Elon Alumni | Today at Elon | ��޹��Ʒ

‘Unleashed exuberance’ shines bright at Donning of the Kente

Eric Townsend — Fri, 22 May 2026 16:17:04 +0000

A Donning of the Kente Ceremony at ��޹��Ʒ celebrated the African heritage, achievements and resilience of Black graduates in the university’s Class of 2026 during an evening filled with expressions of cultural tradition, reflection and joy.

Held on the eve of Commencement ceremonies, the annual event honored graduating students with handmade Kente stoles woven in Ghana, a symbol of heritage, wisdom and shared responsibility to be worn at graduation.

Family members and the wider university community gathered inside Alumni Gym on May 21, 2026, to recognize the graduates’ accomplishments and the communities that supported them throughout their college journeys.

“Tonight, we do more than congratulate our graduates,” said Randy Williams, vice president for inclusive excellence and associate professor of education. “Tonight, we bear witness to them. Tonight, we affirm them.”

Tributes to graduates were read aloud before kente stoles were bestowed on stage by family, friends or close mentors at ��޹��Ʒ.

The 10th annual ceremony highlighted the importance mentorship in the graduates’ success. In his remarks to graduates, Williams recognized the “village” of parents, grandparents, mentors, faculty and staff, and friends who supported the graduates throughout their university studies.

Alex Bohannon ’17, president of the Elon Black Alumni Network, encouraged graduates to remain engaged with the university and support future generations of students.

“As you look ahead, carry this charge: build community, mentor intentionally and stay engaged. Elon’s strength is its people showing up for one another, again and again,” he said. “Engagement is not symbolic. It is active. It looks like mentoring a student, returning to campus, opening doors, and investing your time, talent, and resources.

“The next generation’s experience will be shaped by what you choose to do from this point forward.”

Engagement is not symbolic. It is active. It looks like mentoring a student, returning to campus, opening doors, and investing your time, talent, and resources.

Alex Bohannon ’17, president of the Elon Black Alumni Network

Bohannon also highlighted the role of the Elon Black Alumni Network in mentoring students and supporting initiatives such as the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund. He noted that the ceremony’s continued growth reflects a vision established a decade ago and sustained through alumni engagement and philanthropy.

During the donning ceremony, each graduate was joined on stage by a person who played a meaningful role in their Elon experience. Supporters presented the stoles while tributes celebrating each graduate’s accomplishments and future aspirations were read aloud.

Families of Class of 2026 graduates filled Alumni Gym for the Donning of the Kente Ceremony on May 21, 2026.

Graduates were praised for perseverance, leadership and cultural pride as families, mentors and faculty members reflected on the challenges many students overcame to earn their degrees. Presentations highlighted stories of first-generation college graduates, international students, and campus leaders who balanced academics with research, athletics and service while supporting others along the way.

Another popular feature of the evening program: A rhythmic dance of celebration performed by served to open and conclude the ceremony.

��޹��Ʒ’s event is made possible by the Kelli E. Palmer ’98 Donning of the Kente Endowment. Funding from the endowment supports the program, including the purchase of the kente stoles.

In her own remarks to graduates, La’ Tonya Wiley ’97, ��޹��Ʒ’s assistant director of affinity alumni engagement, described the evening as a way to not only honor accomplishments, but to honor who celebrants have become.

“You are scholars, changemakers, leaders and living examples for those who will follow behind you,” she said. “May you always remember that your excellence is not defined solely by titles or degrees, but by how you uplift others, how you remain rooted in purpose and how you continue building community wherever your path leads.”

Angie Polk ’06 turns Elon mentorship into a career of ‘Simply Believing’ in storytelling

Joshua Renza — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:57:59 +0000

Before she went on to develop over 100 award-winning films and series, Polk was a senior at ��޹��Ʒ, grappling with the same uncertainty some students feel today.

“I was in this place of, ‘Oh my God, what am I going to do?'” she said.

Angie Polk ’06, pictured with her friends at Elon.

She remembers a moment of doubt during her final year when Professor Emeritus Rich Landesberg provided the “tough love” she needed to move forward.

“He kept saying, ‘Just pick. You’re going to be fine. No matter what, you’re going to land on your feet.’ I really needed that at the time,” Polk said.

That foundation was built primarily within the School of Communications, where Polk, a broadcast communications major, found a safe space to test her leadership skills. She points to a producing class taught by Assistant Professor Ray Johnson as a key turning point where the details of the profession finally clicked. Johnson tasked her with being the executive producer for the class, a role that involved managing her peers and overseeing a project from concept to delivery.

“It was so much work, but I loved it,” she said. “You just realize how many people are leaning on you.”

She credits Johnson’s ability to “put on a show” in the classroom as a major inspiration for her own leadership style, teaching her that engagement and enthusiasm are just as important as technical skills.

“He was so good at his job… I think about him often,” she said.

Angie Polk ’06, pictured with a friend on her study abroad trip to Perugia, Italy.

