Members of the Class of 2026 and their parents can now聽download customized news releases for distribution to hometown media outlets that publish information on academic achievements. News releases can also easily be shared through social media platforms Facebook and LinkedIn.

The university encourages submissions to local newspapers, which often announce college graduations in their community sections.

President鈥檚 List and Dean鈥檚 List honorees also have聽news releases聽available for download.

Students and parents may contact Eric Townsend in the Office of University Communications at聽etownsend4@elon.edu聽if corrections to the news release need to be made before sending to local media.

Despite the wet weather, families, friends, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate graduates who were encouraged not only to pursue success, but also to embrace failure as an essential part of growth.

Patricia Walsh Chadwick P鈥�16, an Elon trustee and accomplished Wall Street strategist, delivered the Commencement address, reminding graduates that quitting is the 鈥渙nly true definition of failure鈥� and urging them not to let fear guide their decisions.

鈥淧undits have a way of forecasting disaster every spring just as college graduates step into the world. My advice is simple: ignore them,鈥� she said. 鈥淭echnology will not be the ruin of us all; it opens far more doors than it closes. You are the future of the workforce, and that should excite you.鈥�

The paths to success

Chadwick reflected on her own unconventional path, emphasizing that there is no 鈥渕agic potion鈥� for success. She shared how she grew up in a religious sect, which she later described as a cult, and was forced out at 17 years old.

鈥淔earful of the world, and in my na茂vet茅, I turned to a single phrase for guidance: 鈥楩ailure is not an option,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淲hat I hadn鈥檛 realized is that no one is immune from mistakes or failures. Those two words, dreaded by so many, are part of the learning process.鈥�

Technology will not be the ruin of us all; it opens far more doors than it closes. You are the future of the workforce, and that should excite you.

Patricia Walsh Chadwick P鈥�16

She also spoke about her son, Elon alumnus Jim Chadwick 鈥�16, who had planned to launch a gaming company after graduation. After spending a year pursuing that dream, he realized it was not the future he had envisioned and eventually transitioned into private finance.

鈥淩emember to take something of value from every employment experience before moving on to the next one,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 like to think of a career path as a circular stairway, where each success leads to a new challenge winding slowly upward toward your dreams.鈥�

Elon celebrated graduates in two ceremonies 鈥� the morning event for the School of Communications and the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, and the afternoon event for Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and the School of Health Sciences.

The Rev. Kirstin Boswell, 福利亚洲国产精品’s chaplain and dean of mulfifaith engagement, opened each ceremony with the invocation.

鈥淎s these graduates step into what comes next, grant them wisdom beyond knowledge, courage beyond fear and compassion deep enough to serve a world that is in need,鈥� Boswell said. 鈥淢ay they use their gifts not only for personal success, but for healing, for justice, for truth and for the flourishing of others.鈥�

Corinne Wilson 鈥�26 performed the Star-Spangled Banner, and led the singing of the alma mater, while Mindy Monroe 鈥�26 and Malia Horst 鈥�26 gave a special musical performance of 鈥淔or Good,鈥� from the musical 鈥淲icked.鈥�

The Elon magic

Graduates reflected on the experiences that shaped their time at Elon, including the university鈥檚 commitment to undergraduate teaching. In 2025, for the fifth year in a row, Elon topped a 鈥淏est Undergraduate Teaching鈥� list published by U.S. News & World Report.

“Professors can actually invest in you because of the class sizes being so small,” said Robbie Simpson 鈥�26, an Elon native who earned a degree in exercise science. “I really appreciate that because professors get to take their time to understand you, get to know you and invest because they have a personal connection to you, so it makes them it more valuable to them.”

The strong relationships with faculty were an important part of Honors Fellow Diego Hernandez’s 鈥�26 Elon experience.

“The time that the professors have taken out of their day and their lives to support us as students, that’s one of the best things I got from Elon,” said Hernandez, who earned a degree in engineering. “That’s something that I’m going to take with me.”

The myriad of involvement opportunities was also essential for graduates.

