elon communications alumna —Dean Paul Parsons Lauren Snow ’15. The 5,000-square-foot, two-story glass structure provides a modern front to the school, with ample room and comfortable furniture for students and faculty to gather under an expansive high-definition video screen that showcases the school’s programs, alumni and student internships. The atrium opens up onto Citrone Plaza, a pedestrian gathering spot on Williamson Avenue funded by Elon trustee Cindy Citrone and her husband, Rob, parents of Gabriela Citrone ’17. The Jane and Brian Williams Studio in McEwen Building, named by the parents of Douglas Williams ’13, incorporates the exterior windows suggested by Brian Williams, an msnbc News anchor and host. Next door to Schar Hall is Steers Pavilion, a single-story, 7,300-square-foot facility named in recognition of a gift by Bob and Lauren Steers, parents of John “jp” Steers ’15. The pavilion houses the internationally recognized Imagining the Internet Center, a media analytics lab and faculty and staff offices. The design of the facilities features a theme of transparency. In addition to the massive glass atrium, Schar and Steers are faced with
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{ The Elon News Network brings together student print, broadcast and online journalists into a combined newsroom in McEwen Building. }
large windows on the building exteriors, and many interior spaces have glass walls connecting hallways with classrooms, labs and office suites. “There’s an architectural design philosophy here of openness,” Parsons says. “It ties into the importance of openness in the field of communications and the importance of transparency to society.”
in being able to move audio and video around the network,” Costello says. Elon relied on the advice from many experienced broadcast facility designers throughout the design process, including Elon alumnus Troy Senkiewicz ’98, whose Los Angeles company, DigiMax Consulting, provides technology solutions for some of the world’s largest entertainment companies.
Powerful technology, collaborative spaces
Vic Costello, associate professor of communications, chairs the school’s technology committee and played a key role in the design and implementation of McEwen’s technological upgrades and the advanced technology infrastructure incorporated in Schar Hall and Steers Pavilion. “Our facility was 15 years old when we began to focus on technological aspects of the completion of our expansion,” Costello says. “We saw the renovation of McEwen as a way to leap forward.”
The Williams Studio has been outfitted with new led lighting, new sets and three high-definition cameras. A second control room was added to serve the two broadcast studios, one of which was transformed into the virtual studio, designed to allow for the use of virtual backdrops and creative studio productions. Again emphasizing transparency and openness, visitors at the entrance to the broadcasting suite can see into both control rooms. There’s also a window that allows visitors to view the many racks of servers and switches making up the digital backbone of the broadcasting operation. With a second control room now available, one can be used for instruction while the other is in use for a show. “We’re easing our way into discovering how to fully utilize these new tools,” Costello says. “It just opens up a lot of production possibilities for us. Because the equipment we’re putting in is so powerful, there are just infinite things you can do with it.”
McEwen’s first-floor studios were completely rewired to provide a data network that allows seamless integration of the enn newsroom and the broadcast studios and control rooms. “It makes upgrading and staying state-of-the-art a lot easier, and also facilitates greater power
The capabilities of the professional-quality studios were demonstrated on Election Night in November, when enn provided more than six hours of coverage, with eight cameras in use in the two studios and remote broadcasts from numerous off-campus loca-
The opening of the new facilities provided ideal timing for a longdiscussed initiative to bring together student journalists into a single news organization that mirrors what is taking place on the media landscape. The merger required technological infrastructure in a collaborative professional setting.
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CREATING THE COMM QUAD
tions. “They pushed our new facility as much as they could push it,” Costello says. “It’s opening up more creative avenues from a storytelling perspective, and introducing students to equipment that’s more in line with what they’re going to work with once they go out into the world.” Elon has also increased the space dedicated to video production, with the video-editing area in the lower level of McEwen now hosting 19 large, well-equipped edit bays. In addition, a new Foley sound studio provides the opportunity and the technology to record sound effects to integrate into student films and video productions. Other new tech-enhanced spaces in the expansion include the Kanarick Media Sandbox on the second floor of Schar Hall, where students in different majors are invited to come together to innovate and be entrepreneurs. And Elon’s media analytics program, one of the school’s newest offerings, now has featured space within Steers Pavilion. The building includes social media analytics tools that will enable students to do high-level analysis of social media traffic and determine the effectiveness of social media strategies. The large classroom in the pavilion includes advanced software and computers as well as interactive screens that help students hone their skills and dive deeper into analysis, says Qian Xu, associate professor of communications. “In Steers Pavilion, students majoring in media analytics now have a sense of home,” she adds.
Under one roof for the first time The consolidation of Elon’s student broadcast and print news organizations has been catalyzed by the facilities’ changes. Combining the efforts of the more than 100 student journalists who once worked separately for either The Pendulum or Elon Local News creates a more powerful news organization. “By being closer together they’re going to find common crossover points,” says Colin Donohue, instructor in communications and director of student media for Elon. Parsons agrees. “Good things happen with proximity,” he says. “These groups will work in ways that wouldn’t have been possible before.” The new enn facilities also put student media organizations closer to the faculty who advise them and the professors they are learning from in the classroom, Donohue adds. “It puts them in-house with other faculty and staff who can be great resources and mentors for them,” he says. “It’s going to be easy for those faculty to provide feedback and guidance in a way that hasn’t been possible in the past.” Glenn Scott, associate professor of communications, says teaching student journalists how to work across platforms is essential to their preparation for careers that are evolving at the speed of technology. “Now everybody is really going to be together more and collaborate more,” Scott says. “They need to have this sense that we’re going to be collaborating across platforms more and more during the next decade.” Tommy Hamzik ’17, enn’s executive director, says the new newsroom has been essential to bringing together The Pendulum and Elon Local News, and has put the student news operation in a prominent location. “It’s been astounding how many faculty will stop to check in and talk with us as they walk past,” he says. “That’s been an amazing
{ The new facilities include many engagement spaces where students and faculty can interact in small groups. }
aspect. We’re a lot more visible than we had been. It’s a lot more open for people to come in and provide assistance.”
Enhancing the culture Elon opened the new facilities in phases, with Schar Hall and the Snow Atrium opening following fall break and the grand opening of Turner Theatre in December. The first screening included a red carpet showing of “Theeb,” the Oscar-nominated work co-produced by 2005 Elon graduate Laith Majali, who was on hand to receive the school’s Outstanding Alumni Award. Steers Pavilion opened during Winter Term. Work is underway on the renovation of Long Building, which is expected to be completed in early June. Formal dedication ceremonies of all of the facilities, scheduled for March 31, will provide an opportunity to thank the donors who made the expansion possible and showcase everything the communications quad has to offer. Parsons frequently walks through the atrium and finds students huddled together in discussions or carving out niches to study. He notes that students “have moved into the new areas aggressively” and are using all parts of the enhanced learning environments. “The overall reaction has been one of delight—these facilities are comfortable for students and provide the culture we want,” he says. “We have a close student-faculty culture here, and we want to keep and enhance that culture. These buildings do that.” 27
Geoffrey Lynn ’ hopes to bring benefits to cancer patients and their families with a new personalized cancer vaccine.
