Klepcyk, who retired from Elon in 2015 after 37 years with the university, was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and learned that the playground at Beth Schmidt Park has been renamed for him.
Retired Elon University administrator and Elon Medallion recipient Ron Klepcyk was honored by the Town of Elon on Tuesday for his decades of service to the town in a variety of roles.
Klepcyk was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the state’s most prestigious awards, by Elon Mayor Jerry Tolley and N.C. Sen. Amy Galey during a ceremony at Town Hall. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is bestowed by the North Carolina governor in recognition of exemplary service to the state and communities.
“I have worked with Ron for a long time and he is an extraordinary person,” Tolley said. “I am glad we are able to honor him with this award for his dedication and service to the Town of Elon.”
Additionally, the town announced it is naming the playground at Beth Schmidt Park, the largest in Alamance County, for Klepcyk in recognition of his work in the playground’s development. The official renaming will occur during a formal ceremony that is now being planned.
Klepcyk has served the town in a variety of roles since 1993, including 20 years as alderman and multiple terms as mayor pro tempore. He was integral to the creation and success of the town’s Centennial Celebration in 1993, and event that has since evolved into the annual Festival of Oaks. Klepcyk served the town as treasurer, as a member of the Volunteer Fire Department Board and as a member of the Recreation and Parks Commission.
Klepcyk retired from Elon in 2015 after 37 years of service to the university, and was presented the Elon Medallion, the university’s highest honor, the following year. Klepcyk joined Elon in 1978 as associate director of special institutional programs before being named associate dean of student affairs in 1982 and later dean of student affairs. He played leading roles in the design and development of the Moseley Center as well as the Loy Center and Danieley Center Apartments, as well as the development of programs including Elon Volunteers!, international service trips and the Elon Experiences Transcript.
Following 10 years in student life, Klepcyk was named director of human resources in 1993. He championed expanding benefits for faculty and staff, including developing the tuition exchange program, professional development opportunities, and summer flex-time initiative for staff, while also leading staff appreciation day.