Emergency and Crisis Response

• As a reminder, Campus Safety & Police will operate as normal, 24-hours per day, and can be reached at 336-278-5555.聽 They can also assist with connections to the Student Life on-call administrators, who are available 24/7 throughout the summer.
• SAFEline is always available at 336-278-3333 for confidential support with sexual and relationship violence response 鈥� it can also be a confidential resource to access on-call violence responders.
• For urgent mental health needs, the Counselor On-Call is available at 336-278-2222.
• For any life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.

TimelyCare Virtual Medical and Mental Health Care 鈥� available all summer

• Telemedicine and telemental health services through TimelyCare will be available to all Elon students, regardless of whether they are enrolled in summer classes, as long as they are in the United States.
• Information is available on the TimelyCare page of the Division of Student Life website, and can also be accessed through the appointments pages of the Counseling Services and Student Health Services websites.

Campus services available during Summer Break

Below are the hours for student service operations during Summer Break.

Belk Library

• Belk Library will be open 8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, through Thursday, May 28.
• Summer hours begin Saturday, June 1, and are as follows:
  • Mondays – Thursdays: 8 a.m.聽 鈥� 9 p.m.
  • Fridays: 8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Saturdays: 9 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Sundays: 12 p.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
• Visit the for current library hours.

Campus Bookstore

• Starting Tuesday, May 26, the bookstore will be open weekdays from 10 a.m. 鈥� 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. 鈥� 2 p.m. It will be closed on Sundays and holidays coinciding with university closures.
• Visit the for information about hours or online shopping.

Campus Recreation

• Koury will be closed for an operations reset on Thursday, May 21, starting at 2 p.m., and will reopen on Monday, June 1, at 11 a.m. Summer hours for Campus Recreation facilities are the following:
  • Koury Center
    • Mondays 鈥� Fridays:聽 11 a.m. 鈥� 7 p.m.
  • Driving Range
    • Mondays 鈥� Fridays: noon 鈥� 7 p.m.
    • Saturdays and Sundays: 9 a.m. 鈥� 7 p.m.
    • Last bucket at 6 p.m.
• Visit the Campus Recreation website for more information.

Counseling Services

• No clinical appointments are available Monday, May 26, through Friday, May 30. Starting Monday, June 2, hours will include the following:
  • Administrative Office Hours: weekdays, 8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Clinical Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. 鈥撀� 4 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.
  • Closed weekends and holidays
• Call 336-278-7280 during administrative office hours or visit the Counseling Services website to schedule an appointment.
• Important updates on available services and聽online scheduling are available on the Counseling Services website.
• On-demand mental health support is available 24/7 throughout the summer using TimelyCare鈥檚 鈥淭alkNow鈥� service. For information about how to access the service, visit TalkNow on the Counseling Services website.

Elon Dining

• Starting Tuesday, May 26, Lakeside Dining Hall will be open weekdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be closed on most weekends and holidays coinciding with university closures.
• Additional hours may be available based on the camps and conference schedule.
• Menus and hours are always available .

Elon Express and Campus Transportation

• All Elon Express routes will stop service at the end of Wednesday, May 20 at 10 a.m. Elon Express will resume routes in August with the start of the Fall semester.
• Elon Express schedules and routes and E-Ride Services are available online.

Moseley Center

• Starting Tuesday, May 26, the Moseley Center’s hours of operation are as follows:
  • Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Saturdays, 9 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.
  • Closed on Sundays
• Irazu Coffee will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. 鈥� noon.
• Updated building hours of operation are available on the Moseley Center website.

Mail Services

• Weekdays: 8:30 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
• Closed weekends and holidays coinciding with University closures
• If you are in Elon for the summer (June & July) and would like to continue receiving mail and packages, you MUST complete the Summer Address Notification Form in .
• Visit the Summer Mail page for more information. This only applies to returning students, not students who have graduated.

Student Health Services

• Starting Tuesday, May 26, 2026:
  • Appointments with a provider are available every Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. 鈥� 4 p.m. and every other Wednesday beginning June 3 from 9 a.m. 鈥� 11:30 a.m. in the office and in Francis Center for SHS grads only from 12:40鈥�4:30 p.m.
  • Closed weekends and holidays.
  • Administrative staff will be available by phone Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. 鈥� 4 p.m.; closed for lunch from noon 鈥� 1 p.m.
• Call 336-278-7230 during operational hours to schedule an appointment or make an appointment online through the PhoenixHealth portal (instructions online).
• TimelyCare medical telehealth service is available 24/7 throughout the summer.
• For information about how to access the service, visit the appointments page of the Student Health Services website.

Circles of varying shades of red creep up the box鈥檚 side, while daubs of deep blues, bright greens and icy whites give passersby something new to notice every time they see it. Has Burlington commissioned a new piece of modern art for its downtown? No, this colorful beauty is entirely practical; it鈥檚 a traffic control signal box. The first in this collaboration.

A traffic control signal box may not be most people鈥檚 first thought for an art installation, but downtown Burlington has chosen it to be the new medium to host a collaboration with 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 Department of Art. Samantha DiRosa, professor of art and environmental studies and chair of the art department, acted as their liaison, choosing student work to be shown to a committee, from which they selected the finalists.

