Students across two courses (ENS 1100: Humans and Nature (Spring 2025)聽and WHE 2850: Perspectives in Personal and Global Health聽(Spring 2025)) completed eight outdoor sit spots over the course of a month as part of a course assignment. Students were asked to spend time in an outdoor space on campus, and quietly observe their surroundings, noting a range of sensory experiences, and reflect on the changes in that space over time. Using a pre- and post-test model, they found statistically significant improvements in mindfulness, positive affect, and nature connectedness in students across the two courses.

The newly published article, “,” is authored by Elon faculty, Kelsey Bitting and Jill McSweeney, Elon alum Elyssa Kaufman 鈥�25 (Environmental Sciences), and graduating senior, Kira Campagna 鈥�26, an elementary education major, with a minor in environmental education). The work builds on growing research connecting nature exposure and contemplative practices with improved student wellness and academic outcomes.

Student researchers, Kaufman and Campagna, played a central role throughout the project and have at several undergraduate research and pedagogical conferences. Their project work specifically examined how outdoor mindfulness practices influenced mood, mindful awareness, and students鈥� relationship with nature. Their presentations highlighted significant increases in positive affect, nature connectedness and mindfulness among students who completed the sit spot assignment.

In collaboration with Evan Small, additional research this past academic year recruited over 80 students across four courses (i.e., ENS 1100: Humans and Nature (Fall 2025), WHE 1150: Stress and Wellness (Fall 2025), HEU 1719: Foraging and Wild Foods (Fall 2025), and COR 3555: Foraging Wild Food and Medicine (Spring 鈥�26)). Using data from these four courses, graduating senior, Abigail Manning (Environmental Sciences) recently explored how sit spots affect students鈥� mindfulness and nature connectivity across different majors and disciplines. Her research found that students in nature-focused majors often experienced even stronger gains in mindfulness and nature connectedness through the sit spot practice.

The research team plans to continue building on these findings over the summer. Kiley Sherlock 鈥�27, an environmental sciences major, will conduct qualitative analysis on student reflections for her Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, exploring how students define nature and further exploring how the sit spot practice impacts student stress across the semester. The team also plans on additional publications exploring the impact of student demographics, and focus on a practice-oriented piece on how to support colleagues to bring contemplative pedagogies which incorporate nature into their classrooms to support the wellbeing of students and themselves.

Together, the project reflects Elon鈥檚 commitment to engaged learning and undergraduate research, while also contributing meaningful scholarship to conversations around student wellness, mindfulness, and environmental connection.

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.

At 福利亚洲国产精品, she majored in聽environmental and聽ecological聽science and minored in聽statistics,聽laying聽the foundation for her career in public service.

鈥淚 found Elon while I was touring colleges in the South, and if I’m honest, what initially captivated me was the beautiful campus,鈥� says聽Nighswander. 鈥淚t was quaint, but not too small, and I聽immediately聽felt comfortable there. I also learned that they offered the environmental science program I was interested in, as well as plenty of extracurricular activities, so it was聽a pretty easy聽choice.鈥�

Once on campus, Nighswander immersed herself in student life and began shaping her sense of self, playing on the women鈥檚 rugby club聽team聽and working as a referee for Elon鈥檚 Campus Recreation intramurals program all four years.

Beyond extracurricular involvement, Elon also nurtured her academic and professional growth.

鈥淚 received a scholarship through the Elon College Fellows program, which gave me financial aid as well as a program that really helped me succeed at Elon,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he program itself was fairly rigorous, and I credit the academic standards and research requirements for starting me on the path that got me into graduate school and ultimately, my career at the EPA.鈥�

Through the Elon College Fellows program, she spent her junior and senior years conducting undergraduate research on聽wetland聽ecology, an experience that sparked her passion for聽environmental聽research.

She continued her education at the University of Florida, earning her master鈥檚 degree while discovering a new passion for CrossFit and the聽strong sense聽of community it fostered. After graduating in 2019, she moved back to Washington, D.C., to live with her parents and begin her job search. When COVID-19 upended those plans, she adapted, taking on side gigs and consulting work while also teaching CrossFit once gyms reopened.

