Elon’s Young Alumni Council gathered on campus for its fall meeting Sept. 19-20. Council members heard an update on the university’s next strategic plan from Jim Piatt, vice president for university advancement, and offered feedback on the proposed goals of the plan.
They also heard an update on the progress of the Ever Elon Campaign from Chuck Davis, director of the Ever Elon Campaign, and the importance of annual giving from Maggie Byerly, director of annual giving.
During a discussion about givng to the university, the group was asked to give reasons they would make a gift to Elon. Council members’ responses included the following:
- “To improve Elon’s reputation”
- “To give back to a place that treated me well”
- “Help fund opportunities for future students, including study abroad and internships”
- “To support great facilities”
- “To help advance athletics”
- “To add value to my diploma”
Council members also discussed reasons why alumni may not give to Elon, including difficulty meeting financial obligations, not being thanked or recognized for a previous gift and the perception that Elon does not need financial support from alumni.
“Annual giving is the bedrock of what we do at Elon,” Davis told the group. “Those dollars are a critical part of the university’s annual budget. Every penny makes a difference.”
On Saturday, council members gathered in small committees over lunch to discuss fundraising and communications initiatives, as well as alumni events and career networking opportunities.
Following Saturday’s meeting, council members boarded a bus and traveled to Winston-Salem, N.C., to cheer on the Phoenix football team in a matchup against Wake Forest University.
Elon’s Young Alumni Council seeks to strengthen connections between young alumni and the university. Established in 2007, the council advises the Alumni Association and university on programs and services for graduates of the past decade and current students.
The council is led by President Caroline Sage ’02 of Atlanta and Vice President Christian Wiggins ’03 of Charlotte, N.C.