鈥淚t鈥檚 energizing to see this partnership between Elon鈥檚 Art Department and downtown Burlington,鈥� DiRosa said. 鈥淧ublic art has the potential to spark dialogue, invite curiosity and strengthen community identity. We鈥檙e excited about the possibilities for more students to participate and to see their work enliven the streets of Burlington.鈥�

The signal box initiative is the latest of downtown Burlington鈥檚 efforts to incorporate local art into public spaces, with previous installations including Hervey Garcia鈥檚 mural 鈥淏etween Us,鈥� Beechwood Metalworks鈥� 鈥淗eart of Downtown鈥� and Gina Elizabeth Franco鈥檚 鈥淒ance It Out.鈥�

鈥淲e value local art and we wanted the downtown to have locally generated art and reflect the community,鈥� said Adam Shull, economic development director for the City of Burlington. 鈥淭he signal boxes were chosen as a canvas since they are in plain sight, because once you see them, you notice them everywhere. We wanted to bring more whimsy in everyday life.鈥�

The first box to be installed is the work of Jolie Patten 鈥�25, an art major and expressive art minor. Patten鈥檚 work emphasizes finding wonder in the mundane, a concept she brings to fruition through this project. Chosen for its 鈥榲ibrant color and abstract qualities鈥� Patten鈥檚 design was printed onto vinyl, which was then installed onto the signal box. This combination of durability and vibrancy ensures that the artwork will remain available to the Burlington community for years to come.

Patten鈥檚 box was the first of nine signal boxes designed by Elon students and alumni. Art major Sarah Allan Straight鈥檚 鈥�26 artwork is also on display.

鈥淪ome work I did in class happened to be a good fit for the signal boxes, Straight said. 鈥淚鈥檓 happy the piece was a good fit, and it got to have a life outside of being just classwork. It鈥檚 exciting that I get to have my work displayed in Burlington. I鈥檓 happy to be able to contribute.鈥�

DiRosa views the opportunity for civic partnership as an extension of the Department of Art鈥檚 mission.

鈥淎t Elon, we empower students to reach their potential as makers, thinkers and global citizens,鈥� DiRosa said. 鈥淚t reflects our emphasis on curiosity, material exploration and community engagement 鈥� showing students that their art has the power to shape public spaces and spark creative transformation beyond the classroom.鈥�

The city of Burlington has received positive feedback on the artistic signal boxes.

鈥淏usinesses and residents really like the signal boxes, and it gives Burlington a nice and cultural feeling that adds to the downtown,鈥� said Maggie Hogan, City of Burlington downtown manager. 鈥淎s a student, seeing your art on something public is really exciting. We hope to continue to build that relationship with Elon.鈥�

福利亚洲国产精品 and the City of Burlington both see this collaboration continuing to display student artwork.

鈥淲e see this as a growing collaboration,鈥� DiRosa said. 鈥淢ore students and alumni will be able to showcase their work in highly visible, community-centered ways, whether through additional signal boxes or other downtown art initiatives. It鈥檚 an opportunity not only for professional exposure but also for students to see their art making a tangible difference in the place where they live, work and study.鈥�

Performers can either do karaoke, sing an original song, or lip sync 鈥� the one stipulation is that it must be in a language other than English. This year, there were 14 performances with songs in 10 different languages:聽French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Italian, Korean, Indonesian, Japanese, and Old French/Latin.

Global Vision was inspired by the Euro Vision Song Contest, which has been hosted since 1956. However, the event at Elon is for languages across the globe, not only languages spoken in Europe.

Elon’s performers were rated in the categories singing, language skills, and performance by Sandy Marshall (Global Neighborhood), Bethanny Sudibyo (World Languages and Cultures), Trudy Arling (Polygot LLC RA), and Joel Thomas (Campus Safety and Police).

There were three prize baskets for the winners filled with international candies, snacks and drinks. In addition to the sweet treats, the first-place winners also went home with a trophy!

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

• 1st place – Vee Brown performed in Italian
• 2nd place – Emma Arruda performed in French
• 3rd place – Tamar Kalisher performed in French/Latin

Elon’s sixth Global Vision Song Contest is scheduled for Spring 2027.

Related Articles

• 鈥楨ste logro no es solo m铆o鈥�: Honoring the communities behind graduates
• Elon graduate students encouraged to think critically, lead empathetically
• 鈥榃on鈥檛 you celebrate with me鈥�: Elon honors first-generation graduates
• 鈥楨lon will never leave you鈥� | Class of 2026 embrace relationships and connection during Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate
• As they leave Elon, graduating international students plant physical roots on campus

A Donning of the Kente Ceremony at 福利亚洲国产精品 celebrated the African heritage, achievements and resilience of Black graduates in the university鈥檚 Class of 2026 during an evening filled with expressions of cultural tradition, reflection and joy.

Held on the eve of Commencement ceremonies, the annual event honored graduating students with handmade Kente stoles woven in Ghana, a symbol of heritage, wisdom and shared responsibility to be worn at graduation.

Family members and the wider university community gathered inside Alumni Gym on May 21, 2026, to recognize the graduates鈥� accomplishments and the communities that supported them throughout their college journeys.

鈥淭onight, we do more than congratulate our graduates,鈥� said Randy Williams, vice president for inclusive excellence and associate professor of education. 鈥淭onight, we bear witness to them. Tonight, we affirm them.鈥�

The 10th annual ceremony highlighted the importance mentorship in the graduates鈥� success. In his remarks to graduates, Williams recognized the 鈥渧illage鈥� of parents, grandparents, mentors, faculty and staff, and friends who supported the graduates throughout their university studies.

Alex Bohannon 鈥�17, president of the Elon Black Alumni Network, encouraged graduates to remain engaged with the university and support future generations of students.

鈥淎s you look ahead, carry this charge: build community, mentor intentionally and stay engaged. Elon鈥檚 strength is its people showing up for one another, again and again,鈥� he said. 鈥淓ngagement is not symbolic. It is active. It looks like mentoring a student, returning to campus, opening doors, and investing your time, talent, and resources.

