Eric Townsend

In an effort to support relationships with community partners, last week 25 non-profit leaders gathered on Elon University's campus for the 20th pre-semester Preparing for Partnership session hosted by the Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement and facilitated by Tammy Cobb, assistant director for community partnerships.

Ronald L. Carter, president of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, will be the keynote speaker on Jan. 13 at Elon University’s annual MLK Jr. Commemorative Program, which honors the life of the slain civil rights leader. The Whitley Auditorium program, which was moved from Wednesday to Thursday due to inclement weather, begins at noon and is open to the public at no cost.

The Multicultural Center will host its annual celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of events that run Jan. 11-17, 2011. The events commemorate the spirit of diversity and honor the sacrifices and current work of many for inclusion and equality.

The Alamance Foundation recently presented a $2,200 gift to the Elon Academy to be used to support college visits for more than 75 Elon Academy scholars during the summer of 2011.

Capital Bank Charitable Foundation made a $3,500 gift to the Elon Academy in December to support the program's financial literacy programs for more than 120 scholars and their families.

Elon University professors, students and alumni made regional and national news in recent weeks through their research and activities, both on and off campus. Notable in December and early January was media coverage of the Elon University School of Law's Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic and the announcement by university leaders of a decision to locate the new physician assistant program on main campus.

Several Elon students have been awarded prestigious scholarships for their upcoming spring 2011 semester study abroad programs.

Elon University was recognized as the top blood unit collector among other award winners at the 2009-2010 Annual Volunteer Banquet of the Piedmont Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross held at the chapter training room in December.

Niki Turley, who has worked with thousands of students as director of Residence Life at Elon University since 2004, has been appointed assistant dean of students effective this week.

Ross Wade, the assistant director of career services for the School of Communications, was interviewed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers regarding his "Six-Word Professional Statement" exercise for an article in the NACE's "Spotlight Online" newsletter.