The event will take place on Wednesday, April 16, at the Chicago History Museum. A reception including a hosted bar and hors d’oeuvres will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a program featuring remarks by President Connie Ledoux Book.

Evening for Elon in Chicago with President Connie L. Book
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
6:30 p.m. Hosted reception with hors d’oeuvres
7:30 p.m. Program with remarks by President Book
8:00 p.m. Dessert reception

Chicago History Museum
Robinson Gallery
1601 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614

Business attire
Cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres

Register at  or contact advancement@elon.edu.

Ryan Kupperman ’25 can rest now that the 2024 Democratic National Convention has concluded.

While reporting this week in Chicago, the Elon journalism major worked at a frenetic pace alongside fellow Elon News Network reporters Erin Martin ’25 and Abby Gravely ’27, covering the news and happenings of the Democratic Party’s four-day gathering. The event featured delegates, party leaders, politicians and activists from across the country, and culminated Aug. 22 with Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepting the Democratic presidential nomination.

According to Kupperman, the trio began their coverage around sunrise each day and worked until 2 or 3 a.m. – an hour later in Elon – to publish the content they compiled. This became their weeklong routine, which Kupperman came to enjoy.

“There’s so much to do, but the work feels so rewarding. And there’s a constant flow of adrenaline and jitters keeping us going,” ENN’s managing editor said. “Long, jam-packed days, but there were so many cool, rewarding experiences, too. The mix of coffee and opportunities had me almost constantly shaking in excitement – almost vibrating.”

During the convention, the student journalists remotely published articles addressing , , and .

While Chicago might be 11 hours northwest of Elon’s campus, the convention’s news is certainly relevant to the campus community – and the larger Alamance County community – heading into November’s election.

“It is important for ENN and journalism students to be at major national events so that we can ask the questions that our audience cares about, inquire about the issues impacting North Carolinians and students,” said Martin, ENN’s design chief. “Getting the access to go to these major events and talk to political leaders and voting delegates gives us the opportunity to serve our audience and help prepare our local community to make informed decisions this November.”

The computer science major found the convention’s mood to be “inspiring,” noting the energy surrounding the party’s shift toward a new era with Harris at the forefront. The experience definitely left an impression.

“Getting to hear politicians and delegates, as well as celebrities, talk about the changes they want to see in America and the issues that are important to them has been really powerful,” Martin added. “Getting to hear from women who have struggled with fertility and who opened up about their struggles to advocate for reproductive rights. Getting to hear from the people who firsthand have been impacted by legislation and are so passionate about these issues and are willing to have difficult conversations. It was unlike any other atmosphere I have been in before.”

While Kupperman has experience covering political events, including President Biden’s visit to Greensboro, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson campaigning in Altamahaw, and a general local election, the magnitude of the convention certainly stood out.

Taking a moment to reflect, the senior recalled how moving it was to hear from Michelle and Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Senator Bernie Sanders, as well as cultural influencers like Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder and Kenan Thompson.

Kupperman also spoke with Iain Armitage, the lead actor from the CBS hit “Young Sheldon,” who was in Chicago advocating for issues important to the arts and entertainment community.

“I can’t compare the convention to anything I’ve experienced,” Kupperman said. “The mood is one of passion, perseverance, and grit – as I have read the RNC was as well.”

To work the convention, Gravely and Martin flew in Monday morning, while Kupperman took the train into the city from his home in the Chicago suburbs. After dropping off their bags at their hotel, they went straight to McCormick Place via a shuttle to begin their coverage. The trio also reported from the pro-Palestinian protests in Union Park and made their way to the United Center, which had daily programming.

Coincidentally, Kupperman’s family has a history covering political events. Harvey Wittenberg, Ryan Kupperman’s grandfather, reported on the infamous 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago for WLS radio. The Daily Herald highlighted with family with a short article, titled “”

Like his grandfather, Kupperman leaves the convention with plenty of memories – and sense of accomplishment. The ENN trio, he said, took pride in working on their own in one of the biggest cities in the world, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with professional journalists from ABC News, AP News, the New York Times, and so many others.

“Getting to problem-solve on our own, see the coverage that professional news outlets provide, and using what we’ve learned in the classroom and in the newsroom to provide our own versions has felt so incredibly rewarding,” Kupperman said. “Being able to work on the fly each day, learn from our mistakes, and try to improve each day have quite possibly been the most rewarding moments of my career thus far.”

Additionally, he said he cherished the opportunity to provide relevant political news coverage for ENN’s college-aged audience, as well as the communities in Alamance County.

“Us being here feels like we’re giving Elon and Alamance a seat at the national table,” Kupperman said.

Elon representation at DNC

Elon News Network wasn’t the only Elon connection in Chicago covering the convention.

, a news reporter for Charlotte’s WSOC-TV, and photojournalists Al Drago ’15 and were also on hand to chronicle the super-sized political event. In fact, Drago – shooting for Bloomberg News – helped Martin obtain loaner gear from Canon.

Drago commended Kupperman, Martin and Gravely for seeking ways to better inform Elon’s community, even if it meant venturing far from campus. It reminded the alumnus of when he covered 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte when he was a sophomore, driving down after class each day. at The Pendulum’s cover on Sept. 5, 2012.