鈥淭he next generation鈥檚 experience will be shaped by what you choose to do from this point forward.鈥�

Engagement is not symbolic. It is active. It looks like mentoring a student, returning to campus, opening doors, and investing your time, talent, and resources.

Alex Bohannon ’17, president of the Elon Black Alumni Network

Bohannon also highlighted the role of the Elon Black Alumni Network in mentoring students and supporting initiatives such as the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund. He noted that the ceremony鈥檚 continued growth reflects a vision established a decade ago and sustained through alumni engagement and philanthropy.

During the donning ceremony, each graduate was joined on stage by a person who played a meaningful role in their Elon experience. Supporters presented the stoles while tributes celebrating each graduate鈥檚 accomplishments and future aspirations were read aloud.

Graduates were praised for perseverance, leadership and cultural pride as families, mentors and faculty members reflected on the challenges many students overcame to earn their degrees. Presentations highlighted stories of first-generation college graduates, international students, and campus leaders who balanced academics with research, athletics and service while supporting others along the way.

Another popular feature of the evening program: A rhythmic dance of celebration performed by served to open and conclude the ceremony.

福利亚洲国产精品’s event is made possible by the Kelli E. Palmer 鈥�98 Donning of the Kente Endowment. Funding from the endowment supports the program, including the purchase of the kente stoles.

In her own remarks to graduates, La’ Tonya Wiley 鈥�97, 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 assistant director of affinity alumni engagement, described the evening as a way to not only honor accomplishments, but to honor who celebrants have become.

鈥淵ou are scholars, changemakers, leaders and living examples for those who will follow behind you,鈥� she said. 鈥淢ay you always remember that your excellence is not defined solely by titles or degrees, but by how you uplift others, how you remain rooted in purpose and how you continue building community wherever your path leads.鈥�

Rua, a Colombian-American artist, is known for blending his street-style dance background with contemporary musical theatre movement. Before beginning his Broadway career, he trained extensively in hip-hop and freestyle forms, later integrating those influences into his work as both a performer and choreographer. His movement vocabulary often incorporates rhythmic footwork, sharp isolations and groove-based foundations drawn from the roots of street styles.

As a performer, Rua has appeared in Broadway productions including “Hamilton,” “In the Heights,” “Hands on a Hardbody” and “SpongeBob SquarePants.” His recent choreography credits include the 2025 Broadway revival of “Floyd Collins” and serving as assistant choreographer to Jerry Mitchell on “BOOP! The Musical.” In addition to his Broadway work, Rua has contributed choreography to regional theatres, workshops, and developmental labs, further establishing himself as a multifaceted creative artist.

During the masterclass, Rua taught his own choreography from the Tony-nominated revival of “Floyd Collins,” offering students insight into the movement and staging process behind the production. He also participated in a Q&A session, discussing his experiences in the industry, his navigation of being a working performer and choreographer, and the ways his street dance foundation informs his creative approach.

As they prepare to leave Elon, many members of the Class of 2026 gathered in Lakeside Meeting Rooms on May 21 for a celebration centered not only on achievement, but also on the people and communities that helped them get there.

Celebremos! Graduates Take Flight brought together 37 seniors and their families, mentors and friends to honor their journeys for an afternoon of reflection, gratitude and celebration. Throughout the program, students shared personal tributes recognizing the sacrifices, encouragement and support systems that shaped their Elon experiences.

President Connie Ledoux Book reminded the soon-to-be graduates that the stole they were about to receive was not only a recognition of their academic accomplishments, but also a testament to their pride, culture and identity.

鈥淭he Elon community is proud of your achievements, your stories and the richness that you have added to Elon鈥檚 history during your time here,鈥� she said, adding that this is just the beginning. She asked them to take Elon with them in all endeavors and to stay connected to their alma mater. 鈥淚 do hope that you鈥檒l continue to reach back to Elon and the community here to share your story, to share your Elon experience and to root for the next generation of Elon grads.鈥�

Each graduate had the opportunity to write a message of gratitude for their village in the language of their choice. Many of them took the opportunity to publicly thank parents and loved ones whose sacrifices made college possible.

鈥淎s a first-generation Hispanic college student, there were many moments where I felt like I was figuring things out as I went,鈥� wrote Isabella Iba帽ez, whose family heritage is from Argentina. 鈥淢y parents immigrated here and worked hard to create opportunities for me and my siblings, even when they did not always have a roadmap themselves.鈥�

Others reflected on the emotional complexity of reaching graduation after years of uncertainty, growth and perseverance.

鈥淚’ve聽been聽asked聽a聽lot聽recently聽about聽how聽I聽feel聽about聽graduating,鈥� drama and theatre studies major Samantha Az煤a wrote. 鈥淲ithout聽so聽much聽as a second thought, I鈥檓 quick to respond聽with聽鈥榚xistential.鈥欌�� In her tribute, Az煤a thanked her parents for the sacrifices they made in moving to the United States and for teaching her to take advantage of every opportunity and to 鈥渢rabajar duro y nunca rendirme, incluso cuando las cosas se ponen muy dif铆ciles.鈥�

For fellow graduating senior Libia Zulema Velasquez, hearing younger students reflect on the sacrifices their parents made for them was particularly meaningful. A mother herself who uprooted her family from Culiac谩n in northwestern Mexico to pursue a Master of Education in Innovation at Elon, she understood all too well the significance of those words. 鈥淚 kept looking at my children,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 can identify with that sacrifice.鈥�

As part of her reflection, she had these words for Liam and Leo: 鈥淎 mis hijos quiero decirles que: todo es posible. Todo se puede alcanzar. Solo hace falta pensarlo, decidirlo 鈥� y actuar.鈥�

The stories shared throughout the event reflected a wide range of experiences, but common themes emerged repeatedly: family, belonging, mentorship and resilience.

