鈥淭he Last Lecture鈥� by Randy Pausch. We had our 鈥淰s. Cancer鈥� game this season and having a 7-year-old girl around our team who is going through a lot of tough times, it makes you reflect on something. So, when I found out about the book, I just wanted to read it. I wanted to see how I could personally look at that situation and how it would reflect on me.

What is your favorite phone app?

The onX Hunt app. In my spare time, which I don鈥檛 have much, I like to hunt. It鈥檚 an educational app that provides you with terrain, property boundaries and corridors on your property that might hold more deer than others.

If you could invite someone from history to dinner, who would it be?

Yogi Berra. I think just over time with all his funny quotes and how he kept the game fun, it would be an hour of constant laughs. His history with one-liners and the quotes he has are classic, so I think that would be an awesome night.

What is your favorite place on campus?

The first-base dugout. That鈥檚 where I have built most of my relationships here at Elon. I鈥檝e always said the best time for me is the 30 minutes after practice with three or four guys just sitting in that dugout chopping it up. Sometimes, I鈥檒l learn more in that dugout about our guys than I do anywhere else.

Nine hundred wins is an incredible milestone. When you think about your career at Elon, what are you proudest of? and what has kept you here all this time?

More than anything, the relationships I鈥檝e been able to build with former players. I love that at a time where there are a lot of departures in and around college athletics, we have so many former players that have built lifelong friendships and an incredible bond to Elon Baseball. I love that they reach out after a big win or a bad loss. I love that they follow the program and support current players. Truly, it鈥檚 an extension of family. This program is special! I love this campus and I鈥檝e been blessed to be around great people.

The $500,000 contribution from Trustee Vicky Hunt and Sam Hunt will fund strategic priorities in athletics, continuing a tradition of generous philanthropy at Elon that spans more than three decades.

The Burlington, North Carolina, couple said they are proud to invest in and the success of student-athletes, both in the classroom and in competition. Their recent gift is an effort to continue advancing Phoenix athletics under the leadership of Director of Athletics Jenn Stawley.

鈥淲e believe in the value of Elon athletics and its positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes,鈥� the Hunts said.聽鈥淯nder Jenn鈥檚 leadership,聽the vision and plan established for athletics has elevated our program. Our plans are to continue supporting President Connie Book, Jenn Strawley and Elon in every way we can!鈥�

Strawley thanked the Hunts for believing in the vision for Elon athletics.

鈥淚 am deeply grateful to Sam and Vicky for their long-time support of Elon athletics,鈥� Strawley said. 鈥淭heir generosity has allowed countless student-athletes to thrive both athletically and academically. I also appreciate the trust and belief they鈥檝e shown in our vision. Their generous support of the Athletic Director鈥檚 Excellence Fund advances our priorities and continues to elevate Elon athletics.鈥�

The impact of Vicky and Sam Hunt鈥檚 philanthropy can be seen across Elon鈥檚 campus and in the accomplishments of outstanding students.

The couple are among the university鈥檚 most generous and loyal donors, making gifts to name Hunt Atrium, a dynamic and spacious entry point to Founders Hall in the Innovation Quad, featuring open collaboration spaces and assembly areas, tiered bench seating and space for group events, guest speakers and receptions. Their gift to the IQ also endowed the Sam and Vicky Hunt Business Fellows Scholarship for top students in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business.

The Hunts also contributed $1 million to name Phoenix Atrium in Slattery Center, Elon鈥檚 future health and wellness hub, and to provide additional funding for the Sam and Vicky Hunt Odyssey Scholarship, which the couple endowed in 2017 to assist students with significant financial need, including first-generation college students.

In addition to scholarships, the Hunts have contributed generously to the Phoenix Club and Elon Academy, the university鈥檚 successful college access and success program, and advanced Elon鈥檚 iconic campus with gifts to Hunt Softball Park, Schar Center and . The couple have also made a $3 million estate gift that in the future will create an endowment to fund scholarships.

Sam Hunt is the retired chairman and CEO of Atlas Lighting Products and Hunt Electric Supply Company in Burlington. He served four terms in the N.C. House of Representatives before being named Transportation Secretary in 1993. He went on to serve as President and Chairman of the N.C. Railroad from 1996-2002. In addition to her role in their businesses, Vicky Hunt has served on Elon鈥檚 Board of Trustees since 1997 and is actively involved with charitable work in her community.