Grounded in
SCIENCE BY ROSELEE PAPANDREA
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f all goes as expected, Avidea Technologies, a company that biomedical scientist Geoffrey Lynn ’07 co-founded in Gaithersburg, Md., will begin clinical trials of immunotherapies as a treatment for patients with advanced cancers. The company’s lead product—a personalized cancer vaccine that Lynn co-developed with colleagues at the National Institutes of Health, University of Oxford and the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry—will be tested on patients this year. “Entering clinical trials is a major milestone for the company,” Lynn says. “We are hopeful we will see strong immune responses in patients, which could be an early sign that our approach could be effective for treating cancers.” It’s not the first cancer vaccine ever proposed, and it’s still too early in the process to even call it “groundbreaking.” But Lynn, who started doing research when he was a first-year student at Elon University, is confident in the product’s potential. Early data generated by Lynn and his colleagues has shown promise in preclinical studies. Lynn remains grounded in the science and is taking it one step at a time. “It’s good for us to be skeptical,” he says. “No matter what the early studies show, you have to make sure it works in patients because that’s ultimately the people we are trying to benefit.” Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for cancer. The drugs used to eradicate the fast-growing affected cells are toxic to healthy cells, so the treatment often has devastating side effects for the patient. The
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vaccine Avidea is developing would be specific to an individual’s tumor, with a unique vaccine for each patient. “One potential benefit of immunotherapy is that you can leverage the patient’s own immune system to specifically recognize cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact,” Lynn says. “This targeted approach is potentially safer and more effective than many chemotherapies that destroy both healthy and cancerous tissues.” Avidea’s personalized cancer vaccine works by generating immune responses to mutations that spontaneously arise in cancers. As a cancer progresses it accumulates many such mutations, referred to as neoantigens. These neoantigens are present only in cancer cells and are unique to each individual. The problem is most people don’t have an immune response that can fight those neoantigens. Avidea is developing individualized vaccines that offer a safe and potent approach to generating immune responses against neoantigens as a means to eliminate cancer cells. “In the last several years, there has been tremendous progress in immuno-oncology,” Lynn says, which makes the timing of Avidea’s vaccine ideal. “Patients who had survival rates of only a few months with aggressive cancers are now surviving for years after treatment with some immunotherapies. That is certainly a tremendous improvement for some patients and their families, but current immunotherapies don’t work for all patients. We’re hopeful that Avidea’s personalized cancer vaccine can improve the proportion of patients who respond well to immunotherapies.” Lynn, an Elon College Fellow who majored in chemistry, was always aware that he wanted his work to help people—and affect public health—but he didn’t envision developing cancer therapy, he says. Reflecting back, it’s clear each step he took along the way led straight to this career path. “My experiences at Elon were pivotal to bringing me to where I am today,” he says. More than 15 years ago when Lynn took his first chemistry class in high school, he was hooked. Chemistry made logical sense to him. Likewise, on his first day of Chemistry 111 at Elon, he knew it wasn’t the class for him. Joel Karty, the associate professor of chemistry who taught that class and later served as Lynn’s mentor, remembers their first conversation. After Karty’s first lecture, Lynn told him he didn’t belong in that class. If the then-first-year Lynn couldn’t handle the lowest course for science majors, there wasn’t a lot Karty could do for him. But what Lynn needed was something more challenging. “That was the beginning of a special
PHOTO: AL DRAGO ’
{ Geoffrey Lynn ’07 co-developed a personalized cancer vaccine. }
journey for Geoff,” Karty recalled as he introduced Lynn at the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony held during Homecoming in October, where Lynn was recognized as the Young Alumnus of the Year. “We immediately got him switched to an advanced general chemistry course.” That same week, Lynn expressed an interest in research and started doing undergraduate research on nanoparticles with Karty that spring. It was one of many unique paths Lynn was to take during his Elon career. In his sophomore year, he was the first Elon student to earn the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, a program honoring former U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater that fosters and encourages outstanding students to pursue careers in the fields of math, the natural sciences and engineering. Elon faculty had unsuccessfully nominated students for the scholarship in the past. “Winning the Goldwater Scholarship was instrumental in something very important, not only in Geoff ’s career but to Elon,” Karty said. “In the years since, we’ve had a couple winners and honorable mentions. What Geoff was able to do was really put Elon on the Goldwater Scholarship map. What he did was pave the way for other Elon students to follow in his footsteps and have great success.”
Lynn’s undergraduate research was a boon to receiving the scholarship because it focused on targeted drug delivery, and an immunology class he took with Yuko Miyamoto, associate biology professor, seamlessly tied the chemistry and biology together. Through funding from the National Science Foundation, he also spent a summer developing medical applications of nanoparticles at the University of Notre Dame. “I never planned to work in biotech or on cancer vaccines,” Lynn says. “It just all came together. It continues to refine. I continue to build on things. My interest in chemistry and immunology came together at Elon and drove me to my Ph.D. project and ultimately led me on this path.” In his senior year at Elon, Lynn was awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Award. It allowed him to do research at the NIH and earn a doctoral degree at the University of Oxford in England. Parallel with that, Lynn was accepted into an M.D./Ph.D. program at Johns Hopkins University. Lynn pursued combined medical and doctoral degree training between Johns Hopkins and Oxford as an NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholar. He spent two years in medical school and the next four earning his doctorate in biomedical engineering.
