Elon Day may aim to celebrate the university's 125th anniversary through reaching out to alumni for donations, but that's not how all students view the day.

Freshman Patrick Everett will not participate in Elon Day because he doesn't agree with the administration's decision of combining celebration with solicitation.

"You're here to get an education," Everett said. "You're not here to be sort of a pawn in their goals."

"I understand their need for alumni donations and I think that having an Elon birthday is a good idea," he added, "But I feel as though I as a student here am helping them advertise and helping them solicit money, when I feel like that's not my actual purpose here."

Everett tweeted at the @elonuniversity's twitter account voicing his opinion. He also met with Associate Director of Annual Giving Jeremy Allen, searching for clarification. He said he asked for reasons people should donate to the school but this didn't satisfy his curiosity.

"I believe that they weren't being very clear with me and they weren't giving me the answers I was looking for," Everett said.

Everett may believe that Elon Day is an excuse for the University to make money, but not all students feel that way.

Senior Jimmy Stevenson says he's proud to be an Elon Phoenix and hopes other students take pride in Elon Day.

"You know, take pride in where you are and what you're a part of," Stevenson said. "I'll certainly look to support my maroon and gold on Elon Day as many other days as well."

He sees Elon Day as a celebration of the school but recognizes the need for alumni donations.

"It's just another time to reach out to alumni and recognize such a special time for the University, the 125th anniversary, and couple that with making money to make continual strides," he said.

Everett will not wear maroon and gold on Elon Day, nor will he promote Elon on social media. He has a word of advice for students about the day too.

"Sort of read between the lines and see what exactly is going on and not just take everything for face value," Everett said.

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