It may be Elon University’s 125th anniversary, but West Residence Hall is commemorating its own landmark this year.
Elon students, faculty and staff gathered in the West Hall Common Room for a formal celebration of the momentous occasion Nov. 14: the 108th birthday of West.
Many Elon students know West as the location for Convocation and Commencement, but this birthday party served as a lesson for those unaware of its significant history on Elon’s campus.
Monet Thomas, assistant director of Residence Life for the Historic Neighborhood, collaborated with Residence Life’s student workers to create an event that would showcase West, and from there, the birthday party was born.
“We wanted an event that helped students connect with living in the oldest place on campus,” Thomas said.
Though new to her position, Thomas is no stranger to Elon. She graduated from Elon in 2007 and served as a resident director for East Area from 2008 to 2010.
Thomas and her staff addressed approximately 700 invitations by hand to students, faculty and staff with ties to the Historic Neighborhood.
The party was a formal occasion and featured a short program in which members of Elon’s administration spoke.
Executive Vice President Gerry Francis was the first speaker, and he passionately discussed what Elon had accomplished during its 125 years. He also mentioned special initiatives Elon is participating in, such as its plan to plant 125 trees and the series of 25 trading cards distributed at College Coffee.
Smith Jackson, vice president for Student Life, spoke on the university’s plans to create a four-year living experience where students would be encouraged to utilize campus housing for their entire college career.
President Emeritus J. Earl Danieley, the final speaker, entertained the crowd with his personal knowledge of West. Danieley started by discussing the founding of Elon and spoke about past Elon presidents after whom many campus buildings are named, such as Emmett Leonidas Moffitt, William Allen Harper and Leon Edgar Smith.
Then, he began to reminisce on his days in West.
Though he didn’t live in West, a person very special to him did. According to Danieley, his then-girlfriend, Verona Annie Daniels, lived in West, and he would often sneak by after curfew to see her. Danieley pointed out places in the common room where they would meet.
“There wasn’t much power so of course I turned off the lights,” he said.
Danieley and Daniels were married in 1948 until her passing in 2011.
Through a variety of quirky stories, birthday party attendees learned a great deal about West and its history.
Freshman Doug Del Pizzo attended after receiving his invitation in the mail.
“I didn’t think it was going to be as nice as it was,” he said. “It was interesting to hear the history of the building.”
According to Thomas, the event was a success. She said she intends to host this event every year and also plans to create more events to showcase the rich history of the Historic Neighborhood on Elon’s campus.