Elon Law students began the month of November by saying, “thank you” to 158 donors at the second annual Elon Law Day of 100 Thanks. Students participated in the November 1 initiative by writing notes to express their appreciation to donors who make scholarships at Elon Law possible.
“Donors are major part of any educational institution,” said Lorne Selby, L’13, who participated in the event. “They are necessary and valuable, and the personal touch of a thank you note lets them know they are truly appreciated by those who directly benefit from their contributions.”
Associate Dean for Development Eugenia Leggett, organizer of the event, invited students to write thank you notes during their free time on the day of the note writing campaign. Students exceeded the goal of writing 100 thank you notes by writing an additional 58.
“’Thank you’ are two of the most important words anyone can ever write or say,” Leggett said. “I am so proud of the genuine gratitude demonstrated by our students.”
Several law students said the thank you effort was important.
“I think the Day of Thanks is a great initiative,” said Pedro Mantilla, L’14, who also participated in the event. “It does not take long, and a personal, hand-written note goes a long way. This school provides many opportunities, not only for those receiving scholarships, but for the entire student body. Without the donors’ contributions, we would not be able to attract the inquisitive legal minds that comprise our student body. Committing a few minutes of my day to return the thanks is the least I could do.”
Participating students were eligible to win a hand-carved Elon Law wooden acorn. Second-year law student Katie Koone was the winner of the acorn, which was carved from the wood of a fallen oak tree on Elon University’s main campus.
“Showing that any contribution, monetary or otherwise, means something to us, the student body, is the only way we can expect to see a continuation of such generosity,” Mantilla said. “The Day of One Hundred Thanks is just one way the students at Elon Law can reflect on the many opportunities our school provides us with.”
By Courtney Roller, L’13