The NIH experience made him aware of the challenges associated with cancer vaccines. “Working at the vaccine research center gave me exposure to a lot of different vaccine technologies and an understanding of how they work and why they fail,” Lynn says. “I saw a lot of problems with existing technology and being a chemist, I saw ways to overcome some of the challenges.” Lynn was on track to return to Johns Hopkins to finish his last two years of medical school but the work temporarily took him in a different direction after he co-founded the biotechnology company. “I want to get the company further along and then I will finish medical school,” he says. His research has led to several patents and high-impact publications on vaccines, including two recently published in Nature Publishing Group journals. For now, Lynn refers to himself as Avidea’s chief scientific officer as he moves to get the vaccine into clinical trials, but he plans to eventually return to the place where he is most comfortable. “It’s been a great experience, oftentimes humbling, but I’m looking forward to the day I can return to the laboratory and just be a scientist again,” he says. “Though, my biggest hope is that what we’re doing will actually benefit patients one day and so I’m eager to continue doing whatever it takes to get us there.” 29
From the ARCHIVES
When Spike Lee came to campus In the film director visited campus to shoot several scenes from his movie, “He Got Game,” offering students a lesson in the realities of Hollywood productions. BY XERNAY ANIWAR ’17
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wenty years ago, film director Spike Lee brought his cameras, along with 60 cast and crew members, to Elon’s campus to film several scenes for his 1998 movie, “He Got Game,” starring Denzel Washington, Ray Allen and Rosario Dawson. Shooting the film was Lee’s second visit to Elon. Several months prior, on Feb. 15, 1997, Lee spoke to students in Alumni Gym about Hollywood’s impact on society and the importance of education. After the event, he sat down for a quick exclusive with Tracey Stark, former managing editor at The Pendulum, to talk about basketball, Jerry Seinfeld and the controversial aspects of Lee’s films, to which he responded, “I don’t really even pay attention to words like controversial, those types of labels. I don’t pay attention to that stuff at all.” The film is set in New York and follows the story of an estranged father and son as they navigate college basketball and corruption. A jailed man, played by Denzel Washington, is offered a reduced prison sentence by the governor if he is able to convince his son, the top-ranked basketball prospect in the country—played by real-life basketball legend Ray Allen—to play for the governor’s alma mater, “Big State.” The dilemma arises when Allen’s character is offered multiple scholarships, and must decide whether to help his father despite their strained relationship. When choosing a filming location, Lee requested assistance from the North Carolina Film Commission. Other considerations included Wake Forest University and Davidson College. In the end, Elon was chosen to represent “Tech University” in the film, one of many schools that Allen’s character is invited to visit. The scenes filmed on campus included shots around Alamance, Mooney and Long buildings, as well as Whitley Auditorium and McEwen Hall. The scenes called for 250 extras, which
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were filled by students. The process included a casting call, where the first 250 people to walk through the door would receive cards that told them when and where to go for their scenes. In addition to 200 silent walk-on roles, six students landed speaking roles and four communications students had the opportunity to shadow the film’s producer, Jon Kilik, for the day. But not all students were happy with the filming arrangement. Several “Letters to the Editor” pulled from the Oct. 9, 1997, issue of The Pendulum, show that at least two students were quite vocal in their displeasure. “The administration was nice enough to allow them to film here at Elon,” wrote one student. “The least they could do is show some common courtesy for the students who pay about $15,000 to get an education here. We should not be yelled at for walking to our classes or trying to check our mail.” Another student agreed, writing, “I, myself, was unable to exit Duke and proceed to my next class without being literally hollered at by the crew involved with the filming, and have heard many similar stories.” The students’ complaints prompted a response from Bill Webb, technical director and lighting designer at Elon. “I would like to take this opportunity to enlighten the disgruntled students about one of the realities about the motion picture industry,” he wrote in a letter featured in the student newspaper. “Schedules are subject to change, and frequently changes come at the last minute. I’ve rarely been involved in a production that has followed its original production calendar, and all the personnel involved must remain flexible.” Lee’s filmography is extensive and often serves as a commentary on American culture, with a specific focus on African-American identity in America. His filming on campus gave Elon students at the time a closer, behind-the-scenes look at a Hollywood production.
ALUMNI ACTION
Stay connected to Elon in 2017
O
n behalf of the Elon Alumni Board, I would like to extend our sincerest hope that 2017 is your best year yet. While reflecting on the past year’s goals, accomplishments and trials, I am reminded of the fresh start a new year brings. We all know the time-honored tradition of creating a New Year’s resolution, only to have it slip by the wayside in favor of our old habits. But I write to you today with a solution, one that involves a deep-seated sense of community, leadership and pride. If you haven’t already guessed, the solution involves connecting with Elon this year. Oftentimes, alumni feel their daily lives are too hectic or distanced to make a direct impact at Elon. In order to clear your minds of this notion, I have created a simple timeline of low commitment and impactful ways to connect with Elon throughout 2017. SPRING: • In 2016 the Evening for Elon events with President Leo M. Lambert drew more alumni, parents and friends than ever before. Mark your calendar with the spring dates listed on page 32. • On March 7, we will celebrate #ElonDay 2017. Get involved by making a gift that day and attending one of the regional events hosted by Elon’s alumni chapters. You can also volunteer to be one of the #ElonDay Champions who are critical to the continued success of the day. SUMMER: • Welcome to the City events provide a variety of fun, convenient ways to network and socialize while strengthening your ties to Elon. Elon’s 37 alumni chapters will be hosting events starting in August.
FALL: • For many, Homecoming is the anchor that secures their connection to Elon. If you are celebrating a class or affinity reunion this year, you can become a reunion volunteer to spread the message of what your class or affinity means to you while ensuring a memorable celebration of the events. WINTER: • Be an Elon luminary. Last year 2,990 alumni donors helped light the campus for the Festival of Holiday Lights. The tradition is one of the most beautiful ways to give back to the university and its students. YEARROUND: • Making a gift to Elon is the fastest way to make an impact. Every gift of any amount to the designation of your choice makes a difference in the experience of Elon’s students. Please visit www.elon.edu/giving to see how your gift makes an impact. • Even if you live far from campus or have limited time to spare, you can still make an impact as a volunteer. Alumni 360 volunteers help shape the Elon alumni experience by completing brief, quarterly surveys on a variety of topics (check latest results on page 33). Social Media Ambassadors help build a vibrant alumni network online by sharing Elonrelated content on various social media platforms once a month. I hope this list provides a road map for how you can reconnect or strengthen your ties to Elon, both this year and beyond. Cam Tims ’00 Elon Alumni Board President
SAVE THE DATE FOR W HOMECOMING
e hope to see you back on campus Nov. – as we celebrate Homecoming . The weekend will include the second annual Rock the Block party, the third annual Homecoming K brick run/walk, receptions and alumni panels, family-friendly events and reunion celebrations. You won’t want to miss joining your Elon family to tailgate and cheer on the Phoenix as we take on the Towson Tigers. Please contact Jill Hollis ’13 at jhollis@elon.edu with any questions about the weekend festivities.
CALLING for
VOLUNTEERS!
We need your help in making your reunion weekend one to remember. Here are the classes and affinity groups celebrating milestone reunions during Homecoming , as well as staff contact information for you to get in touch and involved. We can’t wait to see you back on campus Nov. –!
CLASS REUNIONS: 1962—55th reunion 1967—50th reunion 1972—45th reunion 1977—40th reunion 1982—35th reunion 1987—30th reunion 1992—25th reunion 1997—20th reunion 2002—15th reunion 2007—10th reunion 2012—fifth reunion 2017—reunion zero Contact our staff to learn how you can volunteer by emailing reunions@elon.edu.
AFFINITY REUNIONS: Sigma Pi—40th reunion Kappa Alpha Order—35th reunion Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.—30th reunion Alpha Omicron Pi—30th reunion Sigma Chi—30th reunion Lambda Chi Alpha—25th reunion Alpha Psi Omega—25th reunion Epsilon Sigma Alpha—25th reunion Delta Upsilon—fifth reunion LGBTQIA Alumni Network—fifth reunion Contact Deidra Smith at dsmith79@elon.edu to learn how you can get started as an affinity reunion volunteer. Don’t see your group listed above? Let Deidra know if you are celebrating a reunion in 2017! 31
ALUMNI ACTION
on the town
Get ready for #ElonDay #ELONDAY is quickly approaching on Tuesday, March . Once again all of Elon’s alumni chapters will host an Elon Day Party, so you can celebrate Elon wherever you are. Watch for more information coming soon.
{ Baltimore }
{ Wilmington }
EVENING FOR ELON COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU!
{ Washington, D.C. }
{ Charleston }
Feb. 22—Fort Lauderdale, Fla. March 2—Charlotte, N.C. March 29—Raleigh, N.C. April 5—Atlanta April 6—Cleveland, Ohio
President Leo M. Lambert will travel to five cities this spring to bring Elon updates to alumni and parents across the nation. This year alumni in Raleigh, N.C., who have made a gift to Elon since June 1, 2016, will be invited to a special Loyal Alumni Reception following the program. Join us in a city near you!
