Elon’s “Pave the Way” campaign raises more than $400,000

Close to 3,310 personalized bricks were reserved as part of the campaign, which ended Dec. 1 and supports the university’s greatest needs.

Thousands of alumni participated in the “Pave the Way” campaign that launched in the spring in celebration of Elon University’s 125th anniversary.

The campaign honored alumni donors who made gifts of $125 to reserve personalized bricks. A total of 3,237 alumni participated during two phases of the campaign, with many commemorating a Greek affiliation, athletic program or academic department on their bricks.

During the first phase of the campaign, which ran from April 15 to May 31, the university raised $294,375. The campaign’s popularity among alumni resulted in a second phase, which ran from July 5 to Dec. 1 and raised an additional $110,850, for a grand total of $405,225.

With their contributions, alumni not only reserved a brick, but more importantly made an impact on their alma mater. All funds raised during the campaign support the university’s greatest needs.

Thousands of alumni reserved personalized bricks as part of the "Pave the Way Campaign."
“‘Pave the Way’ illustrates how donations of any size can add up,” said Rob Bacchus, director of annual giving and parent programs at Elon. “The grand total was not the result of a single large gift but rather of the generosity of thousands of alumni. If someone ever wonders whether their gift makes a difference, they can look to this campaign for proof.”

Most of the 3,309 bricks reserved during the campaign have already been installed on the terrace and pathways surrounding the Martin Alumni Center, which serves as a new place for alumni to gather in the heart of campus. All bricks are expected to be installed by May 1.

“This large number of bricks with alumni names and messages is a testament to the love and passion we have for our alma mater,” John H. Barnhill ’92, Elon’s assistant vice president for university advancement, said. “Thank you to all who participated in paving the way.”

Gifts made to the campaign boost Elon’s overall alumni giving participation, which hit 21 percent during the 2012-13 fiscal year, and count toward class gifts for alumni celebrating milestone reunions. Click here for more information about ways to give to Elon.