With food, live music, and memories, the Snow Family Grand Atrium in Schar Hall served as the site of the School of Communications’ 25th anniversary. 

School of Communications Dean T. Kenn Gaither, introduced the event and extended a warm welcome and congratulations to Asha Michelle Wilson '13 with the school's Alumna of the Year Award. Wilson said she was surprised when she found out she won the award, and thought it was an Elon marketing email. 

“I haven't actually been back to campus since graduation, so it's been 12 years since I've been back,” Wilson said. “I've done a lot of Elon panels in L.A. and coming back and being here for the 25th anniversary of the comm school and seeing everybody has been amazing.”

Wilson has served as a showrunner, co-executive producer, and writer for American animated sitcoms The Great North and Archer, and American horror anthology television series American Horror Story. She said the Elon School of Communications has given her a good idea of what to do in the television industry. 

“I was able to hone my skills as a writer and work with some incredible professors who really expanded my viewpoints and film and television, and writing, and I'm so grateful for that,” Wilson said. 

Former Dean of the School of Communications Paul Parsons spoke about the school’s history and accreditation. Parsons said the school first focused on ways to be of better quality for students.  

“We lowered class sizes, required an internship for all students, hired faculty with significant professional experience,” Parsons said. “In time, we became nationally accredited as one of 18 private universities in the nation.”

Gaither reflected on the growth of the school and explained how it prepares students to be exemplary communicators with a commitment to the public good in a diverse, interactive, and global age.

“Our work is preparing students,” Gaither said. “They come first, always, and those students become alumni.” 

Gaither also thanked the alumni in attendance for how much they give back.

“Your tutelage and mentorship of our students, and your commitment to hiring Elon grads for jobs and internships, in many ways, you are now our teachers, and we are proud to celebrate our silver jubilee with you,” Gaither said.