Philanthropy and pride shine on 11th annual Elon Day

The global Elon community helped Ignite the Future for Students by raising more than $2.6 million during Elon Day 2024 on Thursday, March 7.

The university’s annual day of giving, Elon Day, inspired thousands of donors around the world to wear their Elon gear, make gifts to support students, and spread the word on social media using #ElonDay.

Throughout the day, thousands of donors raised more than $2.6 million from 6,126 gifts and participated in several challenges and matches along the way, leading to the announcement of four new internship endowments.

Special thanks to the following generous donors for making these challenges and matches possible:

  • Preston Cain P’24
  • Trustee Debra Del Vecchio and Claudio Del Vecchio P’22 P’24
  • Lesley Hill and Trustee John Hill ’76
  • Laurie and Rich ’87 Johnson P’17
  • Jen Porter and Trustee Dave Porter P’11 P’19
  • Jodi and Tom Quatroche P’26
  • Sue Smith and Trustee Bill Smith
  • Several anonymous families
Students celebrated their Elon pride and learned about philanthropy at events hosted on campus throughout Elon Day.

In addition to providing scholarships that increase access to an Elon education, donations made on Elon Day also strengthen the experience of every student on campus as they engage across a variety of designations including academic schools and departments, Elon Athletics, student organizations and more.

“Over the last 11 years, our community has embraced Elon Day as an important tradition in the life of the university,” says James B. Piatt, Jr., Senior Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs. “Elon Day has inspired thousands of people from around the world to support our students as one collective community, and it is remarkable to see their shared impact on our students in action on this campus every day. On behalf of the entire university, I share our deep gratitude for every donor who chose to get involved and make an Elon Day gift this year.”

Since the first Elon Day in 2014, donors have given more than 51,000 gifts and $21.8 million to support students in honor of the day.

Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley (left) worked with Joey Gizzi '18 and Steven Lannum '18 of AreYouKiddingTV fame on TikTok to add some fun to Elon Day 2024.
Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley (left) worked with Joey Gizzi ’18 and Steven Lannum ’18 of AreYouKiddingTV fame on TikTok to added some fun to Elon Day 2024.

In addition to making gifts, more than 3,700 students, faculty, staff and alumni attended a variety of on-campus and regional events. Elon hosted seven events on campus including two College Coffees, a Pop-Up Student Lounge, Let’s Taco ’Bout Philanthropy + SUB, Senior Toast, AreYouKiddingTV at Night with Joey Gizzi ’18 and Steven Lannum ’18, and Elon Day BINGO with SUB. Elon alumni regional chapters also hosted a series of events in cities across the world.

To learn more about the impact of donors on Elon Day, visit the Elon Day website.