Legalization has reshaped markets across North Carolina, and the sports betting landscape continues to evolve. Bockino, Squadron and Tobias impressed upon the audience that this wasn’t just a sports story, but it’s actually a business, data, and policy story, too. The panelists explored the industry’s economic impact, regulatory environment, and the growing role of data and analytics. They spoke about consumer trends and fan engagement and answered questions from the audience about the NCAA’s role in sports betting and how taxes on sports betting could be used to support community areas like K-12 public education.

“It’s always fun to talk about sports betting with people from a variety of industries,” Bockino said. “This is a growing industry that affects not only amateur and professional sports but education, finance, and tourism, and I appreciate the opportunity to connect with Charlotte’s leaders across all these sectors.”

“Sports betting is having a major impact and has a lot of elements that people don’t always see,” Squadron said. “Elon’s bringing together the Charlotte community to discuss it was a great opportunity to explore all the different pieces of this growing area.”

Elon University Charlotte will hold future  with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. Interested in learning more about sports betting? Bockino will release a book on the topic on Tuesday, June 2.

Attendees connected with members of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and Charlotte campus team members to learn more about Elon’s engagement with area non-profits.

Since Elon Charlotte was established in the fall of 2023, the campus has worked to learn about the needs of the Charlotte metro area and support the community through student volunteering and donation drives. Associate Director of Elon Charlotte Karen Neff, partners with Roof Above, a shelter for unhoused men, each semester, and arranges for Study USA Charlotte students to serve dinner there. Human Service Studies practicum students spent part of a winter term volunteering at Beds for Kids, Roof Above, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation and Gigi’s Playhouse, and heard from representatives from Abara: Beyond Borders and Wayfinders about their organizations.

This past winter, Lavette Shirley, assistant program director for physician assistant studies in Charlotte, led efforts to support the Charlotte Rescue Mission (CRM). CRM serves men and women at the intersection of homelessness and addiction. Elon donated two large bins of coats, clothing, toothpaste, lotion, soap, shampoo, menstrual pads and other toiletries to the women at this facility. The Women’s Law Association, an Elon law student organization, also collected women’s hygiene supplies to support Safe Alliance, a nonprofit agency providing hope and healing to those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Law students have also been active as volunteers in the community, supporting organizations such as the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, Legal Aid, the Mecklenburg Bar Foundation, the North Carolina Bar Foundation, the Mecklenburg Council of Elders and more.

Elena Kennedy, Elon’s faculty fellow for community-based learning, spoke to the group at the event and shared that last year the �þ��� community invested over 85,000 service hours in community organizations, about half of which were in the context of community-engaged courses.  Other �þ��� community members highlighted several opportunities for community organizations to engage with the campus, including partnering with classes, hosting interns, developing tailored lunch and learn sessions for professional development and participating in deliberative dialogues.

Learn more about the work of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. Alumni can stay informed of upcoming events in Charlotte through the alumni calendar.

�þ��� were fully immersed in their work and in the city. Skylar Cook ’28 took the LYNX Blue Line from her apartment in South End to Bank of America Tower in Uptown every morning. It was a big transition from walking to class on Elon’s main campus in Elon, North Carolina. This was also the first time that many of these students were responsible for their own meal planning, as they had no access to a dining hall. These lifestyle changes helped students experience what it would be like to live in Charlotte post-graduation.

“Through this program, I have been able to meet so many people in the sports industry that I would have never been able to meet at the main campus,” said Gabe Chapman ’27. “On top of that, being able to experience what life after college might look like has prepared me for the future.”

�þ��� made connections through their internships, but also through programming organized by Associate Director of Elon Charlotte Karen Neff. One of the student’s favorite opportunities was a private networking panel with staff members of the Hornets. These generous employees, such as Account Executive, Onell Gibson, helped students realize how small the sports industry actually is, and how important it is to maintain a good reputation.

