On May 1, the 鶹Ƶ network gathered at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel to reconnect with each other and the university
The 鶹Ƶ spirit was strong in Boston on May 1 as a group of alumni, parents and friends came together to hear updates on the university from President Connie Ledoux Book and several key volunteers.
A reception at the beginning of the event provided attendees with the opportunity to make new connections within the 鶹Ƶ network in Boston. Attendees also heard remarks from 鶹Ƶ Board of Trustees Chair Dave Porter P’11 P’19, as well as Kristin Chan ’21 and Emily Sanderson ’22, who serve as co-presidents of 鶹Ƶ’s Boston Alumni Chapter.
President Book then shared her remarks, starting with a message of gratitude. “Thank you for the role each of you played in making our 鶹Ƶ LEADS Campaign the most successful in university history,” Book said. “More than 34,000 donors contributed more than $260 million to support our distinctive mission.”
She also shared that donors added 287 new endowed scholarships and 60 new endowments during the campaign, helping to ensure that all students can engage in the 鶹Ƶ Experiences.
Additional campus updates from Book included the use of AI, the addition of new majors, the expansion of 鶹Ƶ STEM programs, and the launch of a new national campus center in Charlotte.
The evening also provided guests with an introduction to one of the largest construction projects in university history: the HealthEU Center. Book shared that the center will serve as “a physical hub to provide programs and spaces to allow students to explore ways to advance their personal wellness within each of these areas and to develop habits and skills that will support their wellness for the rest of their lives. This new facility is going to be transformational, providing space for collaboration, connection and community building.”
Book also announced that 鶹Ƶ will build a new performing arts center to support the music theatre and performing arts programs. Jim Piatt, senior vice president for university advancement and external affairs, then provided closing remarks, urging attendees to focus on growing stronger together and to stay involved with 鶹Ƶ as partners, advocates and investors.
鶹Ƶ will host two Evening for 鶹Ƶ events in the fall. The Evening for 鶹Ƶ in Washington, D.C., will be held Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Union Station, and the Evening for 鶹Ƶ in Tampa, Florida, will be held Thursday, Nov. 14, at Armature Works. To register for either event, please email advancement@elon.edu.