Upon graduation, Polk’s preparation was put to the test when she was accepted into the prestigious NBC Page Program in New York City. Moving from the college environment of Elon to the fast-paced world of NBC required a quick adjustment. She rotated through high-stakes assignments, including “The Today Show,” the US Open, and Syfy publicity, a journey that required her to adapt to a more rigorous schedule, one that demanded the fundamental discipline of the network.

“I used to be a very late person,” she admitted. “But I got it out of my system because of the Page Program. Elon prepared me for the presence, how to present yourself well and dress the part, but the Page Program taught me the discipline.”

Her trajectory eventually led her to Los Angeles and the Hallmark Channel for 12 years, where she rose to the position of vice president of development and programming. In this role, she oversaw the production of up to 30 projects annually, yet she never lost sight of the “human-centric” focus she cultivated at Elon. Polk made it a priority to increase diversity and inclusion within the network’s programming, working to amplify diverse voices to ensure that Hallmark’s signature films reflected a broader range of the human experience. She describes herself as a kindness-first connector, a philosophy that has allowed her to attract top-tier talent and build lasting relationships with writers and agents across the industry.

Angie Polk ’06, pictured with her husband and two kids.

Now, as she leads Simply Believe Creative, Polk is focused on catalyzing original romantic comedies and holiday films for the modern streaming market. Even from her home in California, she remains deeply connected to the campus where her journey began. She notes with a smile that she still sees familiar faces in the Elon news, including former classmates who have returned to the university in leadership roles.

Her advice to the next generation of Phoenix is a reflection of her own resilient path.

“Go after the things that scare you and push right through the fear to do them anyway,” she said.

“Take on as many projects as you can, but do them to the absolute best of your ability. Stay curious… the yeses always come,” she said.

Do you know an alum who has an interesting story to tell? Please feel free to share your feedback or those stories online:

What’s TikTok’s next campaign? Elon students have a few ideas

Tommy Kopetskie — Tue, 19 May 2026 15:21:12 +0000

Students in Professor Lee Bush’s Strategic Campaigns course prepare to present a semester-long TikTok communications campaign to Elon alumna Julia Denick ’15 inside a second-floor conference room in Schar Hall during finals week.

In the midst of finals week, inside a second-floor conference room in Schar Hall overlooking the Historic Neighborhood, ��޹��Ʒ seniors presented communications campaigns for one of the world’s most recognizable digital brands: TikTok.

The May 15 presentations marked the culmination of a semester-long partnership between students in Professor Lee Bush’s Strategic Campaigns course, TikTok and Elon alumna Julia Denick ’15, a brand partnerships manager in media and entertainment for the company. A second class taught by Bush shared its presentations remotely with Denick via Zoom a few days later.

Denick, a brand partnerships manager for media and entertainment at TikTok, traveled from New York City to hear students pitch campaigns.

Throughout the semester, students were challenged to think beyond TikTok’s identity as an entertainment platform and instead position it as a powerful marketing tool capable of driving discovery, engagement and purchasing decisions for brands and small businesses. For students, the project offered an opportunity to tackle the kind of real-world strategic communications challenge they may encounter after graduation.

“Elon gave me so much,” said Denick, explaining her decision to partner with current students. “This felt like a small way to give some of that back. I also remember being in their shoes and how much I would have loved working on a project like this.”

A 2015 graduate of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, Denick now works with NBCUniversal and other major media partners, helping brands develop creative and data-driven campaigns on TikTok.

Jack Sindone ’26 passes out materials to classmates before his group’s May 15 presentation for Denick.

“I’m responsible for building strategic partnerships with NBCU and helping them drive business results on TikTok,” Denick said. “Much of that work is blending creativity and data – advising on media strategy, measurement, creative and building custom campaigns around their biggest tentpole moments.”

Bush explained that the partnership challenged students to look beyond their everyday use of the platform and consider how brands strategically connect with audiences through TikTok.

“Students are, of course, prolific users of TikTok,” Bush said. “This was a great opportunity for them to experience the platform from a different perspective – that of a business or brand manager who needs to reach their customers through the platform.”

Bush said the project reflected the experiential learning focus that defines the Strategic Campaigns course, which serves as the capstone experience for strategic communications majors.

“We are so grateful to Julia for agreeing to be the client for not just one, but two Strategic Campaigns classes and for flying in from New York to see student presentations in person,” Bush said. “What a thrilling culminating experience for our graduating strategic communications seniors.”

Evelyn Ealey ’26, a double major in dance performance & choreography and strategic communications, presents as part of her five-person team.

For Tori Tyson ’26, one of those graduating seniors, the class project highlighted both the strategic thinking and collaboration required to develop a successful campaign.

“Our assignment was to work with TikTok to create a strategic campaign that repositioned the platform as more than just an entertainment app,” Tyson said.

Tyson noted that one of the most rewarding aspects of the semester was working alongside classmates who each brought different ideas and strengths to the campaign process.

“Everyone on our team brought different strengths, perspectives and ideas to the table, which made the project more creative and well-rounded overall,” Tyson said. “Teamwork played a huge role in our campaign, especially when it came to brainstorming, problem-solving and refining our ideas into one cohesive strategy.”

She also credited Bush with encouraging students to think creatively while maintaining a professional approach to client work.

