"Evening for Elon" came to the Tampa regional chapter on Nov. 14, featuring a President Connie Ledoux Book with alumna Kailey Tracy ’17. Guests learned about new initiatives like the HealthEU Center, advancements in AI integration and programs connecting students with alumni through platforms like Elon Q&A.
Alumni, parents and friends gathered to celebrate an “Evening for Elon in Tampa” on Thursday, Nov 14. Guests met at Armature Works in the heart of the city’s urban district to mingle, reminisce and learn about current news on campus and plans for the future.
The night started with a reception followed by an introductory video highlighting the new projects and initiatives at Elon.
Senior Vice President for University Advancement and External Affairs, James B. Piatt, Jr., introduced President Connie Ledoux Book and moderator Kailey Tracy ’17, an alumnus of Elon’s School of Communications and multimedia journalist at Fox13 Tampa Bay.
Tracy facilitated a Q&A with President Book about the latest news on campus. Their conversation included an update on how Boldly Elon, the university’s current strategic plan, has created high-impact spaces that foster Elon’s mission to respond to society’s needs. One example of this was establishing the Gerald L. Francis Center that houses the Department of Nursing. This new building enables nursing students to learn at a higher caliber, which will help combat the nursing shortage in America. President Book also shared that Elon’s faculty were named best in the nation for undergraduate teaching for the fourth year in a row. She also noted the plan for new majors that will serve a purpose in our community, such as financial technology and cybersecurity.
Tracy also asked President Book about how Elon was responding to, leveraging and managing expectations concerning Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, in the classroom. President Book said Elon has taken a proactive response by developing an AI research team and working alongside numerous other higher education institutions to develop core guiding principles. Elon is expanding the knowledge and use of AI into every major.
President Book highlighted Elon Q&A, a new way to connect alumni with students to build engagement in the community. The platform allows students to ask questions about many topics, including career advice, and they are matched by AI with alumni who can best answer those questions. Alumni are also connecting with their alma mater through Elon NEXT, the continuing education program specifically designed for their professional development journey.
Tracy concluded the fireside chat with a discussion about the new Elon Flex Law Program and internships for undergraduates in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of Elon’s National Campus Programs. Clay Thompson ’20, the Tampa alumni chapter president, offered closing remarks, ending with “Long Live Elon,” before the night concluded with a dessert reception.