Baltimore

Alumni gathered at Gin Mill for a networking social. More than 20 attendees enjoyed remarks from John Hill ’76, who shared best practices for networking in today’s professional climate.

Boston

“Our national networking day was a great success!” reports Meghan Cronen ’09, Boston Alumni Chapter president. The Boston event was hosted by Elon parent and trustee Dave Porter P’11 at the John Hancock Tower. More than 50 people attended, including special Elon guest John Barnhill ’92, assistant vice president for university advancement.

Charleston

Despite a last-minute venue change, says Charleston Chapter President Morgan Zech ’07, “our event had a great turnout!” Elon alumni from several eras working in varied professions were in attendance, she adds.

Charlotte

Eleven Elon graduates shared expertise from their specific industries at Charlotte’s networking event at Andrew Blair’s. Rick Snyder ’91, Mike Mooney ’93, Becky Farmer Crawford ’98, Jeff Bennett ’97, Al Riddick ’91, Tim Pacitto ’92, Rich Saner ’97, Rob Speir ’95, Vince Sumner ’96, Mark Turner ’92 and Lee Thomas ’91 led small-group discussions for attendees about communications, education, finance and banking, hospitality, real estate, and sales and marketing. Tom Brinkley, Elon’s new director of employer and foundation relations, attended to meet alumni and talk about new opportunities for career services at Elon.

Triangle

More than 60 Elon alumni and friends took part in the Triangle Alumni Chapter’s National Networking Day event. Keynote speaker Tim Moore ’78, owner of Dancing Elephants, Inc., focused on the importance of diversifying professional networks to achieve maximum success. Chapter Co-President Jeff Hendrick ’02 says “this event gave us the chance to connect alumni of all ages representing many different industries. It was a great success!”

Want to share photos of or thoughts on your city’s National Networking Day? Send an email to ksimonetti@elon.edu.

What led you to Cirque du Soleil?

I studied theatrical design and production at Elon, and apart from participating in several productions at the university, I took summer jobs working technical theater. My final goal was stage management, but I also took time to work as a general technician in lighting, carpentry and wardrobe. I’ve been a manager for Busch Gardens Europe (Williamsburg, Va.), the Heritage Theatre Festival (Charlottesville, Va.) and the kickoff gala for the Ever Elon Campaign.

What does a typical day for a stage manager look like?

We’re in charge of the coordination of technical and artistic elements on stage. With “Alegria,” most of our time is on the artistic side, as we work with a highly developed production team to take care of the technical details. A typical day for me will involve overseeing trainings (acrobatic rehearsals) onstage and the run of a show. We have 55 artists from 18 countries that all need to be aware of the details of the upcoming show. Everything that happens onstage, from an artist entrance to a prop movement, is called by one of the stage managers.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a stage manager?

Language! On tour, communication among different departments is fantastic, but when you work with the locals – people who do not travel with us but are hired from each city to assist loading the show in and out of a building – the conditions are different. I’ve learned the “point-and-smile” method, which isn’t always clear. Good humor and knowing how to say, at the very least, “thank you” in the local language are essential for accomplishing anything on-site or off.

What’s been your favorite part of your young career?

The simple fact that we tour and our environment is continually changing means that no two weeks, or even days, are similar. I think this ever-evolving adjustment is stimulating and might be what entices me most about working on tour. I have a passion to be in the arts, and it’s because there’s always something to do, to think about and to work on. Once one problem is resolved, the conditions or perspective changes, and there are four more obstacles to tackle.

By Sam Parker ’13

Following a Friday evening reception, President Leo M. Lambert kicked off a full day of meetings on Saturday that focused on how to support Elon’s alumni and on-campus LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, ally) communities, particularly in light of the university’s increasing focus on diversity.

“You are a valuable part of our alumni base,” he said, directing his comments to the more than 20 graduates who returned to campus to participate in the summit. “We count on you and care about you, and we thank you for caring about us.”

For many of the alumni who returned to campus, it marked the first time in years they had engaged in the life of the university.

“It’s been a thrill to be here and to share all weekend,” Lowry Sinclair ’65 said. “I’m proud to be a gay alumnus of Elon.”