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August marked the end of summer break at 福利亚洲国产精品, and with the close of one chapter came several exciting new beginnings. The month brought the opening of Roberts Academy at 福利亚洲国产精品, the arrival of the Class of 2030 and the introduction of a new university mascot.

Take a look back at some of the memorable moments from August through the lenses of staff in the Office of University Communications.

Roberts Academy opens doors

The聽Roberts Academy at 福利亚洲国产精品, North Carolina鈥檚 first and only university-based private school for children with dyslexia, opened its doors to its inaugural class on Tuesday, Aug. 18, marking a milestone in Elon鈥檚 efforts to transform literacy education.

The school,聽established through the philanthropic vision of Marjorie and Hal Roberts, will serve as a statewide and national model for structured literacy education. The Robertses have witnessed firsthand the transformative power a multisensory approach to reading education can have for children with dyslexia.

Welcome the Class of 2030

The university welcomed the Class of 2030 with Move-In Day on Aug. 21, 2026.聽The students arriving on campus bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and academic interests. Members of the incoming class come from 40 states and Washington, D.C., as well as 19 countries, including Singapore, Spain, Norway, Canada, Serbia, South Korea, China and New Zealand.

Planting roots

Surrounded by family members, faculty and staff Under the Oaks, members of the Class of 2030 and new transfer students heard messages about resilience, community and the responsibility that comes with an Elon education during New Student Convocation on Aug. 22, 2026.

At the conclusion of Convocation, students received an acorn, an Elon tradition symbolizing the beginning of their growth at the university. In four years, the Class of 2030 will be Under the Oaks again for Senior Baccalaureate, where they will receive an oak sapling.

鈥淭his enormous opportunity of an Elon education requires action on your part, a commitment to taking full advantage of all we have here,鈥� said Elon President Connie Ledoux Book. 鈥淲e invite you to a powerful journey of questions and curiosity that will shine new light and new understanding.鈥�

“Honor matters”

Students were reminded of the importance of the university’s Honor Code during the Call to Honor ceremony on Aug. 24. where the Class of 2030聽聽committed to uphold the university鈥檚 core values of honesty, integrity, responsibility and respect.

鈥淗onor matters,鈥� said Emily Elrod, 聽assistant teaching professor of mathematics and statistics, who spoke during the ceremony. 鈥淭o me, honor is reflected through honesty, integrity, responsibility, and respect. It matters in the classroom, in our professional relationships, and in the trust that others place in us as individuals and leaders.鈥�

A new Phoenix rises

Elon Athletics unviled a and, with that new identity, comes a new physical mascot for the university.

The first Phoenix Five of the year is here! Each Sunday afternoon, I’ll send you a quick email with five things you need to know for the week ahead. This could include important deadlines and campus events or helpful reminders and opportunities to get involved.聽 My goal is simple: keep you as informed as possible with one Sunday email you can use to plan your week ahead.

With classes beginning on Tuesday, here are five things to help you start the semester off right.

Get Connected on Social Media

Social media is one of the easiest ways to stay plugged in at Elon. If you want to know what鈥檚 happening on campus in real time, here are a few Instagram accounts I recommend:

• 福利亚洲国产精品 (main)
• Phoenix Athletics and Phoenix Phanatics
• Student Life
• Elon Dining
• Student Union Board
• Elon News Network
• HealthEU

Hypnotist

Monday, Aug. 24, 8:30-11 p.m., Alumni Gym

Join the Student Union Board (SUB) for the annual hypnotist show 鈥� a student favorite! Come ready to watch your friends (or maybe even yourself!) take the stage for an unforgettable, hilarious performance. .

Elon Campus Traditions 鈥� Starting this Week!

College Coffee

Tuesdays, 9:40-10:20 a.m., Alumni Gym

College Coffee is one of Elon鈥檚 most beloved traditions. Every Tuesday morning, the entire campus gathers for coffee, treats and conversation. It鈥檚 a chance to meet people, connect with faculty and staff, and hear about what鈥檚 happening around campus. If your student organization wants to host an information table at College Coffee, information on .

