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ELON, N.C. – Longtime Elon University supporters Jeanne and Jerry Robertson of Burlington, N.C., have stepped up in a big way for Phoenix athletics once again. The couple has announced a $100,000 matching gift today for Elon Day, March 13.
 
The Robertson family will match all gifts to the Phoenix Club and Elon's 17 varsity sports 1:1 up to $100,000 today on Elon Day. For example, if you give $50 on Elon Day to the Phoenix club or an Elon team, the Robertson family will give $50. If $100 is given, the Robertson family will match it with $100.
 
To participate in the Join Jeanne match, please click here.
 
"Jeanne and Jerry's generosity over the years has provided opportunities for student-athletes to obtain a quality education and first-class experience at Elon University, and today's matching gift on Elon Day is another great example of that," said Director of Athletics Dave Blank. "The family tradition of athletics at Elon that exists in the Robertson family makes it even more meaningful for our student-athletes, who are able to pursue excellence both athletically and academically because of their generosity."
 
An Elon trustee since 2003, Jeanne and her husband, Jerry, have provided major gifts for facility projects at the university in addition to endowing multiple student-athlete scholarships and providing additional student-athlete scholarship support as Phoenix Club members. Two of the most steadfast Phoenix fans, the Robertsons are among Elon's most loyal and generous benefactors.
 
In 2010, the Robertsons made a lead gift for renovations to Elon's Alumni Gymnasium, where the university's basketball and volleyball teams compete. Their son, Bailey "Beaver" Bowline is a 1989 Elon graduate who played on the basketball team and their grandson, Ryder Bowline, graduated in 2017 and also played basketball for the Phoenix.
 
In 2014, the Robertsons provided a major gift for improvements to Elon's track and field facility, the Jerry and Jeanne Robertson Track and Field Complex. Renovations included a complete track replacement and additional lights for the eight-lane facility.
 
Jeanne is an award winning humorist and professional speaker with over 50 million views on her YouTube channel. Speaking to thousands of people annually, she utilizes her positively funny style to illustrate that a sense of humor is much more than a laughing matter.
 
Robertson has also been interviewed on CBS's long running show 60 Minutes and is often featured on Sirius XM Radio's Laugh USA family comedy channels. Jeanne's success as a humorist has not gone unnoticed by her peers. She has been awarded every top honor in her profession including the top award in professional speaking "The Cavett Award."  She is also a member of the Speakers Hall of Fame and recipient of Toastmasters International's Golden Gavel award. The North Carolina Press Association named Jeanne its 2001 North Carolinian of the Year. Most recently, he National Speakers Association honored Jeanne with its 2012 Master of Influence Award.
 
Visit Jeanne's website at JeanneRobertson.com for more information.