The weekend marked the first alumni leadership experience for many of the participating alumni leaders, including recently onboarded members of the Young Alumni Council and Elon Alumni Board.

A central component of the agenda was an update on the Elon-Queens merger delivered by President Connie Ledoux Book. She provided insight into the process and goals, and attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback from the alumni perspective.

Attendees also heard from Brad Moore, associate vice president for facilities and chief facilities officer, who provided a detailed briefing on the Slattery Center (home of HealthEU), including its construction progress, purpose and anticipated impact on student wellness.

The weekend also offered opportunities for guided networking and collaboration among alumni leaders. Events concluded with celebrations of the Elon community, including the Distinguished Alumni Awards and Top 10 Under 10 ceremonies.

Established in 2007 within University Advancement, the invite-only council advises the university on programs and services for young alums and current students as they transition into their lives after graduation.

The new members鈥� first meeting with the full board will be on Friday, May 2 as part of Alumni Awards Weekend.

Emma Bach 鈥�24鈥�
Emma Bach graduated from Elon in 2024 with degrees in public health and policy studies with minors in human service studies and political science. Bach was involved in a variety of activities while a student at Elon, including serving as president of Kappa Delta, being an inaugural staff member for the Phoenix Policy Think Tank and representing the Class of 2024 as a Senator in the Student Government Association. She currently works for Lee County as an AmeriCorps Lead for North Carolina Fellow.

Amaya Gaines 鈥�23鈥�
Amaya Gaines graduated from Elon as a double major in political science and policy studies with a minor in Leadership Studies. As a student, Gaines was a recipient of the Lumen Prize, the university鈥檚 most prestigious undergraduate research award. Gaines worked with faculty to create PST 3700, also known as the Phoenix Policy Think Tank. She is currently pursuing a doctorate at Cornell University鈥檚 Brooks School of Public Policy & Government.

Justin Morin 鈥�17鈥�
Justin Morin graduated from Elon with a bachelor鈥檚 in economics. During his time at Elon, Justin was a Lumen Scholar and Honors Fellow. His extracurricular activities included serving on the Cultural Event Planning Committee for Sigma Pi Fraternity. Morin also worked as a university guide and student assistant for Hillel. Morin is currently a Vice President at Citizens Bank, focusing on investment banking for gaming and leisure companies.

Kyle Porro 鈥�17鈥�
Kyle Porro graduated from Elon with a bachelor of science in finance and a minor in environmental and sustainability studies. As a student, Porro was heavily involved on campus, serving as Student Body President. Professionally, Porro is currently a lawyer and has also co-founded his own business, Stirred Stories, a publishing company that promotes diversity in storytelling.

Lexy Roberts 鈥�19鈥�
Lexy Roberts graduated with a degree in public health. As a student, she was a research consultant for the Black Oaks Restoration Project and worked in the Office of the President. After graduation, Roberts worked for the Racial Equity Institute as a DEI trainer and organizer. After serving in the Leadership Alamance Program through the Alamance Chamber, she worked her way through the education consultant field and began working as a Network Navigator for StriveTogether.

Spencer Wagner 鈥�18
Spencer Wagner graduated from Elon as a double major in political science and policy studies. As a student, Wagner was heavily involved in the Student Government Association serving as class senator and, eventually, executive vice president. He graduated from American University with his master of public administration in 2023. Wagner is currently a Performance Analyst for the District Department of Transportation in Washington, DC.

Erin Wilkins 鈥�18聽
Erin Wilkins graduated in 2018 with a bachelor鈥檚 in public health. She subsequently attended George Washington University and earned a master of arts in education and human development. Since then, Erin has climbed the ladder in the field of Human Resources with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion and now serves as a manager of diversity, equity and inclusion at Goodwin. Her work earned her recognition as a 2024 recipient of a 10 Under 10 award.

Spearheaded by Lasse Palomaki, associate director of career services for alumni, these resources offer alumni the flexibility to explore career opportunities at their own pace.

鈥淲e created Career Search Foundations to give alumni on-demand access to comprehensive job search support,鈥� said Palomaki. 鈥淭his resource ensures alumni can access actionable advice, tools and strategies without, or while, waiting for a coaching appointment.鈥� The resource library also allows the SPDC to utilize a dynamic platform where information can be updated easily and regularly.

Career Search Foundations officially launched on March 10 and received 42 requests for access in its first two weeks. After each section, alumni have the ability to provide feedback which is then used to refine and enhance the course based on their needs.

鈥淐areer Search Foundations will continue to evolve with alumni feedback and emerging career trends,鈥� said Palomaki.

In addition to the resource library, alumni can schedule sessions with Palomaki directly as well as taking advantage of the on LinkedIn and on-demand professional development webinars. The Student Professional Development Center hopes these opportunities will provide valuable networking, mentorship and career insights to the greater Elon community.