Numen Lumen: A Thursday Inspiration

Thursdays, 9:50-10:20 a.m., Numen Lumen Pavilion

On Thursday mornings, we pause for a moment of reflection and inspiration. You鈥檒l hear music from student, faculty, and staff performers and reflections from members of our community. This year鈥檚 theme is and the first Numen Lumen of the year will be held this Thursday.

Getting Started with Canvas

Beginning with the Fall 2026 semester, Elon is using Canvas instead of Moodle. You鈥檒l use it to access course materials, submit assignments, communicate with your instructors, and view your grades. Before classes begin:

• Log in to Canvas using your Elon account.
• After logging in for the first time, as part of setting up your Canvas account. Your account will not be fully functional until you do.
• Visit the for student guides, FAQs and support resources.
• Learn the basics by enrolling in the course.

When you log in, you may not see all of your Fall courses immediately. Your instructors will make courses available before or on the first day of class.

Cheer on Phoenix at First Home Football Game

Thursday, Aug. 27

Student Tailgate

2-7 p.m., Hunt B (back parking lot of the Schar Center)

Before football kickoff, get ready to ignite your game day with Phoenix spirit at the student tailgate. Parking passes are available in Student Involvement and are limited to one pass per student and three passes per student organization or group.

Elon v. Glenville State

7 p.m., Rhodes Stadium

Start off the fall semester by cheering on the Phoenix as Elon opens the football season against Glenville State. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. in Rhodes Stadium.

University Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement Rev. Kirstin Boswell opened the event with the invocation, followed by the tradition of the bell ringing by Student Government Association President聽Michael Swartz 鈥�27. The bell arrived in North Carolina in 1854 on one of the first North Carolina railroad trains. It was later used at Graham College, a predecessor institution to Elon College.

During the event, three individuals with strong ties to the university were awarded the Elon Medallion, the university’s most prestigious service honor: Jim Donathan, longtime associate director of academic advising and academic support; Mary Thornton, founder and president of Harvest Table Culinary Group; and Don Grady, associate professor emeritus of cinema and television arts.

Katy Rouse, professor of economics in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, was named the Trustee Chair for Excellence.聽For seventeen years, Rouse has taught Elon’s Principles of Economics and Intermediate Microeconomics courses, along with a capstone she built herself on educational disparities in the United States, earning student evaluations among the highest in her department for more than a decade.

She has personally mentored more than 30 senior and honors theses, co-authored research with undergraduates, chaired the Love School’s curriculum committee and published her teaching scholarship in the Journal of Economic Education.

“I truly believe that being a teacher scholar mentor at Elon is one of the best careers I’m going to have,” Rouse said. “Every day we come to work, we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students during one of the most pivotal points in their lives.”

Mapping the course

During her annual Opening Day address, Book reflected on Elon鈥檚 progress while looking toward a year that will include the launch of new academic initiatives, continued work surrounding artificial intelligence, the opening of the Roberts Academy and the planned merger with Queens University of Charlotte.

Book centered her remarks around the idea of a map 鈥� the markers that show where Elon has been and the guideposts that will help the university navigate what comes next. The theme was inspired by a visit this summer to Elon students participating in the Summer Opera Workshop at the Accademia Europea di Firenze. The students came together for a historic production of 鈥淭he Light in the Piazza鈥� in Florence, Italy, where the musical is set.

As part of their work, students were also tasked with creating a map of the city, something that inspired Book.

鈥淭here is something powerful in this mapmaking assignment, and it left me wondering about our collective 福利亚洲国产精品 map,鈥� Book said. 鈥淗ow would we each draw it?鈥�

At the center of that map, Book said, is Elon鈥檚 mission. She highlighted several markers of progress during the past year, including the Odyssey Program surpassing 300 scholarships, record participation in undergraduate research, strong Fulbright success and new academic programs, including cybersecurity, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Charlotte PA program. She also celebrated the upcoming launch of the School of Engineering and Computing under inaugural Dean John Walz and the growth of the university鈥檚 nursing program.

