After receiving a call from Elon President Connie Book informing him the university would be dedicating a building in the Global Neighborhood to him, Senior Vice President Emeritus Gerald Whittington was at a loss for words. Whittington said he was further shocked to hear he would also receive the Elon Medallion, a testament to his dedication of advancing Elon as an institution throughout his 32-year career.
At the dedication ceremony March 6, Book credited Whittington for developing Elon’s campus, noting several buildings he helped fund and create, such as the Moseley Center, Koury Business Center, Lakeside Dining Hall and Global Neighborhood.
The Elon Medallion is Elon’s highest award and is granted to faculty, staff, trustees or alums who have demonstrated meritorious service to the university, Jim Piatt, senior vice president for university advancement and external affairs, said.
While at Elon, Whittington worked under President Emeritus J. Fred Young and Leo Lambert and President Book. He also served as senior vice president for business, finance and technology, and he later served as corporate treasurer of the board of trustees and corporation. President Emeritus Leo Lambert said Whittington exemplified what a great leader is and helped advance the university by saying “yes” to new ideas.
“Leadership is a team sport,” Lambert said. “Gerald personified that idea. Too many CFOs in this country hide under their green eye shades and say, ‘No’ a lot. Gerald, in contrast, helped his colleagues get things done.”
To conclude his speech at the medallion ceremony, Whittington gave a message to Elon.
“In my view, Elon is the antidote to this world of crisis. So Elon, take courage, be that leader, and make true the slogan of ‘Long Live Elon,’” Whittington said.