“There is a lot of opportunity here, but you have to put 100% of your effort into it,” said Jack Gill, class of ‘27. “I’ve learned a lot about how I can better manage my time, even though I thought I was pretty good at it already. This program allows you to grow and contribute these skills to other aspects of your life.”

This program also offered students many chances to network with successful Elon alumni. Neff hosted three “Food for Thought: Alumni Insights” networking events. Each event took place over lunch, creating a more casual environment for students to converse with high-ranking alumni. Neff and Elon Charlotte Program Assistant Kaitlyn Hannan offered some guiding questions for discussion, but students were able to take charge of the conversation and really get to know the guests. �þ��� are also encouraged to deepen the connections made at these lunches through the “Take a Professional to Coffee” program, where Elon provides a student with a gift card for a local cafe, so they can take an alumnus or local professional out for coffee and conversation.

�þ��� celebrated the end of the semester with a different version of College Coffee, the weekly Elon tradition on the main campus. �þ���, their internship supervisors, and local alumni and professionals were invited to the event. While students were able to say goodbye and thank you to their internship supervisors, it was yet another chance to network with the other professionals present. Two students gave speeches about their internship experiences, highlighting all they had learned over the past four months. In her speech, Skylar Cook highlighted the importance of saying yes to new opportunities, even when it is intimidating.

When students sign up for the Study USA Charlotte program, they are not just signing up for a semester away from campus, but a truly immersive experience where expectations are high. �þ��� must juggle three classes, an internship, professional networking, and enrichment activities while staying on top of deadlines and maintaining strong communication. It is undoubtedly intense, but the opportunities for professional and personal growth make it all worth it.

Through generous donations, the grant supports students participating in registered, unpaid internships in the Charlotte metro region through the Study USA Charlotte program. Study USA programs combine coursework, internship experience, enrichment activities, engagement with alumni and industry professionals, and housing. The grant is available through Elon’s National �þ��� Programs in coordination with the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC).

Zach Smith interned with the American Cornhole League (ACL). Thanks to the Queen City Internship Grant, Smith said he “had the opportunity to explore my passion for sports media and identify the type of role I want to pursue after graduation. I am incredibly grateful for this experience and the support that made it possible.”

The internship and the Study USA Charlotte program allowed him to connect what he’s learned in his sport management and communications coursework to a real-world work environment.

“I built strong connections with my co-workers in the ACL office, whom I can count on to guide me and give helpful insight into the sports industry as I launch my career,” said Smith. One of his favorite projects during the internship was contributing to the ACL’s TikTok strategy, where he analyzed performance trends and helped develop creative highlight videos to reach younger audiences.

Skylar Cook’s internship at the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) “has been nothing short of incredible.” During her time at the ACC, she “made lifelong connections, gained invaluable experience, and learned a great deal about collegiate athletics.” She worked in the Game Day Operations Center on most weekends where she logged flags, fouls, timeouts and other game details for ACC football games. She also worked the ACC Tipoff, the basketball media day event for all 18 teams. During that event, she was the ACC representative for Dream on 3, an organization that gives special needs children memorable experiences in the sports world. She “showed the guests around the event and introduced them to legendary players and coaches.” She was also invited to go to Louisville, Kentucky, for the ACC Cross Country Championship. This type of exposure, visibility and first-hand experience was only possible through the Study USA Charlotte program.

Anthony Eppolito interned with NASCAR Studios where he got exclusive access to how professional sports media is planned, produced and delivered. Eppolito reflected on his experience saying that “working alongside producers, editors and coordinating staff has shown me how crews communicate under pressure, manage tight deadlines, and keep a project aligned with both creative goals and sponsor expectations.”

He sees the connection to what he’s learned in his courses at Elon, especially in areas like storytelling, brand integration, and event production. Eppolito said the experience has “strengthened my technical skills, given me confidence in a fast-paced professional environment, and helped me see a clear path toward a career in sports production. It also made Charlotte feel like a place where I can see myself living and working after graduation.”