32 of
ALUMNI ACTION
CHAP TER HAP
Homecoming Survey Results
PENINGS
Many of our alumni chapters celebrated the end of another year with an annual Ugly Sweater Holiday Party. Look out for a full schedule of events in the spring including hockey games, CAA basketball events, professional development opportunities and more!
Fall 2016
In October our Alumni 360 volunteers shared their insight as part of a 604 survey responses survey regarding #ElonHome. Below are the main highlights from the survey’s results. For more information about the program, visit Homecoming Survey Results www.elon.edu/alumni360. Fall 2016
490
have attended homecoming
604
604 survey responses
PEOPLE RESPONDED
354 490
50% of total members
{ Denver }
attended in the past 5 years
604
have attended homecoming
PEOPLE RESPONDED
354
50% of total members
TOP THREE REASONS FOR ATTENDING: attended in the past 5 years
My friends are attending
It’s a nice excuse to return to campus for a
It’s my class/affinity group reunion year
TOP THREE REASONS FOR ATTENDING: weekend
PREFERRED METHOD OF FAVORITE EVENTS: My friends are attending
COMMUNICATION ABOUT It’s a nice excuse to It’s my class/affinity return to campus for a group reunion year HOMECOMING: weekend
Football Tailgate #1 - Email Affinity group events (EBAN, LGBTQIA, Fraternity & Sorority Life, etc.)
FAVORITE EVENTS:
Football game Football Tailgate Class Reunion events Affinity group events
PREFERRED METHOD OF COMMUNICATION ABOUT #2 - Social Media HOMECOMING: #1 - Email #3 - Mail
(EBAN, LGBTQIA, Fraternity & Sorority Life, etc.)
{ Nashville }
#2 - Social Media Football game Class Reunion events
www.elon.edu/alumni360
#3 - Mail
www.elon.edu/alumni360
KEEP ELON IN THE KNOW { New York City }
If you have recently moved or changed jobs, make sure to update your information at www.elon.edu/alumniupdate to receive information about upcoming events in your area.
33
In the limelight { Left: Laith Majali ’05, right, at the 2016 Academy Awards. Below: Majali receives the School of Communications 2016 Outstanding Alumnus Award from Dean Paul Parsons. }
L
aith Majali ’05, an acclaimed filmmaker whose career includes an Oscar nomination, received the School of Communications 2016 Outstanding Alumnus Award in December. Majali came to Elon in 2001 as the university’s first King Hussein of Jordan Scholar. He distinguished himself as a campus leader, becoming an Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellow and Elon Ambassador, and joining the Intercultural Relations Club. In 2004, Majali landed a film internship in Los Angeles, where he met fellow Jordanian filmmaker Amin Matalqa. The two collaborated on “Captain Abu Raed,” the first feature film to
emerge from Jordan in 50 years. In 2008 he won the World Cinema Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival and received Elon’s Young Alumnus of the Year Award. Two years later, he returned to campus to deliver Elon’s Commencement address to the Class of 2010. His latest film, “Theeb,” which he co-produced, received an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film in 2016. It was screened at Elon as part of the grand opening celebration of Turner Theatre, the new 220-seat, high-definition movie theater in the School of Communications’ Dwight C. Schar Hall. Read more about the school’s expansion on page 22.
WHAT WILL WE ACCOMPLISH ON #ELONDAY?
3 7 17
#ElonDay is all about what WE can do when our maroon and gold family comes together. Providing scholarships. Increasing access to study abroad, service and internships. Creating opportunities across campus. Get involved by making a gift on March 7 and sharing your support on social media. Together, WE can make a difference in the lives of current and future Elon students. We are partners, advocates and investors.
WE ARE ELON! 34 of
CLASS NOTES
CLASS 80| NOTES
Mike “Radar” Robinson
95|
won the San Juan 21 Eastern National Sailing Championship in November. Radar says he has participated in sailing competitions since college and has won many regional events, but this is his first national win. He lives in Mooresville, N.C.
84|
Robert Tenhet was
promoted to the rank of major general in the U.S. Army in June. In this new role, Robert works at the Pentagon as deputy surgeon general, U.S. Army Medical Command. He and his wife, Ret. Lt. Col. Mary Tenhet, live in Fort Belvoir, Va., with their two Vizsla dogs, Wales and Calamity Jane.
85|
Mary Kelli Palka has been promoted to the editor position of her hometown paper, The Florida Times-Union. The former Pendulum staff member and Jacksonville, Fla., native now leads the daily newspaper’s newsroom and reports directly to the media outlet’s president, Mark Nusbaum. Mary Kelli joined the newspaper in 2003 and has held a variety of roles since then including local editor, interim metro editor, investigative editor and reporter. Since 2014 she served as managing editor, overseeing the paper’s news coverage as well as its copy desk, sports, photo, graphics and digital departments. She assumed her new role Jan. 1.
Sherri Janelle was recently
named executive director of development–leadership gifts and prospect management at Shepherd University. The job includes developing relationships between the university and the community, raising money to support university programs and helping lead targeted fundraising campaigns. Prior to that position, Sherri spent 13 years as division director of the March of Dimes and five years at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, where she served as foundation director. She
and her husband, Chris ’87, live in Martinsburg, W.Va.
88|
Crystal Taylor has
been recognized as the Alamance-Burlington (N.C.) School System’s 2016-17 School Counselor of the Year. A 14year veteran, Crystal is one of the leaders who coordinates the system’s 8th Grade Career Fair, which gives students a glimpse into some of the opportunities available for them after high school. She works at Woodland Middle School and lives in Burlington with husband Larry.
96|
Shannon Warden
recently co-authored a parenting book with Gary Chapman, author of The New ALUMNI ALBUM
York Times bestseller “The Five Love Languages.” The book, titled “Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Became Parents,” was published by Northfield Publishing and aims to help parents raise young children. Shannon is a faculty member in the Department of Counseling at Wake Forest University. She is also the part-time director of counseling and director of women’s ministries at Triad Baptist Church in Kernersville, N.C., and the director of Repurposed Life Ministries, Inc. Shannon and husband Stephen live in Walkertown with their three children.
99|
In the fall, Attila Madarasz was named president and chief executive officer of Fein Power Tools Inc. He is in charge of the power tool manufacturer’s U.S. operations and has more than 20 years of experience working in global business development and sales. He lives in Pittsburgh.
