For more than a decade, has built a reputation as one of Charlotte’s most trusted journalists, reporting on breaking news, holding public officials accountable, and keeping his community informed.

On Oct. 9, as part of the university’s Homecoming Weekend, the WSOC-TV reporter returned to his alma mater to receive the School of Communications’ 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Bruno, the 16th recipient of the honor, was recognized during the school’s Alumni Campus Connect gathering in Snow Family Grand Atrium, surrounded by students, faculty, staff and fellow graduates. Among those in attendance was retired journalism professor Rich Landesberg, Bruno’s longtime mentor, whose presence made the recognition especially meaningful.

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Since graduating in 2014, Bruno has established himself as a leading voice in investigative journalism, earning Walter Cronkite, Alfred I. duPont-Columbia, Edward R. Murrow and George Polk awards, along with six Emmy Awards. He was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2020, and his investigative reporting helped expose election fraud in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District, drawing national attention.

“Without Rich and without this school, this kid from Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, would have never had any of these opportunities,” Bruno said during his acceptance remarks. “Thank you, �鶹��Ƶ, for everything you have given to me.”

In presenting the award, Communications Dean Kenn Gaither praised Bruno’s professional accomplishments and his commitment to the communities he serves.

“It is always gratifying to watch an �鶹��Ƶ graduate succeed, but there’s something particularly special about watching one of our own become such an important and trusted voice in the community he serves.”
– Dean Kenn Gaither

Gaither also highlighted Bruno’s continued connection to �鶹��Ƶ, noting the significance of honoring him in the same atrium where Bruno and fellow alumnus Gary Grumbach ’16 organized two years earlier.

“That day, Joe was here to honor someone who helped shape him,” Gaither said. “Today, in the very same space, we have the privilege of honoring Joe.”

The connection came full circle when Bruno, visibly moved, spotted Landesberg standing among the attendees and thanked the former professor for his guidance and friendship.

“I also could not have done any of this without my Rich Landesberg, who I consider a member of my family,” Bruno said. “You are a trusted adviser and friend, and you have made such an impact on my life and so many others.”

Gaither also shared praise from Landesberg, who described Bruno as one of the hardest-working students he had ever taught.

“He is tireless in his commitment to holding the powerful accountable and making sure the people of Charlotte know what is happening in and around their city,” Landesberg said.

At home at �鶹��Ƶ

During his acceptance remarks, Bruno recalled how his mother first introduced him to �鶹��Ƶ, a university unfamiliar to many in his hometown. But during a campus visit, he found himself drawn to the school’s student television studio, where the opportunity to gain hands-on broadcasting experience helped convince him �鶹��Ƶ was the right fit.

As a high school senior, Bruno began watching Phoenix 14News broadcasts, eager to join the student journalists he saw on screen. Once he arrived at �鶹��Ƶ, he quickly became involved in the student news organization, gaining on-air and production experience within weeks of starting college.

“The best thing about �鶹��Ƶ is I didn’t have to wait until my junior year to get involved,” he said. “I was able to hit the ground running right as a freshman.”

Equally influential were the relationships he developed with fellow student journalists. Bruno recalled an environment where students challenged and supported one another, united by their enthusiasm for reporting and serving their community.

“We never competed against each other. We rooted for each other,” he said, explaining that the collaborative spirit continues to shape how he approaches his work today.

Addressing current students, Bruno encouraged them to embrace their interests and make the most of the opportunities available at �鶹��Ƶ.

“Whether it’s about news, whether it’s about sports, whatever you do, keep that light under you and pursue what you are pursuing with all of your heart,” he said.

Alumni return to connect with students

Bruno’s recognition was a highlight of Alumni Campus Connect, an informal networking event where eight graduates shared career insights and advice with current students.

Dan Erdman ’06, vice president of creative media at WWE, drew a crowd of students interested in his work in sports entertainment. Nearby, students connected with Los Angeles-based actress, writer and producer Paige Hullett ’16 to discuss careers in Hollywood and Women of the �鶹��Ƶ Entertainment Empire (WEEE), the alumni organization she leads. Also returning to campus was recent graduate Anjolina Fantaroni ’26, now a reporter at WAFF 48 in Huntsville, Alabama, who offered a firsthand perspective on transitioning from �鶹��Ƶ to the professional newsroom.

