Doherty Center

Randy Garcia ’04, founder of the popular Viva Chicken fast-casual dining chain, delivered the 2025 C. Ashton Newhall Endowed Lecture to a campus audience reminded that “you never know which part of your education will be crucial down the road.”

Dina Rousset P’25 will lead and grow an Elon University center that encourages creative and design thinking, opportunity recognition, and plan formulation and implementation.

Elon alumnus Randy Garcia ’04, founder of Garcia Hospitality, will speak with the community on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Elon alumna Diamond Monroe ’24, who impressed Shark Tank’s Daymond John during Fall 2023 Convocation, is now competing in the Entrepreneur of Impact contest.

Jim Rooney, CEO of Pretium Packaging, emphasized the importance of people, culture and innovation in business success during his talk at Elon’s Martha and Spencer Love School of Business School.

Shriya Baru '25, an Elon student and small business owner, enjoys promoting Indian culture through her fashion fusion brand.

With the help of his business degree from Elon and a family tradition of craftsmanship, Kenny Straub ’15 and his father utilize their artisan skills to share their passion with others through their business, Cork & Candles, that has grown into a franchise.

Wonhi Synn in the Department of Finance and Alyssa Martina, executive director of the Doherty Center for Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, will conclude their service to Elon University at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year.

The University Innovation Fellows Pinning Ceremony took place in April, honoring students committed to driving change through creative and entrepreneurial endeavors within the university and the broader global community.

More than 50 unique, creative, and innovative student projects were showcased during the 5th annual Maker Takeover, the Maker Hub’s largest celebration.