Long-time Elon employees Robin Plummer and John Keegan ’96 were honored thanks to the generosity of Retired Rear Adm. Edward “Ted” Walker P'78 P'79 GP'06.
Rear Adm. Ted Walker P’78 P’79 GP’06 is a familiar name at Elon University. He has long been an avid supporter of Elon as an alumnus parent and grandparent, a volunteer and a generous donor. His warm personality and kind demeanor make him a memorable friend to everyone he meets. Even if you haven’t had the fortune to meet him in person, you have likely seen his name around campus. In fact, his name has adorned spaces in both administrative and academic buildings.
And, true to his giving nature, he has dedicated spaces around the university to honor others who share his love of Elon — so much so that now his name has transformed into a verb. To be “Walker-ed” is now the unofficial term used for someone who has been selected for this notable distinction. The two newest honorees to be “Walker-ed” are Robin Plummer and John Keegan ‘96. Both learned about Walker’s tribute to them in separate surprise unveilings in early November.
Plummer, who has been at Elon for almost 20 years, serves as administrative assistant to President Emeritus Leo M. Lambert. Walker chose a meeting room on the first floor of Sankey Hall to honor Plummer, recognizing her entrepreneurial spirit as a gifted artisan who sells her handmade quilts all over the world. The newly named space was revealed at a small, socially distanced gathering held on Monday, Nov. 2, complete with a video message from Walker.
John Keegan ’96, who previously served as assistant athletics director for athletics development, was also surprised with the renaming of his former office in the administrative suite at the Schar Center. Keegan, like Plummer, is a long-time Elon employee, having served in the Office of Admissions and Elon Athletics/University Advancement for 24 years. He is relocating to Pennsylvania but was on campus on Friday, Oct. 30, where a small group of Elon staff revealed Walker’s recognition.
Barry Bradberry ’75 was similarly “Walker-ed” in 2015 with the renaming of a reception space in Inman Admissions Welcome Center to Bradberry Commons (formerly Walker Commons). He was also involved in celebrating both Plummer’s and Keegan’s recent honors.