Autumn Goyette 鈥�26, who earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in聽accounting through the Love School of Business Accelerated 3+1 Dual Degree Program, says her time working for Residence Life and in the Love School of Business Dean鈥檚 Office has made an impact on her time at Elon. She will soon be moving to Virginia to work for Ernst & Young.

鈥淚’m just so grateful for everything that Elon gave me and brought to me,鈥� said Goyette, who is from Pittsburg, North Carolina. 鈥淭his place is my home and has been my home for four years.鈥�

Decked out in various graduation cords, Ella Allen 鈥�26, a Teaching Fellow who earned a mathematics degree with teacher licensure from Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, was heavily involved on campus, including as an orientation leader and a member of Kappa Delta sorority. Next, Allen will be pursuing her Master’s of Higher Education at Elon. She noted that the people and support she received at Elon were invaluable.

Lilly Ikle 鈥�26 of Baltimore, Maryland, earned a聽cinema & television arts聽degree from the School of Communications. She says the time has flown by and she feels like she was 鈥渄ropped off yesterday.鈥� Ikle initially came to Elon for its nationally recognized musical theatre program and for Elon鈥檚 ability to work with students with learning disabilities.

鈥淢y major really helped me get that creative outlet that I wanted in musical theater, but it also gave me the practical side of work I wanted to do in the future,鈥� said Ikle, who plans to move to Nashville after graduation to pursue music. 鈥淢y major gave me a creative outlet, let me get kind of that artsy side out of me, but also taught me things that I can bring into the real world.鈥�

The Class of 2026 includes many stand-out stories:

• After a trip to Ecuador, Bernardo Vargas-Lopez 鈥�26, who earned a degree in聽sport management, and Juan Daniel Chiriboga 鈥�26, who earned a degree in聽entrepreneurship & innovation, built聽YAPA, a plant-based energy drink shaped by friendship, curiosity and mentorship.
• Kaitlyn Lewis 鈥�26, who earned a degree in聽elementary education, came to Elon through three of the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education鈥檚 primary scholarship programs: Alamance Scholars, NC Teaching Fellows and, post-graduation, Teach for Alamance.
• Jonathan Weaver 鈥�26 originally intended to go into finance, but through exploration and faculty mentorship, switched his major to biology, and is now going to dental school at The Ohio State University.
• Being waitlisted for one program allowed Allie Schult 鈥�26 to realize her true passion for nursing.聽She now has a post-graduate position at Children鈥檚 Healthcare of Atlanta.
• Rony Dahdal 鈥�26, a Goldwater Scholar and Lumen Scholar, earned a degree in聽computer science, mathematics and philosophy聽and did three different undergraduate research projects while at Elon. The first was helping to create a mathematical model of complex equations that predict how the human immune system responds to COVID-19; another was developing an autonomous robotic arm to monitor and tend to crops by training the 3D machine-learning model to understand plant anatomy, and a third was developing a method to gather medical vital signs.

All of these students were helped by what student commencement speaker Ruby Radis 鈥�26聽of Chicago called the 鈥淓lon magic.鈥� Radis, who earned a degree in聽human service studies,聽delivered the 鈥淢essage of Appreciation鈥� on Friday.

鈥淔rom the moment I stepped onto this beautiful brick-covered campus, one truth became clear: there is magic here,” Radis said. “That Elon magic builds a community where students know their neighbors, teachers and coworkers.聽Rather
than a quick hello, connections are founded on respect.”

Radis emphasized that Elon helped “emphasize the value of human difference,” and her fellow graduates should take that forward with them.

“Using those lessons, we can work together to uplift each other, amplify voices often left unheard and sprinkle a little of our very own Elon magic on everyone we meet,” Radis said.

That Elon magic builds a community where students know their neighbors, teachers and coworkers.聽Rather聽than a quick hello, connections are founded on respect.

Ruby Radis 鈥�26

Be possible-ists

In her charge to the graduates, Elon President Connie Ledoux Book asked the Class of 2026 to look back on their New Student Convocation in 2022,聽1,371 days prior.

