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Last fall, Elon asked two of our talented graduates, Max Cantor ’10 and Tim Johnson ’09, to create a video celebrating the relationships between the university and its alumni. A few weeks later, they pitched a concept they called “on/off,” and I was immediately intrigued.

At key moments in life, they explained, the university switches back “on” for our alumni — practically, emotionally, even spiritually. An alum making a career change might connect with a former professor for advice or a job lead. A newly engaged alum might want to share parts of their Elon experience with their future partner. An alum facing a major life event may return to campus to reflect, often drawn to the same quiet spot or familiar path they cherished as a student. This on-and-off rhythm underscores the enduring presence of Elon in our graduates’ lives, but also recognizes the deep emotional connection that unfolds during a student’s journey.

The word universities use for alumni returning to campus, homecoming, has ancient roots. In Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey,” Odysseus’ courageous journey home after the Trojan War is described using the Greek word nostos, the root of our word “nostalgia,” which combines nostos (to return home) and algos (pain or longing). ​​The word captures the deep emotional pull of returning to a place that shaped you. That’s also why Elon adopted the name Odyssey to describe one of its most powerful and transformative scholarship programs for first-generation college students. The name reflects the journey a student undertakes to discover their potential and sense of purpose.

In this edition of The Magazine of Elon, we celebrate alumni who embody this spirit and are advancing positive change around the world. No matter their path, I am always struck by the seed that was planted at Elon — through a moment of learning, a relationship, an experience — that set them on an unexpected journey that ultimately changed their lives. Faculty and staff often stop me on campus to share updates from former students, moments that remind me how alumni not only carry Elon with them, but also continue to shape the university in return.

When I watch the wonderful video that Tim and Max created, I can’t help but smile as alumni share stories of challenge and growth, joy and discovery. Their reflections capture both the energy of college life and the hurdles of adulthood, always anchored by the constancy of this community: the familiar walkways, the canopy of oaks, the sense of place that remains.

My hope is that when our alumni watch this video, and read the stories in this issue, they see themselves at many stages of life and remember that Elon is always here. Long Live Elon.

Connie Ledoux Book
President