Inauguration celebration: ‘What a day to be a Phoenix’

By Keren Rivas, staff

October 18, 2018

The Elon community gathered Oct. 19 to commemorate and reflect on the inauguration of Connie Ledoux Book as Elon’s ninth president.

Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors came together for a campuswide celebration Thursday afternoon just minutes after Connie Ledoux Book was officially invested as Elon&rsquo;s ninth president.&nbsp;<br />
Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors came together for a campuswide celebration Thursday afternoon just minutes after Connie Ledoux Book was officially invested as Elon’s ninth president. 

Encouraged by a drum line and welcomed to the Great Hall of the Global Commons building and the surrounding plaza by Elon’s cheerleading squad, those who attended the reception were optimistic about Elon’s future after attending President Book’s inauguration and listening to her address. “It was an honor to be a part of such a great event in Elon’s history,” said senior Diego Pineda. He added that while the event highlighted President Book’s journey, it also resonated with him as he prepares to embark on his own professional journey. 

Witnessing the inauguration of Elon’s first female president was particularly poignant for first-year Missy Sturtz. “I went to the inauguration today because it was the first female president in Elon’s history,” she said. “I’m very excited about what she will do.” 

The Long Maroon Line of Alumni represented Elon classes dating back to 1938.
Randy Williams, associate vice president for campus engagement, said the event was important for him on multiple levels. As an advocate for social justice, inclusion and racial and gender equality, he was proud to witness such a historic day at Elon. As an educator, the event coincided with a topic — women in higher education — he is covering in a course he is teaching as part of the inaugural class of the Master’s in Higher Education program. On a personal level, the event was special because Book was part of the committee that interviewed him before he joined the faculty and staff in 2014.

”It’s a groundbreaking moment,” said alumnus David Campbell ’13, who serves as vice president of the Young Alumni Council. “It’s cool to be here and be part of the history of Elon in the flesh.” 

Senior Deirdre Kronschnabel enjoyed listening to the stories President Book shared about her upbringing and time at The Citadel. “They were a testimony to her ability to make connections and build relationships,” she said. 

For junior Liam Collins, the event was a perfect way to seal Book’s full transition as Elon’s ninth president. “This is an exciting time to be an Elon student,” he said. “I’m very excited for what’s to come.” 

During the reception, students took photos with President Book.
Junior Josh Schwaner was one of dozens of people who lined up to have their photo taken with President Book. He said that after learning about President Book’s work during her time at The Citadel, he, too, is very optimistic about Elon’s future. “I get to be a part of the next long-term plan,” he said. “I cannot wait to see what she does in the next 20 years.” 

Sophomore Jewel Tillman agreed. She said the event tied many of Book’s strengths to the history and values of the institution, something that gave her reassurance.

“What a day to be a Phoenix,” she said. 

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