01| Mike “Radar” Robinson ’80
Crystal Taylor ’88 (center)
Robert Tenhet ’84
Sherri Janelle ’85
Shannon Warden ’96
Mark McCann ’01
Mark McCann has
been nominated for the national LifeChanger of the Year award, which recognizes extraordinary K-12 educators, teachers and administrators who have positively impacted their school. Mark, a targeted instruction/gifted and talented teacher at Wilbur Watts Intermediate School in Burlington, N.J., is one of 24 educators in that state to be nominated for the national award. If selected as one of the 15 nationwide educators, he and his school will receive a cash prize. • After working with Cox Media Group for more than 13 years, David Ratz is making the transition from radio to baseball. He is now the Jacksonville (Fla.) Jumbo Shrimp’s promotions and special events manager. In that role, he is responsible for fan entertainment and experience at games and off season special events at the ballpark. David says he “can’t say enough 35
CLASS NOTES
PLAYING from the HEART BY SARAH MULNICK ’17
M
ost professional pianists start playing at a young age, drawn to the elegance of the instrument and the skill of the composers they admire. Although Al Thomas ’ didn’t start playing the piano until his parents bought one for his th birthday, he didn’t let that stop him—he entered Elon a year later as a piano major. For the Burlington, N.C., native, the love affair with the instrument has continued over the decades. “It was an immediate thing, once I discovered piano,” Thomas says. “It was like, ‘this is it, this is what I was looking for.’” As a student, Thomas played with Emanons, the jazz ensemble on campus at the time under the direction of Jack White. The group was so active, it performed up to concerts along the Eastern
Seaboard each Winter Term he was at Elon. Thirty years later, Thomas still fondly remembers the time the group performed in a jazz festival in New York City on the Lincoln Center Plaza with thousands in the audience. For Thomas, who also played trumpet in the marching band, music has always come easily, like being good at math or having a head for science. “It’s about the gift God has given you,” he says. “If you have a particular talent for
something, then you’re going to enjoy it more if you nurture it.” Thomas studied all of the different periods of music while at Elon, and, sitting in a coffee shop on campus decades after graduating, he can still easily describe various composers’ styles. It isn’t just classical music that he enjoys, he’s quick to say—he appreciates all styles. He has his favorites, though, from jazz players to concert pianists. One of his favorites is Maurice Ravel, a French composer who has influenced classical musicians as well as jazz pianists. Thomas, who lives in Burlington and owns a successful real estate appraisal business, Thomas Appraisal Co., continues to play piano as frequently as possible, challenging himself to enter amateur competitions. He has competed in several competitions including the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs in and , and the Chicago ALUMNI ALBUM
Amateur Piano Competition, where he was a semifinalist. He has also given recitals at Elon, including performances with his daughter, Katie Solars, who is a professional violinist in New York City. He performs most of the music from memory rather than reading a music sheet because he says it allows him to express more freely and play from the heart. For each competition, he has to prepare at least an hour’s worth of music. The competitions are more than just a chance to play for Thomas since they also offer a chance to learn about the talents of other serious amateur pianists. “There are so many people in the world with music degrees who studied seriously and that continue to develop their music even though they have other careers,” Thomas says. “These competitions give us a chance to have a goal and for our music to have legitimacy and to perform before a live audience.”
great things” about his previous employer but he is also “beyond excited” to begin the next chapter of his career with the Miami Marlins Double-A affiliate.
02|
Grace Hull and husband Aaron welcomed daughter Charlotte Asher on 9/5/15. The family lives in Nantucket, Mass., where Grace works as the director of development for Nantucket Dreamland Foundation.
David Ratz ’01
Kellie Brielmaier Mayrides ’03, Chris Mayrides & daughter Sabrina Caroline
Lauren Hoffmann Street ’03, Charles Andrew Street & friends 36 of
Ben Seay ’03 & Jennifer Eye
Jen Frantz Gayden ’04, Greg Gayden & children Caroline Vivian & Gavin
03|
Lauren Hoffmann and
Charles Andrew Street were married 6/25/16. Alumni who were present at the ceremony included Catherine Beebe Jones, Elisabeth Jackewicz Neace, Jason Goss ’05 and Samantha Hoffmann ’07. Lauren works in marketing for Richard Childress Racing. They live in Kernersville, N.C. • Kellie Brielmaier Mayrides and husband Chris Mayrides welcomed daughter Sabrina Caroline on 5/21/16. The family lives in Philadelphia. • Ben Seay and Jennifer Eye were married 6/17/16. They live in Westlake Village, Calif., where Ben works as an actor. • Mandy Wheat was recently promoted
CLASS NOTES to audit partner at RSM US LLP, an audit, tax and consulting firm. Mandy was also recognized with the 2016 Women to Watch award from the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants. She and husband Scott live in North Potomac.
04|
Jen Frantz Gayden and
husband Greg Gayden welcomed daughter Caroline Vivian on 8/12/16. She joins big brother Gavin. The family lives in Fort Worth, Texas. • Stephanie Kepplinger and husband Keith welcomed daughter Madalyn on 2/4/16. The family lives in Middletown, Del. • Timothy Riddell and wife Amy welcomed son Everett John on 9/17/16. The family lives in High Point, N.C.
05|
Adam Davis and wife Ashley welcomed daughter Addison Marie on 9/27/16. The family lives in Ashburn, Va. •
Country Day School in High Point, N.C. In that role, she leads students and faculty in grades pre-K through fifth, organizes and implements pre-K through 12th grade service learning initiatives and oversees curriculum, pedagogy and assessment documentation for all grades. She also serves as chair of academic affairs at the school. She and husband Lee live in High Point. • Anne Jones and Matthew Williams were married 12/3/16 in Richmond, Va. Lisa Diaz Jones and Chrissie Edwards Swann served as bridesmaids. Other alumni in attendance included Lindsey Goodman Baker ’04 and Nick Pagano. Anne is a physical
therapist with At Home Care. They live in Richmond. • Stan Smith and wife Katie welcomed son Stryker Paul on 9/20/16. Stan is the physical education department chair at Ledford High School. The family lives in Wallburg, N.C.
06|
Tyler Brandt and Alysa Wayland were married 11/4/16 in Charleston, S.C. Tyler is a real estate representative for Murphy Oil USA. They live in Charlotte, N.C. • Justin Townsley and Mandy Townsley were married 10/1/16. Alumni in attendance included Andrew Rollins ’04, Ian McNabb, Brendan Clearkin ’07, Andrew Rushton ’07 and Michael Pisano ’08. Justin is a human resources manager with Douglas
Electric & Lighting Inc. They live in Baldwin, Md.
07|
Lauren Summers Austin and husband Brad Austin
welcomed daughter Hannah Ileana on 8/16/16. She joins big brother Caden. The family lives in Charlotte, N.C. • Lisa Cochran Holt and husband Marc Holt welcomed son Leland John on 10/11/16. The family lives in West Friendship, Md. • Ashley Shelton Murphy and husband Gerald Murphy welcomed son Daxton Welby on 9/2/16. The family lives in Alexandria, Va. • Andrea French Wofford and husband Garrett Wofford welcomed son Mason Sater on 8/25/16. The family lives in Columbus, Ohio.
ALUMNI ALBUM
Blair Dowling Hawley {M.Ed. ’12}
has been promoted from teacher to head of lower school at Westchester
05|
Brett Cooper was selected as one of 40 Under 40 leaders in the Washington, D.C. area by the Leadership Center for Excellence. The center’s mission is to enlighten, inspire and connect leaders through community building and leadership development. Brett, who has been engaging people in the political process since his days as an undergraduate political science major at Elon, is a senior campaigns and elections specialist at Service Employees International Union. He formerly worked for the National Education Association and Patriot Majority USA. A founding member of the Elon University Young Alumni Council and an active member of the Elon Alumni D.C. Chapter, Brett was honored with a Top 10 Under 10 Alumni Award in 2013.
