In her Opening Day 2024 remarks, President Connie Ledoux Book took faculty and staff back thirty years ago to emphasize the university’s transformation, but also focus on what remains constant: the university’s commitment to people and relationships for the 2024-25 academic year and beyond.
Looking to a transformative future at Elon University, President Connie Ledoux Book turned to the university’s past as she welcomed faculty and staff for Opening Day – the official start of the 2024-25 academic year.
A transformational environment
In her address to the university in Alumni Gym on Monday, Aug. 19, Book acknowledged an important anniversary in Elon history – thirty years since the launch of the core curriculum including the Experiential Learning Requirement and Elon 101.
“Remarkably in 1994, Elon was described in much the same way as it is today, an institution where students are actively engaged both inside and outside the classroom, immersed in cutting-edge experiential opportunities and empowered to shape their future from day one,” said Book. “What remains constant is that all of this is grounded in a transformational environment where people and relationships are at the heart of Elon.”
During Book’s remarks, a video showcased faculty and alumni interviews from 1994 as an example of both Elon’s commitment to student success but also the university’s transformation since that time. Book noted Elon has now graduated thousands of students thanks to the commitment of faculty and staff. In fall 2024, the university will welcome more than 1,600 new students and 77 transfer students, with the Class of 2028 standing out as the most diverse incoming class in the university’s history.
Boldly Elon
Opening Day began with Rev. Kristin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, offering an invocation, followed by the ringing of the ceremonial bell by Student Government Association President Taylor Cote ’25. Three individuals were awarded the Elon Medallion, the university’s highest honor, and a record seven faculty members received endowed professorships.
With Boldy Elon, the university’s 10-year strategic plan at a midpoint, Book emphasized the importance of building upon all the lessons learned over the thirty years since 1994.
“We also embrace the mindset and action of more deliberately sharing our model of higher education across the nation during a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, and when the work we do to support every community member and the richness of the differences they bring to our campus should be met with unwavering support through their educational journey,” said Book. “Now more than ever, we need to be bold in our efforts to support student success.”
What’s new on campus
With the beginning of the academic year, Book also highlighted several new additions to campus, including the Loy Farm Living-Learning Community EcoVillage, the Mentoring Initiative Design Team’s first workshop, the Elon Flex Law Program in Charlotte, new programs in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and upgrades to campus facilities.
As artificial intelligence continues to impact industry and higher education, Elon University and the American Association of Colleges and Universities have released the first edition of a student guide to navigating college in the artificial intelligence era. The guide, titled “AI-U/v1.0,” was developed with the collaboration and review of faculty, scholars, academic leaders and students at universities around the world.
“I wonder if in 2054, on Opening Day, the community will be in awe of the direction that we set in 2024,” said Book. “Elon’s story of transformation and impact is a continuing one, unfolding through the work each of you do every day. Our future and our ability to rise and keep our mission vibrant depend on our ability to tell Elon’s story of student impact and transformation in a way that resonates with future students, alumni and stakeholders.”