鈥淚 met some members聽at CrossFit聽who worked at the EPA. I had told them聽that聽I聽really wanted to work there, and they sent me a few positions that were hiring,鈥� she said.聽鈥淭he positions were in the Office of Pesticide Programs,聽which聽I聽wasn’t聽sure I was qualified for since I had聽very little聽knowledge about pesticides,鈥� she explained. 鈥淲hen I interviewed, I聽leveraged聽my experience with statistics, entomology, and data analytics, and was lucky enough to get hired and start working there by the end of 2020.鈥�

Today, her work at the EPA聽remains聽fast-paced, with priorities shifting quickly and requiring constant adaptability. 鈥淚 work in pesticide regulation, and more specifically, I manage both public and proprietary pesticide usage data and analyze said data as part of assessing the benefits and risks of a given pesticide active ingredient,鈥� Nighswander said.

Her time at Elon continues to influence her professional approach.

“My experience conducting research at Elon helped me a lot. It helped refine my skills in developing and testing hypotheses, technical聽writing and public speaking,” she said.

She is especially energized by projects that blend science and technology.

鈥淢y favorite project currently is using a mapping software called ArcGIS to develop Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs) to protect endangered species from pesticide exposure,” Nighswander said.

Her career as a public servant has been聽complex, but she explains that it also makes her work rewarding.

鈥淲hat gets me to work every day is knowing that I am working to help protect human health and the environment. I have always wanted to have a successful career where I can still balance my love for the environment.聽At聽the聽same time,聽I聽also聽must聽make members of the industry, the聽general public, and environmental groups happy, which is聽very challenging,鈥� she explained.

The past year has brought聽additional聽demands amid broad changes across the federal workforce. Even so, she feels grateful to remain in her role and grounded in the purpose behind her work to safeguard the environment.

Looking back, Nighswander offers simple but powerful advice to her younger self: 鈥淜now that you have all the tools you need to be successful. You聽don’t聽have to be the smartest kid in the class or the loudest voice. Just trust your instincts, love yourself, and聽you’ll聽find your way.鈥�

She approaches the future with the same openness. 鈥淚 have no idea where I will be in my future, and I kind of love that,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here聽was a period last year where every week, I was worried if I would still have a job. A year later, I am still here, serving the public, and I am grateful for that. I trust myself enough to know when it is time to move on and make a change, and I am sure that time will come, but for now, I am enjoying the work that I do.聽The uncertainty, while scary at times, can be the most beautiful part of life.鈥�

Do you know an alum who has an interesting story to tell? Please feel free to聽share your feedback or those stories online.

Over the span of the grant, this project will involve collaborations between several Environmental Studies and Outdoor Leadership and Education courses and students at Providence Montessori to address the urgent need for habitat restoration and the protection of native, edible and medicinal plant species. Elon students will be engaged in course-based research and community-based learning projects to support Providence students and teachers in restoring damaged habitats, identifying and mapping key plant species, evaluating soil health, and integrating environmental stewardship and mindfulness into K鈥�12 learning. Through hands-on work at both Providence鈥檚 food forest and outdoor nature school, students will document species and their habitat, study cultural and historical uses, and create advocacy tools to protect these habitats on campus and in the wider community.

Faculty say addressing these issues is critically important because restoring native ecosystems not only protects biodiversity but also strengthens community resilience, improves mental health and empowers students to become responsible stewards of the planet. Through research, restoration, and hands-on learning, faculty say the project seeks to revitalize natural spaces, promote environmental justice, and reconnect students with nature in ways that foster gratitude, responsibility and long-term care for the earth

The course examines the basic concepts of biological form and function through evolutionary relationships and diversity. Students investigate the natural history of local species and their role in community dynamics.

鈥淕etting outside the classroom lets students connect with professionals in a wide variety of fields, which can introduce students to career options many have never realized existed before,鈥� Chunco said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also a great way to see a variety of different habitats that we don鈥檛 have on campus.鈥�

The first trip in February took the class to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. There, students took a private tour of the research collections and research laboratories. The class met with Brian O鈥橲hea, collections manager of ornithology and Lisa Gartens, collections manager of mammalogy, who showed specimens of extinct species, demonstrated principles of geographic variation in color and body size, and discussed how museums play a critical role in understanding environmental change. Roland Kays, head of the biodiversity research lab, shared his work using technology, from radio telemetry to artificial intelligence, to conserve biodiversity across the planet.