Adam Davis ’05, Ashley Davis & children
Stephanie Kepplinger ’04, Keith Kepplinger & children
Tyler Brandt ’06 & Alysa Wayland
Blair Dowling Hawley ’05 G’12
Anne Jones Williams ’05, Matthew Williams & friends
Justin Townsley ’06, Mandy Townsley & friends 37
CLASS NOTES
09|
Molly Boyce and John Edgington were married
8/26/16. Molly works as the senior director of operations for the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, while John works as a senior creative strategist at VIVA Creative. They live in Washington, D.C. • Molly Donahue and Andrew Fleenor were married 6/18/16 in Bethesda, Md. Alumni in attendance included Emily Abbott, Carolyn Klasnick Brooks, Jessi Dexheimer, Lauren Bieler Greaves, Billy Koehn, Stefanie Twigg Koehn, Liz Lenahan
and Sallie Collamore ’19. Molly and Andrew live in Washington, D.C. • Bryan Holland was promoted to general manager of sales for the Potomac Nationals. In that role, he oversees all sales and marketing operations for the club including corporate partnerships, season tickets, picnic outing hospitality, advertising initiatives and new business development negotiations. The 2017 season marks Bryan’s 10th season in minor league baseball and his sixth season with the Nationals. • Jonathan Isley
and Anna Lamback were married 5/14/16. Anna is a multifamily project controller for Crescent Communities, LLC and Jonathan is senior operations coordinator at NASCAR Media Group. They live in Charlotte, N.C. • Kelly Nealon and Robert Kral were married 10/8/16. Meg Lavery served as maid of honor while Kelly McManus and Allie Barton Peiffer served as bridesmaids. Other alumni in attendance included Paul Bennett ’06, Jamey Falkenbury ’07, Alex Baker, Bobby Hoppey, Caroline McNally, ALUMNI ALBUM
Lauren Summers Austin ’07, Brad Austin ’07 & children Hannah Ileana & Caden
Lisa Cochran Holt ’07, Marc Holt & sons
Molly Boyce Edgington ’09, John Edgington ’09 & friends
Kelly Nealon Kral ’09 & Robert Kral 38 of
Kelsey Robinette ’09, Paul Robinette ’09 & son James Crews
Ashley Shelton Murphy ’07, Gerald Murphy & son Daxton Welby
Molly Donahue Fleenor ’09 & friends
Whitney Shafer ’09
Jonathan Isley ’09 & Anna Lamback ’09
Corey Weaver ’09, Lyllian Wimberly Weaver ’10 & friends
CLASS NOTES Katie Persichini, Brian Provenzano and Devin Darrell ’10. Kelly is a
senior marketing coordinator with KCI Technologies, Inc. She and Robert live in Charlotte, N.C. • Kelsey Robinette and husband Paul Robinette welcomed son James Crews on 8/12/16. The family lives in Milford, Conn. • Whitney Shafer was named marketing coordinator at Phinney Design Group, a multi-disciplinary architecture, interior design and construction management firm. She manages the firm’s social media accounts, press releases, new website launch and logo rebranding. The company is based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. • Caroline Thutt and Johnston King were married 10/8/16. Caroline works as a physical therapist at Pivot Physical Therapy. They live in Chapel Hill, N.C. • Corey Weaver and Lyllian Wimberly ’10 were married 6/4/16 surrounded by many of their Elon friends. They live in Charlotte, N.C.
10|
Sophie Duensing, who is
known professionally as Sophie Saint Thomas, was recently included on Brooklyn Magazine’s 2016 “30 Under 30” list. Based in Brooklyn, Sophie has written stories for the likes of Vice, Marie Claire, The Mic Magazine and Broadly, among others. • Jonathan Michael and wife Jenna Farley Michael ’11 welcomed daughter Emily Grace on 10/19/16. The family lives in Charlotte, N.C. • Christine Wieand and Long Ding were married 8/20/16 in Newton Square, Penn. Katherine Belfiore and Lindsay Wagner served as bridesmaids. Other alumni in attendance included Tom Barbieri, Jenna Marvel Berg, Rachel Goglia Brocious, Rachel Mizner Charles, Lauren Fitzpatrick, Courtney Turnbull Holgan, Emily Conroy Hudson, Sami Leonard, Kitson Marr, Zach Stone, Emily Sanner Whiting, Liz Janis ’11 and Maggie Moran ’12. Christine and Long live in New Milford, Conn.
11|
13|
In the fall, Jacob Branchaud received a Sports Emmy Award for his work with MLB Network, a national broadcast network devoted to professional baseball. Jacob is a broadcast associate with “MLB Tonight,” an MLB Network show that was named the 2016 Outstanding Studio Show in the daily category by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, which awards the Emmys. He said he is “overjoyed to receive this award and the recognition is very humbling”” noting that “none of this would have been possible without the support and knowledge that I gained during my time at Elon.”
Casey Collins was selected
as the Teacher of the Year at Eastlawn Elementary School in Burlington, N.C. Casey is a music education teacher and coordinator of the iMusic afterschool club at the school. • Shannon Crawford and Sam Stayman were married 9/3/16 in Basking Ridge, N.J. Alumni in attendance included Jackie Cabral, Molly Campbell, Kristen Fackler, Greg Flis, Parker Laimbeer, Chris Lillard, Jordan McFarland, John
Charitable Gift Annuities Can Provide Income for Life a charitable gift annuity of $10,000 or more to Elon will guarantee a fixed income for the rest of your life. With market interest rates near historic lows, a gift annuity is an attractive way to increase your income and make a gift to Elon at the same time. You will receive immediate tax benefits and can defer capital gains. The payment rate of a charitable gift annuity depends on your age at the time of the gift—the older you are, the higher the rate.
CURRENT RATES ONE BENEFICIARY
TWO BENEFICIARIES
AGE
ANNUIT Y R ATE
AGE
ANNUIT Y R ATE
60
4.4%
60/65
4.0%
65
4.7%
67/67
4.4%
70
5.1%
71/73
4.7%
Annuity rates are subject to change. The annuity rate remains fixed once your gift is made.
To explore a gift annuity for you, your spouse or a family member, visit ELONLEGACY.ORG.
Minshall, Sean Page, Billy O’Riordan, Lauren Ross, Brian Stevenson and Brianna Taft ’13. Shannon is a global
controller for BASF Corporation. They live in Houston. • Stephanie Olsen {Interactive Media ’12} and Stephen Azar ’12 were married 6/11/16 in Baltimore. Alumni in attendance included Rachael Fine ’10, Jonathan Michael ’10, Caroline Cook, Andrew Cordisco, Kelly Thompson Cordisco, Charles Costa, Erin Fitzgerald, Jennifer Harding, Michelle Illar, Jenna Farley Michael, Josh Norris, Lauren Spindler, Meghan Stevens, Kendall Adkins ’12, Christopher Antal ’12, Brett Brawerman ’12, Kelly Giffear ’12, Christopher Lapp ’12 and Kristen Olsen ’13. • Gina Giuricich and Luke O’Rourke were married 6/25/16. Alumni in attendance included Dana Blaney ’09, Alex Coffman ’10, Marcus Lockamy ’10, Elizabeth Rymer ’10, Kevin Swett ’10, Ally Whitecavage ’10, Sam Bianchetti, James Bulsiewicz, Alex Della-Penna, Peter Guyton, Kelly Bednarski Krech, Nick Leonard, Michael Nachajski, Helen Turner, Allison Stolte, Caitlyn Yuschak, Sarah Alexander ’12, Ryan Beckstead ’12, Will Biancalana ’12,
Talk with us today about how you may benefit from a life income gift to Elon and other gift planning opportunities. please contact: Carolyn DeFrancesco, Director of Planned Giving 336-278-7454 ■ cdefrancesco@elon.edu ■ elonlegacy.org.
