What’s inspired maintenance mechanic Charlie Sherron to make Elon Law’s first cash gift on Elon Day for each of the past two years? There’s more than one answer.
For each of the past two years, Charlie Sherron has been the first Elon Law employee to make a cash gift as part of Elon Day, the university’s annual day of giving in support of Elon University.
With a grin on his face and $20 in hand, Sherron approached Elon Law’s development officer soon after his morning arrival at the university’s downtown Greensboro campus. His motivation was simple: “I’m in love with Elon!”
There were the students whom Elon Law’s maintenance mechanic greeted every day. There were the friendly colleagues and the shared camaraderie of educating and supporting future attorneys.
There also were the benefits he praises from the university and events such as faculty/staff tailgates and Staff Appreciation Day. Sherron is quick to describe the way he feels employees at Elon are respected, having worked for a large state university and a very small private college.
“I want to give back because of what Elon has done for me,” said Sherron, who is retiring this spring from monitoring building electrical and HVAC systems, overseeing exterior maintenance, and directing furniture movement for events and special programs. “I’ve been fortunate. This position has been so good for me.”
Sherron said he hopes that Elon Day 2025 is another banner day for the university, and particularly Elon Law, where significant growth in bar exam success and career placements over the past year have directly led to fundraising achievements.
More than $25,000 was raised for Elon Law in 2024. Records were set in both total dollars and number of gifts at 134. Including Sherron, nearly three dozen faculty and staff in Greensboro made gifts in support of the law school.
“Elon Law is a special place because of people like Charlie Sherron,” said Assistant Dean Scott Leighty ’09, who leads development efforts for Elon Law. “He eagerly greets me on Elon Day every year and is always ready to do his part to support our success.”
The gift to Elon Law on Elon Day complements Sherron’s long-standing commitment to college access and success.
He also makes monthly gifts via payroll deduction to the Elon Academy, the university’s intensive, summer residential program for Alamance County high school students selected for academic strengthening, leadership development, college-going knowledge and culture, service, and family involvement.
“People like Charlie,” said Leighty, “are why the Elon University and School of Law communities continue to thrive.”