A look back at what Elon alumni accomplished last fiscal year.
The Elon Office of Alumni Engagement recently released the Alumni Impact Report for the 2019-20 fiscal year. See the full report below:
This past year started off as a typical school year and quickly turned into something none of us could have expected. The Elon community adapted to changes while maintaining strong Elon connections and support for students who will go on to provide the dynamic leadership our world needs now more than ever, as we face challenges including a global pandemic and the injustices of racism.
Throughout the year, alumni from across the globe made an impact by acting as partners, advocates and investors for Elon. Below are just some of the ways Elon alumni exemplified their impact in the 19-20 fiscal year.
Last fall, Elon alumni showed that Elon connections are truly lifelong. Nearly 7,000 alumni engaged with each other and Elon on campus and across the country through regional chapter events, Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, athletic events, and Elon LEADS Campaign regional events.
Alumni actively participated in our four affinity networks including the Elon Black Alumni Network (EBAN), the Elon Latinx/Hispanic Alumni Network (ELHAN), the LGBTQIA Alumni Network, and the Elon Jewish Alumni Network (EJAN). Led by alumni and supported by staff, these groups are continuously growing and empowering both students and alumni who share common identities, passions and connections.
This year, close to 2,100 alumni volunteered in various ways including leadership roles for affinity networks. Over 500 individuals donated to the EBAN scholarship, which helps make an Elon education available to deserving Black students.
This year marked the launch of LifelongElon.com, a professional networking platform dedicated to Elon alumni. Hundreds of alumni logged on to find a mentor, search for jobs, expand their networks and more. This important new resource will continue to serve the alumni network and extended Elon family. In addition, over 1,400 alumni participated in 20 professional development webinars this past year.
Over 7,000 alumni made a gift this year, all of which count toward the Elon LEADS Campaign and help improve Elon’s national rankings, strengthening the value of an Elon degree. Additionally, 140 regional volunteers helped pull off successful regional events attended by over 2,600 attendees to help support the launch of Elon LEADS.
On Elon Day, over 6,100 gifts were made to help reach a record-breaking $2.5 million to enhance the Elon student experience.
Soon after Elon Day, COVID-19 took hold of our country. The Elon community pulled together in this time of crisis, in part by supporting the Chaplain’s Fund, which helps members of the Elon community facing unforeseen hardships. A new fund, Students First, was created to support students whose families are facing economic hardship due to the pandemic.
Facing new challenges can also bring new opportunities. Together, we welcomed Lifelong Connections, a new website dedicated to providing alumni with resources during the pandemic. Curated from alumni, these resources can help support mental and physical wellness, assist alumni parents with remote learning, and include a listing of alumni-owned businesses to support. Additionally, many alumni participated in a variety of virtual events, including Elon Jeopardy, conversations with President Connie Book, webinars and College Coffee.
The Alumni in Action series was developed to highlight the extraordinary work alumni are doing across the nation and the world to help fight COVID-19.
While the year did not end as anyone could have expected, the Office of Alumni Engagement is ready to navigate the road ahead alongside the Elon community. Whether it is in person or on campus, in another city across the world or in a virtual room, what makes the Elon community special is collective strength, commitment and generosity.