Mandy Dixon, Web writer

Forgive Mandy if she doesn't make the drive to Elon from her home in Greensboro when winter weather strikes. Growing up in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., "I didn't see snow until my freshman year of college," she says.

A graduate of James Madison University, Mandy says her most gratifying moment was working her way through college, earning degrees in communication and psychology. Mandy came to Elon from The Education Center, an educational publisher in Greensboro. "I was looking for a position that would allow me to grow my writing and Web skills, and Elon had the perfect opportunity for me," she says.

If she's not watching political news programs, you'll find her watching football during the fall and cheering her beloved Miami Dolphins to victory. Her two cats, George and Kramer, keep her busy as well.

Nancy Griffin, data entry clerk

Nancy is excited that she is working for Elon. Her most gratifying moment, she says, was "when I found out that I had gotten this job." Nancy says she loved working at Elon previously as a temp.

Nancy enjoys reading about religion and diseases. The last book she read was "Assassins," a book from the popular Left Behind series. In her free time, she also likes to walk and listen to country and oldies music.

Nancy has a grown son, Todd Kimbrey. She and her husband, Donald, live in Burlington.

Kimberly Rippy, secretary - fine arts

Not only is Kimberly a new employee at Elon, but she is also a new mom. Her daughter, Hannah, was born six months ago.

Before coming to Elon, Kimberly worked at Polo Ralph Lauren in Greensboro. She was attracted to Elon because she wanted to spend more time with her daughter. "We have a new family, and I wanted to be closer to home," she says. The Myrtle Beach, S.C., native has a bachelor's degree in business from the University of South Carolina.

When she's not working, Kimberly loves to spend time with Hannah and her husband, Terry. Before Hannah was born, the Rippys enjoyed going on vacations with other couples.

Jennifer Rivers, technical services clerk

Jennifer grew up in Gibsonville and graduated from Western Alamance High School. She worked at Carolina Biological Supply before coming to Elon. She says that coming to Elon was a good career move for her. "It's a good place to work," she says.

When she's not working, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, Kevin, and two-year-old daughter, Macy. Her most gratifying moment was "the day my daughter was born!" Jennifer also likes to go shopping and enjoys any meal with chicken in it.

Jerome Sturm, Web content creator

If Jerome's name sounds familiar, it's probably because you've seen his work in the local newspaper. Jerome came to Elon after 8 1/2 years as a staff photographer at the Burlington Times-News, and he says "Elon's size and the school's high standards" were what attracted him to his new position.

Jerome grew up in Staunton, Va., before graduating from James Madison University with a communication degree. He also holds an associate's degree in applied photographic technology from Randolph Community College. Jerome has no problem staying busy at home. He and his wife, Diane, have five children: Erica, 14; Logan, 11; Alex, 8; Sarah, 5; and Christina, 17 months--and they are expecting a sixth child in August.

Before they had children, Jerome and Diane got to see the United States from one end to the other in a three-month span. "We both quit our jobs and traveled across the country," says Jerome. They also worked as volunteers for two years and lived in Ecuador.

When he does have spare time, Jerome enjoys playing with his children, tackling the next renovation project at his house and woodworking.

Paige Vignali, utilities clerk

When Paige isn't working, she is at a barn in Gibsonville with her 9-year-old daughter, Hannah. "We like to trail ride, and my daughter shows her horse," she says. Mother and daughter work hard to keep their two horses in tip-top shape for competition. When they are not working with their horses, the Vignalis are participating in 4-H Club activities.

Paige worked for Atlantic Sign Media before coming to Elon. The New Providence, N.J., native attended Albemarle Community College. She likes working at Elon and was attracted by the convenient location. "I heard good things about Elon, and my sister went to school here."

Paige also likes to read, especially Danielle Steele novels.

Jerry Williams, Web systems specialist

Jerry says he left his job at Integon to join Elon because of "the positive feedback from current employees about working here." Naturally, he lists technology as an area he loves to study and research, but in his spare time, he also enjoys singing and games. "And I love to fish," Jerry says, adding that his favorite food is "anything seafood."

Jerry and his wife, Margaret, have two sons, Seth, 7, and Mason, 4. The family stays busy keeping up with their two dogs, Ellie and Butter Bean.

Jerry enjoys drawing when he's away from the office. "I spend most of my days working on details and specifics, so in my free time I like to be an artist, so I don't have to worry about those things."