By Michael Abernethy, staff
July 9, 2025
Support for scholarships and experiential learning grew significantly in 2024-25, with alumni participation hitting all-time highs.
Elon University School of Law marked a record-breaking year for philanthropy and alumni engagement in 2024-25 — evidence of growing support for its mission to graduate practice-ready lawyers.
The yearlong effort to build support in student scholarships and experiential learning opportunities resulted in the highest level of giving since 2019.
Here are the numbers worth celebrating:
“This kind of momentum signals something big ahead,” Elon Law Dean Zak Kramer said. “Support from alumni, faculty, staff and friends fuels bold ideas — like expanding opportunities in Charlotte and deepening our impact in Greensboro as the premiere skills law school. At Elon Law, we help students make their dreams come true. It’s inspiring to see so many joining us in that mission.”
Throughout the year, Kramer and Assistant Dean Scott Leighty ’09 prioritized personal connections, meeting one-on-one with nearly 200 constituents. The law school also hosted regional events and virtual alumni updates that kept graduates informed and engaged.
Alumni gave to Elon Law for personal and professional reasons. Joseph De Mond L’21, now assistant city attorney of Carbondale, Illinois, said his support is rooted in gratitude for Dean Emeritus George Johnson’s teaching and inspiration.
“Elon scholarships helped me get to where I am now, and to me, Dean Johnson exemplified that duty to give back,” De Mond said. “I was privileged enough to take contracts with Dean Johnson and was truly moved by his dedication. As able, I hope to continue donating to support the great things Elon does for its students.”
“Knowing that others are invested in my journey has given me a renewed sense of motivation and purpose. It’s made a meaningful impact, not just financially, but in reminding me that hard work and commitment don’t go unnoticed.”
Kaytlyn Mullins L’25
The Elon Law community is thriving, thanks in large part to dedicated alumni and friends, said Leighty.
“We like to say that big things are happening at Elon Law. Indeed they are, especially in the alumni and philanthropy spaces,” Leighty said. “Elon Law alumni care deeply about this place and keep Elon Law a priority in their lives by connecting with us, opening doors for students and other alums, and giving generously to support the next generation of Elon lawyers. It’s special.”
Gifts to Elon Law have a direct impact on students and the opportunities available to them.
“Receiving a scholarship was a real encouragement during a demanding year of law school,” said Kaytlyn Mullins L’25, who completed her residency with Judge Julianna Theall Earp of the N.C. Business Court, served as a teaching assistant for Vice Dean Alan Woodlief’s torts class, and is interning at Baker Donelson in Atlanta this summer.
“Knowing that others are invested in my journey has given me a renewed sense of motivation and purpose. It’s made a meaningful impact, not just financially, but in reminding me that hard work and commitment don’t go unnoticed.”
Scholarship support empowers students like Darci Sharpe L’25 to make the most of their Elon Law experience.
“My scholarship gave me the financial freedom to devote my time fully to my studies instead of worrying about my finances or a part-time job,” Sharpe said. “This freedom has allowed me to pursue extra-curricular activities, such as moot court and the Elon Law Review, that have been important to my growth as a law student and future lawyer but would not have been possible otherwise.”
Alumni Philanthropy
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People in this article:
Zak Kramer
Dean and Professor of Law
Scott Leighty
Assistant Dean for Development & Alumni Relations – Elon School of Law
Support for scholarships and experiential learning grew significantly in 2024-25, with alumni participation hitting all-time highs.
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