Community members gathered in the William Bond Library on Friday, September 12, 2025, to honor Dorothy Powell Elkins, who announced her retirement from Webb this summer after an extraordinary 68 years of service to the School. The celebration drew approximately 100 guests, ranging from alumni and former colleagues to current and past parents, members of the Bell Buckle community, friends and family.

There to offer their reflections on her service were Director of Alumni and Development Jonathon Hawkins, Webb's 14th Head of School Polly Parker, and former faculty member L.R. Smith. In addition, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee wrote a letter commending Elkins for her lifetime of service to The Webb School.

Hawkins, the event's emcee, began by highlighting the remarkable length of Elkins’ tenure. “Dorothy began working at Webb in 1957 when Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, gas was just 24 cents a gallon and Elvis Presley had just released Jailhouse Rock. Dorothy has witnessed Webb’s growth through multiple heads of school, many generations of Board members, thousands of alumni and nearly seven decades of change. She is Webb’s longest-serving employee and the steady heart of this community.”

An asset—and what some may call "secret weapon"—within the Alumni and Development Office in recent years, Elkins is well known for encouraging alumni to "Get With It" and make their annual gifts. In her honor, the School announced its "Get With It and Give" campaign this August, raising more than $16,000 from over 125 gifts in two weeks—a testament to her tremendous impact on the School.

“Dorothy’s impact cannot be measured in numbers—it is written in the lives of students, colleagues and friends who have been blessed to know her,” said Hawkins in his closing remarks.

“I have heard story after story about Dorothy’s warmth, her strength and her remarkable ability to connect with people across generations," said Dr. Parker, adding, "To serve Webb for 68 years is more than a career—it is a true calling, and she has lived that calling with grace, persistence and love."

Throughout her tenure, Elkins worked in the Head of School, Business and Alumni and Development offices. Smith, also a longtime friend of Elkins, shared personal stories and words of gratitude, underscoring the deep relationships she's built. Elkins concluded the program with words of thanks, expressing her appreciation for the Webb community and lifelong relationships that have defined her career.