Gifts from alumni, students, parents and friends helped the law school surpass 2025’s Elon Day record by more than 30 percent.
The Elon Law community set a new Elon Day fundraising record on March 5, generating $60,546.47 in support of the School of Law — a more than 31 percent increase over last year’s record total.
The 2026 results surpassed the previous high of $46,157.01 set during Elon Day 2025 and reflected broad engagement from alumni, students, parents and friends of the law school.
“There is a unique energy at Elon Law that you won’t find anywhere else,” said Assistant Dean of Development and Alumni Engagement Scott Leighty. “Philanthropy here is more than just giving. Every gift is a direct investment in this special community and the innovative way we prepare students for the profession. Seeing our alumni, students, parents and friends come together like this shows just how much they believe in our mission.”
In total, 178 donors made gifts on March 5, a 24.5% increase from the 143 donors who participated on Elon Day in 2025.
Participation increased across nearly every constituency group.
- Gifts from students rose sharply to 45 donors, up from eight last year — a 462.5% increase.
- Parent participation increased to 12 donors, up from eight, or 50%.
- Alumni participation also climbed, with 64 alumni making gifts compared with 56 last year, a 14.2% rise.
Elon Day events and competitions were held throughout the day on March 5, including a large “E”-painting competition among student organizations and an evening celebration at Joymongers in downtown Greensboro. Perhaps the highlight was a Pie Your Professor event, with student donors lining up to hurl plates of whipped cream at Dean Zak Kramer, Professors Steve Friedland and Bob Minarcin, and Assistant Professors Erin Fitzgerald and Susan Ross.
Kramer praised the growing support for Elon Law and the community members who help make the annual day of giving successful.
“I want to thank everyone for their contributions, whether philanthropic, pitching in to make the day special, taking a pie to the face, or all of it,” Kramer said. “These gifts go directly to support our students and the opportunities that prepare them for the profession.”
Kramer also credited Leighty’s leadership in connecting with alumni and supporters, growing Elon Law’s momentum.
“Scott is doggedly pursuing financial support for our students,” Kramer said. “It’s not easy asking people for money, but our numbers keep increasing in a remarkably steep line. It’s a testament to his hard work and the great investment of our whole community.”
Elon Day gifts help fund scholarships, student programs and experiential learning opportunities that define Elon Law’s innovative, practice-focused curriculum.
The growth in participation during Elon Day reflects a broader trend in philanthropy supporting Elon Law. The law school has seen steady increases in donor engagement over the past several years, underscoring the strength of its alumni network and the community’s investment in the next generation of lawyers.