A breakfast gathering inside the new Schar Center offered attendees a chance to tour one of multiple building projects the university is completing this summer.
“This is an exciting time at Elon,” Book said, standing on the concourse that overlooks the 5,100-seat main arena in Schar Center.
Book noted that Elon will launch its new four-year engineering degree program this fall, to supplement its existing dual-degree engineering program. The new program will allow students to remain at Elon throughout their undergraduate experience and take full advantage of the breadth of experiences offered by Elon.
Throughout this summer, Elon’s campus has been home to local students participating in programs such as the Elon Academy and the It Takes a Village Project, two of a broad array of programs through which Elon partners with the local community, particularly in the area of education. “It’s really important to create opportunity locally, help educate students locally, and have them really make a difference in our community,” Book said.
Also opening for the start of the academic year will be the new Koenigsberger Learning Center, an addition to Belk Library that will be home to three student support programs — Academic Advising, Learning Assistance and disabilities resources.
Elsewhere on campus, the new East Neighborhood will become home to more than 300 students, the South Campus Recreation Center will open for use and this fall, and an expanded McEwen Dining Hall will reopen. Work has also begun to prepare for the construction of the new 80-bed Inn at Elon University.
Following Book’s remarks, the group toured the 161,000-square-foot Schar Center, which will host its first athletic contest on Aug. 28 when the Elon volleyball team takes on N.C. A&T State University. In November the women’s and men’s basketball teams will play their first home games in Schar Center, with the facility preparing to host other large-scale gatherings through this new academic year and many more to come.