Through several presentations, panel discussions and breakout sessions, the summit produced several programs and areas of emphasis they hope to see developed in the coming months and years. These include:

• founding and developing an LGBTQIA Alumni Affinity Network to provide professional development, health and wellness, and mentorship support for alumni and current students;
• offering events for the LGBTQ community at Homecoming, through partnerships with Alumni Association chapters and clubs as well as on-campus organizations, and more;
• fostering a spirit of philanthropy to support LGBTQ initiatives on campus, such as facility maintenance for the LGBTQ student center, scholarships, etc.;
• increasing visibility of the LGBTQIA Alumni Affinity Network through the Elon alumni website, an LGBTQIA alumni e-newsletter and The Magazine of Elon; and
• instituting an LGBTQIA Trailblazer Award to be awarded annually.

“It’s been a wonderful and inspiring day that’s reignited my passion for Elon,” Julie Messina ’99 said.

If you are interested in learning more about or getting involved in the LGBTQIA Alumni Affinity Network, please contact Durice White ’09, coordinator of alumni engagement for affinity programs, at dwhite15@elon.edu or (877) 784-3566.

The group aims to strengthen and support Elon’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and ally community by involving alumni more intentionally in the life of the campus. In its inaugural year, the LGBTQIA Alumni Network plans to hold several events, including a move-in weekend welcome for incoming students, a Homecoming Weekend reunion and a Lavender Graduation celebration in May for seniors.

Led by President Hillary Waugh Bruce ’08, the LGBTQIA Alumni Network leadership team includes:

• Vice President Lindsey Altvater ’09
• Communications Co-chairs Mary Kate Carpenter ’02 and Kiticia Kaye Hayes ’98
• Homecoming Co-chairs Lori Cuadrado ’05 and Rachel Della Valle ’05
• Career/Networking Co-chairs Chris Hood ’08 and John Pickett ’03
• Alumni and Student Outreach Co-chairs Matt Lardie and Julie Messina ’05
• Scholarship and Philanthropy Chair Brian O’Shea ’04
• Awards/Recognition Chair Darris Means ’05
• Faculty Liaison Kirsten Ringelberg, associate profesor of art history and coordinator of Elon’s LGBTQ Office

The committee will hold several meetings throughout the 2012-13 academic year to further develop its mission and recruit volunteers, and a Web presence within the Elon Alumni Association website will be created. If you are interested in working with the LGBTQIA Alumni Network, please contact Durice White ’09, assistant director of alumni engagement, at dwhite15@elon.edu or (877) 784-3566.

The Elon Alumni Association recognized four graduates for professional achievement, community service and contributions to Elon during an Oct. 20 ceremony in Whitley Auditorium.

Distinguished Alumnus of the Year: Christopher P. Martin ’78 P’13

One of New Jersey’s most prominent banking executives, Christopher P. Martin serves as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Provident Financial Services, Inc. and The Provident Bank., – the oldest state-chartered bank in New Jersey.

Martin, a proud alumnus of Elon’s chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity, graduated from Elon in 1978 with a degree in accounting and business and went on to work in inventory control and financial analysis with Johnson & Johnson. Upon completing a master’s degree at Monmouth University, Martin moved into the banking sector in 1984 with First Sentinel Bancorp. Over the next 20 years, he steadily earned promotions on the ladder of leadership and, after First Sentinel was purchased by Provident in 2003, Martin was asked to stay on as chief operating officer. In 2009, he became the organization’s chairman, president and CEO.

Dedicated to giving back to his community, Martin serves as president of The Provident Bank Foundation, which provides millions of dollars in grants to local agencies. He generously gives of his time and expertise to The 200 Club of Middlesex County, N.J.; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & MIddlesex Counties; local schools and food pantries; and many more worthy causes.

Equally devoted to Elon, Martin recently completed a term as president of the Elon Alumni Board, playing an instrumental in strengthening the university’s plan to build a vibrant network among Elon graduates worldwide. Martin and his wife, Nicolette, also have been longtime Elon benefactors. In 2010, they created the Martin Family Scholarship to benefit students with financial need and are members of several of Elon’s most prestigious philanthropic societies including the Order of the Oak, Aesculus Society and The Elon Society Founder’s Circle. The Martins’ son, Nicholas, is an Elon student in the Class of 2013.

Distinguished Alumna of the Year: A. Christine Baker G’88

Though A. Christine Baker attended NC State University as an 消消犯 student, Elon has long been part of her life. As a graduate student, faculty member, adviser and trustee, Christine has made a lasting impact on Elon while building an impressive career in the North Carolina banking industry.