At the Carolina Ascent, Gabe Chapman was part of sponsorship meetings, conducted research for new sponsors, worked on proof of performance, and broke down assets. The experience opened his eyes to the world of partnerships/sponsorships and now he is interested in exploring career opportunities in these areas. For Chapman, the grant “helped show that what I am doing isn’t going unnoticed and has impacted me in a great way.”

Ethan Berman also interned at the Carolina Ascent. He worked in several areas while focusing on the marketing department. He participated in marketing meetings, collaborated on engaging projects, and connected with great people who supported my professional growth. He also created a marketing schedule for both home and away games to help plan out the timing of all broadcast-related tasks. Berman said that the grant “showed me that my hard work is important and has helped me gain experience in the sports industry.”

Blake Mobley also worked in marketing during this internship. He interned with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and “gained an entirely new appreciation for the world of sports marketing.” This opportunity showed Mobley “what it truly takes to execute a high-level sporting event, especially championship events. Behind the scenes, there are countless moving parts and an entire team working in sync to make everything come together.”

Mobley reflected that strong attention to detail is critical.

“Whether it’s ensuring sponsorship and brand logos are positioned correctly for TV visibility, or dressing mannequins, so they look uniform and polished, the level of precision required is extremely high,” said Mobley.

Mobley has taken full advantage of the access and networking opportunities this experience provided.

“I’ve had the chance to meet coaches, players, SIDs, athletic directors, and even the Commissioner of the ACC; Dr. Jim Phillips knows who I am. Being allowed into meetings and rooms with leaders at this level is something I’ll always be grateful for,” Mobley said.

Applications for the fall 2026 Study USA Charlotte program are open until February 15.

The Elon Charlotte campus opened September 2023 and was renovated and expanded in 2024-25. The campus is the newest addition in the �þ��� National �þ��� portfolio.

In addition to the current �þ��� Study USA Charlotte programs offered each summer and fall, Elon’s graduate offerings continue to grow.

The Law Flex program began in Charlotte in fall 2024 and is now recruiting its third cohort of students. The program is part-time and in-person. The curriculum is highly experiential, and classes are taught by distinguished professors. The program has also surpassed its enrollment goals each year.

The new Physician Assistant program begins in Jan. 2027 at the Charlotte campus. The 24-month curriculum is designed to integrate medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and professional skill development. Applications will open the end of April 2026.

Alumni from a variety of years attended the Open House and kicked off their Homecoming weekend in Charlotte. Alumni can learn about all the upcoming events in the Queen City and around the country by checking out the alumni calendar.

The Charlotte campus will be hosting a its final College Coffee of 2025 on Friday, Dec. 12 from 10 -11 a.m.

The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with tours at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. The campus is located at 330 W. Tremont Ave. Free surface-level parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Paid street parking and garage parking at the Design Center (240 Doggett St.) is also available.

The Elon Charlotte campus opened in Sept. 2023 and was renovated and expanded in 2024-25 academic year.

by Monday, Oct. 6, at midnight.

Through generous donations, the grant supports students participating in registered, unpaid internships in the Charlotte metro region. The grant is available through Elon’s National �þ��� Programs in coordination with the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC). Elon opened its Charlotte campus in September 2023. The recipients were from a variety of majors including music production and recording arts, accounting, journalism, strategic communications, sports management, cinema and television arts, marketing, and finance.

Selena Babiiha ’26

Selena Babiiha ’26 worked as a studio intern at one of the most recognized studios in Uptown Charlotte, Platinum Plus Recording Studios. Babiiha used her grant funds to help pay for her transportation to and from her internship.

“As an international student, I was initially worried about how I would be able to commute in a new area without my car in the country,” said Babiha. “Navigation within Charlotte, especially to and from my workplace, has been made so much easier because of the grant. I have been able to cover transport costs in a situation where my internship has been unpaid.”

