Elon alumni invite students to Opex Technologies for a day of networking

Sixteen students traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina for University Day at Opex Technologies.

Opex Technologies hosted University Day on Nov. 6, bringing together students and alumni from Elon University, East Carolina University and NC State University.

The event featured discussions, panels, and networking opportunities, allowing students to hear firsthand from alumni who have made strides in their respective fields. The three panel topics included entrepreneurship, leadership and early-career.

Elon network that participated in panel discussions:

  • Kathie Niven ’89, CEO/president of Biscuitville
  • Kaitlyn Stadiem ’09, VP for finance at UBC
  • Jennings Milholen ’19, partner at Thalweg Capital
  • Megan Hussey ’20, corporate sales executive for the Carolina Hurricanes
  • Kevin Trapani P’07, P’23, P’24, Love School of Business executive in residence and co-founder of the Redwoods Group

Additional Elon alumni in attendance:

  • Craig Stone ’91, CEO of HireNetworks
  • Priscilla Awkard ’95, VP of Coastal Credit Union
  • Jenn Nowalk ’99, broker/realtor of Arcadia Real Estate Advisors
  • Jeff Hendrick ’02, regional president of Dogwood State Bank
  • Wes Brewer ’16, senior manager, PwC

The event was hosted by Rich Nowalk ’97, chief strategy officer of Opex Technologies and Courtney Humphrey, chief executive officer of Opex Technologies.

“We started off with leaders and entrepreneurs who have made it in their careers and ended with folks just starting out,” Nowalk said. “The students got a lot out of it—they’re networking, exchanging notes, and connecting on LinkedIn. It’s really rewarding to see that connection.”

Elon students of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business that participated:

  • Dejour Banks ’25, Entrepreneurship
  • Madeline Ludwig ’25, International Business and Master of Business Analytics
  • Griffin Hayward ’25, Finance
  • Dylan Rogers ’28, Accounting
  • Alexa Sarmiere ’27, Finance
  • Jonathan Mushi ’28, Finance
  • Eric Heinemann ’27, Accounting
  • Joseph Neclerio ’28, Accounting and Business Analytics
  • Jordyne Lewis ’28, Economic Consulting and Data Analytics
  • Andrew Paul ’28, International Business
  • David Taylor ’28, Marketing
  • Jiya Shah ’28, Business Analytics
  • Payton Brinn ’28, Entrepreneurship
  • Tommy Hammond ’28, Finance
  • Charlie Daigle ’27, Financial Technology
  • Autumn Donahue ’28, Marketing
  • Alyssa Wise ’25, Acting
  • Takoda Moore ’27, FinTech