鈥淩oland Kays also gave students advice on finding internships and careers in conservation biology,鈥� Chunco said.

In March, students will visit the University of North Carolina Botanical Garden, where they will observe how prescribed burns help promote biodiversity. During the trip, students will see a wide variety of native plants growing in a natural setting that they previously studied in class.

The final field trip in April will take students to the Duke Lemur Center. There, students will hear from curators about the threats to biodiversity facing lemurs and other island species. They also will practice observing and studying animal behavior among these species.

鈥淲atching lemurs in the woods or seeing green frogs calling is way more impactful than just reading about these species in a textbook,鈥� Chunco said. “When students meet other professionals, it gives them a broader exposure to topics from the leading experts in the field.鈥�

Throughout this course, students learn the ecological and evolutionary principles essential for future environmental professionals, with a strong focus on conservation biology and habitat restoration.

鈥淚 think field trips are an essential and fun part of learning,鈥� Chunco said.

Since his 2023 arrival at Elon, Kelly has hosted a 鈥榣istening tour鈥� and spent time with each department to hear directly from faculty and staff about what they value. Kelly said that common themes soon emerged from those conversations and the new statement reflects dozens of discussions.

Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences new vision statement reads: 鈥淭he Heart of an Elon Education: Ignite Curiosity, Engage Challenges, Transform Worlds.鈥�

The mission statement then declares:

鈥淯pholding the centrality of the liberal arts, we explore and apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge for inquiry, creativity, discovery and problem solving in a complex and changing world.鈥�

The statement lists core values that include accessibility, belonging, critical thinking, diversity, equity and inclusion, integrity, intellectual curiosity, problem-posing and respect for human dignity.

Community Reflections

• 鈥淭here were several opportunities for different groups, departments, branches, interdisciplinary programs, to discuss versions on the table. It was in those conversations where we might learn how a word or phrase was heard within and across disciplines; where we found convergence, deeper awareness, and respect. The both-and of this process modeled what we value and genuinely captures our shared identity as Elon College.鈥� – Caroline Ketcham, associate dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences and a professor of exercise science
• 鈥淚t was always important to us that this wasn鈥檛 a process where faculty were just asked to weigh in at the end, after the real decisions had already been made. From start to finish, it was grounded in listening to what faculty across the college say we do well and what values they believe guide our shared work. Our task wasn鈥檛 to invent a mission, vision and values, but to clearly articulate what faculty are already living and leading with. I think that鈥檚 why faculty can so readily see themselves and their departments represented in the final statements.鈥� – David Buck, associate dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences and an associate professor of psychology
• 鈥淗aving shared goals and articulated values helps everyone in the college feel connected as a community, value each other鈥檚 work and prioritize our energies on initiatives that matter to us.鈥� – Shannon Duvall, interim associate dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of computer science
• 鈥淚 appreciated the collaborative nature of it all, not just between the dean鈥檚 office and department chairs, but also extending to faculty members across Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences. It really did involve all of us. What particularly stood out to me were the conversations in our chairs鈥� meetings with the dean where we came to agreements on core values. It鈥檚 inspiring to see that distinctly different types of disciplines uphold the same core values.鈥� – Joel Karty, chair of the Department of Chemistry and 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 Sydney F. & Kathleen E. Jackson Professor of chemistry
• 鈥淚 appreciated being part of a process that felt genuinely collaborative. Our participation was not merely symbolic. It felt meaningful, and I experienced the dean鈥檚 office as truly listening. The process itself was also inspirational, and I feel bolstered in leading my own department through similar work. It was powerful to see such a broad, collective effort take shape into something tangible.鈥� – Samantha DiRosa, chair of the Department of Art and a professor of art and environmental studies
• 鈥淭he process of creating a new vision statement, mission statement and core values for Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences was both thoughtful and deeply collaborative. Over many months, department chairs worked together to reflect on what makes us distinctive and how best to express those qualities in guiding statements. The process intentionally sought input from across departments, ensuring that everyone in the college had the opportunity to contribute their perspectives. Personally, the time spent reflecting with fellow chairs on what makes each of our departments special fostered a deeper sense of shared purpose and collective commitment.鈥� – Carrie Eaves, chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Policy and associate professor of political science and public policy

Kelly said he was pleased the final language resonated with the faculty in the college.