The internship at Platinum Plus taught her new “music creation, experimentation and branding skills” including “recording and editing audio sessions, assisting with client intake and scheduling, music production support, studio promotion and social media assistance, mixing and mastering assistance and studio maintenance through cleanliness and cable management for sessions.”

Tyler Strenk ’27

Tyler Strenk ’27 worked as a marketing intern with the American Cornhole League. Strenk gained hands-on experience in video editing, videography, and marketing, and he appreciated the chance to take on meaningful projects while collaborating with other interns.

“The internship has helped me strengthen my technical skills, build confidence, and learn about sports broadcasting and storytelling in a fast-paced, real-world environment,” said Strenk. “It’s been an incredibly valuable opportunity that’s helped clarify my interests and shape the next steps in my career path and I really appreciate the grant funds.”

Katie Strohl ’26

Katie Strohl ’26 interned with Special Olympics North Carolina, where she supported event planning, volunteer coordination and community engagement. She helped recruit and manage volunteers, plan large-scale events like Camp SOAR, and support athletes across Mecklenburg County.

“Every day, I’ve applied skills developed throughout my Elon coursework, such as organization, communication, and adaptability to real projects that made a direct impact on this organization,” said Strohl. “This experience has solidified my passion for event management and inclusive programming, and it has helped me see how I can turn that passion into a career. I now feel more confident in my professional abilities and inspired to pursue a future where I can combine my interests in hospitality, service and community development. I’m very grateful to the donors that made this all possible – it has meant the world to me.”

Garek Johnson ’26

Garek Johnson ’26 was a development intern at Make-A-Wish. The experience allowed him to get a better understanding of his preferred field of work, while also aligning him towards a future career post-graduation.

“My favorite part of the internship was hearing about the stories of children impacted by the work at Make-A-Wish,” said Johnson. “Hearing these stories inspired me to go above and beyond in all of my projects.”

Johnson said that the Study USA program allowed him to build connections with his peers from Elon. “I believe these connections are ones that will last through the years,” he said.”

Vinny Weinkam ’26

Vinny Weinkam ’26 also interned at Make-A-Wish. He learned about fundraising, Microsoft Excel, donor relations and more. He was tasked with creating a new invoice system for the Make-A-Wish team. He was able to dedicate time to this because of the grant he received.

“This has been one of the most fun summers ever,” said Weinkam. “The city of Charlotte has so many things to offer, and it really feels like home. I really do appreciate the opportunity I had and thank every donor that made this possible!”

Kaelyn Elien ’26

Kaelyn Elien ’26 had a busy summer interning with the Athletic Communications Department at Queens University.

“From writing player bios and conducting interviews to producing engaging content with platforms like Box Out and SIDEARM Sports, I’ve strengthened my storytelling skills while learning how to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment,” Elien said.

A highlight of her internship was writing a feature article on MLB draft pick Landry Jurecka, a unique and exciting opportunity that used her journalism training in a real-world setting.

For Elien, this internship clarified her career path and “gave me the confidence to move forward into my senior year with renewed passion and purpose. I am so appreciative of the donors whose support made this summer experience in Charlotte possible; it has truly been a transformative step toward my future.”

Lucy McAfee ’26

Lucy McAfee ’26 interned at the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) as a Student-Athlete Development intern. McAfee said she gained a better understanding of the student-athlete experience beyond competition, “learning about areas such as compliance, career development, and overall athlete support.”

She also explored current issues in college athletics, such as the House settlement and the SCORE Act, which sparked her interest in how legislation and policy impact college athletics. This internship has solidified her passion for working in collegiate athletics and she is excited to continue learning and contributing to this field.