“The best way for a student journalist to gain experience is by working in the real world and covering stories big and small,” Drago said. “One of my favorite parts about my time at Elon was getting real-world, professional experience as a student.”

Thursday, Sept. 19
5:30-8 p.m.
Headquarters
213 W Institute Pl
Chicago, IL 60610

Join fellow alumni and friends to welcome new alumni to the area! We will be providing appetizers and Elon swag. All alumni, guests and friends are welcome.

Please contact alumni@elon.edu with any questions.

Follow the registration link below to purchase a ticket to the game. We hope to see you there! 

Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Date: Wednesday, May 22

Time: Game starts at 7:05 p.m.

Location: Wrigley Field, Section 203, Rows 16-17

Address: 1060 W Addison St. Chicago, IL 60613

Tickets: $10 per person, over 50% off original price 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Joe Ward, Senior Coordinator of Regional Alumni Engagement, at jward18@elon.edu !

Adler Planetarium, America’s first planetarium, served as the venue and provided a stunning backdrop for President Connie Ledoux Book’s remarks about the Elon LEADS Campaign.

The event honored the past and celebrated the future of 51±¬ÁĎÍř, as Vice President for University Advancement Jim Piatt discussed Elon’s founding and how leadership has propelled the university forward through its history.  

"Elon was a different place 75 years ago, but what our community valued then has remained today," said President Book, following the theme of the night. "Elon is a place where students and alumni see beyond their own needs, a place with people who do the hard work with passion and compassion, a place where we uplift one another and a place where you learn to do what you can to support others."

Through Elon LEADS, donors will build on Elon’s position as a leader in higher education by investing in graduates the world needs, engaged learning, mentors who matter and the university’s iconic learning environment.

​President Book took a moment during her remarks to thank attendees Bill and Kristy Woolfolk P'17 for making a campaign commitment to establish an endowed scholarship for study abroad. Their generosity will provide opportunities for many Elon students who wish to become global citizens and immerse themselves in experiences abroad. 

“With a goal of raising $250 million, the Elon LEADS Campaign is the most ambitious campaign in our history,” said Brian Feeley ’03, senior director of alumni engagement and annual giving. “Attending these events with the Elon community assures me that our alumni, parents and friends are passionate about supporting the future of 51±¬ÁĎÍř.”

 about the campaign and experience Elon LEADS at an event near you.

Dates and locations include:

• Elon LEADS in Los Angeles
  June 12, 2019
   
• Elon LEADS in New York
  Sept. 5, 2019
   
• Elon LEADS in Washington D.C.
  Sept. 18, 2019
   
• Elon LEADS in Boston
  Oct. 2, 2019
   
• Elon LEADS in Charlotte
  Oct. 17, 2019
   
• Elon LEADS in Raleigh
  Dec. 4, 2019

​Through the campaign, donors will build on Elon’s position as a leader in higher education by investing in graduates the world needs, engaged learning, mentors who matter and the university’s iconic learning environment.

The event will take place on Wednesday, April 10 at Adler Planetarium. A reception including a hosted bar and hors d’oeuvres will begin at 6:30 p.m., immediately followed by a program featuring special remarks by President Connie Ledoux Book and guests. 

Elon LEADS in Chicago
A celebration of leadership and philanthropy with President Connie Ledoux Book

Wednesday, April 10, 2019
6:30 p.m. Reception
7:30 p.m. Remarks by President Book

​Adler Planetarium
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60605

Business attire
Cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres

Those who have not RSVP’d to the event are welcome to attend, please email jhollis@elon.edu for more information.

Contact the Office of Alumni Engagement with any questions: alumni@elon.edu or 336-278-7500

The Elon alumni group led a family activity program, helped with holiday-themed crafts, and donated necessary arts and crafts supplies. During their visit, the group received a tour of the facilities. Under the alumni leadership of Hattie Hoskins ’16, who is a Chicago chapter board member, the outing was a success to the Ronald McDonald House and the children.

Alumni of all generations are encouraged to attend as we kick off a new year of chapter events. Family, friends and guests are welcome to join. Free food and Elon gear will be available at all events. This is an opportunity to connect with other local Elon graduates and hear from chapter leaders about what is in store for the upcoming year.

Learn more and register for your chapter’s event by clicking the name of your city below: 
 

Alumni chapters in Alamance County, the Triad (Greensboro), Richmond, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. hosted events in mid-August. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@elon.edu or (336) 278-7500.

The Chicago Alumni Chapter will host an #ElonDay Party as part of this global celebration. 

Chicago Alumni Chapter #ElonDay Party
Tuesday, March 7, 5:30 p.m.
Ceres Cafe
141 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604

Please contact Jennifer Boozer, assistant director of regional alumni engagement, at (336) 278-7443 or jboozer@elon.edu with any questions. To learn more about #ElonDay, visit .

The Chicago Alumni Chapter will host an #ElonDay Party as part of this global celebration. 

Chicago Alumni Chapter #ElonDay Party
Tuesday, March 8, 5:30 p.m.
Bull & Bear
431 N Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60654

Please contact Jennifer Boozer, assistant director of regional alumni engagement, at (336) 278-7443 or jboozer@elon.edu with any questions. To learn more about #ElonDay, visit .