“That morning, we placed an acorn in your hand, and I asked you to do something simple, and yet profound: To grow deep roots, and to reach high. Today, I look out at you, and I see what’s grown,” Book said.

During their first year, the Class of 2026 all read the Common Reading book聽鈥淔actfulness鈥� by Hans Rosling. In his book, Rosling described the word 鈥減ossible-ist:鈥� someone who looks honestly at the world鈥檚 problems and still believes, based on evidence, that things can get better, and that they are getting better.

鈥淐lass of 2026, through your Elon journey,聽you have grown into聽these聽possible-ists,鈥� she said.聽鈥淵ou have learned to hold complexity without losing hope, to see what’s broken without losing your willingness to build, to zoom out and recognize progress, and to keep moving forward.聽That is the Elon way, and the world needs聽more of聽it.鈥�

View the full undergraduate commencement program online.

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• 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�

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�

“I always thought, ‘This is home,’ and right now I’m leaving, and think, ‘Am I leaving home?’ It’s the same feeling I had when I left home (Afghanistan) years ago,” said Tahiry, a computer science major and the first recipient of the Commitment to Democracy Scholarship, dedicated to refugee students.

Tahiry was one of about 20 graduating international students, along with their families, who planted their oak sapling in the international student tree grove on May 21, an Elon tradition now celebrating 10 years. When new students arrive at Elon, they receive an acorn and, when they leave, they are gifted a sapling at Senior Baccalaureate. Because international students usually cannot take the sapling home, they have planted their trees in a grove by the Harden Clubhouse.

Denise Teeters, director of international student services, welcomed the students and reminded them of the symbolic nature of the sapling, representing their growth from a first-year student to a graduate.

“Over the last several years, you have grown academically and personally. You learned how to navigate differences, how to build friendships across cultures and languages, and how to speak with courage. Some of you didn’t speak much when you got here, and then, all of a sudden, you grew, you built that courage to speak and also embraced the Elon community,” said Teeters. “Through all this, you’ve seen how growth takes time, just like saplings take time to grow.”

Before students planted their saplings, President Connie Ledoux Book also noted how, just like an oak tree, Elon is also built on connection.

“It’s the root systems that are so critical,” Book said. “You have to have a grove. You need other oak trees for an oak tree to prosper. And that is true about the Elon network.”

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�

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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.

Originally, Hart wanted to do her own thing and not attend Elon, but once she was accepted, she became more excited about Elon than any of her other schools.

Her decision was shaped by the path forged by her sisters, Kathleen 鈥�19, Maggie 鈥�21 and Emily 鈥�23. For one year, MaryKate even shared campus with Emily, making the transition to college easier.

鈥淲e saw each other every day,鈥� MaryKate said. 鈥淚 would go with her after class to hang out with her friends and we became close to each other’s friends. My sisters and I have an unbreakable bond.鈥�

MaryKate, an environmental studies major, followed in her sister’s footsteps. Three of the four Hart sisters were environmental studies majors. Although for the Hart sisters, environmental studies was not just an academic interest, it was part of their upbringing.

鈥淥ur whole family has been involved in environmental issues our entire lives,鈥� Hart said. 鈥淢y dad worked in politics on the Clean Water Act in Boston, and we would spend weekends going to events related to that.鈥�

When MaryKate started college, she was not sure if she wanted to major in environmental studies, but a first-year environmental science lab changed everything.

鈥淚 loved every part of that class,鈥� MaryKate said. 鈥淭here was just so much to learn, and the professors were so hands on.鈥�

She became involved, serving as a teaching assistant for the course, taking on hands-on learning opportunities and gaining experience outside of the classroom.

A defining experience in her college career was her work at Loy Farm, where she joined the core team leading construction to help build a tiny home from the ground up.

