Alumnus supports The Inn at Elon and scholarships with a major gift

A generous gift from alumnus and Trustee Dr. William N.P. Herbert ’68 and his wife, Marsha, will support construction of The Inn at Elon, which will address the long-standing need for on-campus lodging and conference facilities.

The three-story, 80-room Inn is currently under construction adjacent to the Ernest A. Koury, Sr. Business Center. The facility will include a restaurant, lounge and event space among other amenities. The Inn will be a high-quality hotel similar to others found at more than 80 private and public colleges and universities across the nation. The facility will be owned by the university’s endowment, with net operating revenues supporting need-based scholarships.

The Herberts’ gift will also establish an Elon Engagement Scholarship in honor and memory of Bill’s mother. The Madaline Cates Herbert ’31 Memorial Scholarship will assist admitted students who are eager to participate in Elon’s renowned engaged learning programs. Preference for the scholarship will be given to students from Alamance County, North Carolina.

Bill Herbert said they were excited to support two top university priorities.

“The Inn will be an incredible place to stay for alumni, parents and prospective families visiting the campus,” Herbert said. “I am excited to stay at The Inn, and I know a lot of alumni will be. It will be an important part of coming home to Elon and a way for alums to reconnect with other alumni and strengthen those bonds.

“Scholarships are also an important priority for us to support,” Herbert said. “I was the recipient of a number of small scholarships when I was at Elon, which I appreciated a great deal. Education is expensive today and every little bit of assistance helps. I know my mother would be pleased.”

President Connie Ledoux Book thanked the Herberts for their generosity and leadership.

“We are grateful to Bill and Marsha Herbert for recognizing the importance of supporting The Inn at Elon and our Engagement Scholarships,” Book said. “Each priority will move the university forward in significant ways, and we thank Bill and Marsha for their lifelong partnership.”

Madaline Cates Herbert ’31 grew up in Burlington, North Carolina, not far from Elon’s campus. She was active in literary circles as a student and was named class poet in 1930 before earning her degree in English a year later. She taught school in the Burlington School System and later worked in the school administration office. She was an avid supporter of her alma mater and was thrilled when her son followed in her footsteps.

“We thought the scholarship would be a good way to remember and honor my mother,” Herbert said. “It’s a good feeling to know that someone will receive assistance from this scholarship for generations to come.”

About The Elon LEADS Campaign

The Herberts’ gift is counted as part of The Elon LEADS Campaign, which the university will officially launch on Friday, April 5. The campaign will seek significant new investments to support four key university priorities: scholarships for graduates the world needs, access to engaged learning, support for faculty and staff mentors who matter and our iconic campus.

“I feel a responsibility to support The Elon LEADS Campaign because of what Elon gave to me,” Herbert said. “It’s a privilege to be associated with Elon and it makes me proud to give back.”

Bill Herbert has served on Elon’s Board of Trustees since 1997 and is a former Board chair. He is the recipient of Elon’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year award and the Elon Medallion, the university’s highest honor recognizing service to the university.

The Herberts have been devoted donors to Elon, supporting scholarships, Phoenix athletics, Rhodes Stadium, science programs, the Ernest A. Koury Sr. Business Center, School of Law annual scholarship fund and the Elon Academy college access and success program.

In 2016, the Herberts established the James G. McClure, Jr. ’68 Memorial Scholarship to honor Bill’s late friend and classmate. Preference for the scholarship will be for students from Alamance County.

The Herberts are members of Elon’s Order of the Oak, recognizing donors who make estate or other planned gifts to the university.