Throughout the semester, Bush’s students developed TikTok campaigns designed to help brands and businesses better understand the platform’s marketing potential.

“Professor Bush created an environment that encouraged collaboration and pushed us to think more strategically and creatively throughout the semester,” Tyson said. “She gave us the confidence to take risks with our ideas while still guiding us in a professional and supportive way.”

The experience also challenged students to narrow broad research and ideas into focused, achievable strategies.

“TikTok is such a fast-moving platform with so many opportunities,” Tyson said, “so it took a lot of collaboration and problem-solving to create a campaign that was both creative and strategic.”

For Denick, the project reinforced the value of experiential learning opportunities before graduation and offered a meaningful way to give back to her alma mater.

“Group projects don’t end after college – life is one big group project,” she said. “And what better prep for post-grad than the real thing.”

Elon and Queens move toward first phase of shared services

Eric Townsend — Tue, 12 May 2026 21:03:44 +0000

��޹��Ʒ and Queens University of Charlotte are moving into the next stage of merger planning, with leaders from both institutions working side by side to design the first phase of a shared services structure that will support a stronger, more integrated university in the years ahead.

This work represents an important step forward in the planned merger, which is awaiting a vote from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. That accreditation approval is the first step in a two-step federal approval process before Elon assumes operational oversight of Queens.

As the approval process continues, Elon and Queens are planning to align a number of administrative and operational functions through shared services, beginning June 30. The goal of the shared services model is to strengthen the financial and operational foundation of the future combined institution while ensuring that students continue to receive strong support throughout the transition.

“This next stage is about building the foundation for a stronger future,” said Jeff Stein, chief integration officer and executive vice president. “Leaders from both institutions are working collaboratively and deliberately, and drawing on the strengths, talents and traditions of Elon and Queens to design shared functions that serve students well and position the combined institution for long-term success.”

The shared services model will bring together teams in areas such as admissions and financial aid, advancement, career services, communications and marketing, finance, human resources, information technology, academic advising, facilities, library services, study abroad and other key administrative functions. These areas support the daily operations of both campuses and play an important role in the student experience. Leaders have emphasized that the design process is not simply about combining existing structures, but about creating stronger teams and practices that reflect the best of both institutions.

The merger also builds on Elon’s growing presence in Charlotte, including the expansion of Elon Law and future graduate programs. Queens’ deep roots in the city, distinctive undergraduate experience, Division I athletics program and legacy of civic engagement will remain important parts of the combined institution’s future. Athletics programs at Elon and Queens will continue to operate as distinct and separate Division I programs.

For employees, the transition will include direct communication, HR support and detailed information about next steps. Queens employees whose roles are part of the shared services areas will transition to ��޹��Ʒ employment at the end of June and continue in similar roles. Queens employees who transition will move to Elon’s benefits program.

A small number of positions will not continue as part of the shared services structure. Employees in those roles are receiving direct support, including information about open positions at Elon in which they are eligible to apply and career transition resources.

The transition plan also includes onboarding, professional development and culture-building opportunities designed to help newly integrated teams build relationships and establish shared practices. Planned supports include department retreats, leadership workshops, employee resources, buddy programs and ongoing opportunities for feedback and questions.

Throughout the process, Queens will continue to have dedicated leadership guiding campus operations, helping ensure continuity for students, employees and the Charlotte community while federal approvals are pending.

For Elon and Queens, this stage of the work is both practical and forward-looking. It is about aligning systems and teams, but also about shaping a shared future grounded in student success, institutional strength and a commitment to Charlotte.

“The promise of this merger is not only that two institutions will come together,” Stein said. “It is that, together, we can create something stronger — an institution with deeper resources, broader opportunities and an enduring commitment to the students and communities we serve.”

Elon honors 2026 Top 10 Under 10 Alumni

Grace Miller — Mon, 11 May 2026 18:18:29 +0000

��޹��Ʒ honored 10 standout alumni at the 2026 Top 10 Under 10 Alumni Awards. Held on Saturday, May 2, in the Snow Family Grand Atrium, the ceremony brought together alumni, faculty, staff, family and friends to recognize graduates of the past decade who are making a significant difference in the world.

Among the honorees were reporters, entrepreneurs, researchers and more, whose journeys reflect the values that define the Elon experience.

Morgan Bodenarain ’18 – Policy Director and Counsel, Congressional Black Caucus | Washington, D.C.

Morgan Bodenarain ’18

As policy director and counsel for the Congressional Black Caucus in the 119th United States Congress, Morgan Bodenarain leads policy development and advocacy efforts on behalf of its 61 members, previously holding the same role in the 118th Congress. Bodenarain’s work has earned national recognition, and she has been honored with the National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 Award and the National Bar Association’s Nation’s Best Advocates Award.

At Elon, Bodenarain was active in the Student Government Association, Phi Alpha Delta professional pre-law fraternity, the North Carolina State Legislature and much more. After graduation, she received her juris doctorate from The George Washington University, where she served as president of the Black Law Students Association and deputy vice president of student affairs in the Student Bar Association.