For Daniela 脕vila, graduating meant carrying her hometown in Honduras with her into the future.

鈥淗oy, al celebrar mi graduaci贸n, llevo a mi pueblo conmigo en cada paso que doy,鈥� she wrote. 鈥淢e siento profundamente orgullosa de mis ra铆ces y de representar a una comunidad llena de personas trabajadoras, artesanos y luchadores que inspiran con su ejemplo.鈥�

Several graduates specifically highlighted the communities they found at Elon: spaces and people that helped transform the university into a second home. Others recognized the role programs such as Odyssey and Elon Academy played in helping them navigate college and pursue opportunities they once thought impossible.

鈥淥dyssey聽no solo me brind贸 apoyo acad茅mico, sino tambi茅n un sentido de pertenencia y una red de personas que realmente creen en mi potencial,鈥� wrote Jes煤s Santoyo Rosales, who is graduating with a degree in biomedical and mechanical engineering. 鈥淓ste logro no es solo m铆o, es de todos nosotros鈥澛犫�� a reminder that 鈥渢his achievement is not only mine; it belongs to all of us.鈥�

鈥淵our story matters and the way you live with integrity, with empathy and love will continue to inspire those around you.鈥�
鈥� Sylvia Mu帽oz, director of the CREDE

The event also highlighted the deeply personal nature of students鈥� journeys. Some graduates thanked siblings who inspired them, grandparents who sacrificed for future generations, professors who saw potential in them and friends who became family.

鈥淕rowth does not happen alone,鈥� Iba帽ez wrote. 鈥淚t comes from the people who support you, challenge you, and remind you that you are capable even when you doubt yourself.鈥�

For many students, graduation represented more than earning a degree; it symbolized the culmination of years of sacrifice that stretched far beyond themselves.

鈥淐omo hija mayor y primera generaci贸n en graduarme de la escuela secundaria y ahora de la universidad, llevo este logro con orgullo, pero tambi茅n con responsabilidad,鈥� wrote Carolina Vasquez. 鈥淪iempre he querido ser un buen ejemplo para mis hermanos, demostrarles que s铆 se puede, que nuestros sue帽os no tienen l铆mites.鈥�

In her charge to the students, Diana Jimenez Carreno challenged graduates to be present in the moment and proud of what they have accomplished. Above all, she encouraged them to never forget their roots or the strong voices they carry within them.

鈥淒o not let stereotypes, stigma or negativity in the world silence that voice,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd believe me, it鈥檚 easier said than done. But you鈥檙e not alone. And when life feels overwhelming, lean on your village.鈥�

Sylvia Mu帽oz, assistant dean of students and director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education, echoed that sentiment in her closing remarks. 鈥淎s you begin this next chapter, remember your voice matters,鈥� she said. 鈥淵our story matters and the way you live with integrity, with empathy and love will continue to inspire those around you.鈥�

As the celebration concluded, students embraced family members, posed for photos and reflected on the communities that carried them through their Elon journeys.

鈥淚 just feel so thankful and so blessed,鈥� Velasquez said, reflecting on the event. There is one message, she added, that she plans to carry with her moving forward: 鈥淒isfruta el momento.鈥�

Journalist and author Katherine Blunt 鈥�15 acknowledges a challenging reality 鈥� that today鈥檚 graduates are leaving institutions of higher learning across the country and embarking on professional journeys in a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how people work, learn and think. But she left the students at 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 Graduate Program Commencement ceremony on May 20 with reason to feel hopeful amid so much uncertainty.

While many people may be tempted by the path of least resistance, Elon cultivates leaders who are deeply rooted in collaboration, communication and, most importantly, the ability to think critically.

鈥淎s scholars, we have a responsibility to challenge AI鈥檚 assumptions in the same way we鈥檝e learned to challenge our own,鈥� Blunt said, 鈥渢o treat it as a debate partner or research assistant, to find new ways to augment our thinking, not replace the process.鈥�

Elon conferred graduate degrees on students from five master鈥檚-level programs – Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Business Analytics, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Higher Education and Master of Education in Innovation 鈥� during a joint ceremony in Alumni Gym, where they were surrounded by the loved ones and faculty and staff mentors who championed their education.

Think about what it took to get here. The value in every paper you wrote or project you tackled came not just from the final product, but the mental strength and confidence you built in the process. You didn鈥檛 skip the struggle. You embraced the chance to grow.

Katherine Blunt ’15

In her introduction of Blunt, Dean of the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education Ann Bullock pointed out that Blunt鈥檚 work is highly relevant to every graduate from both the School of Education and the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. Her in-depth reporting on artificial intelligence provides essential knowledge as teachers strive to prepare students to think critically about AI-generated content and digital information. And for those in business, Blunt鈥檚 coverage of corporate accountability, energy infrastructure and the explosive growth of AI-driven industries aids in understanding the forces reshaping markets, supply chains and organizational strategy.

Blunt reminded graduates in both fields that AI doesn鈥檛 think but rather repeats what has already been said and mimics opinions. Asking it to form opinions and conclusions on our behalf, she said, removes the friction that comes with processing information and generating ideas ourselves.

鈥淭hat satisfaction is what I hope you feel today,鈥� Blunt said. 鈥淭hink about what it took to get here. The value in every paper you wrote or project you tackled came not just from the final product, but the mental strength and confidence you built in the process. You didn鈥檛 skip the struggle. You embraced the chance to grow.鈥�

Blunt was a Lumen Scholar and news editor of The Pendulum student newspaper at Elon before graduating in 2015 with a degree in journalism and history. She reported first for the San Antonio Express-News and then the Houston Chronicle prior to joining the Wall Street Journal in 2018, covering power, renewable energy and utilities. Her coverage with colleagues of Pacific Gas and Electric was a finalist for the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting and earned top journalism honors including a Gerald Loeb Award.

