Alumni in Action

CBS New York anchor Doug Williams '13 successfully pivoted from a seven-year career in sports journalism to the unpredictable world of local news and international reporting. Today, he uses his university training to cover high-stakes human interest stories while dedicating time to mentoring the next generation of journalists.

From student leader to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, Nikki Sanz ’18 is changing the live event industry. After touring with music legends, she founded Giggs to modernize hiring for "gig" workers. Now an Elon Top 10 Under 10 award winner, Sanz is building a more inclusive professional community for the next generation.

From designing a custom major in social entrepreneurship to leading one of the Triad’s fastest-growing businesses, Jensen Roll ’16 is building a long-term impact in the community he calls home.

A professor’s encouragement helped Christian Seitz ’16 discover a passion for chemistry that ultimately led him to global vaccine research. Now working through the University of Chicago, Seitz studies viruses identified by the World Health Organization as potential pandemic threats in an effort to help prevent future global outbreaks.

Della Marie Vickers McKinnon ’62 has witnessed Elon’s evolution through decades of change. Being a part of a remarkable five-generation family legacy that has both shaped the campus and deeply enriched the surrounding community.

The recognition follows her recent honor as a Top 10 CNN Hero in 2023, another milestone in the journey that began when she founded ScholarCHIPS, a nonprofit providing college scholarships and community support for students with incarcerated parents.

Drawing on a childhood shaped by constant change, Arron Jones-Williams ’13 turned his optimism and drive into a business devoted to giving rescue dogs a second chance. Through Rescue Treats, he continues the spirit of leadership, compassion and connection he first discovered at Elon.

Join the Gender & LGBTQIA Center and the Elon LGBTQIA Alumni Network for an inspiring celebration of love, family, and storytelling as alumni authors Jeffrey and Corddarryl Williamson-Rose share their children’s book "We Love You ForAva." The book is a powerful reflection on LGBTQIA family-building and the beauty of inclusive stories.

Inspired by her sister’s recovery, Carmencita Rosales ’20 discovered her passion for storytelling at Elon and turned it into a thriving career as a bilingual journalist and TV host. From launching WSOE’s first Spanish-language show to creating Tu Cita con Carmencita, she brings energy, resilience and representation to every story she tells.

Guided by curiosity and a passion for storytelling, Lillian Engel ’19 turned her love of editing at Elon into a thriving Hollywood career. From campus projects to major films like "Extraction" and "Joker: Folie à Deux," she embodies the power of hands-on learning, persistence and community.