Participating alumni included:

• Halle Brennan ’21, Sales Associate Manager, Amazon Ads
• Joe Bruno ’14, Reporter, WSOC-TV
• Dan Erdman ’06, Vice President of Creative Media, WWE
• Anjolina Fantaroni ’26, Reporter, WAFF 48
• Caroline Grell ’17, Program Manager of Product Development Program, Capital One
• Paige Hullett ’16, Los Angeles-based actress, writer, producer, president of Women of the �鶹��Ƶ Entertainment Empire
• Becky Lane ’95, Senior Vice President-Marketing Development Manager, Bank of America
• Sarah Stone Richter ’19, Growth Marketing Manager, Quantam Health

President Book was recognized for her commitment to expanding �鶹��Ƶ’s presence through new programming and steering the merger with Queens University. Over the last six years, �鶹��Ƶ has been ranked No. 1 in the nation for teaching, emphasizing the university’s commitment to engaged and experiential learning. Book hopes that the merger will create an even greater talent pipeline for the Charlotte community, strengthening local businesses and organizations.

“I’m a student of the science behind innovation, and research demonstrates how cities are engines of innovation,” Book told the Charlotte Business Journal. “As people come together, they build synergies that unleash creativity. Higher education is essential to this equation…”

Senior Director of PGIM Sean Burke ’14 was recognized by the Charlotte Business Journal for his commitment to finding new ways to finance affordable and workforce housing in the Charlotte area. Over the last 25 years, PGIM has provided over $29 billion in affordable and mission-driven financing, preserving over 307,000 multifamily units. Burke hopes that affordable and workforce housing will come to be viewed as essential economic infrastructure that drives economic mobility, workforce stability, and long-term growth.

“I challenge conventional thinking because the most pressing issues rarely have simple solutions,” Burke told the Journal.

Burke graduated with a degree in finance and was a Business Fellow, a scholar in the Odyssey Program and a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. In 2024, the Office of Alumni Engagement recognized Burke with a Top 10 Under 10 award.

�鶹��Ƶ will host “United in Purpose” on Thursday, Nov. 5, bringing together alumni, parents and friends of �鶹��Ƶ and Queens University of Charlotte for an evening of connection and community.

The event will be held at Urban Garden in Charlotte and begin at 6:30 p.m. with a hosted reception featuring hors d’oeuvres. Guests will gather at 7:30 p.m. for a special program featuring remarks from �鶹��Ƶ President Connie Ledoux Book. A dessert reception will follow the program and conclude the evening. Business attire is requested.

United in Purpose
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026
6:30 p.m. — Hosted reception with hors d’oeuvres
7:30 p.m. — Program
Dessert reception to follow until 9 p.m.

Urban Garden
150 N. College St.
Charlotte, NC 28202

Register at or contact advancement@elon.edu.

Applications will be accepted starting Sept. 1, 2026.

The ABA approval clears the way for �鶹��Ƶ Law to expand its nationally recognized model of full-time legal education to North Carolina’s largest city. At that point, �鶹��Ƶ Law will offer three pathways to a law degree in North Carolina: a full-time program in Greensboro, a full-time program in Charlotte and the part-time �鶹��Ƶ Law Flex Program in Charlotte.

“This comes at an incredible moment for �鶹��Ƶ Law,” said �鶹��Ƶ Law Dean Zak Kramer. “Within the last year, we’ve celebrated historic bar passage rates and employment outcomes for our graduates, along with record enrollment and student applications. The ABA’s approval of our Charlotte program builds on that momentum, allowing �鶹��Ƶ Law to bring our signature approach to legal education to one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities.”

The inaugural Charlotte class, consisting of up to 75 students, will begin studies in August 2027 on the campus of Queens University of Charlotte. The charter cohort will graduate in December 2029, following �鶹��Ƶ Law’s existing 2.5-year, seven-trimester academic calendar in Greensboro. The �鶹��Ƶ Law Flex Program will also begin holding its part-time evening classes on the Queens campus in Fall 2027.

The full-time Charlotte program will replicate the innovative curriculum established at �鶹��Ƶ Law’s Greensboro campus. The hallmark of �鶹��Ƶ Law’s experiential, skills-based, community-centered approach to legal education is the Residency-in-Practice Program: a course-connected placement that pairs every student with a practicing attorney or judge during the winter or spring of their second year.

