Every gift counts

The importance of annual gifts

Each year, thousands of Elon donors make an immediate impact on students through annual gifts. Many of them support Elon’s Greatest Needs, which allows the university to respond to emerging needs across campus, including Elon’s top funding priority of student scholarships. Other donors direct their gifts to specific academic schools or departments, student organizations, Elon experiences such as global study or internships, athletics teams, and more.

While their gifts come in all sizes and support a wide range of designations, one thing unites each of these donors: a deep belief in the power of an Elon education.

Maity Interiano

Maity Interiano ’07

An Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-anchor of Univision Network’s national weekend newscast, Maity Interiano ’07 attributes much of her success to Elon’s leadership in engaged learning and mentors in the School of Communications.

In return, Interiano established an annual scholarship to support Hispanic/Latinx students in the School of Communications. She also served as co-chair of the Elon LEADS Campaign.

“Elon benefits from having a diverse student body that encourages different conversations,” she says. “I encourage alumni, parents and friends to support Elon in whatever capacity they can. Everything you give to the world comes back to you multiplied.”

Martindale Family

Martindale Family

The Martindale family are among Elon’s biggest fans. They frequently attend home games, especially for Elon soccer. Brian Martindale ’95 has also served on the Phoenix Club Advisory Board, a group of volunteers who partner with the university to reach fundraising goals that support student-athletes. In 2006, the family established the Martindale Soccer Scholarship to provide additional support for students on the soccer teams.

“We see the value of an Elon education and the impact Elon students have in the community,” says Brian Martindale ’95. “As avid supporters of Elon Athletics, and Elon soccer in particular, what better way to give back than through philanthropy and scholarship support?”

Jack McMackin '08

Jack McMackin ’08

“This is an extraordinary time to be involved with Elon,” said Jack McMackin ’08, founder and managing director of venture capital firm Mission Innovation Network.

McMackin, who was co-chair of the Elon LEADS Campaign, demonstrates his deep care for Elon students by making annual gifts to the McMackin Family Scholarship for International Study. He endowed the scholarship along with parents Jack and Kathleen McMackin P’08 in 2006.

“As alumni, we have the opportunity to act on our shared love of Elon and lift the university to even greater heights, supporting the next generation of leaders the world needs.”

Ridgley family

The Ridgley Family

The Ridgley family has seen their connection with Elon grow by leaps and bounds since their son, Will, enrolled in 2019. Now, all three Ridgley siblings walk Elon’s brick pathways as students.

Over the years, Peter and Libby Ridgley have matched their children’s enthusiasm for Elon by serving on the Parents Council and making gifts to Elon’s Greatest Needs. They are also part of the Elon Society, a leadership annual giving community.

“We believe in the Elon experience,” says Libby Ridgley. “We contribute financially to support the amazing education that Elon provides for the students.”