Dan Anderson

Elon trustee Jeanne Robertson, a nationally renowned speaker with a reputation for her family-friendly and engaging humor, has signed an agreement with Comedy String Entertainment and Outback Concerts in Nashville for a 20-city tour in 2011. While the veteran speaker has a long history of success in speaking to groups and organizations, this will be her first solo comedy tour, as she performs in theaters across the country.

Elon University President Leo M. Lambert opened the annual planning week by focusing on the goals of The Elon Commitment strategic plan. "At the dawn of a new decade and this new strategic plan, I ask you to continue to give serious thought to how your program, department, or division and each of you personally will take ownership of the idea of leading Elon to national prominence," Lambert said in addressing faculty and staff who were assembled in McCrary Theatre.

EdTech, a magazine focused on technology applications in education, features Elon University in its September/October edition. The article, titled "Building the Smarter Classroom," says that Elon is "taking instructional technology to the next level," with "pioneering collaborative classrooms and teaching students real-world skills."

Elon University faculty and academic programs earned numerous top national honors in the 2011 “America’s Best Colleges” rankings released Aug. 17 by US News & World Report. In the magazine's "Focused on Their Undergrads" ranking, Elon is named the #1 Southern University and among the top 86 colleges and universities in the nation "where the faculty has an unusual commitment to undergraduate teaching," as measured in a survey of college presidents, provosts and admissions deans.

Bobby Morris, automotive maintenance assistant at Elon more than eight years, died Aug. 23. For the past three years, he had been handling automotive duties along with driving Elon shuttle buses for special events and field trips. Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, Aug. 27 from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at McClure Funeral Home, 1030 South Main Street, Graham, N.C. The funeral service will be held at McClure Funeral Home at 7 p.m. following visitation hours.

Elon's residence halls open for new student move-in day beginning at 8 a.m., Aug. 27. If you live more than four hours from campus, check-In begins at 8 a.m. If you live less than four hours from campus, check-In begins at 10 a.m. Orientation Staff will be available to assist you with parking and unloading. Your cooperation in using the following directions and designated parking areas will help Move-In Day run smoothly. Traffic congestion may become an issue with over 1,400 new families entering the campus at once. Read this note for details.

Almost 1,000 fans have joined the Elon Facebook page since May 1. They're seeing updates on Elon news and making great connections. Help Elon reach 10,000 fans by clicking the "Like" button and becoming a Fan today. See the link below.

Elon University’s 40th Sports Hall of Fame class, which will be inducted at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 11, includes football player Lamar Adams, football player Whitney Bradham and men’s tennis player Robert Eskilsson.