Christine received her bachelor’s degree in accounting, cum laude, from NC State in May 1975. She worked as an auditor for two years before entering the banking sector with First Federal Savings and Loan Association. In 1985, she moved to Burlington, where she joined 1st State Bancorp, with which she would remain for 20 years. During this time, she earned her Master of Business Administration, summa cum laude, from Elon.

Christine joined the Martha & Spencer Love School of Business advisory board in 1995 and the university’s board of trustees in 2003. Since then, she has served in leadership roles for the board’s audit, business and finance, and investment committees, helping the board protect Elon’s financial stability during the recent economic downturn. As an executive-in-residence and adjunct faculty member since 2008, Christine has played a valuable role in the classroom supporting Elon’s top-50 消消犯 business program.

Passionate about giving back to the Alamance County community, Christine volunteers with Burlington Rotary, serves as an elder in Burlington’s First Presbyterian Church and sits on the boards of several local agencies. An equally generous Elon benefactor, Christine made an endowment gift in 2005 to name the north terrace of McMichael Science Center for her friend and mentor, C.A. “Mon” McIver ’36. In 2008, she created the Christine Baker Scholarship to benefit students with financial need. are members of several of Elon’s most prestigious philanthropic societies, including the Aesculus Society and The Elon Society’s Leadership Circle.

Young Alumnus of the Year: Michael G. Long ’04

When Michael Long graduated from Elon in 2004 with degrees in public administration and political science, he had his sights clearly set on Capitol Hill. Within three years, he was working in the Office of Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif).

At Elon, Michael’s aptitude for public service and applied inquiry was apparent, as he served as a student researcher in Elon’s Department of Public Administration, operations assistant for the Town of Elon, representative to the North Carolina Student Legislature and valuable member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Days after Commencement in 2004, Michael moved to Washington, D.C., where he took advantage of key opportunities to prepare himself for success as a congressional staffer. He worked as a legislative intern for Jefferson Government Relations LLC, research assistant for the Association of American Medical Colleges and associate with Metcalf Federal Relations.

In 2007, he accepted the offer to join Rep. Pelosi’s office shortly after she became Speaker of the House of Representatives. In 2011, when Pelosi transitioned to the role of Democratic Leader of the House, Michael joined her in his current role as deputy director of member services, where his duties include enhancing Rep. Pelosi’s outreach to the Congressional Black Caucus and the African-American community in her native California and nationwide. Recognizing Michael’s outstanding accomplishments and influence, Loop 21 named him one of Capitol Hill’s 40 under 40 Influential People of Color in 2012. Loop 21 is a national website that offers insight, resources and opinions on African-American issues.

Young Alumna of the Year: Alexandra E. Ellis ’05

For Alexandra Ellis, stardom on Broadway was never a question of “if.” It was “when.” At age 4, she visited New York City, took in a matinee of “Cats” and shortly afterward embarked on her remarkable dancing, singing and acting career.

By the time she considered which college she should attend, Alexandra was an acting veteran with more than 10 regional productions, a national tour and four national commercials to her credit. On the advice of a close family friend, she decided to attend Elon over a larger conservatory and thrived under the tutelage of Elon faculty including Cathy McNeela and Richard Gang. She also kept active outside the Center for the Arts, playing for Elon’s club soccer team and joining Elon’s Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority chapter. Immediately after graduating from Elon in 2005 with a degree in music theater, Alexandra captured the lead role in the national tour of the popular musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”

After a number of other opportunities, Alexandra’s Broadway dreams became reality when she was cast in the chorus of “Catch Me If You Can.” She partnered with fellow Elon alumna Amanda Taylor ’06 to star in a Web video series called “Diary of a Chorus Girl,” which followed Alexandra from the initial rehearsals of the show through press performances, photo shoots and opening night.

In early 2012, Alexandra took another major step in her performing career, appearing as Hannah in the Broadway production of “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever” alongside Harry Connick, Jr.
 

Need something to hold in the palms of your hands? 

Online registration is now available and will be open through Friday, Oct. 12. Note that certain events, including the Phoenix Club Golf Tournament, have registration deadlines prior to this date.

For questions, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at (877) 784-3566 or alumni@elon.edu. We can’t wait to see you back on campus!

“It was so exciting to see the success of last year and the response from our former student-athletes,” Cecil Worsley says. “It is so important to keep the funding up for our athletic programs so we can compete at the highest level. And as you know Elon is close to my heart.”

