The Elon University Triangle Alumni Chapter (ETAC) is a volunteer organization that provides community involvement, fellowship, leadership, networking, and more on behalf of the large body of Elon University alumni that reside in the Triangle metropolitan area. With more than 2,000 alumni in the greater Triangle region, the chapter is the largest and most active chapter in North Carolina and ranks as second largest in the United States (only the Washington, DC chapter serves a larger constituency).
The Triangle chapter stages nearly a dozen events each year for area alumni, parents and friends of the University. Programs includes a diverse mix of networking mixers, family-friendly social events, community service activities, and fan gatherings to watch Elon compete against local athletic teams at UNC, NCSU and Duke.
The chapter was first established in the early 1980s when Director of Alumni & Parent Relations King White organized a local alumni steering committee chaired by Tim Moore. Among the members of the original alumni committee were Linda Moore, Sandy and Noel Allen, Carl Woods, Jodie Luke, Fil Stidham, Tommy Dodd, and former Raleigh Mayor Isabella W. Cannon. Subsequent chapter presidents were Jodie Luke, Fil Stidham, and Leanne Strittmatter. For several years the group organized two or more major alumni gatherings each year; events included a concert by the college musical group The Emanons held at the Capital City Club, a dance at Durham's Hope Valley Country Club, outings to watch the Durham Bulls at the old Durham Athletic Park, a comedy show at Charlie Goodnight's Comedy Club in Raleigh, and several ice hockey matches to see the Icecaps play on home ice at Dorton Arena at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.
Institutional support for Elon's regional alumni groups waned during the mid-1990s. The Triangle chapter, then capably led by Leanne Strittmatter, continued to operate but only with negligible institutional support. By the late 1990s, the chapter became dormant altogether.
In 2003, a local group of graduates met in downtown Raleigh on several occasions specifically to re-establish the alumni.chapter. Original committee members included Ray Beck, Lisa Smithdeal, Amy and Jay Hendrickson, Natalie & Walt Lotspeich, and King White. As a way to instill perspectives that would enhance success, former chapter presidents Tim Moore, Jodie Luke, Fil Stidham and Leeanne Strittmatter Graham were added to the group later. Beck served as the first chapter president; subsequent chapter presidents were Walt Lotspeich, Lisa Smithdeal, and Brenda Fletcher.
During the early 2000s, the chapter created two signature events: the annual Kentucky Derby Day party at Angus Barn's Wild Turkey Lounge and an annual Groundhog Day party (held at various downtown Raleigh venues, including Hi5, Draft Raleigh, and Solas Rooftop).
Other popular events include National Networking Day (later dubbed 'Professional Pathways'), meetups at Carolina Hurricanes games, pregame events before Duke, NCSU and UNC basketball games, and numerous service project outings.
In September 2009, the exclusive Hayes Barton neighborhood of Raleigh was the setting for a memorable Triangle Alumni Chapter event held at Tatton Hall. The event hosted by alumna Allison Huddle Smith and husband, Alton provided a unique opportunity for alumni and friends of Elon University to see one of Raleigh's finest homes.
Over the years, many graduates of all eras have served terms on the chapter's Board, and chapter leadership welcomes participation by alumni from every academic discipline including graduates of Elon University's various graduate schools..
For more information about the Elon Triangle Alumni Chapter:
Twitter: @ElonInTriangle
Facebook: ElonInTriangle
Email: elontrianglealumni@gmail.com