In her remarks, Bodenarain shared that her four years at Elon contributed heavily to who she is as a person, noting, “Elon is truly unlike any other place. Thank you, Elon, for recognizing my success.”

Colby Marvin Bracy ’16 – Director of Human Resources & Philanthropy, The Nonantum Resort, and Owner, Hello Humans Consulting | Portland, Maine

Colby Marvin Bracy ’16

Colby Marvin Bracy led the efforts to transform her family’s historic hospitality business, The Nonantum Resort, into a certified Recovery Family Workplace. Having joined the resort in 2018, Marvin Bracy is now the director of human resources and philanthropy, holding operational responsibilities and championing initiatives to hire individuals reentering the workforce after incarceration.

In addition to her role at The Nonantum, Marvin Bracy is the founder of Hello Humans Consulting, a firm that helps organizations develop thoughtful human resources strategies and people-centered workplaces. She remains active in her local community with the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce and chairs its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Her honors include the Rising Star Award from the local Chamber of Commerce, the Innovator of the Year award from New England Inns & Resorts and the North Star Award from the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Marvin Bracy shared that Elon’s sense of “bELONing” was something that stuck with her since her first year. “As a student here, I always wanted to belong and help others feel like they had a place they belonged.” She explained that as she moved into a career in HR, “that desire only became more pronounced,” and she wants Nonantum’s employees “to have a sense of belonging at work, especially those who may have never had that feeling before.”

Michaela Fogarty ’19 – Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist, Upstream USA | Verona, New Jersey

Michaela Fogarty ’19

Michaela Fogarty supports the research and program evaluation efforts that inform national reproductive health initiatives through her role as Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist at Upstream USA.

After graduation, Fogarty began her career with Planned Parenthood Federation of America as a data analysis and visualization specialist, later earning her Master of Health Science degree from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Forging a research-driven trajectory at Elon and beyond, Fogarty’s work has progressed from undergraduate research presentations at the Eastern Economics Conference and Undergraduate Research Forum, to authorship of several academic publications, including research on youth vaping behaviors published in the Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology. Before her current role at Upstream USA, she worked as a data manager in the Division of Global Women’s Health at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Fogarty chronologized the milestones of her Elon experience from joining many clubs to changing her major. By her senior year, she noted that she knew how to use her business skills to make the world a little bit better, but wasn’t sure how.

“With the support of the people I met at Elon, and my parents,” she said, “I figured it out.”

Michael Goldstein ’17 – Vice President, Guggenheim Partners | New York, New York

Michael Goldstein ’17

In 2015, Michael Goldstein transferred to Elon, graduating with degrees in accounting and finance in 2017. In 2021, he was inspired to give back and established the Goldstein Family Transfer Engagement Scholarship, providing financial assistance to transfer students entering the Love School of Business just as he did.

A certified public accountant turned vice president, Goldstein’s work at Guggenheim Partners in New York focuses on medical device and health care technology transactions, and he has helped support advisory engagements totaling more than $5 billion.

Goldstein doesn’t shy away from education and philanthropy. Beyond serving on the Love School of Business Advisory Board and hosting ��޹��Ʒ business fellows in New York, Goldstein has been recognized as the top U.S. fundraiser for the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, which brings together Palestinian, Arab and Jewish students to collaborate on environmental research and conflict resolution.

For Goldstein, his remarks were filled with deep gratitude, sharing, “This award would not be possible without the mentorship I’ve had along the way.”

Gary Grumbach ’16 – Legal Affairs Reporter, NBC News | Washington, D.C.

Gary Grumbach ’16

Gary Grumbach has held various positions throughout the NBC Newsroom. From desk assistant to researcher, and later campaign embed, Grumbach is now the legal affairs reporter covering the U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts across broadcast and digital platforms.

Grumbach’s Elon experience included leading Elon Local News as director and ELN Radio as executive producer. He was also president of the Society of Professional Journalists. Having reported on various presidential campaigns and trials, Grumbach’s work has earned national recognition, three NBC GEM Awards and team honors for coverage of national elections and major federal court proceedings. In November 2025, he was featured in President Book’s podcast series, “Elon Beyond the Bricks.”

Grumbach shared that Elon taught him teamwork. Connecting the skill to his current career and mentorship, he emphasized, “You don’t get far without teamwork. Fellow Elon graduates at NBC are always cheering each other on.”

Emmanuel Morgan ’19 – Sports and Culture Reporter, The New York Times | Los Angeles, California

Emmanuel Morgan ’19

Emmanuel Morgan has delivered stories as a trusted reporter since high school, where his work was featured in outlets such as ESPN’s “The Undefeated” and The Charlotte Observer. At Elon, Morgan joined The Pendulum as a first-year reporter before rising to editor-in-chief and later serving as executive director of Elon News Network. He also represented Elon in the prestigious Carnegie-Knight News21 fellowship, where he collaborated on the national reporting project “Hate in America.”

Since graduation, Morgan has reported for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Los Angeles Times, now covering sports and culture for The New York Times. Morgan’s coverage of multiple Super Bowls and the 2024 Olympics in Paris, as well as his interviews with leading athletes and cultural figures has been featured in national coverage, and in 2023, he received the National Association of Black Journalists’ Salute to Excellence Award for his feature on identity and expression among NFL players.

