Editorial Building Bridges
As the new law school opens, Elon is rising in the world of
recognized and respected universities
Elon has taken another step toward greatness as it continues
to expand through service and leadership.
Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
delivered a speech at convocation on Tuesday about building
bridges and furthering the development of education at high
levels.
O’Connor and others had remarks that expressed
Elon’s recent accomplishments and rise in
popularity.
The bubble may still be around, but people outside now know
where it is. Elon’s national attention stems from
rankings in the U.S. News and World Report.
The dedication of the law school in Greensboro is an
addition that has helped with Elon’s prestige and
recognition as well.
The inaugural class and faculty took up a section of the
bleachers in Alumni Gym during convocation.
The law school isn’t a small project with high hopes.
It is a great accomplishment with wonderful potential.
Not only that, but one of the country’s most respected
judicial representatives was here to formally dedicate
it.
Throughout her career, O’Connor broke barriers and
started legacies, just as Elon intends to do with its recent
additions.
The university wants to keep the undergraduate body set just
below 5,000 but the addition of MBA programs and a law school
is an expansion that is greatly welcomed.
Elon is very ambitious and it would be easy to think that
the university may be publicizing itself.
Something must be working, because as Elon recognizes
outstanding community members for their contributions with
honorary degrees, they turn around and shower the school with
compliments.
Jim Melvin, who was honored for his contributions to leading
the Elon School of Law fundraising effort, turned around and
told the students that their degree gains value every year.
As Elon continues to rise in greatness, so do the people who
were a part of it.
Michael Weaver quoted Martin Luther King, Jr., in his
mention of honorary commencement service.
He said, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can
serve.”
Weaver then thanked the school for making him feel
great.
Hearing this speech really speaks for what Elon does and the
impact it can make.
When you look at Elon and its philosophies, public service
is one of the top priorities.
And it isn’t a limited crowd that is involved. A great
portion of students engage in some form of public service
whether it be relief trips to the Gulf Coast or tutoring at a
local high school.
While we watch and take pride in these accomplishments, we
should also look at the reactions.
The rankings and expansions are one thing but the general
public’s opinion is something that should be most
important to Elon.
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