Distinguished Alumnus and Alumna of the Year Awards

2012 recipients

Christopher P. Martin '78 P'13

Christopher Martin, a proud alumnus of Elon's chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity, graduated from Elon in 1978 with a degree in accounting and business and went on to work in inventory control and financial analysis with Johnson & Johnson. Upon completing a master's degree at Monmouth University, Martin moved into the banking sector in 1984 with First Sentinel Bancorp. Over the next 20 years, he steadily earned promotions on the ladder of leadership and, after First Sentinel was purchased by Provident in 2003, Martin was asked to stay on as chief operating officer. In 2009, he became the organization's chairman, president and CEO. Dedicated to giving back to his community, Martin serves as president of The Provident Bank Foundation, which provides millions of dollars in grants to local agencies. He generously gives of his time and expertise to The 200 Club of Middlesex County, N.J.; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & MIddlesex Counties; local schools and food pantries; and many more worthy causes.

A. Christine Baker G'88

Though A. Christine Baker attended NC State University as an undergraduate student, Elon has long been part of her life. As a graduate student, faculty member, adviser and trustee, Christine has made a lasting impact on Elon while building an impressive career in the North Carolina banking industry. Christine joined the Martha & Spencer Love School of Business advisory board in 1995 and the university’s board of trustees in 2003. Since then, she has served in leadership roles for the board’s audit, business and finance, and investment committees, helping the board protect Elon’s financial stability during the recent economic downturn. As an executive-in-residence and adjunct faculty member since 2008, Christine has played a valuable role in the classroom supporting Elon's top-50 undergraduate business program.

Past recipients