Morgan thanked the Elon School of Communications staff and faculty for always having an open-door policy and for being there for him. Thanks to their “tough love,” Morgan said he felt prepared for his role today, and can “take constructive feedback well and apply it.”

Daniela Pereyra ’16 – Real Estate Broker, Dalton Wade Real Estate Group, and Founder, Dare to Jump | Charlotte, North Carolina

Daniela Pereyra ’16

Daniela Pereyra is making homeownership accessible one client at a time. As a real estate broker licensed in North Carolina and Delaware, Pereyra currently works with Dalton Wade Real Estate Group, where she represents home buyers and sellers and supports clients through residential transactions and relocations nationwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she assisted military families with relocations and was recognized early in her career as a top-performing agent.

Pereyra is also the founder of Date to Jump, a professional development platform offering workshops and coaching focused on productivity, resilience and overcoming self-sabotage in business. Through this venture, she leads seminars for individuals and groups and has presented programming for students, entrepreneurs, and young professionals. Her leadership also extends to managing a Charlotte community group, where she not only offers guidance on HOA affairs and home values, but also brings the group together for social outings.

Pereyra emphasized Elon’s “lifelong impact” on her, sharing that “it’s stories like mine that prove that Elon is above standard.” She feels grateful that Elon entrusts her to represent the award.

Jensen Roll ’16 – President, Roll Construction, and founder, The Alamance Mill | Graham, North Carolina

Jensen Roll ’16

What started as an independent major in social entrepreneurship has culminated in a custom homebuilding and remodeling company, Roll Construction, based in Graham, North Carolina. Since launching the company in 2018 with his wife, Mtende Roll, Jensen Roll has built a residential and commercial real estate portfolio of more than 20 properties with Roll Construction earning various accolades.

An entrepreneur by nature, Roll delved into undergraduate research on micro house design, the sociology of social enterprise and solutions to hunger, leading to the founding of Helping Other People Eat (H.O.P.E.), a nonprofit initiative that partnered with local restaurants to combat food insecurity. Today, Roll’s community spirit has led to the founding of The Alamance Mill, a collaborative co-working space that supports local startups and small businesses. He also currently serves as secretary of the Board of Directors for the Alamance-Caswell Home Builders Association.

Elon’s impact contributes to Roll’s everyday work, as he stated, “Elon taught me how to build not just homes, but character and community.” He reflected on striving to continue to represent the spirit of the institution.

Nikki Sanz ’18 – Founder & CEO, GIGGS | Nashville, Tennessee

Nikki Sanz ’18

After working with major artists and organizations including Eric Church, Weezer, and Live Nation, and contributing to high-profile events such as the Super Bowl and CMA Awards, Nikki Sanz founded GIGGS, a professional career platform designed specifically for the live events and touring industry. The platform connects freelancers, touring professionals and production teams through a centralized marketplace and has grown to include 40,000 vetted professionals and 2,000 companies across multiple continents.

To start the venture, Sanz raised an impressive $1.2 million from 35 investors and landed a deal with Netflix’s co-founder Marc Randolph during an episode of Entrepreneur’s “Elevator Pitch.” In 2025, she was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the music category.

Sanz is grateful for Elon’s experiential learning, stating, “It’s no wonder Elon grads go on to make a difference in the world!” She looks forward to seeing what all the honorees accomplish in the next 10 years.

Christian Seitz ’16 – Postdoctoral researcher for epidemic vaccine development, University of Chicago | San Diego, California

Christian Seitz ’16

As a recipient of ��޹��Ʒ’s Lumen Prize, Christian Seitz conducted advanced computational chemistry research resulting in a first-author publication. Following graduation, Seitz continued to pursue research and was awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship while earning his Ph.D. in biochemistry and biophysics from the University of California San Diego.

His doctoral research produced multiple first-author publications and contributed to understanding infectious diseases and molecular biology, a subject he continues to study as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Chicago working on vaccine development and pandemic preparedness.

Today, Seitz’s work focuses on applying artificial intelligence and computational modeling to better understand viruses and accelerate the design of vaccines for emerging infectious diseases. He is a trusted collaborator with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and has received research funding from Argonne National Laboratory.

In his remarks, Seitz asked the audience to reflect on “What would happen if you encouraged someone to pursue a talent?”, encouraging all of them to do so. “Maybe in 10 years they’ll be up on this stage,” he said.

After recognizing the shared themes of “gratitude, love, and the people who have made a difference in your life” in the honorees’ remarks, President Connie Ledoux Book congratulated the alumni.

“We can’t wait to see what you do in the next 10 years, and we are so proud of where you got your start,” Book said.

Sofia Galazzi ’19 takes a cozy campus to the heart of the European Union

Joshua Renza — Mon, 11 May 2026 14:02:07 +0000

Sofia Galazzi ’19

As Sofia Galazzi ’19 first navigated her university opportunities, she was looking for a place where she wouldn’t just be a number. Coming from the vibrant city of Piacenza, where she spent the first two years of her dual-degree program at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, the oaks of North Carolina offered exactly the cozy environment she needed.