Blunt is the author of 鈥淐alifornia Burning: The Fall of Pacific Gas and Electric 鈥� and What It Means for America鈥檚 Power Grid,鈥� a national bestseller and the 2022 Golden Poppy Award winner for nonfiction. She is now based in San Francisco, reporting for the Journal on Google and how artificial intelligence is reshaping search, along with related stories such as the rapid data-center buildout and its implications for the power grid.

During her Commencement address, Blunt told graduates that their Elon degrees and the relationships they built with professors put them at a distinct advantage in their careers.

鈥淚f you are in business, you are prepared to be the strategist who understands the importance of relationships among colleagues, customers and competitors. If you are in education, you are prepared to be the mentor who understands that learning is as emotional as it is logical.

鈥淎lgorithms can sort, count and summarize. But only you have empathy, a strong moral compass and the ability to tell a great story. Go do what only humans can do: Act with care, take risks and trust the intuition that comes from living in an imperfect world. Our schools and businesses will be better for it.鈥�

The master鈥檚 candidates also heard from Yates May 鈥�23 L鈥�25 G鈥�26, a triple Elon graduate who delivered the Message of Appreciation. A Burlington native with a family full of proud Elon alumni, May began taking Elon classes while still in high school through a dual-enrollment program and went on to double major in strategic communications and journalism, earned her law degree in December and received her MBA during the May 20 ceremony.

She recently asked about 20 current students and alumni to share one word that encapsulates what Elon means to them, and many shared the same word she would choose herself 鈥� home. She wondered why Elon felt like home to so many people she spoke with across different fields and experiences.

鈥淚 think the answer starts with this 鈥� at Elon, we are not anonymous,鈥� May said. 鈥淧eople know when you don鈥檛 show up. Professors, they check in. And friends, they notice. In a world that at times can feel so disconnected, this type of connection and care is rare.鈥�

May reflected on how Elon not only teaches students to think critically, but to invest in one another. Elon constantly encourages its students to grow while still making them feel supported, she said, pushing them beyond their comfort zone and reminding them that they don鈥檛 have to face moments of uncertainty alone.

鈥淭hat support system is what allowed so many of us to become the people that we are today,鈥� May said. 鈥淎nd that鈥檚 important because soon, each of us will scatter across different cities, different states, different countries, classrooms, courtrooms, newsrooms, businesses, communities all over the world. But when we leave behind Elon, Elon does not leave us. We carry it with us. We carry Elon in the way that we lead, in the way that we treat people, in the way that we show up for others.鈥�

President Connie Ledoux Book closed the ceremony by charging the graduates to be resilient and steadfast like the oak trees for which Elon is named in their next endeavors. As she presented the students with a sapling in recognition of their growth throughout their Elon education, she reminded them that oaks symbolize the strength of Elon鈥檚 community 鈥� strength that now resides in each of them.

鈥淢y hope is that each time you see an acorn or an oak tree,鈥� Book said, 鈥測ou are reminded of the personal leadership you have developed during your studies at Elon 鈥� strengths and skills that I鈥檓 counting on you to use to make a positive difference in our world.鈥�

View the complete list of graduates from the spring 2026 Graduate Program Commencement ceremony.

As 福利亚洲国产精品 honored its first-generation graduates during the annual stole ceremony on May 20 in McKinnon Hall, Assistant Director of First-Generation Student Support Services Kenneth Brown Jr. 鈥�19 turned to the words of American poet Lucille Clifton to capture the significance of the moment.

鈥溾�榃on鈥檛 you celebrate with me what I have shaped into a kind of life? I had no model,鈥欌�� Brown recited from Clifton鈥檚 poem, 鈥淲on鈥檛 you celebrate with me,鈥� using the passage to reflect on the journeys of the 70 students 鈥撀爄ncluding 10 graduate students 鈥撀爎ecognized during this year鈥檚 ceremony.

In his welcome, Brown explained to the soon-to-be graduates that the university was honoring not only their academic accomplishments, but also their spirit, commitment and resiliency.

鈥淭oday, we celebrate the paths each of these students has created 鈥撀燼 path that took shape as they walked on it,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e celebrate the legacy they are leaving on this campus as remarkable leaders and scholars, a beacon of light in a dark world. We celebrate all they have given to Elon and how they have made us a stronger, more inclusive institution.鈥�

Organized by First-Generation Student Support Services, an initiative within the Center for Access and Success, the ceremony marked the largest group recognized since the stole ceremony was established in 2020. The milestone served as a point of pride for participants, their families and the university.

Brown thanked gathered faculty, staff, mentors, family members and friends for supporting the students throughout their Elon journeys, emphasizing that the celebration reflected a shared commitment to first-generation student success.

Following Brown鈥檚 introduction, the ceremony transitioned to reflections from student keynote speaker Asia Green 鈥�26, a presentation of the first-generation stoles, a charge from Luis H. Garay, director of the Gender and LGBTQIA Center, and the announcement of this year鈥檚 1891 Awards recipients.

Finding the perseverance

During her keynote remarks, Green reminded fellow first-generation graduates that every student鈥檚 route to Commencement looked different 鈥� and that those differences deserved to be celebrated.

鈥淓very person in this room has a different story, a different struggle, and a different journey that brought them to this moment,鈥� said the exercise science major. 鈥淪ome of us barely made it through certain courses. Well, we鈥檙e here today! No matter what your journey looked like, you made it here, and that alone is something to be proud of.鈥�

The La Crosse, Virginia, native spoke candidly about overcoming fear and uncertainty throughout her college experience, urging students to move forward with confidence even when the future feels intimidating.

