This video event is a retirement tribute honoring Jerry R. Tolley for his 31 years of service excellence at Elon College (now Elon University) during his years as the football coach, a diplomat of the Rhodes Stadium Fundraising committee, and working in the Office of Advancement at Johnston Hall. Jerry R. Tolley came to Elon in 1967 with Football Coach Shirley S. (Red) Wilson and served as the Elon College Football Assistant for ten years. In 1977 Jerry R. Tolley was appointed to Elon’s Head Football Coach by J. Fred Young after Coach Shirley S. (Red) Wilson retired from Elon College. Coach Jerry Tolley took Elon College to the 1980 and 1981 NAIA Football National Championships. Jerry R. Tolley was challenged to increase Alumni support from 15% and he did so with a 46% increase. Joanie (Jerry’s wife) and Jerry R. Tolley’s success as parents to sons Jay and Justin. Nan Perkins speaks about working with Jerry R. Tolley in the Education department while Jo Watts Williams was the Dean of Education in Mooney Hall. Nan Perkins who was the Vice President of Advancement hired Jerry R. Tolley as the Director of Annual Giving with an annual giving total of $700,000.00 and Jerry doubled the annual giving in two or three years. Chuck Davis, Director of the “Ever Elon Campaign,” talks about Jerry’s vision and responsibility for Elon. Jerry R. Tolley thanks his former coaches, colleagues, and says he enjoys every day at Elon; and Jerry R. Tolley asks Joanie (his wife) a question, “Did you ever think in your wildest dreams of all the possibilities and accomplishments we achieved at Elon?” Joanie responded, “I have never been in your wildest dreams.” Jerry R. Tolley talks about how J. Earl Danieley interviewed him in 1967 along with J. Fred Young and Leo M. Lambert for the various Elon positions. James (Jim) Piatt, Jr. asks everyone to raise a glass and toast Jerry and Joanie Tolley. Some notable names include: James (Jim) Piatt, Jr, Jo Watts Williams, Alan White, Chuck Davis, Nan Perkins, Jerry Tolley, Joanie Tolley, Shirley S. (Red) Wilson, J. Earl Danieley, J. Fred Young, and Leo M. Lambert.
