Elon University's fundraising campai gn, Ever Elon, has surpassed the original goal of $100 million, though funds will still be collected through Dec. 31.

At Rally Elon, a Friday night presentation at Rhodes Stadium for students, faculty and alumni, President Leo Lambert announced that more than $105 million has been collected so far.

"We thank each and every one for your commitment to the school and the difference you've made here has shaped this university," Lambert said.

The ceremony, which concluded with a fireworks display, included brief remarks by those impacted by the goals of the campaign, which include student scholarships, faculty development, new facilities and annual giving.

Senior Andrew Somers, recipient of a scholarship, shared his experiences at Elon, including study abroad trips and opportunities for leadership.

"It's not just a financial gift, it was a door opened and it changed my life," he said.

 

George Johnson, dean of the School of Law, addressed the creation of three professorships at the Law School, while Alison Morrison-Shetlar, dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, and Matthew Matheny, men's head basketball coach, spoke to the creation of new facilities, including Lindner Hall and Alumni Field House.

Senior Nicole Morillo shared her experiences as a student who, in high school, was discouraged from applying to a private institution such as Elon. As a recipient of a scholarship to attend the university, she said she discovered her passion of encouraging other underrepresented students to go to college.

"It not only gave me the gift of education, it opened up a world of opportunity," she said. "I hope to one day provide a similar opportunity to students."

Publicly launched in 2008, the Ever Elon campaign was an ambitious project to introduce during one of the worst recessions in the country's history, according to Allen Gant, chair of the Board of Trustees.

"What we need is more Elon graduates," Lambert said.

According to Lambert, the university has seen firsthand the power of philanthropy to share the direction of the university.

"We have great ambition as a university and together we are going to realize each and every one of them," Lambert said. "We are going to take this university to where it belongs – to the national stage"