Doherty Center

Ed Doherty, founder of Doherty Enterprises and Elon trustee, urged Innovation Scholars on April 3 to “wow every guest” and put people first for lasting franchise success.

From the Black Student Union to the Student Government Association, several Elon University student leaders recently shared reflections on the Division of Inclusive Excellence’s framework for making campus a welcoming place for all people.

Dave Porter P’11 P’19, owner and managing partner of one of Massachusetts’ oldest and largest financial planning firms, will receive the 2025 Elon University Medal for Entrepreneurial Leadership in recognition of his contributions to the profession and his philanthropic philosophy of “doing well by doing good.”

Ryan Vet’s new book “Speak Goodr: Confessions of a Professional Speaker on Mastering Public Speaking and Getting Paid to Speak” blends humor and personal anecdotes to offer a fresh take on public speaking, drawing from his experiences as an international speaker.

Randy Garcia ’04, founder of the popular Viva Chicken fast-casual dining chain, delivered the 2025 C. Ashton Newhall Endowed Lecture to a campus audience reminded that “you never know which part of your education will be crucial down the road.”

Dina Rousset P’25 will lead and grow an Elon University center that encourages creative and design thinking, opportunity recognition, and plan formulation and implementation.

Elon alumnus Randy Garcia ’04, founder of Garcia Hospitality, will speak with the community on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Elon alumna Diamond Monroe ’24, who impressed Shark Tank’s Daymond John during Fall 2023 Convocation, is now competing in the Entrepreneur of Impact contest.

Jim Rooney, CEO of Pretium Packaging, emphasized the importance of people, culture and innovation in business success during his talk at Elon’s Martha and Spencer Love School of Business School.

Shriya Baru '25, an Elon student and small business owner, enjoys promoting Indian culture through her fashion fusion brand.