The upcoming conclusion of Ever Elon is set to go out with a bang at Rally Elon, an event scheduled during Homecoming to mark the completion of the Uiversity's fundraising campaign.
The event, set for 8:15 p.m. Oct. 21 at Rhodes Stadium, will include free food, music, personal stories from members of the university community and will end with fireworks.
"This event is like a bookend," said Chuck Davis, director of the campaign. "We went public (with Ever Elon) in October 2008 in tough economic times and we're concluding in an equally trying financial time. The event is university-wide to celebrate the historic achievement in the life of the university."
While the event is intended for everyone involved at Elon, including current students, Davis said he questions their grasp of the campaign.
"I hope students will understand, but I don't know if they do," he said. "The responsibility for maintaining this institution lies on the backs of the students currently here."
While Davis said he will not reveal the exact amount raised in the campaign, Rally Elon will include an announcement from President Leo Lambert regarding the progress. Donations will still be collected for the campaign through December.
"One takeaway in Ever Elon has been the power of private philanthropy to move an institution forward," Davis said. "It has opened doors to kids who couldn't be here otherwise."
The decision to hold the event on campus and during Homecoming activities was an intentional one, Davis said. Because of the support of alumni, the university wanted the event to be at a time when all members of the campus could participate. And while the university has also aimed to create a "homespun" feel to the campaign through the locations of its event, Davis said, Rhodes Stadium holds particular significance.
"This year marks the 10th anniversary of Rhodes," he said. "It was a gift to make sure Elon had a world-class stadium and built in great part thanks to private philanthropy."
The Ever Elon campaign went public in 2008 with an announcement by Lambert charging the university to raise $100 million. As of September of last year, Elon had roughly 21 percent more to raise.