Mapping new territory (together)

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, the first students of the聽Roberts Academy at 福利亚洲国产精品聽will arrive at the school’s temporary home in Trollinger House. The school will be the聽state’s only university-based private school for children with dyslexia. Book described the academy and the Center for Dyslexia and Engaged Learning as an opportunity that 鈥渨ill change lives from day one.鈥�

Among the most significant new territory is Elon鈥檚 planned merger with Queens University of Charlotte. Book noted that the institutions received accreditation approval this summer to proceed with their merger, with a single Board of Trustees now overseeing both universities. Sixteen administrative units are also becoming shared teams supporting the two campuses, while a federal review of the merger is expected to take 18 to 24 months.

Megan Isaac, professor of English, and Senior Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs Jim Piatt gave brief updates on the merger as part of the SOAR Strategic Planning Committee.

鈥淥ur two institutions will be stronger together, will better serve students together, and will have a brighter future together,鈥� Book said. 鈥淎nd now, we are working to build that vision together, to grow opportunity to advance learning 鈥� together.鈥�

Mapping a new look

Athletics Director Jennifer Strawley was also invited to the stage to announce a for the university鈥檚 athletics program, which had what Book called a 鈥渇ormidable year,鈥� with seven Elon teams, the most in the university鈥檚 history, winning conference titles. A new physical mascot will be unveiled at the first College Coffee of the academic year on Aug. 25.

“The new Phoenix wears a gold sweater with a monogram ‘E,’ paying tribute to our first mascot, the Fighting Christian,” Strawley said. “The focused expression conveys the determination, confidence and purpose that defines our university community. The Phoenix continues to be fueled by the flames, symbolizing our rebuild from the ashes, and capturing the spirit and resilience of the Elon community.”

Book acknowledged that the changing higher education landscape brings challenges, from enrollment pressures and federal regulations to declining public confidence. But she reminded faculty and staff that adapting to change has long been part of Elon鈥檚 history.

鈥淚 understand change can be daunting. Shifting national headwinds are challenging higher education,鈥� Book said. 鈥淔ortunately for us, Elon has never succeeded by standing still. We鈥檝e joined together, developed new strategies and guided by our mission 鈥� built the number one institution for engaged learning and student success.鈥�

She closed by returning to the journey ahead, and the role faculty and staff play in shaping the lives of Elon students.

鈥淚t is not simply education; it is a journey of human transformation,鈥� Book said. 鈥淭hank you for the everyday commitment, kindness and integrity that are our enduring guideposts.鈥�

Jay Hendrickson 鈥�71 concluded his service in July nearly two decades after joining a governing body responsible for Elon鈥檚 long-term health, oversight for its strategic direction, educational policy, finances and operations, and for advancing the university鈥檚 mission. Hendrickson served as vice chair of the board鈥檚 athletic policy committee, in addition to other leadership roles.

鈥淔ew families have shaped 福利亚洲国产精品 like the Hendricksons,鈥� said 福利亚洲国产精品 President Connie Ledoux Book. 鈥淓ighteen years at the Board table represents an extraordinary gift of time, judgment and trust. Steady, thoughtful leadership of the kind Jay brought to his role, with the unwavering support of his wife Amy, have influenced decisions that will carry Elon forward for decades, and his presence will be deeply missed.鈥�

Hendrickson and his wife, Amy Hendrickson 鈥�69, of Raleigh, North Carolina, have been unwavering advocates of Elon for many years through their transformative support of academic and athletic causes across multiple campaigns.聽

The couple鈥檚 gifts have supported engineering and athletics, two priorities near and dear to their hearts. The Hendrickson Football Center in Alumni Field House honors Jay鈥檚 father, Horace J. Hendrickson, who served as director of athletics and was a football, basketball and baseball coach from 1937 to 1942 and is considered one of Elon’s all-time great coaches.

They have also generously supported athletics scholarships through annual gifts to the Phoenix Club. In 2000, the couple endowed the James A. 鈥�71 and Amy T. 鈥�69 Hendrickson Engineering聽Scholarship, which has attracted outstanding students to the university鈥檚 engineering program.

The Hendricksons are members of The Elon Society President鈥檚 Circle, Palladian Society and Order of the Oak, the university鈥檚 planned giving society. Fourteen of their immediate family members have ties to Elon.

In 2011, Jay and Amy received the Distinguished Service to Elon Award in recognition of their tireless service to their alma mater. The couple were also among the 2009 recipients of the Southern Conference Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes those who have contributed to all aspects of the university.