鈥淭he true measure of a successful attempt to lead a group or an organization towards a renewed vision, mission and core values is whether the words and sentiments 鈥榮ound like us鈥�,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hen I heard that some faculty believed my presentation of our vision, mission and core values at our spring faculty meeting 鈥榮ound like us,鈥� I knew that our work together in small and large group settings was a huge success. It means that stakeholders were heard and that the words resonate so much so that the tune or melody is familiar. The vision, mission and core values reflect truly who we are and where we are going with much intention.鈥�

鈥淭here鈥檚 a continuum from the very beginning, and we are a part of it,鈥� Touchette said. 鈥淎nd we have a role that will now influence the future of this direction of the planet.鈥�

The Distinguished Scholar Award is given to Elon faculty members recognized by the Elon community and the larger community in their discipline for excellence in scholarship. Touchette earned the award in Spring 2025.

In the hour-long lecture, Touchette discussed Earth鈥檚 many eras, stretching from the Big Bang all the way to the modern-day Anthropocene, or human-dominated era, that we are currently living in. He described the conditions, species and eventual mass extinctions of each period, placing emphasis on how climate change has the power to completely alter life on Earth.聽 鈥淲e see this pattern a lot,鈥� Touchette said. 鈥淵ou change the climate, you鈥檙e going to lose species.鈥�

Touchette joined Elon鈥檚 faculty in 2001 and has made many contributions to ecological science. With the goal of discovering how plant communities react to stressors such as drought, pollution, salinity and climate change, he has created a research program that combines fieldwork, laboratory science and environmental policy. Besides advancing ecological science, this program has also framed conservation practices and fostered student research.

During the lecture, Touchette explained his research on dodder, a parasitic plant that looks for a host to latch onto when it germinates. He and his team of student researchers found that dodder only chooses to parasitize plants that are most beneficial to it. These findings were corroborated by the results of other research projects, affirming the plant鈥檚 ability to choose and control its own host.

鈥淚t鈥檚 just a remarkable creature in terms of what it can do,鈥� Touchette said.

Besides revealing the amazing aspects of Earth鈥檚 species, Touchette鈥檚 research has brought up a question: what can humans do to protect them from extinction?

鈥淐limate change is one of the bigger risks we have for biodiversity,鈥� Touchette said. 鈥淭his is one of the number one concerns scientists have in terms of life on this planet.鈥�

Touchette explained that extinction is a normal process, with 10 species naturally disappearing from our planet each year. Because of natural speciation rates, however, the Earth 聽also gains 10 species each year, effectively replacing the lost. Humans have completely upset this balance, causing Earth to lose between 27,000 and 30,000 species each year instead of just 10.

鈥�80 species a day,鈥� Touchette said.鈥淔our species have disappeared while I鈥檓 up here talking to you about species disappearing. That鈥檚 tragic.鈥�

He also highlighted that climate change is not just impacting plants and animals, but humans as well. Statistics from his research reveal that 2 billion people on Earth do not have access to clean drinking water, and that 1,000 children under the age of 5 die each day from consuming contaminated water.

鈥淢ore people die each year from unsafe drinking water than all other forms of human violence, including war,鈥� Touchette said.

Other concerns relate to air pollution. According to Touchette, 8.1 million people die prematurely from inhaling polluted air, making it a more ruthless killer than tobacco.

When talking about the value of plants, the biology professor brought up the important point that many of our medicines are derived from their properties.

鈥淲e have to recognize that 25% of all medicines come directly from plants. Fifty percent of our medicines have at least some compound that has been dried from plants,鈥� Touchette said. 鈥淎nd that鈥檚 in developed countries. In countries that are developing, 80% of people use plants for medicine.鈥�

Touchette concluded his Distinguished Scholar Lecture with an inspiring call to action. Besides explaining the importance of passing legislation that will reduce emissions, protect endangered species and get people closer to relying on cleaner energy sources, he left listeners with a few questions to think about.

