Members of the Elon Alumni Board and Young Alumni Council returned to campus Sept. 10-12 to participate in the groups’ annual fall meetings. High on the agenda for both groups were their roles in supporting the final year of the Ever Elon Campaign as well as the Elon Commitment strategic plan.
On Friday, both groups met for an evening dessert social in Koury Athletic Center and enjoyed an overview of the Alumni Gym renovations with Dave Blank, Elon’s director of athletics. The groups received separate updates from President Leo M. Lambert on several of the priorities with the Elon Commitment including Elon’s commitment to diversity and global engagement as well as the university’s focus on remaining a best-value university.
In separate meetings, the groups discussed various topics, including progress in the Ever Elon Campaign. The Alumni Board began its meeting by hosting several undergraduate members of the Elon Business Fellows for a networking lunch. Later that day, the group worked extensively with John Barnhill, assistant vice president for advancement, and Maggie Byerly, director of annual giving and parent programs, to brainstorm ways to increase financial support for Elon among alumni of all ages. They also listened to a presentation about Project Pericles from sociology professor Tom Arcaro and several Periclean Scholars.
The Young Alumni Council introduced a number of new initiatives for the 2010-11 year, including publishing an Elon traditions book for incoming students, launching the “Top 10 under 10” recognition program for young alumni and increasing support for IGNITE, Elon’s young alumni giving program.
The Alumni Board and Young Alumni Council will reconvene for their annual spring meetings on April 1-2, 2011.