Elon faculty and staff give back with purpose during 2024-25 fiscal year

During the 2024-25 fiscal year, faculty and staff have once again demonstrated their commitment by generously supporting the student experience through philanthropy. As of early May, 970 faculty and staff members have made a gift, bringing the faculty/staff giving rate to an impressive 61%. Together, their contributions have totaled over $328,000, making a tangible impact across campus.

To celebrate this spirit of giving, donors gathered on Thursday, May 8, in the Snow Family Grand Atrium for a special Faculty and Staff Donor Celebration. The event featured reflections on the powerful role faculty and staff play in shaping students’ lives both through their work and their philanthropic support.

“Every day, you pour your time, talents and energy into this university, shaping the experiences of our students,” said Lauren Forbis ’15, director of annual giving, during opening remarks. “And beyond that, you make the choice to give back philanthropically. Your generosity is an inspiration— not just to your colleagues, but to the students whose lives are transformed because of your support.”

The 2024-25 Faculty and Staff Giving campaign was led by five dedicated co-chairs:

• Frederick Evans Jr. ’20, associate director of undergraduate admissions for diversity and access
• Wendy Fogleman, facilities business manager
• Caroline Ketcham, associate dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of exercise science
• Sandra Reid ’85, senior lecturer in human service studies
• Scott Stevens ’03 G’12, director of landscaping and transportation

They were joined by 41 giving captains from departments across the university who helped share the message and mission of faculty and staff giving.

“I’ve seen students directly benefit from the generosity of donors like you,” said Ketcham.

She highlighted experiences such as Chase Seiwert ’25 presenting research at an international conference in Montreal, supported by the Rawls Endowed Research Scholarship and the Elon BrainCARE Research Institute, and the women’s basketball team’s study abroad program in Italy that explored holistic wellbeing through play.

“I give to support these students and these experiences,” Ketcham added. “Each of us has our own reason for giving, whether we know someone who has benefited from the Chaplain’s Fund, or a student we’ve mentored and watched shine thanks to a scholarship.”

During the celebration, Forbis and the co-chairs presented a symbolic check to President Connie Ledoux Book, representing the collective contributions of Elon employees.

President Book expressed gratitude to the co-chairs, captains and all faculty and staff donors for their belief in Elon’s mission. “Philanthropy changes the lives of Elon students,” she said. “I am so proud of our faculty and staff giving participation.”

Gifts of any size, to any campus designation, can still be made through May 31 to be counted in this year’s total. Every gift matters and every donor is part of the impact.