The city of brotherly hosts a gathering of Elon alumni, family and friends.
Hosted by The Down Town Club in Philadelphia, Elon alumni, family, and friends gathered for an Evening at Elon reception relaying the current news happening at Elon’s campus and beyond.
The programming began with Senior Vice President for University Advancement and External Affairs Jim Piatt offering a gracious introduction of Elon alumna Joyel Crawford ’97.
Piatt highlighted Crawford’s work as a career coach as well as her podcast called “Career View Mirror” and her book “Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate For Yourself and Your Career.” Piatt then went on to welcome President Connie Ledoux Book to the stage, noting her work and development of Elon’s ambitious strategic plan, Boldly Elon, guiding the university’s development until 2030.
Crawford facilitated a Q&A with President Book about the latest updates from Elon’s campus. Their conversation discussed updates from Elon within the past year, including the addition of Founders Hall and Innovation Hall as well as the New Wellness Center which will hold health, wellness and counseling services on campus.
Along with new additions on campus, they also discussed the fastest-growing academic programs including the engineering and nursing programs. President Book also touched on the importance of the regional chapters of alumni, which began in Los Angeles. Regional chapters have since expanded to New York City and Washington, D.C., and have continued to expand from there, as it is a key way to connect alumni with the university and provide them with professional development opportunities.
Crawford asked about what President Book was most excited about within the Boldly Elon strategic plan, to which President Book highlighted her excitement for the mentoring programs for students on campus.
To wrap up their conversation, they discussed how artificial intelligence is working in the classroom and what the future might look like. President Book then elaborated that in general AI is changing the world and noted that Elon students and alumni will use AI as a tool to solve problems within the world.
Once the Q&A concluded, the Chapter President of the Philadelphia Alumni Board Ashley LaPlaca, offered some closing remarks ending with “Long Live Elon,” before the night ended with a dessert reception.