Melvin, Weaver receive honorary degrees at Convocation

Melvin was instrumental in leading fundraising efforts for the Elon University School of Law in downtown Greensboro, which was dedicated during a separate ceremony later in the day. Melvin and Elon President Leo M. Lambert spearheaded the campaign to raise start-up funding for the law school.

Elon trustee Bobby Long introduced Melvin, praising his work as mayor of Greensboro from 1971 to 1981 and his tireless efforts to improve life in the Triad region. Melvin said he was grateful for the opportunity to be involved with the Elon School of Law and addressed his remarks to the 115 law students in attendance who are part of the school’s first class.

“I can’t tell you how proud we are to have you in Greensboro, and we’re excited that you are members of our first law class,” said Melvin, who won the Thomas Z. Osborne Distinguished Citizen Award, the highest honor of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, in 2005.

Like Melvin, Mike Weaver has been a staunch advocate for Greensboro. In honor of his lifetime of service and generosity to the city and state, the law school building in downtown Greensboro is named the H. Michael Weaver Building. Elon trustee Noel Allen ’69 introduced Weaver, saying the Greensboro community was fortunate to have “a modest individual who works quietly behind the scenes to get things done.”

Weaver played an integral role in making the law school campus in downtown Greensboro a reality. Weaver said he was grateful to be able to help his native city and for the chance to be involved with the Elon School of Law.

“Martin Luther King said, ‘Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve,’” Weaver said. “Thank you for making me feel great today.”

Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor also received an honorary doctor of laws degree at the convocation.