Sport Management Department hosts senior celebration

Natalie Cummins ’21, a student-athlete on the Elon University women’s volleyball team, was named the department's Major of the Year Award recipient.

Seven students were recognized at the May 11 Sport Management senior celebration. The honorees included (from left) Olivia Lovell ’23, Claire Latimer ’22, Vincent Acri ’22, Jacob Gleason ’22, Emily Epstein ’21, Jordan Gower ’23 and Natalie Cummins ’21.

The Sport Management Department hosted its senior celebration on May 11 under the oaks, recognizing seven outstanding students for their respective accomplishments and service. Natalie Cummins ’21, a student-athlete on the Elon University women’s volleyball team, was awarded the afternoon’s top honor – the department’s Major of the Year Award.

Assistant Professor Shaina Dabbs (left) poses with Natalie Cummins ’21 following the conclusion of the senior celebration.

“Natalie exemplifies what it means to be an engaged and enthusiastic learner,” said Shaina Dabbs, assistant professor of sport management and director of Women Influencers in Sport (WINS) initiative. “As a positive leader who has elevated those around, Natalie goes beyond what is required for the betterment of herself, her peers, and the department. This award captures the spirit of excellence, and Natalie is a shining star.”

Cummins was also recognized at last week’s School of Communications’ end-of-year awards ceremony.

The sport management faculty presented several other awards and scholarships, including the program’s endowed scholarships to Jacob Gleason ’22 and Olivia Lovell ’23, who serves as assistant director of the Women Influencers in Sport (WINS) initiative.

Emily Epstein ’21 and Vincent Acri ’22 were both presented with the department’s achievement awards. Epstein, who graduates this month, has already publicly announced her post-graduate plans. She recently officially accepted her “dream position” working as an associate for broadcasting and special events for the New York Mets.

Assistant Professor Young Do Kim presents Jordan Gower ’23 with the department’s Outstanding Underclassman Award.

Claire Latimer ’22 received the James P. Drummond Service Award, named in honor of the founding department chair of Leisure and Sport Management (later renamed Sport Management). The award is presented to a student in recognition of outstanding contributions to Elon University and the campus community.

Additionally, Jordan Gower ’23, another member of the university’s women’s volleyball program, was named the department’s Outstanding Underclassman Award recipient. Gower, a defensive specialist, was named to the CAA All-Conference Second Team.

Photos from the senior celebration are available on the school’s Flickr account.