Anna Hackett ’26

Lastly, Anna Hackett ’26 also interned at the ACC as a Strategic Communications intern. She had the opportunity to work in multiple sports, including women’s field hockey, swimming, basketball, soccer and men’s cross country. Her responsibilities included, using Adobe InDesign to update team profiles, statistics, and 2024–25 season accolades and she also had the privilege of supporting the planning and execution of the 2025 ACC Football Kickoff, coordinating social media content, graphics, and on-site operations for 68 ACC student-athletes and 17 coaches.

During the 2025 Football Kickoff in July, she was responsible for creating social media content featuring a student-athlete from each of the 17 ACC universities. The internship solidified her passion for pursuing a full-time career in sports communication following graduation.

“I am deeply grateful to the donors for their generosity in making this experience possible. I learned valuable lessons, gained real-world experience, and further developed my desire to work in sports communication—all of which would not have been possible without their support,” said Hackett.

Applications are currently open for the summer and fall 2026 Study USA Charlotte programs. �þ��� can apply through the Study USA website. �þ��� interested in the Study USA Charlotte programs are also encouraged to attend the upcoming Meet and  Greet or Mini Fair.

The Study USA Charlotte Meet and Greet is Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 3-5 p.m. in Irazu Coffee in Moseley Center. The Study USA Mini-Fair is Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 3-5 p.m. in McKinnon F in Moseley Center. All of the Study USA cities will be represented (CLT, LA, NY, DC) at the Mini Fair.

New 2025 graduates attended the event along with seasoned alumni who have been coming to DC Chapter events for years.

“Our annual student interns and alumni networking dinner has quickly become a chapter tradition,” said Kristen Burke ’18, president of the DC Alumni Chapter. “Each summer, it’s a joy to meet a new group of student interns who are eager to learn and connect. I hope that the students can picture themselves returning to DC as alumni and being a part of our community. Until then, I am grateful for the opportunity to foster meaningful relationships that can last well beyond the summer.”

Follow the chapter’s Instagram account @elonindc for updates. Stay on top of all future alumni events around the country, including the National �þ��� locations online.

The panelists from Wells Fargo Advisors, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Bank of America and Soto Law discussed investing, estate planning, smart budgeting and lifestyle choices. They disclosed personal anecdotes about their own finance journeys and shared smart, real-world strategies to help attendees plan for their future with intentionality and confidence.

“To all young professionals: Now is the time to take ownership of your financial future, whether it’s opening your first brokerage account, revisiting your budget, or drafting a will—every step counts,” said Nora Richmond, young professionals board chair for the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. “Start small, stay consistent and seek out trusted advisors and resources. Let’s build wealth with purpose and confidence!”

Grace Futterman, event coordinator for the Alliance, reflected on the event as well.

“It was energizing to see so many young professionals show up eager to learn and ask thoughtful questions,” said Futterman. “This event sparked important conversations about financial literacy and showed that our generation is ready to take charge of their future. We’re proud to create spaces where that kind of growth can happen.”

�þ��� Charlotte is an active member and investor in the �þ��� opened a campus in Charlotte fall of 2023. The inaugural Law Flex program began August 2024. The second cohort of law students will begin this August.

“Let’s Choose Less” is a lifestyle manual for moms seeking to simplify the world around them. Written by a stay-at-home mom raising four young children, the book chronicles the Michael family’s journey to de-clutter their home and calendar. It’s a unique parenting guide focused on practical solutions for reducing chaos and fostering a more intentional, peaceful life.

“It was a joy to connect with the incredible women of Elon and hear them share the heart behind Let’s Choose Less,” said Michael. “Their thoughtful questions and meaningful reflections reminded me how powerful it is to gather around conversations that inspire intentional living.”

Rachel Campbell ’13 says she has been a fan of Jenna’s work for years.

“When I saw she’d written a book, I knew I’d want to read it and share it with others,” said Campbell. “It feels special to be able to share the work of a fellow alumna with others in this same stage of life.”

Attendees received a signed copy of the book. Alumni interested in connecting with Michael can visit her website and find her on Instagram @purposeful__parenting. Learn more about her book