{ A snow scene from the Elon campus in 1971. }
39
CLASS NOTES Ally Norell ’12, Sam Speicher ’12, Amanda Sancil ’12, Kelly Troianello ’12, Hannah Wachtmeister ’12, Morgan Heath ’13, Jill Hollis ’13, Kristen Ignaszewski ’13 and Whittney Levitt ’14. Gina is a client service
A NEW
Life
analyst at Amundi Smith Breeden and Luke is a financial reporting manager with BMC Stock Holdings, Inc. They live in Raleigh, N.C. • Suzanne Uliano {M.Ed. ’15} and James Demby were married 7/3/16 surrounded by Suzanne’s Alpha Xi Delta Sorority sisters and other Elon friends. They live in Raleigh, N.C., where Suzanne works as a second grade teacher at St. David’s School. • Lindsey Wills and Brian McKlindon were married 9/10/16 at Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. There were many Elon alumni in attendance, including the bride’s parents, Kyle ’81 and Linda ’82 Wills. Lindsey is a marketing manager for Lincoln Financial Group’s retirement plan services. In the fall, she was recognized for her leadership, skill and dedication as one of LIMRA’s 25 Rising Stars of Retirement Under 40 in the financial services industry. Lindsey and Brian live in Malvern, Pa.
BY XERNAY ANIWAR ’17
Candice Burrow Spake ’00 came to Elon to become an investigative reporter. But a er completing an internship at CBS Baltimore, she decided to launch herself into other creative projects.
“
Fast-forward years, and Spake, whose professional name is Candice Irion, says she feels blessed with where her creativity has taken her. Since graduation, Irion has worked as a director, producer, writer, actress, assistant director and set photographer on feature films, shorts, commercials and documentaries. She has interviewed politicians and Hollywood stars alike for the Dallas International Film Festival, established a business as a portrait photographer and written five short films, a book, devotionals and six feature-length screenplays, including a script for the movie “New Life,” which she co-wrote with her husband, Josh. The film debuted in select theaters across the country in October and follows the love story of Ben and Ava, who meet as children, marry as young adults and together face the difficulties of life. The project began in when the director approached Candice and Josh individually with a concept for a short film and asked them to write the script. What he didn’t know was that the pair was dating at the time. “One of the best parts about this process is the personal journey with my relationship with Josh, which ran concurrently with the development of the script,” Irion says. The couple married in , after completing the final script for the short film. By the feature script was written and revised, then soon optioned and filmed. The couple attended the screening in while Irion was pregnant with their first child. Months later they took their daughter, Adelaide, to the theatrical premiere. “To be able to experience watching our vision come to life on the big screen together was just unbelievable,” Irion says. “The moments can never be fully described,
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{ Candice Burrow Spake ’00, Josh Spake & daughter Adelaide } but just lived. It is a bond that we’ll always have. Plus, the first movie Adelaide ever saw was the one her parents wrote.” While at Elon, Irion wrote and directed two musicals, and was involved in InterVarsity as well as New Student Orientation, for which she also created promotional videos. She says all these experiences provided her with the critical comprehension of “how to harness implementing a vision.” She credits professors Mark Fox, Don Grady, Tom Nelson and Michael Sanford and staff members Ray Crompton, Felicia Massey and Rex Waters for teaching and mentoring her during her time on campus. “Elon provided a balance of opportunity: from a great education to an even better understanding of project management,” she says, adding that it was the platform for a wonderful independent career. She encourages those pursuing creative careers to be diversified, proficient and ready to deal with disappointment. “There will be more ‘noes’ than there will be ‘yeses,’ so be determined to see your purpose through, not allowing disappointment to override your devotion.” Irion hopes to direct her own work in the years ahead. In the meantime, she is enjoying raising Adelaide and writing new projects.
To keep up with Irion, visit her website at candiceirion.com.
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Alexandra Solender Boyd
was selected as Teacher of the Year for Holly Springs (N.C.) High School. She is a physics teacher and a co-chair of the science department at the school. • Alison Schiffli and Curt Orshoski were married 6/18/16 in Charlotte, N.C. Elon alumni in the wedding party included Maria Gardell, Meaghan Howard, Jennifer Shipowitz and Victoria Spearman. Alison and Curt live and work in Washington, D.C. • Jake Schoenfeld and Alexandra Watson were married 7/30/16 in Great Falls, Va. Alumni in attendance included Derrick Burnett, Anastasia Romanowicz, Amy Salek, Jay Struck, Lauren DiFiglia ’13, Ali Reder ’13, Sean Zapatka ’13, Drew Forte ’15, Stephen Monick ’15 and Aubrey Wilkerson ’15. Jake is a senior accountant at American Realty Capital and Alexandra is a teacher for the Loudoun County Public Schools. They live in Ashburn. • After dating for more than eight years, Justin Ward and Amanda Wilkins ’13 were married this past summer. Elon, they say, has a special place in their hearts since it brought them together: Justin was a football player and Amanda was a member of the dance team. Since athletics was a big part of their time at Elon, friend Meredith Citty ’14 arranged for the mascot to be a surprise guest at their wedding, which they say was “the most perfect
CLASS NOTES gift for us.” Justin is a reinsurance broker and Amanda owns an event planning business. They live in Reidsville, N.C.
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Haley Goss married
Scott Rafferty, her high school sweetheart, on 4/30/16 in La Hulpe, Belgium. Alumni in attendance included Aric Goss ’12, Stephanie Pinch ’12, Elizabeth Capel ’13, Anna Lee Crenshaw ’13, Grace Baldridge and Sarah Bowen ’15. Haley works as a developer at Discovery Place and Scott is a sports writer. They live in Charlotte, N.C.
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Jake Sokoloff spent
most of last fall sailing around Europe and the Mediterranean aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship. He played Eugene on the ship’s production of “Grease,” in addition to performing in two other original shows.
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William Boyle was selected
by Citizen’s Bank for its commercial banker Early Career Development Program. The program combines intensive classroom instruction that culminates with a placement in a business line. William lives in Winchester, Mass.
TURN YOURSELF IN! www.elon.edu/classnotes Help us keep you in touch with your Elon classmates.