鈥淗ow can we coexist with other living creatures? How can we manage a planet for the betterment of future generations and the natural environment?鈥� Touchette asked the audience. 鈥淎nd finally, how can we preserve these wonderful creatures, these arrangements of stardust, that began when the universe was started?鈥�

鈥淎fter taking my first intro to public health class, I was like, 鈥楾his is it!鈥欌�� Ecker says. 鈥淓ducation doesn鈥檛 stop in a classroom. [Public health] touches so many parts of your life.鈥�

That realization led her to join the Periclean Scholars program and travel to Denmark, India and Sri Lanka, transformative experiences that informed her view on global public health. Yet it was a local opportunity that offered her the most meaningful lesson in community involvement.

The Morrowtown Mission

Ecker wanted to conduct research early, and her public health professors connected her with Professor of Education Scott Morrison. He had been working with the , a grassroots organization in a historically Black Burlington neighborhood. Founded in 2017 by Lydia Jones and Joyce Moore, MCG鈥檚 mission is 鈥渢o educate, empower and encourage individuals through acts of service and giving.鈥�

Professor of Religious Studies Rebecca Todd Peters had previously helped MCG establish a community land trust and secure the land for a community garden. When efforts to sustain the garden fizzled out, Jones reached out to Morrison for help. He began taking students from his Teaching Garden-
Based Learning course a couple times throughout the semester to assist.

By 2021, Morrison鈥檚 students were regular聽 volunteers. A chance meeting with Ashlie Thomas, a local gardener, author and food scientist, sparked a lasting partnership, and they began working at the Morrowtown Community Garden together. When Ecker approached Morrison in 2023 about research opportunities, he introduced her to Thomas and MCG.

鈥淚 told him about my interests in community gardens, public health and community-based work,鈥� Ecker says, adding that MCG resident leaders Lydia Jones and Roscoe Alston were excited by the idea of working together to build up the garden.

At first, Ecker assumed the garden existed mainly to address food insecurity. Ultimately, what she found was deeper. MCG envisioned the garden as a gathering space, a place that could strengthen relationships, particularly among families and youth. Listening to the residents鈥� needs became central to her research collaboration.

Putting the “co” in community collaboration

Ecker, Morrison and Thomas grounded their work in Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR), an approach that makes community members equal partners in the research process. The team wanted to avoid establishing a non-reciprocal relationship with Morrowtown, where their research overshadowed the needs and wants of the community members.

鈥淓mily and I had a lot of conversations about 鈥榓re we 鈥渃o鈥� enough?鈥欌�� Morrison says. 鈥淏ecause it鈥檚 not just about us, it鈥檚 about them and what they鈥檙e doing.鈥�

Ecker spent that summer attending community meetings, volunteering at the garden and building deeper connections and trust with community members. Establishing those relationships was key when it was time to conduct the survey about resident perceptions of the community garden. That survey would ultimately shape the resources and support that Ecker, Morrison, Thomas and others would seek to provide Morrowtown moving forward.

Fifteen in-depth interviews at the garden with resident leaders evolved into 30 resident surveys. Two major needs emerged: increasing resident participation in the garden and more activities for community youth to promote educational support. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so important to know that [these] were resident-identified needs and not just us coming in and saying we wanted to do this program,鈥� Ecker says.

Rooted Together

To address those needs, the team created Rooted Together, an eight-week program that combined gardening, literacy, math and nutrition lessons for local children. Five to 10 kids, ages 3 to 8, attended weekly sessions in spring 2025, learning about plant cycles, exploring gardening tools and preparing meals. Recipes and handouts were also translated into Spanish to make the program more accessible.

The program was free for participants thanks to the Elon Student Government Association鈥檚 Acorn Fund. Ecker received a $5,000 grant to buy the ingredients, utensils, gloves and other supplies.

