Elon’s 2010 Founders Day celebrations concluded Thursday, March 11, with a “fireside chat” with President Emeritus J. Earl Danieley ’46. Members of the audience were treated to tales about Danieley’s life and his many experiences at Elon as student, faculty member, administrator and president.
This year’s celebrations marked the first time the university has honored a living individual for Founders Day. Student Government Association President Justin Peterson said it wasn’t a tough sell to bend tradition a bit to honor Danieley.
“His life in general is an exception, because Dr. Danieley lives his life as we all aspire to: one day at a time, with love, enthusiasm and a magnificent sense of humor,” he said.
Peterson moderated the conversation among Danieley and four students: Eric Hale ’11, Anna Powell ’11, Jonathon Sweeney ’11 and Stephanie Pinch ’12. Prompted by questions from the students, Danieley spoke about his childhood growing up not far from Elon, continuing to work on his family’s tobacco farm while a college student, how he met his wife, Verona, and myriad tales from his time as president (yes, the infamous “panty raid” story was included).
View excerpts from the ‘fireside chat’ by clicking the links to the right.
Click the links under the Related Posts heading to the right to see coverage of other Founders Day 2010 events.