“I was looking for a place where I could feel welcomed,” she said. “I loved the fact that Elon was smaller. I thought the engagement with the students and the professors would be higher. I really wanted to be taken care of during the time I was going to spend there.”

That personal attention quickly translated into a professional advantage. While European universities often focus heavily on traditional exams and theory, Galazzi found that Elon’s college culture was obsessed with the world of work. She spent her days doing weekly assignments, leading group projects, and standing up in front of her peers to deliver presentations; aspects she said shaped her personality as much as her resume.

“The university really prepares you,” she said. “Doing those presentations and working with other people gave me the confidence to stand up and speak in front of others. In Europe, it’s mostly just you and the book. At Elon, it’s about the people.”

Sofia Galazzi ’19 poses for graduation photos in front of Fonville Fountain.

After graduating in 2019, Galazzi’s path took her into the high-fashion world of Milan. She spent nearly four years working in merchandising and data analysis for luxury giants Gucci and Zegna, where she managed KPIs and sales planning. But even as she navigated the private sector, she felt a pull toward public service. She eventually made the pivot to Brussels, joining the European Commission through its prestigious “Blue Book” traineeship program before rising to her current role as a Budget Officer.

Today, Galazzi works within the Directorate-General for Budget (DG BUDG). Her daily life involves defining and implementing the annual EU budget, a role that requires her to work across different languages, cultures and legal systems.

“The European Commission is a very international environment,” Galazzi said. “Coming from a dual degree, where I was already used to moving countries and adapting to new environments, it was much easier for me to step into this role. Elon’s global community prepared me to work with people from all over the world.”

Despite the high-stakes nature of her work in Brussels, Galazzi remains a major advocate for the Elon network. She is particularly passionate about encouraging current students to look beyond the U.S. and Italy for opportunities. She notes that the European Commission offers a massive traineeship program twice a year. While it’s mostly for EU citizens, there are spots specifically reserved for non-EU nationals, including Americans.

“I don’t think Americans know very well how the European Union works, and Europeans don’t always know how the U.S. works,” she said. “If someone has ambitions in the public sector or political affairs, this is such a good opportunity to bridge that gap.”

Sofia Galazzi ’19, at the 2019 Phi Kappa Phi induction ceremony.

When reflecting on why Elon alumni seem to thrive in these high-pressure global roles, Galazzi points back to that initial cozy feeling. She believes that because Elon makes students feel like they belong, they leave campus with the confidence to take on big responsibilities early.

Her advice for the next generation of Phoenix, especially those currently navigating the Dual Degree program, is to lean into the discomfort of being in a new place.

“Get to know the people and the culture as much as you can,” she said. “Don’t just stick with people from your own country. If I could go back to my 18-year-old self, I’d tell her: don’t be afraid. Everything will work out if you stay curious.”

Slattery Center courtyard to honor President Connie Ledoux Book

Jaleh Hagigh — Thu, 07 May 2026 20:14:46 +0000

Slattery Center, Elon’s future health and wellness hub, is scheduled to open in fall 2026.

The gift from alumna and Trustee Kerrii Brown Anderson ’79 will name the Connie Ledoux Book Courtyard at Slattery Center, which will integrate academics, wellness, campus recreation and fitness programs to ensure students gain the skills they need to thrive on campus and throughout every stage of their lives.

Scheduled to open in fall 2026, Slattery Center is located within Elon’s Innovation Quad, home to the university’s engineering and other STEM programs.

Anderson praised Book for her commitment to Slattery Center, which is a key component of Elon’s broader HealthEU initiative.

“President Book is so committed to student success, both emotionally, physically and academically,” Anderson said. “This garden represents a serene place where students can gather and enjoy spending time together. I could not think of a better idea than to call this ‘Connie’s Courtyard.’”

Rendering of the Connie Ledoux Book Courtyard at Slattery Center.

The courtyard will be located on the west side of Slattery Center, facing Innovation Quad and Richard W. Sankey Hall. The space will include tables and chairs for students, faculty and staff to gather and a lush garden featuring a variety of flowering trees and shrubs.

“I am deeply humbled and grateful to Kerrii Anderson for this generous and thoughtful gift and for her many years of distinguished service on the Board of Trustees,” Book said. “Kerrii’s steadfast support of key institutional priorities like HealthEU and Slattery Center has strengthened Elon’s national reputation for engaged, student-centered learning.”

The HealthEU initiative focuses on six dimensions of health and wellness: community, emotional, purpose, financial, physical and social. The three-story Slattery Center will feature new classrooms, student-faculty research spaces, multiple floors for wellness and fitness activities, and the Mark and Kim Tyson Counseling Center, which will provide individual and group therapy, as well as workshops and outreach programs.

Trustee Kerrii Brown Anderson ’79

Through coursework, as well as workshops and training programs focused on health and wellness, Slattery Center will impact all students as they progress through their education and learn essential skills and practices related to wellness and well-being. The center is a key priority of the Boldly Elon strategic plan that will guide the university to 2030.

