Philanthropy

Former Greensboro mayor and Bryan Foundation president and CEO Jim Melvin was an early visionary supporter of the School of Law, establishing the downtown Greensboro campus in support of “a law school with a difference.” He died Aug. 10, 2025, at the age of 91.

Parents Scott and Jeannine Zeller P’25 made their generous contribution to assist young people who face health challenges "unique to their generation."

Elon donors fuel student success this past fiscal year, helping make it one of the university’s most impactful fundraising years to date.

Support for scholarships and experiential learning grew significantly in 2024-25, with alumni participation hitting all-time highs.

Bryan ’07 and Liz Padgette ’06, Katie Sherborne P’27, and Grant P’27 and Angie Dorfman P’27 contributed more than $300,000 collectively to the new home for holistic health and well-being initiatives. Their gifts will also create scholarships for students.

The campus community recently gathered at Loy Farm to dedicate a home in honor of Gloria Kaso ’25, whose friendship with Trustee John Replogle and wife Kristin Replogle P’18 helped inspire the couple’s $100,000 gift in support of Elon University's new sustainable living-learning neighborhood.

The senior from Burlington, North Carolina, will become the first Elon student to graduate after completing three signature programs designed to increase access to higher education.

The 2024-25 faculty and staff giving campaign at Elon University reflects a powerful spirit of generosity and shared purpose. At a celebration held May 8, university leaders honored this collective impact and the meaningful ways Elon employees give back to enrich the student experience.

"Evening for Elon" came to the Big Apple on April 30, at Cipriani 42nd Street, New York City. Guests came to hear updates on Elon’s campus and celebrate their shared connection to the Elon community.

On Thursday, March 6, donors gave a record 6,385 gifts – the most ever in Elon Day history.