Kerrii Brown Anderson ‘79 and husband Doug join other trustees in making gifts for the on-campus hotel, which is now open.
As Elon University began to formalize plans to build a hotel on campus, alumna and Board of Trustees member Kerrii Brown Anderson ’79 saw it as the addition of a significant gathering place for the Elon community. Now that the Inn at Elon has opened and is welcoming guests, she’s delighted to see the long-range project become a reality.
“I am very excited The Inn at Elon is open,” says Anderson, who grew up in Elon and now lives in Columbus, Ohio. She returns to campus often in her role as a trustee and has seen the need for more accommodations in Elon for the many visitors annually to the campus. That is what inspired Anderson and her husband Doug Anderson to make a generous gift recently to support The Inn at Elon.
“I feel that we are a community and we needed a community gathering place,” says Anderson, former CEO and president of Wendy’s International and current board member for Abercrombie and Fitch. “We work diligently for our students to stay on campus, but it’s also important for our visitors, alumni, families and other groups to stay on campus at Elon. That is what The Inn at Elon provides.”
Anderson is among a group of university trustees who have generously supported The Inn as part of the Elon LEADS Campaign. Additional trustees making gifts include: Jeanne Robertson P’89 GP’17 GP’22 and husband Jerry P’89 GP’17 GP’22; Thomas Chandler and wife Lynn; Wes Elingburg P’11 and wife Cathy P’11; Shelly Skeens Hazel ’78 LP’09 and husband Jack LP’09; Dr. William N.P. Herbert ’68 and wife Marsha; Vicky Hunt and husband Sam; David Porter P’11 P’19 and wife Jennifer P’11 P’19, Kerrii B. Anderson ’79 and husband Doug; Chris Martin ’78 P’13 and wife Nicolette P’13; and Mark Mahaffey P’97 P’01 and wife Marianne P’97 P’01.
Anderson believes this kind of leadership and commitment from board members is a key factor in Elon’s continued growth and reputation as a national leader in higher education.
“We always ask how Elon can take it to the next level. The Inn at Elon allows us to continue to the next level. It’s important to our future success,” Anderson says.
President Connie Ledoux Book says it is gratifying to work with such dedicated leadership on the Board of Trustees. “Our university has a rich history of undertaking bold initiatives in order to reach what’s next in higher education,” she says. “Our trustees have the vision and commitment to see these important projects through. We are forever grateful for their support.”
The three-story inn, which opened on Jan. 11, includes 70 rooms and 10 suites and is located beside the Ernest A. Koury Sr. Business Center near the traffic circle at Phoenix Drive. Operated by Charlestowne Hotels, The Inn at Elon features an upscale restaurant and lounge, ballroom facilities and an event terrace among other amenities. It will also host wedding receptions, reunions, academic or business conferences and other events.
The inn is not just a gathering place on campus. It was built by the university and all profits will support student scholarships. Increasing funding for scholarships and continuing to develop Elon’s iconic campus are among the top priorities of the current $250 million Elon LEADS fundraising campaign.
The dual purpose for the inn appeals to Anderson and other trustees. “While we will enjoy a great gathering spot for everyone, we also want it to benefit the students. I think that’s crucial to our success. That gives me the greatest satisfaction. We have the right mission in mind,” Anderson says.
Anderson sees The Inn at Elon as not only an asset for the university and its visitors, but also for Alamance County. “It will be the gateway for us to host excellent functions. We have great corporations in Alamance County who can utilize it. This provides a meeting opportunity for all the community,” Anderson says. “We’re not just the university. We’re part of engaging the community. We think this will provide the opportunity to be able to do that.”
To find out more about The Inn at Elon, visit www.theinnatelon.com.
About the Elon LEADS Campaign
With a $250 million goal, Elon LEADS is the largest fundraising campaign in the university’s history and will support four main funding priorities: scholarships for graduates the world needs, access to engaged-learning opportunities such as study abroad, support for faculty and staff mentors who matter and Elon’s iconic campus. To date, donors have contributed $181 million toward the goal.
Every gift to the university—including annual, endowment, capital, estate and other planned gifts—counts as a gift to the campaign, which will support students and strengthen Elon for generations to come. To learn more about how you can make an impact, visit www.elonleads.com.