鈥淚 never thought I would build a house,鈥� MaryKate said. 鈥淎t first, it was a daunting task. I didn鈥檛 know how to use some of the tools, but I quickly realized construction was something I wanted to pursue. It was so exciting to go to work every day because we were learning new things and it was such a different experience being outside of the classroom.鈥�

Robert Charest, associate professor of environmental studies, served as a mentor teaching MaryKate and the students how to use tools and construct the house. Everything from start to finish in the home was built by MaryKate and the other students.

The Hart family has created a sense of legacy within the Department of Environmental Studies.

鈥淚t鈥檚 always exciting when one of my professors has had one of my sisters,鈥� MaryKate said. 鈥淚鈥檒l hear about projects they worked on, and then realize the same projects are going on today. I鈥檒l talk to my sisters about something I鈥檓 working on, and they鈥檒l say, 鈥極h, I worked on that too,鈥�. It鈥檚 really cool to see how projects continue and grow. When I have a question I go to my sisters because there鈥檚 a good chance they had experience with it on campus.鈥�

Michael Strickland, assistant teaching professor of environmental studies and English,聽 taught MaryKate in her senior seminar class and recalls his familiarity with the family. When Strickland met MaryKate, he showed her a photo of Kathleen dressed up as Strickland for a skit she did in her first year class.

鈥淚 especially knew MK鈥檚 oldest sister, Kathleen, and she was in several classes with me,鈥� Strickland said. 鈥淭hey have all been great students, focused, engaged and enthusiastic. Each one is different, but they have all made a strong impression on campus. MaryKate has a confidence level that you don鈥檛 necessarily learn in college. She is passionate about the field but is also realistic and grounded. She is easy going but takes charge when needed. I like to think some of that comes from the influence of her older sisters and their experiences at Elon.鈥�

Hart credits her growth to the mentorship she received from faculty, particularly those who encouraged her to take on responsibility early.

Closing a chapter

As graduation approaches, MaryKate reflects on what it means to be the last in her family to attend Elon.

鈥淓lon has been a part of not only my sister’s lives, but my parent’s lives, for 11 years,鈥� MaryKate said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting that we have all made it through and pursued what we wanted, but it鈥檚 also a little heartbreaking to leave.鈥�

This will be felt during commencement, when the entire Hart family returns to campus one final time.

鈥淚t will be a big last hurrah for my family and a chance to say goodbye to a place that鈥檚 meant so much to all of us,鈥� MaryKate said.

After graduation, MaryKate will work as a project engineer at Suffolk Construction, where her sister, Maggie, works as a superintendent.

Ahead of 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 136th Commencement on May 22, 2026, Today at Elon is highlighting several graduating seniors who have made the most of their Elon experience.

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福利亚洲国产精品 will celebrate more than 1,500 graduates during two ceremonies on Friday, May 22, in Schar Center as part of the university鈥檚 136th Commencement Exercises.

Patricia Walsh Chadwick P鈥�16 will deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2026, drawing from her accomplished career in finance and a life marked by diverse personal and professional experiences.

鈥淎s an Elon parent, I have watched with admiration as first President Lambert, and now President Book, have propelled 福利亚洲国产精品 to new heights in both scholastic excellence and expanded degree programs,鈥� Chadwick said. 鈥淭he Class of 2026 faced the challenge of spending part of high school under the duress of the COVID pandemic and remote learning, and their graduation from 福利亚洲国产精品 exemplifies their commitment to excellence.鈥�

Ruby Radis 鈥�26, a human service studies major from Chicago, Illinois, has been selected to deliver the 鈥淢essage of Appreciation.鈥澛�Her address will center on the 鈥渕agic鈥� of the relationships students build at Elon: 鈥淚 believe in the way that Elon fosters relationships unlike any other place I鈥檝e been,鈥� said Radis.

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.

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Higher Education, Master of Education in Innovation, Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Business Analytics, and Master of Business Administration will participate in a separate graduate ceremony on May 20 at 7 p.m. in Alumni Gym. Journalist and author Katie Blunt 鈥�15 will deliver the address during the evening ceremony.

More information on Elon’s 136th Commencement is available online.