“HealthEU demonstrates our commitment as a university in doing what’s right and in the best interest of our students to be successful long term,” Anderson said. “To Connie’s credit, she recognizes that the total success for students includes a great foundation, both mentally, physically and academically.”

Anderson noted Book’s record of leadership at Elon, including her 16-year tenure as a faculty member and administrative leader, helping to build the university’s national reputation for excellence in engaged teaching and learning. In 2015, Book was named the first female provost and chief academic officer at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, before returning to Elon in 2018 to serve as the university’s ninth president.

“I owe Connie such a debt of gratitude for participating in the presidential search process and for the last eight years of leadership as president,” Anderson said.

Rendering of Slattery Center

Together with her husband Doug, Kerrii Anderson is among Elon’s most generous donors, making gifts to The Inn at Elon, Richard W. Sankey Hall, Ernest A. Koury, Sr. Business Center and Numen Lumen Pavilion. In 2017, Anderson made a generous gift to endow the Kerrii Brown Anderson Odyssey Scholarship to assist talented students with significant financial need. Her gift to Slattery Center will also deepen funding for her Odyssey Scholarship.

Anderson has been a member of Elon’s Board of Trustees since 2008 and previously served as board chair. She received the university’s Alumna of the Year award in 2000 and currently serves on the Women of Elon Advisory Council. Anderson has also been a devoted donor to Elon Day, the university’s largest day of giving.

Alumni leaders return to campus for weekend of connection and updates

Dyamond Howell — Thu, 07 May 2026 19:08:06 +0000

On May 1-2, members of the Elon Alumni Board, Young Alumni Council, and Alumni Chapter leaders returned to campus to reconnect and engage with the latest developments at ��޹��Ʒ. Attendees represented class years ranging from 1974 to 2025 and traveled from across the country, including as far as California.

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.

Members of the Young Alumni Council meeting in a outdoor classroom.

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.

La’Tonya Wiley ’97 introducing Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Joyel Crawford ’97.

Five alumni honored at the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards

Grace Miller — Thu, 07 May 2026 14:13:25 +0000

The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards, held on May 1 in the Snow Family Grand Atrium, honored five standout alumni for their professional accomplishments, steadfast service to the community and loyal support to their alma mater.

Since 1941, Elon has celebrated alumni whose achievements, leadership and service bring honor to the university. At the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony, five more names were added to that list: Kent Strosnider ’91 P’25; Joyel Crawford ’97; David Rich ’87 and Sue Hoggard Rich ’85; and Stephen M. Ross ’73.

President Connie Ledoux Book was delighted to celebrate the alumni and their families, saying, “How grateful are we that you all are out there representing Elon. You have done us a privilege by letting us celebrate and honor you.”

Kent Strosnider ’91 P’25 – Distinguished Alumnus of the Year

Kent Strosnider ’91 P’25

Kent Strosnider has had a successful career in helping people define and meet their financial goals. With more than 30 years of investment management experience, the bulk of Strosnider’s work has been with Morgan Stanley since 1994.

Now serving as the Managing Director of The Strosnider Dudderar Wealth Management Group, Strosnider wears many hats through directing and advising various spheres of the organization, including alternative investments, family wealth, global sports and entertainment, and equity compensation.

Strosnider and his family have supported Elon through the naming of the Strosnider Family Meeting Room within the Golf Training Facility on South Campus, and the naming of a room at The Inn at Elon. He has also continued his involvement through the Elon Alumni Board and Parents Council. One of Strosnider’s daughters, Sophie ’25, is an Elon alum. He is also a proud parent to daughter Brinkley, and two stepsons, Chris and Brandon.

Though the Strosniders are one of many families creating an Elon Legacy, during his remarks Strosnider noted, “Elon really took a chance on me, and I am super proud to be a part of the Elon family. Elon keeps winning, and it is exciting to be alongside the school while it wins.”

Joyel Crawford ’97 – Distinguished Alumna of the Year

Joyel Crawford ’97

After graduating cum laude from Elon in 1997, Joyel Crawford went on to earn an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2004. Currently the founder and CEO of the consulting firm, Crawford Leadership Strategies, Crawford works to help others reach their full potential in their careers and lives. Her clients have ranged from the U.S. Senate and NASA to The New York Times and ESPN, and she continues to connect as the host of the hit podcast “Career View Mirror,” and as an Amazon bestselling author of “Show Your Ask!”

Crawford’s insight and advice have been cherished at Elon and beyond. She was a guest on “Good Morning America,” and in 2025, she joined President Book on the “Elon Beyond the Bricks” podcast. Crawford’s previous engagements with the university include serving as a guest lecturer, promoting the university and its initiatives as a social media ambassador, as well as serving as an Elon Alumni Board member, Philadelphia Alumni Board member and Elon Black Alumni Network (EBAN) mentor. In 2022, she received the Elon Black Alumni Gail Fonville Parker Distinguished Alumna Award.