That experience moves students beyond studying the law to begin living it — working alongside attorneys and judges, serving clients and communities, and developing the professional judgment and practical skills expected of new lawyers. Students return to campus with greater confidence, stronger professional connections and a clearer sense of the kind of lawyer they will become.

�鶹��Ƶ Law is in the early stages of hiring a full complement of professors, administrators and student support personnel who will lead the full-time program in Charlotte. The move aligns with the proposed merger of �鶹��Ƶ and Queens University, which remains subject to final approval from SACSCOC and the U.S. Department of Education.

�鶹��Ƶ leaders are working closely with Queens University to ensure law students benefit from a vibrant campus experience and the resources of a thriving university community.

The expansion also builds on �鶹��Ƶ Law’s longstanding relationships throughout Charlotte’s legal community. Already, more than 10 percent of the law school’s alumni live and work in the Charlotte area. Law school leaders plan to strengthen existing partnerships, develop new connections and grow opportunities for students to serve in a region with a need for legal talent, legal services and innovative legal education.

Through clinics, residencies and community partnerships, �鶹��Ƶ Law students regularly work alongside attorneys, judges, nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help address unmet legal needs.

“We’ve been in Charlotte all along through our students, alumni and community partnerships,” Kramer said. “This approval gives us an opportunity to deepen our commitment to Charlotte. We’re excited to invest here, build new partnerships and help shape what comes next.”

Additional information about admissions, faculty hiring and program development will be announced in the coming months.

�鶹��Ƶ �鶹��Ƶ Law

�鶹��Ƶ Law is the preeminent school for engaged and experiential learning in law. With a focus on learning by doing, it integrates traditional classroom instruction with a required residency-in-practice field placement for all full-time students during the winter or spring of their second year. The law school’s distinctive full-time curriculum provides a logically sequenced program of professional preparation and is accomplished in 2.5 years, which offers exceptional value by lowering tuition and permitting graduates early entry into their careers.

�鶹��Ƶ Law has graduated more than 2,000 alumni since opening its doors in downtown Greensboro in 2006. Its annual enrollment now tops 500 students. The law school is regularly featured in PreLaw Magazine’s “Best Schools for Practical Training” rankings, maintaining an A+ rating each year since 2023. �鶹��Ƶ Law was also among schools highlighted by Bloomberg Law in 2023 for its innovative approach to student development.

The �鶹��Ƶ Law Flex Program, a part-time, in-person program of legal study, launched in Charlotte in 2024. Designed for students balancing work, family and other commitments to earn their J.D. in under four years, it will enroll its third cohort in Fall 2026.

Kari Taylor ’09 will be transitioning from her current role in the President’s Office to a new position as �鶹��Ƶ’s Deputy Chief Integration Officer, based in Charlotte. Beginning June 1, Kari will play a pivotal role in �鶹��Ƶ’s integration efforts, bringing the relationship-building expertise, collaborative efforts and strategic vision she has demonstrated through her extensive leadership at �鶹��Ƶ.

An �鶹��Ƶ alumna who earned both her undergraduate degree and MBA, Kari joined the President’s staff in 2018 and has been instrumental in amplifying campus engagement through innovative strategies and meaningful initiatives, such as the 1923 Commemoration, fostering trust and building community.

Director of New Student Programs Emily Krechel will transition to the President’s Office as Deputy Chief of Staff for Campus Engagement and Strategic Initiatives, also effective June 1. Emily joined the �鶹��Ƶ community in 2017 and holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from UNC Greensboro, where her research focused on equity and student success, and her career includes leadership roles at UC Berkeley, Earlham College, and now �鶹��Ƶ.

As co-chair of the university’s Mentoring Initiative Design Team and former chair of Staff Advisory Council, Emily is a dedicated advocate for meaningful relationships on campus and embodies our commitment to student-centered excellence. Her deep belief in our mission, passion for student development, and proven ability to build transformative programs make her an outstanding addition to our team.

“These transitions reflect the strength of �鶹��Ƶ’s leadership pipeline and our commitment to positioning talented colleagues where they can have the greatest impact,” said President Connie Ledoux Book in an email to the university community. “Please join me in congratulating Kari on her new opportunity and welcoming Emily to her expanded role.”

Students learn in small classes and receive personalized mentorship from faculty while completing applied, project-based coursework that can connect directly to workplace challenges.