鈥淭o be a first-generation student means more to me than I can fully explain because it’s more than receiving a degree 鈥� it’s about traveling without a road map,鈥� she said.

Despite moments of self-doubt, Green flourished at Elon, carving her own way. She built an impressive record of academic achievement and campus involvement while pursuing undergraduate research opportunities, leadership roles, and a study abroad experience in Costa Rica. Following graduation, Green said she will continue her education after being accepted into a doctoral occupational therapy program in Florida.

鈥淪uccess does not always require knowing all the answers or having everything planned,鈥� Green said. 鈥淔or me, it often meant intentionally choosing to stay despite significant challenges. Many of us have experienced times of uncertainty when giving up felt easier than continuing. However, by persevering through these difficult moments, we find new opportunities and directions that redefine our paths.鈥�

鈥淢y time at Elon taught me that where you come from does not define where you are going.鈥�

After Green鈥檚 keynote, graduates crossed the stage to receive their first-generation stoles from mentors, family members and supporters who shaped their Elon experiences.

Fittingly, the stole was designed by first-generation student Daisy Martinez-Jimenez 鈥�26, and 鈥渟ymbolizes the unique and complex journey that you all have taken to be in this moment,鈥� Brown said.

Along with the stole, students received an Elon lapel pin, sponsored by the Office of Alumni Engagement, signifying their entry into the Elon alumni family.

Pay it forward

The event continued with an inspirational charge from Garay, drawing from their own experiences as a first-generation college student and current doctoral student.

Garay reflected on the significance of the moment not only for the students being recognized, but also for the families and communities who supported them along the way.

鈥淢y cultural roots are in the ranchos of Zacatecas, Mexico,鈥� Garay said. 鈥淢y family, like many immigrants, came to this country for the opportunity and a better life for their kids. So, my college graduation was not only mine but my parents’ and my family鈥檚 graduation, too. Maybe this is something some of you relate to as well.鈥�

Garay structured their remarks around three invitations for graduates as they move into the next chapter of their lives: honoring mentors, sharing knowledge, and paying it forward.

As part of their remarks, Garay encouraged graduates to recognize the mentors who helped them reach Commencement. Garay recalled a former supervisor who encouraged them early in their career and challenged graduates to think about the people whose support and encouragement sustained them throughout college. Garay even paused their remarks to invite graduates to send a text message thanking a mentor, family member or friend who helped guide them to graduation day.

鈥淢y last invitation to you all … take the knowledge you have gained and pay it forward,鈥� Garay said. 鈥淏y paying it forward, I mean using your knowledge, skills, expertise, social connections, or financial means to shift the reality for someone. As you go and leave Elon and enter your careers, I want to encourage you to find ways to give back to those who are coming after you.鈥�

Recognizing this year’s 1891 Awards recipients

Following the stole presentations, organizers recognized the recipients of the 2026 1891 Awards, honoring individuals who have advanced first-generation student success at 福利亚洲国产精品.

Named in honor of Elon鈥檚 first graduating class in 1891, the awards celebrate members of the campus community who embody the values of First-Generation Initiatives: empowerment, celebration, community, passion and authenticity.

This year鈥檚 recipients included:

• 1891 Award of Community: Emily Menjivar 鈥�26
• 1891 Award of Celebratory: Jana Lynn Patterson, associate vice president for student life/dean of student health and well-being, and Paula DiBiasio, associate professor of physical therapy education
• 1891 Award of Passion: Selma Mari膰 鈥�26
• 1891 Award of Empowerment: Daniella Alonzo Lopez 鈥�28
• 1891 Award of Authenticity: Jo-Rae Jennings G鈥�26, associate director of communications for Student Professional Development Center

Closing the ceremony, Cici Salazar 鈥�23, G鈥�26, encouraged graduates to reflect on the resilience and determination that carried them throughout their time at Elon. The graduate apprentice for First-Generation Initiatives reminded students that the challenges they faced throughout college had already prepared them for the uncertainties that lie ahead.

鈥淭ake a moment to reflect on how far you鈥檝e come,鈥� Salazar said. 鈥淓ach challenge, setback and moment of uncertainty has shaped the strength and resilience that you brought to the stage today.鈥�

Salazar emphasized that graduates鈥� journeys at Elon were marked not only by personal achievement, but also by resilience, community and the responsibility to support future generations.

鈥淎s first-generation students, we have already proven that we can do hard things,鈥� Salazar said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e broken barriers, created opportunities, and paved the paths for ourselves and those who will follow after us. More now than ever, we must continue showing up for one another with compassion, strength and authenticity.鈥�

Supported by a grant from Alamance Arts, CREATE (Cultivating Rhythm, Expression, Art, Theatre and Engagement) launched its pilot program this spring with weekly sessions hosted on 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 campus. Over the course of nine weeks, students in second through fifth grade rotated through three artistic disciplines: theatre arts, dance and visual arts. Each discipline was led by experienced instructors who developed an engaging curriculum designed to encourage creativity, collaboration and self-expression.

Briston Whitt 鈥�23 led theatre arts instruction throughout the semester. Whitt, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in acting from Elon, introduced students to physical expression, improvisation and scene work. By the end of the semester, students could perform short scenes that showcased the skills and confidence they developed throughout the program.

