An Oct. 10 awards ceremony hosted by Elon College, the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, recognized the professional achievements of three distinguished university graduates.
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, honored three alumni during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend whose lives and work reflect the mission of the College.
The ceremony brought together students, faculty, staff, family and friends to recognize Dan Carmody ’01, Ryan Fairchild ’03 and Jessica Koch ’09, whose achievements were described as a demonstration of the power of an Elon liberal arts and sciences education.
Hilton Kelly, Dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, delivered remarks in Yeager Recital Hall on the profound impact the recipients have made on their professions and their communities.
“These three exemplary alumni embody the very best of Elon College,” Kelly said. “Their achievements, their service and their commitment to living out the values of a liberal arts education is an inspiration to all of us. They have used what they have learned within Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, to impact people and organizations.”
Dan Carmody ’01 – Arts and Humanities
Dan Carmody earned his bachelor’s degree in human services from Elon, served with the Peace Corps in Paraguay, and spent two years working at an international school in Honduras. He later earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Boston College.
Carmody is a leader for creating meaningful and transformative change. For the past six years, he has served as president at Cathedral High School, leading a mission to give families — especially those without financial access — the chance at a strong, life-changing education. Most recently, he led a $60 million “Cathedral Now, Cathedral Forever” campaign, ensuring the school can keep opening doors for underserved students for generations to come.
Prior to Cathedral, Carmody served as vice president for global mission and identity and as executive director of the Hyde Center for Global Education at Boston College High School, building partnerships in more than 20 countries. He also worked with the worldwide Jesuit network as assistant to the secretariat of secondary and pre-secondary education.
While a student at Elon, Carmody served as president of Habitat for Humanity and lead coordinator with Elon Volunteers!
“I can truly look back on my time at Elon as the most impactful chapter of my life,” Carmody said. “Every adventure and opportunity I’ve had since graduating — each chance to make a small difference — can be traced directly back to the experiences I gained at Elon.”
Ryan Fairchild ’03 – STEM
Ryan Fairchild earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Elon and a Master of Business Administration from The George Washington University.
Fairchild is the managing director of Accenture Federal Service where he leads the Intel Sector and delivers a broad spectrum of technologies to federal agencies across the United States. This past year, he was a Washington, D.C. candidate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Visionaries of the Year campaign, raising over $125,000.
At Elon, Fairchild was active in the American Chemical Society, Habitat for Humanity, Elon Volunteers!, Lambda Chi Alpha and the Omicron Delta Kappa Honors Society.
“Elon prepared me not only for the ‘real world’, but most importantly, to be a more mature, well-rounded person,” Fairchild said. “I graduated with a chemistry degree, but very quickly took a career path that pulled me away from that line of work. A lot of people ask how I feel about that, and I always answer the same way — Elon’s chemistry department taught me how to be a problem solver, scientifically and contextually. That is an extraordinary gift to have received.”
Jessica Koch ’09 – Social Sciences
Jessica Koch earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration from Elon and her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law.
Koch is a partner at Rothwell Law in St. Petersburg, Fla., focusing on representing doctors and medical practices involved in treating personal injury patients. In this focused practice, Koch defends against invasive discovery into her clients’ practices, attending depositions and hearings on their behalf. She began her career as an assistant state attorney in Pinellas County before moving into private practice in commercial litigation and personal injury.
Prior to joining Rothwell Law, she practiced as an insurance defense attorney focusing on special investigations into medical practices.
While at Elon, Koch was involved in the Student Government Association, the Pi Sigma Alpha political science honors society and the Fire of the Carolinas Marching Band.
“My time at Elon was foundational to my professional success both in law school and in my legal career, teaching me the importance of hard work, perseverance and integrity,” Koch said. “Being recognized for my commitment to my university and my professional achievements made possible by that university means the world to me.”