We look to the future together

On October 18, 2018, Elon formally inaugurated Connie Ledoux Book as the university’s ninth president. President Book began service on March 1, 2018, and the university’s Board of Trustees hosted several Inauguration events that engaged the minds, bodies and spirit of the Elon community. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends of Elon gathered to celebrate this special milestone in Elon’s history.

Video of the entire Inauguration ceremony

Highlight video of Inauguration Week

Inauguration Week Events

Inauguration College Coffee

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 9:40 a.m., Phi Beta Kappa Plaza

The Elon campus community gathered for a special College Coffee, that included an “Honor President Book Drive” fundraiser to benefit Elon programs. For each gift of $20 or more, a book was donated to Alamance-Burlington public schools, including a sticker noting the donation in honor of President Book.

Numen Lumen

Thursday, Oct. 18, 9:50 a.m., Numen Lumen Pavilion

Elon’s weekly spiritual gathering, Numen Lumen, held a special Inauguration Week multi-faith observance. Chaplain’s staff and students from Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life led the community in music, reflection, and inspiration as the community celebrated this historic milestone.

Campus Tours

Thursday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-Noon, Inman Admissions Welcome Center

Delegates from other colleges, visitors and members of the Elon Alumni Long Maroon Line joined student guides in walking tours of Elon’s inspiring environment for learning, regularly cited as one of the nation’s finest college campuses.

Presidential Inauguration Pop-Up Exhibit

Thursday, Oct. 18, 10:30-12:30, Moseley Center
Friday, Oct. 19, 12:30-2:30, Moseley Center

Elon showcased 129 years of its unique and transformative history through an interactive pop-up exhibit highlighting Elon’s presidents and the momentous events and history that shaped their presidencies.

Inauguration Ceremony and Campus Celebration

Thursday, Oct. 18, 3 p.m., Schar Center

Connie Ledoux Book was inaugurated as Elon’s ninth president in formal ceremonies in the university’s new Schar Center. The ceremony included a procession of alumni representing Elon graduating classes, delegates from colleges and universities from across the country, a series of greetings and musical selections and an inaugural address by President Book.

Full text and video of President Book’s inaugural address.

Following the ceremony, there was a campus-wide celebration in the Great Hall of the Global Commons building and the surrounding plaza. The celebration included refreshments and a performance by the Elon Music Ambassadors.

Elon Talks: Faculty voices

Friday, Oct. 19, 2:30 p.m., Great Hall of the Global Commons Building

Inauguration Week highlighted faculty voices and expertise with brief “TED talk” style presentations moderated by School of Communications Associate Dean Kenn Gaither and featuring the innovative scholarship of Associate Professor of Management Information Systems Haya Ajjan, Professor of Physics Tony Crider, Watts-Thompson Professor of Public Health Studies and Human Service Studies Cynthia Fair, and Executive Director of Community Partnerships and Director of the Center for Access and Success and Professor of Education Jean Rattigan-Rohr.

Student Showcase

Friday, Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m., Whitley Auditorium

Elon celebrated its past, present and future with a program highlighting talented student and alumni performers. The elegant Whitley Auditorium, which opened in 1924, was a perfect setting for our community to recall and honor Elon’s proud 129-year history.

Inn at Elon Groundbreaking

Saturday, Oct. 20, 11:45 a.m., in front of Koury Business Center

Elon celebrated the start of construction of the Inn at Elon, an on-campus university-owned hotel, and thanked the many benefactors who contributed funds to make this new community resource possible. All members of the Elon community were invited to attend and join Elon’s Board of Trustees in showing appreciation to the generous donors who supported the project.

Elon Football vs. University of Richmond

Saturday, Oct. 20, 1:30 p.m., Rhodes Stadium

The Phoenix defeated Colonial Athletic Association rival Richmond in a big game at Rhodes Stadium. President Faculty and staff attended a tailgate party near Rudd Field, while students and alumni joined in the fun at tailgating on Bank of America Drive and the surrounding venues. Fans attending the game were invited to contribute to the “Honor President Book Drive.” Pre-game and halftime ceremonies included special tributes to President Book.

Student Inaugural Ball

Saturday, Oct. 20, 8–11 p.m., Moseley Center

Elon students dressed up and enjoyed an evening of music, dancing, food stations, games and more on the first floor of Moseley Center. President Connie Ledoux Book and some members of her family visited the ball and many students posed for photos with Elon’s ninth president.