鈥淲e would buy enough groceries to be able to give a bag of food that we just made to [each child], so they could take them home to their families with the recipes,鈥� Ecker says. 鈥淭hat way, what we were doing went beyond the garden and into their homes.鈥�

As new community feedback emerged, such as changing start and end times to better suit participants鈥� schedules, the group adapted the program. Children returned every week, and other community members began helping set up tables and chairs for sessions. Almost 40 people across generations attended the final event, a testament to the trust the program engendered in the community.

鈥淪cott and Emily have accelerated the educational and learning programs at the Morrowtown garden,鈥� Alston says. 鈥淭hey have increased the harvest from the garden. They have beautified the garden.鈥�

Connecting Beyond the Classroom

Survey results also showed concern about the garden鈥檚 infrastructure, such as rain water pooling on top of garden beds. Ecker and Morrison knew others at Elon could help.

Ecker reached out to Assistant Professor of Engineering Will Pluer, who brought his Introduction to Environmental Engineering class to the garden. After conducting an assessment, the students designed a rain garden 鈥� a sloped area at the end of the community garden with plants that absorb and drain rain water. Assistant Teaching Professor of Environmental Studies Jacob Rutz and students in his Sustainable Food Production class built it and prepped the community garden for summer planting.

鈥淭hey didn鈥檛 know me,鈥� Ecker says of Pluer and Rutz, 鈥渂ut their excitement and their openness to working with me and trying to figure this all out together was great.鈥�

I think in a culture that often celebrates individual achievements, it’s harder to pitch a collaborative effort.聽鈥� Scott Morrison

The garden was also in need of a sturdier meeting and storage shed. Yet another class, Design for Service, surveyed the site and drew up design options. Once the team and the Morrowtown community members settled on a design, Ecker secured an Elon Innovation Grant to help fund the project. Plans for the shed are currently underway and it is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

In November, Ecker, Morrison and Thomas presented their findings at the American Public Health Association鈥檚 Annual Meeting and Expo, where Ecker earned a student award for a poster presentation 鈥� one of only a few undergraduate students to achieve the honor.

Lasting Impact

Now a double major in public health and international and global studies, Ecker graduates in the spring, leaving behind strong programs and relationships in Morrowtown. She credits Morrison with helping her develop those connections in meaningful ways.

鈥淗e has really guided me on how to show up,鈥� Ecker says. 鈥淚t has really helped me to know how to form relationships and how to enter into a space that you鈥檙e not part of or you start out as an outsider. I think that鈥檚 going to be really helpful for when I continue my public health journey or career in general.鈥�

Morrison noticed early on that Ecker鈥檚 ability to connect with others and the intentionality behind those connections would make her a good fit for the work and relationships with Morrowtown community members. He is most proud of the spirit of collaboration she has developed.

鈥淚 think in a culture that often celebrates individual achievements, it鈥檚 harder to pitch a collaborative effort,鈥� Morrison says. 鈥淚 think that鈥檚 what Emily is really good at.鈥�

Ecker hopes more Elon classes will volunteer and establish reciprocal relationships with Morrowtown as the community鈥檚 needs change over time. One thing she knows for sure: Morrison鈥檚 continued leadership and guidance will remain.

鈥淚 really care about the longevity of my commitment with the Morrowtown community,鈥� Morrison says. 鈥淭his has not been just a one-time project. It has evolved.鈥�

The trust he, Ecker and other Elon partners have built with Morrowtown, he says, is their most important harvest yet.

Related Articles

• The Month in Photos: July
• The Month in Photos: August
• The Month in Photos: September

The Fall 2025 semester is flying by, and as the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, 福利亚洲国产精品 students, faculty and staff are embracing every opportunity to learn, grow and celebrate together.

View some of the most impactful moments of the past month through the eyes of staff in the Office of University Communications.

Here Ye! Here Ye!

Student celebrated News Engagement Day at Elon’s Oct. 7 College Coffee. Student journalists rang bells and delivered headlines to students, faculty and staff gathered on the Moseley Lakeside patio, encouraging the campus community to read, watch, listen to and discuss the news 鈥� and to share how they engage with journalism using #NewsEngagementDay.

Established in 2014 by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), News Engagement Day promotes informed citizenship and highlights the importance of consuming and discussing credible news.