A distinguishing feature of the Charlotte-based program is its focus on the intersection of analytics, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship.

“What distinguishes the MSBA Flex program in Charlotte is its focus on AI in action,” said Mark Kurt, associate dean for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. “Students move beyond theory to design applied analytics and AI tools, supported by faculty mentorship, a Charlotte-based professional community and immersive experiences that show how organizations are using data to drive innovation.”

Coursework introduces students to core analytics concepts and modern approaches to working with data, with applied projects that emphasize real-world problem solving and decision-making.

MSBA Flex students will also have the opportunity to participate in a 3 to 4 day immersive domestic experience at no additional cost, offering a closer look at how organizations apply analytics and AI to drive impact.

�鶹��Ƶ’s National Campus in Charlotte places students near employers and organizations across finance, health care, consulting and tech, supporting networking and applied learning.

More information about the MSBA Flex Program in Charlotte.

�鶹��Ƶ’s National Campus

As part of �鶹��Ƶ’s strategic plan for 2030, Boldly �鶹��Ƶ, the university has identified key areas for deepening and expanding its national footprint to areas that include Charlotte, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., and other strategic locations. National Campus Programs aspire to be an extension of �鶹��Ƶ’s main campus by bringing the same quality, energy, engagement and service to our constituents around the country. These campuses benefit the greater university by offering unique professional and cultural experiences to undergraduate and graduate students that they can only experience in these select locations and provide engagement for external members of the �鶹��Ƶ community.

�鶹��Ƶ’s National Campuses each host robust activity centered around engaged, place-based, academic programs offering new opportunities for current students through internships and �鶹��Ƶ’s Study USA programs. Each campus supports multiple �鶹��Ƶ partners (alumni, admissions, advancement, career services, athletics, professional and continuing education, and more) by collaboratively working with these departments to host distinctive events, programs and workshops that support their respective constituents to advance �鶹��Ƶ’s national footprint.

The �鶹��Ƶ Charlotte campus opened September 2023 and was renovated and expanded in 2024-25. The campus is the newest addition in the �鶹��Ƶ National Campus portfolio.

In addition to the current undergraduate Study USA Charlotte programs offered each summer and fall, �鶹��Ƶ’s graduate offerings continue to grow.

The Law Flex program began in Charlotte in fall 2024 and is now recruiting its third cohort of students. The program is part-time and in-person. The curriculum is highly experiential, and classes are taught by distinguished professors. The program has also surpassed its enrollment goals each year.

The new Physician Assistant program begins in Jan. 2027 at the Charlotte campus. The 24-month curriculum is designed to integrate medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and professional skill development. Applications will open the end of April 2026.

Alumni from a variety of years attended the Open House and kicked off their Homecoming weekend in Charlotte. Alumni can learn about all the upcoming events in the Queen City and around the country by checking out the alumni calendar.

The Charlotte campus will be hosting a its final College Coffee of 2025 on Friday, Dec. 12 from 10 -11 a.m.

After a rainy move-in day, the students gathered for a welcome reception, where they participated in bonding activities and icebreaker games, led by Associate Director Karen Neff and Program Assistant Kaitlyn Hannan.

The following day, the new cohort took their first light rail ride to the Charlotte campus, where they toured the new facility and dove into orientation. Neff kept things engaging while still offering important information on the program and the city. For example, the students got to explore Charlotte independently as they broke into groups and competed in a scavenger hunt. This activity allowed for students to get used to the light rail and to see some of Charlotte’s most iconic landmarks while bonding with other members of the cohort.

Following the scavenger hunt, the students trekked over to Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen, which is co-owned by �鶹��Ƶ alumnus Andrew Wilen ’08. The students had a blast making a delicious Tex-Mex dish. They worked in groups, learning some basics and a few advanced cooking techniques, which Neff hopes will prepare them for a summer without access to a dining hall or their parents’ home-cooked meals. These are the types of life skills that the Study USA Charlotte programs hope to instill into the students that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

The next day, students took their first Urban Design class with Professor Ryan Kirk, who took them on a walking tour of South End, the neighborhood where the Study USA Charlotte housing and campus is located. This was followed by another orientation activity, where the students worked together to decide the most essential qualities they should emulate as interns.