Throughout October, the Worsleys will match any gift of $50 or more made to the Phoenix Club by former student-athletes 2-to-1.

How It Works:

Make a gift of $50 or more to the Phoenix Club or designate a gift to a specific sport during the month of October and the Worsleys will match the gift 2-to-1. Qualifying gifts include cash, online gifts, recurring gifts and payments on any pledge made since June 1, 2012.

For example: When a student-athlete gives $50 to the Phoenix Club in October, the Worsleys will give $100. Give $500 and the Worsleys will give $1000.

Former Elon student-athletes can choose to make an unrestricted gift to the Phoenix Club to support student-athlete scholarships or designate their gift to a specific athletic program. Gifts of $50 or more qualify the donor for membership in the Phoenix Club and entitle the donor to appropriate benefits.

In 2011, the first year of the Worsley Match, more than 250 former student-athletes answered the challenge, making gifts that totaled more than $105,000. With the help of the Worsley Match, annual giving by former student-athletes to the Phoenix Club rose from 9 percent to 15 percent in 2011-12.

A former member of the golf team, Cecil Worsley has been a loyal supporter of Elon athletics for many years. In September 2009, Elon dedicated the W. Cecil Worsley III Golf Training Center on South 消消犯, funded through a generous gift from the Worsley family. The facility serves as the headquarters for both the men’s and women’s golf programs and includes an indoor practice area with hitting bays and a computerized swing analysis center as well as a putting area and players’ lounge.

The Worsleys are members of the Phoenix Club IMPACT Circle and The Elon Society Founder’s Circle. The couple resides in Wilmington, N.C., and their son, Cecil IV, is an Elon senior.

Interested in making a gift to Elon today?

Safrit, a music major while at Elon who hopes to pursue a career in songwriting when she returns to the United States next July, is

Another Elon alumnus, , the year after graduating.

Goss serves as director of operations for the engineering and information technology recruiting firm. In her role, she oversees the all the company’s training and development, human resources, legal, IT and logistics matters. On Wednesday, Goss returned to Elon to meet with representatives in the Student Professional Development Center and speak in Assistant Professor Michael Rodriguez’s upper-level sales and marketing classes.

“It’s giving back. Look at me, I’m 27 and I’m running a big part of a large company in Raleigh,” she says. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without my college experience at Elon.”

Two years ago, when began planning an on-campus recruiting program to find top young professionals, Goss suggested they take a look at Elon. Since then, The Select Group has become a strong supporter of Elon’s Chandler Family Professional Sales Center, and Goss returns to campus often to speak in classes, conduct interviews and attend meet-and-greet sessions with students.

“We’ve found some really great talent here,” Goss says of the Elon students she’s seen come through The Select Group’s doors.

She also lends her expertise to Elon student-athletes. A former Elon softball player, Goss returned to Elon a year ago to speak about how to use athletics experiences as key points of a strong professional pitch.

“There’s a lot to fish through after you graduate, and I feel like I can help these students be successful,” she says.

Interested in reconnecting with Elon and encouraging your company to do the same? Contact the Student Professional Development Center’s Office of Corporate and Employer Relations.

Freeman earned a spot in the Thursday, Sept. 20, episode after her live performance during the show’s stop in her hometown of Baltimore, Md. The show pairs up-and-coming musicians with star singers for 72 hours, and Freeman, an aspiring country music singer, worked with Big & Rich’s John Rich.

Now, Freeman will compete against other singers from Los Angeles, Chicago, Orlando and Dallas for a role in the show’s Los Angeles finale, where the winner will receive a recording deal with Atlantic Records.

Since graduating from Elon in 2006, Freeman has steadily built her profile in the country music world while working in marketing for Baltimore-based athletic apparel manufacturer Under Armour. She was discovered by scouts for “The NEXT.”

“The point is to find people who are already on the brink of stardom and give them the platform to get over the hump,” . “I’ve been booking my own shows, seeing my own manager and writing my own music, so (the talent scouts) recognized the hard work I’m doing and the show is helping me out by providing national exposure.”

During her time at Elon, Freeman was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and the co-ed a cappella group Twisted Measure. She’s hoping fellow alumni, faculty and staff, current students, parents and friends of Elon will help push her to the show’s finish. Voting begins at 10 p.m. ET Thursday on

Keep up with Freeman on , and .