During her remarks, Crawford offered some of the insights she shared with President Book on the “Elon Beyond the Bricks” podcast, sharing that as a Leadership Fellow she got “a scholarship to be a leader” and Elon was her “leadership lab.” “I will continue to do you proud, Elon,” she said.

David Rich ’87 and Sue Hoggard Rich ’85 – Distinguished Service to Elon

David Rich ’87 and Sue Hoggard Rich ’85

David and Sue Hoggard Rich have been present for some of Elon’s biggest traditions and moments. Committed to Elon Athletics, David has served as a Phoenix Club Advisory Board member and created the “Elon 7 a.m. Tailgate” with friends, a tradition hosted before every home football game. Sue led the procession at President Book’s inauguration as a member of the “Long Maroon Line” of alumni.

In 2022, David retired as global director – workplace technology support at Atos, a global European IT services and consulting firm, and in 2023, Sue retired as vice president of human resources at Glen Raven. The couple lives in Burlington, where they continue to support various local organizations, including Alamance County Meals on Wheels, Alamance Community College Foundation, Piedmont Health Coalition and more.

During their remarks, the couple went back and forth, listing the things that Elon gave them.

“Elon gave me the perspective of a world so much broader than I had ever known,” shared Sue, while David emphasized that “Elon gave me the understanding that I am part of something bigger and the knowledge to know what to do with that understanding.”

On behalf of them both, Sue emphasized, “David and I are both humbled and delighted with this honor.”

Stephen M. Ross ’73 – Distinguished Alumni Service Award

Stephen M. Ross ’73

The Honorable Stephen M. Ross has helped create opportunities in his local community and throughout the state of North Carolina. He previously served as city mayor for two terms and on the city council for four terms in his hometown of Burlington, North Carolina. Currently in his sixth term in the North Carolina House of Representatives, Ross chairs both the Commerce and Economic Development Committee and the Finance Committee.

Ross’s volunteerism to his alma mater and the Piedmont Triad remains vast with previous roles as a member on ��޹��Ʒ’s Board of Visitors and Alumni Board, as well as chairman of the Piedmont Triad Regional Council of Governments, president of the Alamance Division of the American Heart Association, among others. The Triangle Business Journal also recognized Ross as one of the Triad’s “Most Influential People.”

During his remarks, Ross encouraged attendees to “go out and build a better community,” noting that it “all starts right here at Elon.” Like many Elon acorn-to-sapling stories, Ross noted, “Thank you, Elon, for taking that seed and turning it into something I can look back on and say ‘Wow’!”

Jana Lynn Patterson shares lessons from a career in student life on ‘Elon Beyond the Bricks’

Brandon Talton — Wed, 06 May 2026 15:35:55 +0000

Jana Lynn Patterson has spent nearly four decades shaping the student experience at ��޹��Ʒ. As associate vice president for student Llife and dean of student health and well-being, she has guided generations of students through moments of growth and discovery, building a legacy defined by her commitment to student well-being. In the latest episode of “Elon Beyond the Bricks,” President Connie Ledoux Book sits down with Patterson as she prepares to retire and reflect on a career that has become foundational to Elon’s identity.

Drawn by the strength of Elon’s student life program and the opportunity to grow professionally, Patterson arrived in 1986 planning to stay only a short time.

“The student life program at Elon was well-regarded at the state and in the region and in the country even back in 1986,” she said. “I saw it as an opportunity to be a part of that staff and to grow professionally. And then Elon just grew into our home.”

Over the years, Patterson witnessed Elon’s transformation from a small college into a nationally recognized university.

“What I didn’t appreciate at the beginning was how the physical transformation was really the precursor for the cultural transformation of the institution,” she said.

That cultural transformation is most visible in her work with students. Known affectionately as “Dean P,” Patterson built her leadership approach through relationships grounded in accessibility, respect and authenticity. She emphasized servant leadership, encouraging students to see leadership not as personal elevation, but as a contribution to a larger community.

“I was going to be a good listener with them, but also going to ask them the tough questions so that the decisions that they made were aligned with both their values and the values of the institution,” she said.

This approach also shaped her work with student government. Patterson balanced openness with accountability, pushing students to slow down, ask better questions and fully understand the implications of their ideas. Rather than reacting in the moment, students were expected to research, refine and sometimes rethink their positions.

“Before you bring this for legislation, I want you to do your homework,” she said. “Be thoughtful and be a critical thinker.”

For Patterson, the most enduring measure of her work is what students carry forward. Watching alumni grow into leaders, mentors and engaged citizens has reinforced her belief in higher education as both a space for learning and transformation.

As she steps into retirement, Patterson remains optimistic about Elon’s future. She points to the university’s ability to balance tradition with innovation while staying grounded in its values.

“I’m in my jubilee year, as we call it,” she said. “I get a little emotional at Elon Day and those things, but I’ve received the gift to be able to reflect in a place that has been such an integral part of my life and my family’s lives.”

For all of Patterson’s contributions over her 40-year career, from mentoring generations of students to strengthening the university’s focus on student health and well-being, her service reflects what President Book described as “a job well done.”

Learn more about the podcast and listen to the episode here.

Elon Alumni | Today at Elon | �������޹�����Ʒ