Elon, N.C. – The Elon University Department of Athletics mourns the passing of Robert "Clay" Hassard '85, G'89, P'18, who passed away Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 at the age of 62.
 
A 1985 Elon graduate, Hassard spent 36 years in the Department of Athletics, retiring in 2022 as the Senior Associate Director of Athletics. He had a deep dedication to the personal development and holistic success of student-athletes.
 
Over many years, he was Elon's chief athletics compliance officer, overseeing NCAA regulations and ensuring that administrators, coaches and student-athletes maintained the highest standards of integrity.
 
As an offensive lineman for the Elon football program, Hassard earned All-South Atlantic Conference and Academic All-American distinction. He went on to spent five seasons on the Elon football staff as an assistant coach while earning his MBA in 1989. He became part of the department's administrative staff in 1990 and was promoted to associate director of athletics in 1995.
 
Clay and his wife Elizabeth are the parents of two daughters – Allison and Claire.
 
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Feb. 19 at the First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, located at 617 North Elm Street. A reception will follow in the Virginia Gilmer Room at the church. Cards can be sent to the family at 303 Ridgeway Dr., Greensboro, N.C. 27403.
 
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Phoenix Club by CLICKING HERE.