Later that evening, �鶹��Ƶ alumni in the area mingled with the new cohort at a welcome reception. Students were able to ask questions about the industries the alumni work in and gain valuable insights into the professional culture of Charlotte. It was also a nice opportunity for students to put their networking skills to the test before heading into their internships the following week.

The alumni were also invited to a lecture by Professor Kirk about the history of Charlotte’s urban design, where the students were challenged to think deeply about the choices that led to creating the Charlotte they know today.

Over the weekend, some of the students participated in an optional bonding activity- mini golf. Hannan took the cohort to The Puttery, a modern mini golf course and restaurant located near the Charlotte campus. The students were excited to see a little more of what Charlotte has to offer while engaging in friendly competition.

Students then began their internships at different organizations around the city. Some internship locations include Charlotte Off-Broadway, American Cornhole League, Special Olympics NC, the ACC and Make-A-Wish.

Overall, it was an action-packed first week in the Queen City, and the students are excited to see what else is in store for the summer!

To learn more about Study USA Charlotte and other Study USA programs, check out the .  Applications open October 1 for summer and fall 2026 programs. To learn more about the �鶹��Ƶ Charlotte Campus, check out the .

“Let’s Choose Less” is a lifestyle manual for moms seeking to simplify the world around them. Written by a stay-at-home mom raising four young children, the book chronicles the Michael family’s journey to de-clutter their home and calendar. It’s a unique parenting guide focused on practical solutions for reducing chaos and fostering a more intentional, peaceful life.

“It was a joy to connect with the incredible women of �鶹��Ƶ and hear them share the heart behind Let’s Choose Less,” said Michael. “Their thoughtful questions and meaningful reflections reminded me how powerful it is to gather around conversations that inspire intentional living.”

Rachel Campbell ’13 says she has been a fan of Jenna’s work for years.

“When I saw she’d written a book, I knew I’d want to read it and share it with others,” said Campbell. “It feels special to be able to share the work of a fellow alumna with others in this same stage of life.”

Attendees received a signed copy of the book. Alumni interested in connecting with Michael can visit her website and find her on Instagram @purposeful__parenting. Learn more about her book

It’s no surprise that �鶹��Ƶ and its students are attracted to Charlotte, where career opportunities are plentiful – particularly for individuals pursuing roles in business, marketing and sport. The Queen City and its surrounding region offer nearly 220 days of live sporting events each year, boasting NFL, NBA and MLS franchises, as well as the headquarters for NASCAR and the Atlantic Coast Conference.

The Department of Sport Management took full advantage of �鶹��Ƶ’s Charlotte National Campus last week, hosting a dynamic professional development event, titled “Beyond the Field: A Sport Management Workshop.” In collaboration with the �鶹��Ƶ in Charlotte program, Sport Management Society, and Women Influencers in Sport (WINS), the department and organizers hosted two panel discussions and a reception, and coordinated a get-together at the Carolina Panthers’ home game.

Following check-in and refreshments, the Sept. 29 program kicked off with a professional panel featuring Catherine Beebe Jones ’03, vice president of global events and hospitality lead at Octagon; Jessica Rippey, senior associate commissioner and senior woman administrator at the Atlantic Coast Conference; and Ellie Whittington ’18, a social media freelancer for On Her Turf, an NBC Sports program.

The three panelists dove into their experiences in the sport industry, sharing career advice, examining the industry’s challenges, and explaining how new professionals can stand apart. One helpful tip: Giving full effort to all tasks, even small ones, can make an important impression.

After a brief reception, the workshop hosted a second panel featuring current and past participants in the �鶹��Ƶ in Charlotte program. This included Anthony Bamford ’25 and Sarah Dawkins ’25, who both interned with the Atlantic Coast Conference in fall 2023, and Abigail Selikoff ’26, a current �鶹��Ƶ in Charlotte student serving as a digital products intern with NASCAR and a football game day operations center intern with the ACC.

The students discussed their �鶹��Ƶ in Charlotte Study USA experiences and the academic, professional and personal benefits they enjoyed studying in the Queen City.

Selikoff played an instrumental role in planning and organizing the workshop, which included recruiting panelists, crafting timelines, creating event materials, and moderating the professional panel discussion.

“I’m thrilled with how the event came together,” Selikoff said. “It was amazing to connect students with these inspiring professionals and share our collective journeys. My goal was to create a meaningful experience for everyone, and I believe we accomplished that.”

The workshop was funded by the university’s Student Government Association.