“I absolutely enjoyed working with CREATE as聽a聽drama instructor this spring. My favorite part was watching students step聽further and further聽out of their comfort zones each week and truly begin to see themselves as actors and performers.聽Each week聽they committed to stepping into the imaginary world and聽embodying the courage to try new things no matter how聽new and silly they felt.聽It was also really cool to see how involved the volunteers became throughout the process.聽They聽fully聽committed聽to the activities聽as well and聽modeled the same courage聽and energy聽we were looking for in聽the students,” said Whitt.

“Seeing how immersed everyone became in the experience was such a reminder of the timelessness and magic of theatre,” Whitt said. “It reaches people of every age and has a unique way of bringing us聽all聽together. For the students, it created a space to be creative, build confidence, and step outside the box. For the volunteers and聽myself, it was a reminder of the power of play聽even in seasons of life that can feel聽more serious.”

Kate Gunter, an art teacher at Woodlawn Middle School, led visual arts instruction for the program. Through lessons inspired by artists including Frank Stella, Claude Monet and Minnie Evans, students explored a variety of artistic concepts and mediums. Activities focused on geometry, symmetry and watercolor painting left students with an improved understanding of how they can advance their artistic skillset.

鈥淪tudents loved learning about different artists and how they were inspired to create. These insights encouraged our young artists to discover their own inspirations as they emulated the techniques and styles of established artists,” said Gunther.

Furthermore, the program has been able to provide a mentorship experience for 福利亚洲国产精品 students. With the opportunity to volunteer with one of the disciplines across nine weeks of programming, volunteers fostered connections with the students and worked alongside them at each session.

鈥淚 loved working with the students in CREATE,鈥� said Kennedy Williams, a finance and business analytics major and The Susan scholarship recipient in the Odyssey Program who volunteered with the theatre arts program. 鈥淚t was so rewarding to watch them grow artistically and open up more as the weeks progressed.鈥�

Additionally, several Elon student organizations partnered with CREATE throughout the semester by leading activities connected to their organization鈥檚 mission and artistic focus. Participating groups included Divine Embers, Muses Show Choir, Dance Lab, Alpha Xi Delta, Colonnades Literary and Art Journal, WSOE 89.3 FM, NewWorks and the Yarn Arts Club. Student organizations introduced students to a variety of artistic experiences, from crochet lessons to choreography workshops, and built upon the foundations of the curriculum.

Natalie Dixon 鈥�26, a senior double majoring in dance science and dance

performance and choreography, had the opportunity to lead dance instruction through her involvement with Dance Lab, a student organization focused on integrating dance and STEM disciplines. Through a collaboration with CREATE, Dixon applied her undergraduate research during the session to assist students with understanding different ways they can move.

鈥淚 really enjoyed working with the kids through the CREATE program,鈥� Dixon said. 鈥淭hey were all very enthusiastic and open to learning new things, which made the experience especially rewarding. You could tell that the program created a very positive and encouraging environment for them, and it was great to see everyone engaged and excited to participate.鈥�

The CREATE program reflects the Village Project鈥檚 mission of strengthening connections between Alamance-Burlington families and 福利亚洲国产精品 through collaborative learning experiences. The initiative will continue expanding in the coming academic year through a $5,000 Community Grant from the Alamance Community Foundation, which will support future CREATE programming and continue to broaden access to arts education for local students.

Interested in joining the impact? Help support future Village programming .

Related Articles

• 福利亚洲国产精品 to host 136th Commencement Ceremonies Friday, May 22
• Light the Way celebration highlights community and growth
• Lavender Celebration honors LGBTQIA graduates in Class of 2026

鈥淵ou may be leaving Elon, but Elon will never leave you,” said Jana Lynn Patterson, as a reminder to the Class of 2026 and herself as they all prepare to close their chapters at 福利亚洲国产精品. Patterson, associate vice-president for student life, dean of student health & well-being, and assistant professor, is retiring this summer after 40 years with the university.

鈥淓lon is not just a place, it is a network of relationships that travels with you,鈥� said Patterson, as she addressed the soon-to-be graduates during Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate Reflection on May 19, Under the Oaks.

Since 2022, Elon has hosted the Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate Reflection during Commencement Week as a reimagining of the traditional baccalaureate ceremony. Patterson was introduced Tuesday night by Kendall Lytle 鈥�26, who was one of Patterson鈥檚 students in Elon 1010, the introductory course required for all first-year students. Lytle spoke of the impact Patterson had on her Elon career, calling her the one of the 鈥渕any superwomen鈥� of Elon.

鈥淢y heart hurts for a future Elon without her tireless leadership. But, I am beyond excited to see what life after Elon brings her, and I am especially honored that she gets to make her grand exit alongside the rest of us,鈥� Lytle said.

In her remarks, Patterson spoke of how she is having many of the same feelings as the outgoing class: nervousness, anticipation and even sadness. But that it鈥檚 also an 鈥渆xtraordinary privilege鈥� to be with one another, connect and be part of one another鈥檚 journeys. She reminded them that Elon has always been a community 鈥渄efined by care,鈥� where relationships are built in the small moments.

鈥淭hese moments do not come with applause. But they matter. They say to another person: You matter. You belong. You are seen,鈥� said Patterson. 鈥淐arry your moments with you. The big ones鈥攁nd the quiet ones. They will guide you. They will ground you.鈥�

Elon is not just a place, it is a network of relationships that travels with you.

Jana Lynn Patterson,聽associate vice-president for student life, dean of student health & well-being

Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate Reflection is a celebration of community, light and achievement that provides an opportunity for reflection on the light students will take into the world. The ceremony鈥檚 name echoes Elon鈥檚 motto, 鈥渘umen lumen鈥� which means 鈥渟piritual light鈥� and 鈥渋ntellectual light.鈥�

At the beginning of their Elon career, during New Student Convocation, students receive an acorn, and at the end of Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate Reflection, they each receive an oak sapling. This year, in addition to the sapling, students also received a copy of聽鈥淏reaking Glass: Tales from the Witch of Wall Street,” by Patricia Walsh Chadwick P’16, who will deliver the commencement address on Friday, May 22.