A dedication to Toshio Sato

Elon leaders dedicated Toshio Sato Commons on Oct. 10, 2025, as part of Homecoming & Reunion Weekend in a ceremony that recognized the university鈥檚 first international student and first four-year graduate from outside the United States.

Homecoming happiness

福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 2025 Homecoming & Reunion Weekend welcomed alumni, students, faculty and staff onto campus for a dynamic slate of weekend events.

From open houses and an evening step show through a Saturday football game against Villanova University, highlights included the return of the Rock the Block Homecoming concert featuring 鈥淭he Plain White Ts,鈥� the Golden Alumni Luncheon, campus and academic department receptions, oral history booths, affinity group award celebrations, leadership and networking conversations across schools, themed tailgates, tours, and wellness events.

Molecular moves

Given the option to film a video or write a paper for a chemistry course, Bailey Skinner put her moves to the test.

Learning at Loy

Students took class outside at Elon’s Loy Farm on Oct. 14, 2025.

A Health Promoting University

福利亚洲国产精品 has adopted the Okanagan Charter as a member of the U.S. Health Promoting Campuses Network, pledging to nurture a campus culture that prioritizes health, belonging and well-being for students, faculty and staff.聽The university marked the milestone with an institutional adoption ceremony on Oct. 29, 2025.

Cross Country CAA champs

Elon continued its run of dominance in the Coastal Athletic Association on Oct. 31, claiming its in the past seven years.聽Elon bested runner-up William & Mary by 40 points, marking the most lopsided CAA women’s cross country championship victory since the Phoenix bested the field by 51 points to win the 2020 title.

Halloween in the garden

An Elon tradition, the annual Pumpkin Festival was held on Halloween with the addition of trick-or-treaters for the first time.

This was the first year the Pumpkin Festival hosted trick-or-treaters in the garden since the festival was on Halloween. Children dressed as princesses, superheroes and witches were able to enjoy the pumpkin-inspired activities with Elon students and staff.聽

Michael Strickland, assistant teaching professor of English and environmental studies, teaches the Garden Studio Class that supports and works on the Elon Community Garden. In addition to preparing for the annual festival this year, his student also planted a variety of vegetables like kale, broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens and peppers.聽

Strickland started the festival as a way to get the outside Elon community involved in the garden and see his students鈥� hard work. Students in the Garden Studio Class are taught which plants can grow during fall and spring in North Carolina and different ways to eat them. Students learned they can use the leaf of mustard greens as a wrapping to eat with anything.聽

鈥淪o many of the students don鈥檛 have a background in gardening at all. So seeing them planting seeds, growing baby plants, transplanting and nurturing them is wonderful,鈥� Strickland said.

The vegan Brunswick stew, a tradition and garden club secret recipe, made its appearance once again at the Pumpkin Festival. This year, there were three variations of the soup made by different students following the same recipe with the vegetables grown in the community garden.聽

Ayla Gonzalez 鈥�28 and Nastasia Harrison 鈥�28 work for the Office of Sustainability as Eco-Reps, peer educators who teaches students how to be sustainable in their everyday lives. When planning to table for the pumpkin fest this year, Elon鈥檚 Eco-Reps came up with the idea of giving out reusable tea bags and allowing people to build their own tea flavor combinations. They also provided free thrifted mugs that people could take home with them or enjoy homemade apple cider at the festival.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a great way to bridge the gap between Elon students and the people who live in the area, while serving the community,鈥� Gonzalez said.聽

Samantha Hinton 鈥�25, an Elon Year of Service Fellow and current teaching assistant for Strickland, has enjoyed the Pumpkin Festival since her first year and now has the unique opportunity to guide current students through the garden.聽

鈥淚t is always really incredible to watch how people step up to make the festival happen and really just a joy to see people of all ages and all backgrounds celebrate harvest and fall,鈥� Hinton said.

Fall craft stations, like a pumpkin bake sale and a hair tinsel table, crowded the garden, inviting attendees to enjoy the nice weather and their homemade apple cider.聽

鈥淚t鈥檚 a great way to spend time around people and just be out in nature, doing pumpkin painting and other fall crafts,鈥� said Karma Manson 鈥�28, who attended the festival.