鈥淲e are thankful for the transformative impact that Jay and Amy have had at Elon,鈥� said Burney Jennings 鈥�87, executive chair of the Biscuitville restaurant chain and chair of the 福利亚洲国产精品 Board of Trustees. 鈥淭heir insights, ambassadorship, positive energy and generous stewardship of our university have contributed greatly to Elon鈥檚 growth and success.鈥�

Former 福利亚洲国产精品 trustee Anne Ellington Powell of Burlington, N.C., died June 27 at her home after a long and difficult illness.

Powell was elected to Elon鈥檚 Board of Trustees in 2008 and was a highly involved supporter and longtime friend of the university. She was the wife of Elon life trustee and former chair of the Board Dr. James B. Powell and the daughter of the late Dr. Robert E. (Bob) Ellington and his wife, Helen Ellington, who served many years as distinguished Elon staff members.

鈥淲e are deeply saddened by Anne鈥檚 passing,鈥� said Elon President Connie Ledoux Book. 鈥淔or decades, she was among Elon鈥檚 most loyal advocates, serving on boards and committees, hosting university events in her home and telling the story of our university wherever she went. She and her family have generously contributed to every dimension of Elon鈥檚 growth, supporting scholarships, academic programs, and facilities 鈥� always focused on the student experience and excellence. We will always be grateful for her positive spirit and steadfast support.鈥�

In 1986, the Anne Ellington Powell Master Artist Series was established by a gift by the Powells, bringing internationally renowned performers to Elon for nearly 20 years. In 1988 the Powells dedicated Elon鈥檚 Jimmy Powell Tennis Center to the memory of their first son, who died in early childhood.

Anne Ellington Powell joined Elon鈥檚 Board of Visitors in 2000. She served on the campaign leadership committee for the Ever Elon Campaign and was on the executive committee of the Elon Society. The Koury Business Center, which opened in 2006, includes the James B. and Anne Ellington Powell Lobby in recognition of the couple鈥檚 leadership support for the building鈥檚 construction.

The Powells have contributed to the R.N. Ellington Health Center, the 鈥淚t Takes a Village鈥� Project, several scholarship funds and Elon Athletics. The Powells also provided key funding for the Caroline E. Powell Building, the Maude Sharpe Powell Professorship and the T.E. Powell Endowed Professorship. They are members of two Elon giving societies, the Order of the Oak and the 1889 Society.

Anne Powell was also active in many Alamance County boards and organizations and supported efforts to increase support for K-12 education.

At the center of Anne鈥檚 life was her loving family, including her husband, Jim; their three children John Banks Powell, Ross Powell, M.D., and Helen Powell Bode, M.D.; her mother Helen Ellington; and many other loving relatives. She was a devoted friend to hundreds of people who cherished her.

From

Anne was preceded in death by her beloved son, James 鈥淛immy鈥� Bobbitt Powell Jr.; her father, Dr. Robert 鈥淏ubba鈥� Norwood Ellington; and her sister-in-law, Alison Westmoreland Ellington.

She is survived by her devoted husband of more than 41 years, Dr. James Bobbitt Powell; her mother, Helen Arendell Ellington; her brothers, Robert Norwood Ellington Jr. and Dr. Kenneth Scott Ellington (Linda); her sister, Ruth Helen Ellington; her son, John Banks Powell (Samantha) and their daughters, Maeve Eileen and Clara Banks; her son, Dr. James Rosser Powell; her daughter, Dr. Helen Powell Bode (Paul) and their children, Anne Arendell, John Bridges, and Mary Ellington; her stepdaughter, Daphne Powell Markcrow (Craig) and their children, Anna and Henry; along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and treasured friends.

A Celebration of her life will be held at Front Street United Methodist Church in Burlington on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 12 p.m. A private family burial will precede the service, and the family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Duke鈥檚 Tisch Brain Tumor Center (Duke University Medical Center, DUMC 3624, Durham, NC 27710), 福利亚洲国产精品 Tennis Program (CB #2615, Elon, NC 27244), or the Brain Aneurysm Foundation (269 Hanover Street, Building #3 Hanover, MA 02339).