鈥淓lon is Hebrew for oak, and it鈥檚 because of that, on that first day, we get that acorn. And that acorn, as well as the sapling, are both a representation and a reflection of ourselves, and that journey over four years,鈥� said Nic Fillippa 鈥�26, senior class president, who welcomed the Class of 2026 to the event. 鈥淲e all started here as acorns, and this week, we will leave as young trees – ready to go and grow in the world.鈥�

Anne Ghosen 鈥�26, a cinema & television arts and communication design double major, described receiving her sapling as a satisfying experience.

“It’s very full circle. When we first did Convocation, I had no idea what to expect when we got that little acorn,” said Ghosen, who is from Allendale, New Jersey. “This was a time to reflect and look back at how much I’ve done and how much I’ve grown since that first Convocation. It’s also a really cool feeling to see a physical representation of our time at Elon.”

Following the 鈥淕reeting of the Drums,鈥� by Bashir Shakur, Forrest Matthews and Lamar Lewis and Fillipa鈥檚 welcome, Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, offered words of reflection to the class, reminding them of what they have conquered during their time at Elon.

鈥淵ou kept becoming. You studied. You engaged. You served. You created. You cared for one another, and you kept on showing up,鈥� Boswell said. 鈥淭hese were not easy years. But they shaped you into a generation that is not only informed, but is discerning. Not only challenged, but compassionate. Not only aware of suffering, but determined to make meaning within it.鈥�

Boswell also acknowledged Jason Titunik, a member of the Class of 2026, who died in July 2023.

鈥淓ven in celebration, we acknowledge sorrow,鈥� said Boswell. 鈥淚t is a sacred grief when one who began the journey with us is not here to share the milestone with us.鈥�

The ceremony included musical reflections from students and faculty. Malia Horst 鈥�26, Lucas Velasco-Shen 鈥�26 and University Accompanist Tyson Hankins performed a rendition of 鈥淭he Climb,鈥� made famous by singer Miley Cyrus. Andrea Baca 鈥�26 and Velasco-Shen 鈥�26 also performed a rendition of 鈥淢ilagro de Amor,鈥� by Athenas.

A tradition of the program, 鈥淭he Meaning We Make,”聽 allows students to give selected readings from religious texts, poetry, nonfiction and other writings and reflect on how those choices represent their time at Elon. Grace Frances Stetler 鈥�26 read Matthew 7:24-25, Simon Mendelsohn 鈥�26 read a quote from 鈥淧irkei Avot,鈥� Huria Tahiry read the poem 鈥淭he Guest House,鈥� by Mawalna Jaladin Muhammad Balkhi, Diana Jimenez-Carreno 鈥�26 read a quote from Javier Zamora鈥檚 memoir 鈥淪alito,鈥� Fatmata Binta Bah 鈥�26 read 鈥淎 Missive to Youth,鈥� by Amadou Hamp芒t茅 B芒, and Ahron Jay Frankel 鈥�26 read an excerpt from 鈥淩ahiya Tu Ruk Na” (Traveler, Do Not Stop) by Deepak Jatoi.

Rocco Albano 鈥�26 read an excerpt from a 1990 Kenyon College commencement address, delivered by Bill Waterson, the author of the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. Waterson advised graduates to find their own life鈥檚 meaning and not be tied to the 鈥渋maginary ladder of success.鈥�

鈥淩eading those turgid philosophers here in these remote stone buildings may not get you a job, but if those books have forced you to ask yourself questions about what makes life truthful, purposeful, meaningful, and redeeming, you have the Swiss Army Knife of mental tools, and it’s going to come in handy all the time,鈥� read Albano from Waterson鈥檚 address.

鈥淢y time here at Elon has helped foster (my) interests and develop them in a myriad of ways, even outside of things typically considered essential for my major or potential career,鈥� said Albano. 鈥淚 hope that in your time here in these 鈥榬emote brick buildings鈥� that you too have had the chance to engage not only with course content and syllabi, but also with meaning, and that you carry those lessons with you into the rest of your life as well.鈥�

Fabin Covington 鈥�76 began the 鈥減assing of the light,鈥� as Covington and multiple other Elon alumni passed a candle flame from alumni to student, and student to student. As the candles were illuminated, Mindy Monroe 鈥�26, Velasco-Shen and Hankins performed 鈥淏ridge of Light鈥� by P!nk and Billy Mann.

Elon President Connie Ledoux Book offered her final words to the graduates before the Commencement ceremonies on May 22, reminding them of the symbolic nature of the sapling they are about to receive and the 鈥渓ife of love鈥� they formed at Elon.

鈥淩emember the roots that you formed at Elon. They include the hard days 鈥� and those days strengthened you. The experiences that made you more compassionate, more humble, more willing to give things a second, third, or even fourth try,鈥� Book said. 鈥淚n addition to a life of love, embrace a life of risk-taking. Try things more than once. Be dissatisfied. In my experience, that is the fullness of life 鈥� and often where hope for something better begins.鈥�

The 136th Commencement Ceremonies

Elon University will celebrate more than 1,500 graduates during two ceremonies on Friday, May 22, in Schar Center for the university鈥檚 136th Commencement Exercises.

The 9 a.m. ceremony will honor graduates from the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and the School of Communications. The 2:30 p.m. ceremony will recognize graduates from Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; and the School of Health Sciences.

More information on Elon鈥檚 136th Commencement is聽available online.