ALUMNI ALBUM
Christine Wieand Ding ’10, Long Ding & friends
Jonathan Michael ’10, Jenna Farley Michael ’11 & daughter Emily Grace
Casey Collins ’11
Lindsey Wills McKlindon ’11, Brian McKlindon & family
Shannon Crawford ’11, Sam Stayman & friends
Stephanie Olsen ’11 G ’12, Stephen Azar ’12 & friends
Gina Giuricich O’Rourke ’11, Luke O’Rourke ’11 & friends 41
CLASS NOTES
FIRST TO THE BENCH BY ERIC TOWNSEND
I
t can be said that the Hon. Carrie Vickery L’ is today a judge because of the oboe. After all, it was the oboe she wanted to study as a high school student at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem. And once she got to the city from Ellenboro, the small North Carolina mill town she’d known all her life, Vickery realized that not everyone thought the same, believed the same or looked the same as her friends and family back home. As her interest in music waned, Vickery found inspiration in a civics teacher who developed her passion for government. For politics. For public policy. When she graduated high school at the age of to attend college and, later, Elon Law as a member of its charter class, Vickery knew she wanted to serve her community. Now she is doing that with a black robe and gavel. On an overcast January afternoon, in an upstairs courtroom of the Forsyth County Hall of Justice, Vickery took the oath of office to serve residents of Winston-Salem and surrounding communities as a North Carolina District Court judge. Her oath took place nearly two months to the day voters in Forsyth County elected her to the position. It also marked a milestone for Elon University School of Law. Vickery is the first Elon Law alum in the school’s -year history to be appointed or win a seat on a district court or higher. “My goal is to be not just a judge, or a judge that gets re-elected, but
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I want to be a good judge,” Vickery told the nearly people who filled the courtroom on Jan. to watch the ceremony, including her husband, Phillip Skipper Jr., and her niece, Anna, both of whom held the Bible on which she took her oath. “A good judge is humble, which I want to be, which I hope I am. Is smart. Is patient. But you also need help along the way.” Following her graduation from Elon Law at the age of , Vickery joined the Holton Law Firm in Winston-Salem to work in family law, helping families navigate the complexities of divorce, child custody, adoption and more. At the same time, she rose to regional prominence through community work and service to civic and professional organizations such as the bar association and the Junior League. Vickery also made statewide news in when she donated a kidney to a fellow attorney whose health was in steep decline. Both recovered from the procedure and remain close to this day. “Judge Vickery demonstrates all of the hallmarks of a successful jurist,” says Elon Law Dean Luke Bierman. “Compassion. Understanding. Sacrifice. An unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. That she won her seat during Elon Law’s th anniversary year is a harbinger of future successes in our alumni body as our earliest graduates rise to positions of prominence in the profession. “We couldn’t be prouder of Carrie and know the best is yet to come for this remarkable alumna.” For her part, Vickery views her new role as a more visible way to administer justice and mercy, while inspiring others—especially young women—to engage in their own communities. “The legal field is still very much dominated by men,” Vickery says. “Any time you see a woman practicing law, or being a judge, the more it shows young girls that the law is a possibility.”
CLASS NOTES
IN MEMORIAM Edna Reizel Waugh ’45,
Stephen West Holden III ’71,
John William “Bill” Clapp Jr. ’46,
Caswell Anthony “Tony” Mullins ’77, Summerfield, N.C.,
Riverside, Calif., 6/22/16.
Kingsport, Tenn., 10/11/16. Clayton Leon Gibbs ’46,
Central, S.C., 10/8/16.
Dr. Donald Reed Kernodle ’49,
Ossipee, N.C., 10/22/16.
Amelia Flowers Phillips ’54,
Greenville, N.C., 8/30/16.
Harold Richard Smith ’55 GP’11,
Lexington, N.C., 7/7/16.
Frances Danieley Wood ’55,
Elon, N.C., 11/9/16.
Mary Anne Thomas Johnston ’58 P’83 GP’12,
Burlington, N.C., 10/14/16.
Reece Tomlinson Haywood ’61,
Burlington, N.C., 10/21/16.
Ann Bryan Pennington Olson ’65,
Covington, N.C. 10/25/16.
Numa Randle “N.R.” Franks Jr. ’66,
Clarksville, Va., 8/16/16.
11/5/16.
Joel Poe ’78, Liberty, N.C.,
10/26/16.
John Munn ’79, Stedman, N.C.,
9/8/16.
Don Howard Buckner ’80,
Roxboro, N.C., 9/20/16.
The Rev. Herbert “Herbie” Spruill ’80, Burlington, N.C.,
9/26/16.
James Alan “JZ” Zint Sr. ’81 P’08,
Mebane, N.C., 10/29/16.
Robert Burns King, an acclaimed musician and former adjunct professor,
died Sept. 25, 2016. He taught music at Elon from 1981 through 2007, and served as the university organist.
John F. Mitchell, an emeritus Elon faculty member and administrator, died Oct. 17, 2016. During his tenure from 1981 to 1999, he served as vice president of administrative services and associate professor of business administration.
Jane Sullivan Morton ’92, Burlington, N.C., 9/24/16.
Elon Trustee Emerita Janie Crumpton Reece died Oct. 21, 2016. She was a mathematics professor from 1966 until she retired in 1987, and served on the board from 1995 to 1999. She and her husband established the Janie Crumpton Evans Reece and E. Kemp Reece Endowed Mathematics Scholarship to support North Carolina math majors.
Clint William Gantos ’93,
Martha Stribling Smith-Trout, a professor emerita of English, died Nov. 1,
Angela Amelia Norris ’89,
Winston-Salem, N.C., 9/1/16.
Burlington, N.C., 10/30/16.
Elon, N.C., 10/8/16.
Daniel J. “Danny” Boback ’07,
Donna Snyder Vaughn Worthington ’69,
Cameron Miller ’10,
Siler City, N.C., 10/20/16.
Michael L. Rich, one of Elon University School of Law’s most prolific teacher-scholar-mentors, passed away Dec. 7, 2016, following a lengthy illness. Beloved by students and colleagues alike, Rich was named as Elon Law’s Maurice Jennings Emerging Scholar in 2015 in recognition of work that had “shown extraordinary promise as a teacher and a scholar.” His work focused on the intersection of emerging technologies and criminal law with a particular interest in the way those technologies prevent criminal conduct. He had presented his work at major legal symposia, conferences and speaker series across the nation.
Fort Myers, Fla. 9/11/16.
Raleigh, N.C., 9/30/16.
2016. She joined the Elon faculty in 1964 and continued to teach until her retirement in 1994. An Elon Medallion recipient, she had two endowed scholarships named in her honor: The Martha S. Smith Endowed Fund for Faculty Development and The Martha Smith Award for Women’s and Gender Studies.
ALUMNI ALBUM
Suzanne Uliano Demby ‘11 G’15, James Demby & friends
Justin Ward ’12, Amanda Wilkins Ward ’13 & friends
Alison Schiffli Orshoski ’12 & Curt Orshoski
Jake Schoenfeld ’12, Alexandra Watson ’12 & friends
Haley Goss Rafferty ’14 & Scott Rafferty
William Boyle ’16 43
Winter Term
IN VIETNAM In January two Winter Term courses allowed students, along with faculty in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, to visit Vietnam and observe firsthand how business is conducted in this ancient and culturally rich country. Students participating in the “Business and Culture of Vietnam” course visited Hanoi and Halong Bay, among other cities, to learn about the country’s religious and cultural heritage as well as its booming manufacturing and hospitality industries. Students in the “Business in the Pacific Rim” course also toured businesses in those cities to examine the influences economic development and global business have had on the country. In addition, they visited businesses and cultural sites in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Office of Alumni Engagement PO Box 398 Elon, NC 27244 Toll Free: (877) 784-3566 www.elon.edu/alumni Change Service Requested
{ Students took advantage of a January winter storm to play outside as the Elon campus was blanketed under more than eight inches of snow. }
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