Love School of Business celebrates legacies of retiring faculty

Two accomplished members of the faculty in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business – Professor Wonhi Synn and Doherty Center Executive Director Alyssa Martina – will retire from Elon University at the end of the spring.

“Each of our retiring colleagues has contributed to the success of the Love School of Business,” said Raghu Tadepalli, dean of the Love School of Business. “Dr. Synn, is one of those stalwarts who literally made the LSB what it is today through his leadership of the Finance department and his long tenure at Elon University. Professor Martina raised the profile of the Doherty Center through her mentorship of students and her ability to work with colleagues across campus to make sure the Center was seen as a university resource. Professor Swanepoel with his business and accounting expertise was able to show how Accounting is integral to the success of a business. I wish our retiring colleagues the very best and thank them for their dedication to the success of our students.”

Professor Wonhi Synn

Upon his arrival at Elon in 1989, Synn quickly became known for his teaching methods and commitment to high-impact learning experiences. His pioneering efforts include:

• Student-Managed Investment Fund: Established in 1992, this fund was among the first of its kind in private colleges across the country. Under Synn’s guidance, students manage real investment portfolios, gaining hands-on experience that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application.
• Winter Term Study Abroad Program: Synn led the Love School of Business’ first Winter Term study abroad program in 1996, setting a precedent for global learning. His commitment to international education has since taken Elon students to China, Costa Rica, Australia, and various Southeast Asian countries, expanding their global perspectives and understanding of international markets.
• Department of Finance Chairmanship: As the chair of the newly established Department of Finance in 2010, Synn played a critical role in revamping the curriculum with a focus on analytics and market realities. His leadership ensured the program’s alignment with the CFA Institute, enhancing the employability and industry readiness of graduates.

Recognition and Awards

Synn’s dedication to education and student success has earned him numerous accolades, including:

• Wesley R. Elingburg Professorship: In 2016, Professor Synn was named the Wesley R. Elingburg Professor of Finance, an endowed professorship recognizing excellence in teaching, research, and mentoring. This honor reflects his role not just as an educator but as a mentor and researcher, supporting his endeavors in finance education and scholarship.
• Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching: In 2004, he received the inaugural Love School of Business Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, highlighting his ability to engage and inspire students.

Impact Beyond the Classroom

Beyond his teaching and leadership roles, Synn’s research has contributed to the broader academic community. His work, focusing on sustainable investment strategies, technology in finance, and the relationship between personality types and academic performance, has been published in esteemed journals, adding valuable insights to the field of finance.

Alyssa Martina

Since joining Elon in 2016, Alyssa Martina, executive director of the Doherty Center for Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, has led numerous initiatives at the center.

Significant accomplishments include:

• Engagement with the Sullivan Foundation: Under her guidance, the Doherty Center partnered with the Sullivan Foundation to enhance social entrepreneurship and innovation. These partnerships have provided students with unique opportunities to engage in impactful projects and develop skills in real-world contexts.
• Elon Innovation Challenge: Under Martina’s leadership, the Doherty Center launched the Elon Innovation Challenge, encouraging students to apply their creativity to solve real-world problems. This initiative offers valuable hands-on experience and exposure to industry professionals.
• Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community: Martina was instrumental in developing the Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community, a residential program that nurtures a culture of innovation among students by providing a collaborative living space dedicated to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Awards and Recognition

• Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation’s Engaged Faculty & Staff Award: In 2023, Martina was the first recipient of this award, recognizing her engagement in foundation programming aimed at educating and supporting community-involved students and faculty.