Alumni volunteers worked with Elon to coordinate fundraising efforts and host special events on campus during Homecoming weekend, Nov. 2-4.
Elon’s milestone reunion programs celebrated another successful year during Elon’s Homecoming weekend held Nov. 2-4.
The university saw 1,145 alumni return to campus to celebrate reunions at Homecoming, with total attendance for the weekend topping 2,500. Reunion alumni volunteers are a critical part of the reunion planning process, providing feedback on event planning, taking the time to personally invite their class or affinity groups back to campus for the occasion, and asking fellow alumni to donate toward their reunion giving efforts.
The Class of 1968 celebrated its 50th reunion with 40 percent giving participation and $94,611 raised for Elon. Carol Lupinacci Brown ’68 and Ken Hollingworth ’68 co-chaired the 50th reunion planning committee in conjunction with a group of classmates. Class members were inducted as Golden Alumni at a special lunch on Friday, and they also attended a reception, dinner and other weekend events. Pickleball was added to the 50th reunion schedule for the first time.
Festivities began for many reunions Friday night at Elon’s Rock the Block community block party. The event was moved inside due to inclement weather, allowing attendees to experience Elon’s new Schar Center. A special Reunion HQ area in the Schar Center’s Robert V. Gill Room offered class and affinity reunion attendees a dedicated space to reconnect with each other and enjoy giveaways as well as a customized photo booth.
The block party included a special presentation featuring class and affinity volunteers who presented the total amount raised to President Connie Ledoux Book and other guests. In total, alumni celebrating reunions contributed more than $6 million to the university through annual gifts, major gifts and planned gifts. More than 150 alumni volunteered to coordinate reunion fundraising efforts.
Linda Nelms Minnix ’78, a 40th class reunion volunteer, said, “The weekend was perfect. It was so awesome to see everyone having fun and renewing old friendships. I have always felt proud that I graduated Elon. However, after seeing the growth and the future of the school, my pride is even greater.”
Elon is currently recruiting volunteers to help with Homecoming 2019. Visit the class reunions website for a list of groups celebrating a milestone reunion, and contact reunions@elon.edu if you would like to volunteer.